Quick Guide for Renovating Your Kitchen or Bath

Your kitchen and bathroom are two of the most used rooms in the house and they should reflect your lifestyle. Before you get started, factor in these decisions when preparing for your renovation projects.

Your Lifestyle

Think about your existing layout, the number of people in your household and how you use the space. For the kitchen, ask questions like: What type of cook are you? Do you entertain and how do you entertain? How do you move in your space alone and when others are around? Think about your daily problems that your kitchen needs to solve. 

For your bathroom, ask questions like how often you are in the bathroom, how many people use it and if you are a wash and go person or want to use your bathroom as a retreat. Determining how this space will be used will help you envision your dream.  

Organize Your Ideas

After you assess your lifestyle, you can organize your ideas on the type of kitchen and bathroom you desire. Make lists of your ideas, so you can clearly determine what projects need to be worked on, if the projects will require a contractor, and what can be done quickly vs. what will be a longer build. This will also help you decide on what projects can be started first.

Timing

Whether you’re completing a DIY renovation, or working with a contractor, clearly outline your expected deadlines. 

If you’re working on your own, create a detailed calendar to ensure you stay on track. Before finalizing any dates, confirm how long it might take to receive special order products or the average time to complete a task.  

When booking a contractor, make a list of exactly what the project will entail. This will help your contractor inform you how long a project will take. When starting out with a quote, observe how long the contractor takes to respond to your requests, which will help determine how responsive they are and could be when the project is underway.

DIY vs. Hiring A PRO

Knowing what you can do yourself vs. hiring a contractor will be key in determining where to start with your kitchen or bathroom renovation. Start with looking at our pre-designed rooms and saved designs here or call your local store to talk to one of our consultants who will help you with your plan, measurements, and more. Did you know you can also rent tools and equipment to assist with your DIY? 

If you plan on completing your renovation as a DIY, be sure to do your research ahead of time. It’s important to know exactly what you’re doing, that you have access to the proper tools and that you have the skill set required. Remember, it’s never a bad idea to ask for advice. 

If you decide to go with a contractor, take the time you need to hire the right one and educate yourself on the job needed to be done so you can ask the right questions. Determine if you need to hire a general contractor possessing the basic skills for any task, or if you require a specialized trade for certain tasks. Most contractors can provide a portfolio from previous projects or can share customer testimonials. It’s a good idea to do this research to ensure your vision and needs will align. 

Remember to always sign a contract before kicking off a job with a contractor.

Permits

If you are doing a remodel, it is important to factor in what permits may be required by your city or municipality. Your contractor will also know what permits will be required for your kitchen or bathroom renovation. You will need a permit if there are electrical and plumbing changes involved in your renovation.

Permits are typically required for any type of renovation, so be sure to always stay educated on what needs to be followed for a successful reno.

Structural and Exterior Work

Consider the work that needs to be done in this area to calculate the time it will take to do the renovation. This work could include wall removals, windows, venting, and doorway installation. Longer renovations that require structural and exterior work will take about 10-12 weeks, not including the planning and design of the project

Design Aesthetic

What is your design aesthetic? Whether you have a style that’s modern, fresh farmhouse, industrial, or rustic, it will set the blueprint for your room’s theme and overall look. This will be key in deciding your accents: tiles, finishes for faucets, door and drawer hardware, cabinetry style, flooring, and appliances

Storage

Storage is an essential consideration, especially in the kitchen. Complete an inventory of the equipment and items you currently have in your kitchen. From there, you can determine your needs such as how big your pantry will be and if you need a separate room for it; or a kitchen island with storage space underneath. If you are considering adding a banquette in your kitchen, can you add storage underneath with kitchen cabinetry?

Lighting and Electrical Requirements

Having a lighting and electrical plan will be key and we recommend talking to one of our consultants about your requirements. You will need a licensed electrical contractor in your planning stages and to ensure your electrical is up to code. For lighting, evaluate your space and ensure you are determining your needs through questions like where the electrical outlets are, how you use your kitchen or bathroom, and the ceiling and wall conditions of your home. From there, you can decide on your lighting plan, whether it’s layering your lighting or adding panache to your space with sconces or pendants based on your style and trends.

Must-Haves vs. Nice-to-Haves

To determine your needs and wants, observe your current kitchen and the areas most used. This will help you decide what you need. From there, look at design trends for your wants. Outlining your needs and wants will also help you stay within budget. Check the needs off your list first, then with any extra wiggle room, add your wants.

Your Budget

Your budget will determine what can and cannot be done in your space and where the priority is. Working with a professional will give you a realistic idea of your budget. You can request a consultation with one of our professionals and get a quote here. Make sure to add in 10-15% extra for any unforeseen project renovation issues that pop-up.

Demolition Considerations

If you are embarking on a full demolition, you’ll need to figure out who is responsible for the removal of waste and what can be recycled. Check this with your contractor if you have one. If not, your local waste management or city website will have the information you need. During your renovation, you’ll want to be aware of dust accumulation and ensure the air is clear. A duct cleaning may be worth it for extensive renovations. For waste removal, you can call on local junk removal companies or if you want to handle the disposal on your own, you can research drop-off depots in your area. 

By staying organized, with a clear vision and great consultants to guide you, you’ll be enjoying your renovated space in no time.

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