When you’re investing in a remodel project, you want to make sure that you save as much as you can, and at the same time, get the results that will not only please you but add real value to your home. This is especially true in a kitchen remodel, where costs can add up so quickly that your budget can all of a sudden seem like pennies in a jar. To keep costs in line and get the most out of your remodel, here are a few tips from our design experts.
get the most out of your remodel
Start with the design of your remodel
Figure out the layout you want for your kitchen. A simple and sleek design will appeal to most buyers and help you get the most out of your remodel. Keeping your existing layout is always cheaper. Avoid moving plumbing and electrical items if possible — at least try to keep your stove (especially gas stoves) and sink in the same location. Moving a gas stove will require relocating gas lines and moving your sink plumbing can create additional problems. They also require additional permits and time.
Ask your fabricator to help you determine the scope of work
Once you have a very good idea of what you want, sit down and write up a good detailed list of tasks that you want completed. You don’t have to be technical and you don’t have to use construction terms but just state all the things you want your contractor to do and bid. It can be as simple as: remove all existing countertops and cabinets; install new flooring, cabinets, countertops, sink and appliances per the plan; paint; hook up sink plumbing; and install new light fixtures.
After consulting with your fabricator, you may find additional work is required. That’s okay. It’s easy to update your list and resend to all the bidding contractors. Otherwise, the various contractors will list the items they believe you want and it will be difficult to save money. A basic scope of work also eliminates some guess work by the contractor.
Opt for open shelves to save more money
If your cabinets are too far gone to reface, open shelving will help you get the most out of your remodel, and reduce the cost of upper cabinetry. That way you are only paying for the piece of wood to make the shelf and the bracket to hold it up — not an entire cabinet box, which is a lot more in material and labor. It also eliminates the need for hardware.
Try do things in the right order
A very common mistake made when people are planning for their remodels, is that they do it in piecemeal. This is fine…as long as you do it in the right order and plan ahead. Too many times we’ve seen homeowners do the cabinets and countertops first…and then the flooring two years later when they can afford it. The problem with this is that often there is not enough room for hardwood floors or tile for that.
You see this makes the cabinets too low. So the new flooring creates a weird height difference and makes the cabinets feel and look too low. Worse than this, the dishwasher won’t fit (or will get locked in). And the stove becomes higher than the countertop. Plan ahead. It is also important to consult with an Atlanta Granite Countertop Fabricator at this point.
DIY your countertops, if you can
Depending on your level of DIY savviness, you can get the most out of your remodel by doing the countertops yourself. Granite is the most popular option for Atlanta countertops, and you can check to see if you can score a granite remnant, although for kitchens, it can be difficult to find enough remnants to cover all of your kitchen’s surfaces. However, if you do choose to install your granite countertop, don’t forget to factor in the cost of a plumber to put a new sink in or re-plumb your sink.
Know Your Limits, to get the most out of your remodel
get the most out of your remodel
To save money get the most out of your kitchen remodel, don’t make any structural changes. This includes adding on to the kitchen or turning an adjoining room into part of the kitchen. You should also put aside thoughts of moving a door, the sink, or the range. You’ll avoid costly additional plumbing and electrical work.
If you are stuck, without a clear idea on the do’s and don’ts during a remodel, do not fret. Artstone Atlanta design consultants on call who can help you with the planning and budgeting of your remodel. Also be on the lookout for Atlanta Countertop sales & discounts for a chance to get the best of New Year’s deals.
