When it comes to remodeling your home, the kitchen is often the most exciting project to undertake. With the right renovation design, your kitchen can be transformed into a brighter, roomier space where you want to spend time. In Minnesota, we don’t get to enjoy nice weather year-round, so it’s important to have an inviting kitchen where you can host cozy get-togethers no matter what season it is.
A full remodel can be a challenging project, but by planning carefully and working with a skilled design and build company like JBDB, your renovation will be a smooth process. Follow our comprehensive kitchen remodel guide below to have the best possible experience.
1. Making a Plan: What to Consider When Remodeling a Kitchen
With any renovation project, you’ll need to spend time planning every detail so you know:
- How much it will cost
- How long it will take
- What your kitchen will look like in the end.
Follow this kitchen remodeling checklist so you don’t miss anything in the planning stages.
Make a Budget
Before anything else, it’s important to consider how much you can afford to spend on your kitchen. Costs can vary depending on the size and complexity of your project, but you can typically expect your cost to start at $125,000 for smaller projects or $150,000 for full kitchen remodels. While kitchens can be expensive, budgeting helps you set realistic goals, so you don’t encounter any surprises along the way.
Keep in mind that appliances can make up a significant portion of your overall budget. Some appliance packages start as low as $7,000, but high-end options can cost upwards of $60,000.
Tip: One thing you don’t want to overlook is how renovating your kitchen will affect how you use your home. During certain phases of the project, it may be more challenging to cook and eat at home. Be sure to budget in extra money for eating out. Read our guide to living at home during a remodel for more helpful tips.
Set a Timeline
When searching for a guide to kitchen remodeling, you’ll notice timelines can vary significantly depending on who you ask and how you approach the project. Generally, a DIY project will take much longer than hiring a professional.
Contractors have the resources to get projects done much more quickly. While you typically spend more money working with a professional, the disruption to your life will be much shorter, and you won’t have to deal with unexpected issues that invariably arise during DIY jobs. At James Barton Design-Build, the average kitchen remodel usually takes us 8-12 weeks.
As you set a timeline, remember that professional companies typically book several months in advance. But the good thing about being in Minnesota is that kitchen remodeling can happen at any time of year. As an indoor project, you don’t need to worry about the weather or temperature affecting your renovation timeline.
Design Your Kitchen
Before starting your project, take some time to think about how you want your kitchen to look. Be sure to consider aspects like:
- Layout
- Cabinets
- Appliances
- Faucets
- Sink options
- Lighting
- Flooring
- Windows
- Wall colors
- Backsplash tiles
2. Hiring Professionals
After coming up with design ideas, it’s time to put them into action. The best way to do this is to hire a contractor who can bring your ideas to life. Minnesota-based design and build companies like JBDB can see the hidden potential in your home, take your design ideas, and make a plan that’s even better than you imagined.
Tip: As a JBDB client, you can also visit our showroom for inspiration. Seeing various design elements in person can give you a much better idea of what your kitchen might look like.
A lot of homeowners wonder whether it’s feasible to do a DIY kitchen renovation. While it is doable, keep in mind that you need to have a working knowledge of carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, and, in most cases, demolition. Aside from bringing those skills to the table, contractors also ensure the work is up to code.
Make sure you understand what to look for in a renovation contract so you get exactly what you want from your project.
3. Preparing for the Renovation
As your remodeling date draws nearer, you’ll want to start getting your old kitchen ready for demolition. This may involve decluttering and downsizing your dishes, utensils, and appliances to make storage easier during the project.
Tip: If you have a lot of items, there are numerous charities in Minnesota that will come to your house to pick up donations, including Disabled American Veterans (DAV), the Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota, and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Twin Cities, among others.
If you’re working with a contractor, you won’t need to worry about having a dumpster for demolition materials, but this is something you’ll want to consider booking in advance if you’re doing any of the work yourself.
4. Demolition and Build Out
The benefit of working with a contractor is that you don’t have to know how to remodel a kitchen or do any of the demolition work. This phase of the project involves removing old cabinets, counters, flooring, and appliances.
Depending on the direction of your project, it might also involve tearing down walls to create a new layout. After the old materials are removed, the builder will frame in new walls and, in some cases, windows.
5. Plumbing and Electrical Work
While the walls are exposed, electricians and plumbers will get to work on wiring and installing any new plumbing needed. You may also need HVAC work if the layout of your kitchen has changed.
6. Drywall, Ceilings, and Flooring
Once everything is roughed in, your kitchen is on its way to looking more finished. The builder will install new drywall, prime the walls, and finish the ceiling. After installing trim, your walls will be painted, and you can start visualizing what your new space will look like.
7. Cabinets, Countertops, and Backsplashes
Once the walls and ceilings are ready, the builders will install cabinetry and make sure everything is perfect and level. Your flooring will also be installed during this stage, but the timing will depend on what kind of cabinets and flooring you choose. Countertops can only be installed after all the cabinetry is in place, followed by your backsplash.
8. Appliances, Lighting, and Finishing Touches
The final step is to put your appliances in place and install lighting fixtures. This is also when hardware like cabinet pulls and light switch covers will be attached. Your kitchen will now look complete and you can begin enjoying your new space!
Trust James Barton Design-Build with Your Kitchen Remodel
Envisioning a new kitchen can be a challenge because there’s so much to consider, and not everyone has an eye for colors, materials, and layout. When you work with JBDB, you don’t have to be a designer. Tell us about your vision, and we can bring your kitchen to life! Our design team is excited to hear about your dream kitchen and make it a reality. Schedule a consultation to get started today.
