6 Wheaton, IL Kitchen Remodeling Hacks

As anyone in Wheaton who has done a kitchen remodel knows, the clichés are all too true. Everything is going to be harder than you thought it would be. It’s going to take longer, you’re going to spend more money and things are going to go wrong.

# 1 - Wheaton, IL Kitchen Remodeling Company

If you can accept that, then it will be much easier to get through the day-to-day stresses and focus on the finished product. But just because kitchen remodels can be filled with setbacks, that doesn’t mean you can’t begin your project with the utmost preparation. We’ve asked Wheaton, IL design and building experts for their best tips to make your project run as smoothly as possible.

1. Understand how you use your kitchen before making changes.

They say that only fools rush in, and the renovation process is no exception. If possible, take a few weeks or even months to use your kitchen in its current state. This will help determine how you use it. From there, you’ll be able to choose an arrangement that will enhance the way your family cooks, entertains, and lives in the kitchen. Spend some time reviewing your cooking process and store things where you use them. For example, your dishes near the dishwasher, and baking supplies together. It might be difficult, but don’t let the fact that it isn’t your dream kitchen stop you from preparing meals for your family each day and having guests over! It will truly help you learn what is important in the new kitchen.

2. Know what will actually save money.

Many people in Wheaton begin renovations with erroneous ideas of what will save money. DIY isn’t always cheaper! Replacing an appliance can save money in the long run, and keeping your current layout and reusing materials can help a lot, too! As we explained, sticking with the original layout may help keep costs down because it will eliminate the need to redo the plumbing or electrical work.

3. Be prepared spend 15 to 25% more

This is perhaps the most notorious piece of kitchen renovation advice — and 100% true!

In most cases, the remodel will cost much more than you budget for. But if you go into it understanding that, it’s okay. This is very prevalent in Wheaton kitchen remodels in 2015. If you budget to cover all of the “extras” you don’t think about in the beginning, you will avoid a lot of stress.

OR

Create a Realistic Budget

Establishing a project budget for your remodeling project ahead of time is extremely important. When working with a professional remodeling company, they will need to know what your budget is to be able to provide you with materials and changes that will fit your budget. While creating a budget, you also have to be realistic and understand that if you are looking for higher-end appliances, fixtures or hardware, these will be more costly. Knowing this ahead of time can help you understand overall project costs.

4. Plan and measure carefully, but be open to last-minute changes.

Regardless if you’re hiring a contractor or doing the work yourself, plan carefully and thoroughly, and measure, measure, measure! In many cases, even a couple of millimeters can make a big difference. At the same time, try to remain flexible. Sometimes you don’t realize the best way to do something until all the pieces are assembled.

5. Hire high quality help.

Choosing a great contractor will make the difference between a nightmare and a wonderful process. The right contractor will make the remodel as easy and seamless as possible, and make suggestions to make your day-to-day life easier. There are always challenges to any project, but a good contractor will find solutions to these challenges. When renovating an older home, it helps to enlist an architect and contractor who have experience trouble-shooting unexpected construction issues. And working with a design/build firm is great for newbie Wheaton kitchen remodelers because they can guide you in making the best design choices.

6. Know your DIY limits.

DIY improvement in Wheaton are great for many reasons, but it’s not the perfect solution to budget constraints. Do your homework, and don’t overestimate what you can do. If you can DIY, do it! Just don’t assume it’s always the cheapest or best route. Our advice is to only bite off a little more than you think you can chew. The internet is also a fantastic resource. You can start off with minimal knowledge of home remodeling, but end up feeling confident about work and ready to take on more advanced projects.

While good help is invaluable, remember that your contractor and designer aren’t going to live with this kitchen — you are! There is almost always an unexpected wrinkle in the renovating process, especially with older homes and ones that have been poorly remodeled in the past. Be very conservative in your time estimates, and above all, have patience. After you’ve figured out all the details, keep a folder with all the details. Save every piece of paper related to the project: receipts, bids, schedule, etc. You will refer to them time and time again, whether to find a phone number for the appliance store or to review the architectural plans.

What are your tips for a stress-free kitchen remodel? Let us know in the comments below!