5 Basic Steps to a New Kitchen

Step 1: Find Inspiration for Your Kitchen
 
Define your goal
  • Why are you remodeling your kitchen? Do you want a kitchen that will help with resale in a few years or a kitchen for entertaining. Take some notes and jot down your goal for how you will use your new kitchen. Ask your family and friends for ideas.
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    Create a budget
  • How much money do you have to spend on a remodeling project? Create a worksheet to determine how much you want to spend on cabinets, countertops, appliances and accessories.
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    Set a Time Budget
  • How long are you willing to be without a working kitchen? Potentially living somewhere else. Discuss your time budget with the designers
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    Wish List
  • What would you like to include in your kitchen? If you see something in a magazine rip it out, or use the internet for inspiration. Bring all of your notes along when you talk to the designer.
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    Step 2 Plan your total remodeling budget
     
    Set a Budget
  • How much can your afford to invest into the remodeling project? Review your finances to determine your budget. Give careful consideration to what the remodeling will do to the value of your house, and compare it with the others in your neighborhood.
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    Budget for the unexpected
  • Always leave a little room for the unexpected. There are all sorts of budget-busting surprises lurking behind the walls of your home. Last minute changes, cost time and could break your budget.
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    Step 3 Determine your kitchen layout
     
    Make it Work
  • When planning a kitchen remodel, it's important to give careful consideration on how the space will used. How a kitchen should function is an extremely personal matter, and a floor plan needs to be customized to reflect that.
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    Island location
  • A great way to add additional storage and seating to your kitchen. Any kitchen design that includes an island must allow for at least 42 inches of space around it.
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    Keep it light
  • In order for a kitchen to function properly it must be well lit.
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    Step 4 Choose Flooring Material
     
    Because the kitchen is typically the busiest spot in the house, you will want a floor that wears well. When weighing flooring options, think about a floor's durability and ease of maintenance besides the appearance.

    Step 5 Buy appliances that match your needs
     
    The Basic
  • Every kitchen needs the essentials: a refrigerator, dishwasher, stove and oven. Choose the appliances that suit your life style and how your family lives.
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    Built-in
  • If you are going with all new cabinetry, having your cabinets built around the exact measurements of your new appliances can give you a modern seamless look.
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    Paneled Appliances
  • If you want the same look for a whole lot less, keep your old appliances and have them paneled in a material to match your new cabinetry.
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    Energy Efficiency
  • New appliances are very expensive but they also run much more efficiently and over time you will save on utilities. When purchasing appliances, look for the ENERGY STAR rating. The higher the ENERGY STAR rating, the less energy it consumes.
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