Plan for the Unexpected

The initial budgeting process should be thorough, but even with that, it is crucial to set aside a portion of your fund for unforeseen expenses. Things like discovering plumbing issues behind walls or encountering structural problems during demolition can surely be unexpected surprises and are almost inevitable in any renovation project. It is a good rule of thumb to allocate at least 10-20% of your total budget as a buffer to help cover any of the unexpected costs that may arise along the way.

Quality over Quantity

It might be tempting to choose cheaper materials and appliances to stay within your budget, but prioritizing quality can actually save you money in the long run. Choosing to invest in durable, high-quality materials and appliances will definitely require a higher upfront cost, but more than often they offer higher performance and longevity which reduces the likelihood of repairs or replacements down the road. Take into consideration things like warranties, energy efficiency, and maintenance when making purchasing decisions to ensure you are getting the best value for your money.

Watch Out for Hidden Fees

There are of course the obvious costs of materials and labor that are associated with a kitchen remodel, but there are also other fees that you might not be aware of that can catch you off guard. Things like permit fees, disposal costs for old materials, and delivery charges for new appliances. Or if your project goes beyond your planned timeline, some companies might charge additional storage fees for things like appliances if you’re not ready for them to be delivered quite yet. These are the types of things you’ll want to research and factor in as additional expenses when creating your budget to avoid surprises later.

DIY vs. Professionals

Although it can be very tempting to tackle certain aspects of the renovation yourself as it can save you money, it is imperative to weigh the pros and cons carefully. DIY projects can seem cost-effective in some cases, however, they can lead to costly mistakes if they are not executed correctly. There are certain tasks like electrical work and plumbing that are best left to licensed professionals who know what they’re doing to ensure safety and compliance with building costs. Be realistic about your skills and expertise, and don’t take on more than you can handle. Consider hiring professionals for intricate tasks to avoid setbacks and expenses.

Shop Around

When hiring said professionals and purchasing materials, don’t just go with the first option you come across. Take the extra time to gather multiple quotes from different vendors or service providers. Compare them thoroughly and consider things like price, warranties, and customer reviews to find the best option for you and the best value for your money. Don’t hesitate to negotiate with contractors as well. Some of them are willing to match or beat competitor prices or even offer discounts for bundling services.

Plan for Post-Renovation Expenses

After you’ve just made a large investment in your new kitchen, it is important to budget for ongoing maintenance or upkeep to preserve that investment. Think through things like routine cleaning, repairs, and upgrades to appliances and fixtures over time. Things like this might not affect your project budget, but make sure you work them into your normal life budget moving forward to make sure you are protecting your investment. Additionally, with large upgrades like a kitchen renovation, it is important to update your homeowner’s insurance to make sure coverage is adequate for the new value of the home.

A kitchen remodel can significantly enhance the aesthetic appeal and functionality of your home. With such a large investment, it is essential to approach the project with careful planning and budgeting to avoid falling victim to hidden costs that could put the project on hold. Anticipating potential expenses, prioritizing quality, and shopping around for multiple quotes help homeowners navigate the renovation process to achieve their desired results within their budget. If this all seems overwhelming and you don’t know where to begin, this is exactly what your local Kitchen Solvers is prepared to help you with. We can help work with you to create a budget that works for you and your dreams. Often, we can even offer financing for all or just a portion of your project as well to make it more feasible at this time. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us today to start talking through the logistics of your dreams.

The post The Hidden Cost of Kitchen Remodeling: Budgeting Tips appeared first on Kitchen Solvers.

Things to Consider Before Starting:

Before you dive head first into any renovation, it’s important to consider your needs, preferences, and possible budget constraints. You should ask yourself questions such as…

• What are the main pain points in my current kitchen layout?
• How do I envision the functionality and flow of my new kitchen?
• Which kitchen styles and designs appeal to me?
• What is my budget going into this remodel and am I prepared for unexpected expenses along the way?

Once these questions are answered and you have a clear understanding of your overall goals and possible limitations, you can get into the planning of your remodel.

Budgeting Tips:

When it comes to your budget, setting a realistic one is essential. Here are some tips to help you budget your remodel effectively.

• Do your research – Get quotes from multiple contractors and suppliers in your area so you can fully understand the cost of materials and labor across the board.
• Prioritize – Think through your goals and define your non-negotiables. Once you have those determined, allocate a larger portion of your budget to those things. If high-quality countertops are important to you, assign a budget to those from the beginning so you’re not overspending at the end.
• Contingency funds – With any home project or renovation, there will always be unexpected expenses along the way. A good rule of thumb is to set aside 10-20% of your total budget for unforeseen costs.
• Consider financing – If your budget feels a little tight, it might be a good idea to explore financing options such as a home equity loan or lines of credit. Depending on which remodeling contractor you choose, you may have some financing options through them as well.

Hiring the Professionals:

Although DIY projects are becoming more and more popular and they can be tempting, hiring experienced professionals can actually save you time, money, and stress in the long run. Choosing the right professional can make or break your remodel, so here are some tips on how to choose.

• Research – Always look for licensed, insured contractors with lots of experience in kitchen renovations not just home renovations. Kitchens bring a whole different set of needed skills so it is important to find a contractor who knows what they’re doing. Ask for recommendations from friends and family, and make sure to take a look at their online reviews. The best research you can do is learn from people who have worked with them in the past.
• Get quotes – Gather quotes from several contractors and compare their pricing, timelines, and references before making a final decision. This allows you to get a good understanding of what costs are static, and which ones might differ from one company to another.
• Check credentials – Always verify the credentials of any of the professionals you are considering hiring. Check their licenses, certifications, and insurance coverage to make sure all your bases are covered.
• Communicate – Don’t shy away from clearly communicating your expectations, budget, and timeline to the professionals you hire. Maintain open communication throughout the project and make sure they are communicating well with you too. This helps ensure that everything stays on track and that everyone in on the same page.
• Review contracts carefully – Before signing any contracts, take time to review them carefully and understand the entire scope of work, payment schedule and expectations, and any warranties that may be offered on the project.

If you follow all these considerations, budgeting tips, and hiring advice, you will find yourself well-prepared and equipped to take on your kitchen remodel with confidence. Take your time in the planning stages to make sure every detail of the remodel is thoughtfully considered and chosen. With careful planning and the right professionals by your side, soon you’ll be able to enjoy your dream kitchen for years to come. Of course, your local Kitchen Solvers is a great place to start when it comes to researching contractors and professionals who will work alongside you every step of the way to provide you with a pleasant remodeling experience.

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How Much is an Average Kitchen Remodel?

Remodeling costs vary depending on the size of the room, the quality of the materials chosen, the intended usage, and the desired layout because no two kitchens are alike. Every year, Remodeling Magazine compiles a Cost vs. Value Report. These are the reported national figures that should give you a better idea of what to expect for your project. Here are some of the report’s highlights:

The national average cost for a kitchen remodel, according to Remodeling Magazine, is between $26,790 and $77,939 (with midrange products). This predicted range takes into account factors such as labor, materials, lighting, and plumbing fixtures. The price of your kitchen remodel is, of course, affected by the finish and material choices you make as well as the size of your space.

What Expenses to Expect with Your Kitchen Remodel

With the price range of a kitchen remodel being from $26,790-77,939, you might be wondering what exactly that money is going towards. Home Advisor breaks all of this down and more in a great resource annually as well—find that here. Here is a visual breakdown they put together:

How Much Value Does a Remodel Add to Your Home

In general, every year, the ROI on a minor kitchen remodel is greater than the ROI on a major one. This was especially the case in late 2022 when this data was collected because the housing market was in such a weird spot. Buyers were focused on maintaining every bit of extra cash, so they wanted to buy homes with workable kitchens and functional spaces. The idea of buying a ‘fixer upper’ was less appealing to most homebuyers at the time. Additionally, a light touch on your kitchen including upgrading appliances and other minor aesthetic pieces is easier to make universally appealing. A major kitchen renovation allows the current homeowner to create their dream kitchen, but that will almost never be your buyer’s dream kitchen as well. As a rule of thumb, major kitchen renovations should be seen as a personal project; not a project to get your home ready for the market.

Finally, the region you live in can affect the ROI of different home projects. The real estate market changes as your make your way across country and that of course affects the remodeling industry as well. Here is a breakdown of ROI of certain home improvements by region according to Remodeling Magazine:

This can all seem overwhelming if you’re not familiar with the industry and trends. That’s exactly why your local Kitchen Solvers team is here. We are IN the industry and would love to help you dream up the perfect kitchen remodel for your life and home. We’ll help you decide if a minor or major upgrade is the best option for you and we look forward to hearing from you soon!

The post How Much is a Kitchen Remodel Going to Cost Me in 2023? appeared first on Kitchen Solvers.

Set a Budget

Like with any home project, it’s going to cost money. Before you get too deep into it, you’ll want to set a realistic budget. Consider your needs and goals for the remodel. Make sure you take into account your financial situation and think through if you’ll be using your savings, paying for it as you go, or if you’ll be financing the project. Be sure to include a contingency fund for unexpected expenses that may come up along the way.

Plan the Design

The design can be the hardest part of the remodel so it might be a good idea to get a professional involved. You probably have a good idea of what style or look you want, but when it comes to layout and how to create a functional kitchen, there is a lot that can go into it. You will have to make decisions on appliances, cabinets, countertops, and flooring and it’s imperative that you choose things that will work well together in the space. Lucky for you, that’s exactly what Kitchen Solvers is here to help with. We’re happy to sit down and talk through all of those choices with you so you know you’re making the right decisions.

Choose Quality Materials

Beyond the expertise that we can offer about kitchen layout and function, Kitchen Solvers wants to make sure you’re choosing high-quality materials for your remodel to ensure both longevity and durability. The kitchen is a heavily used space in the home so you want to make sure you are choosing materials that will stand the test of time. Choosing materials that are both functional and stylish is the way to go. Quartz or granite countertops, hardwood or tile flooring, and solid wood cabinets are a few materials that you’ll want to consider for you remodel.

Hire a Reputable Contractor

When choosing a contractor for your remodel, make sure to do your research. Look for someone who not only has experience in kitchen remodels, but also has a good reputation in your area. Read online reviews and ask your friends and acquaintances which contractors they have had good experiences with. Word of mouth goes a long way, and you don’t want to end up regretting your choice because your contractor will be your main partner along the way. Make sure you communicate clearly with your contractor from the start. Talk about your budget, expectations, and goal timeline early to make sure they understand them and are a good fit for your project. Regular check-ins and progress reports along the way can ensure your remodel stays on track. We might be biased, but these are things Kitchen Solvers will offer along the way.

Plan for Temporary Living Arrangements

Depending on the size and scope of your project, it might be a good idea to set up some temporary living space for the duration of the project. This could be as simple as setting up a temporary kitchen in another area of your home like a laundry room or bathroom. Or, if your budget allows it, you could rent an AirBnB or an extended stay hotel room so you’re comfortable. If you’re close with your neighbors, see if they’ll let you borrow their kitchen for some meal prep or invite you over for dinner a couple of times throughout the process.

Expect the Unexpected

Finally, as we already mentioned, there are bound to be hiccups and changes along the way. Be prepared for delays, changes, and unforeseen expenses. It’s impossible to know exactly what those things might be, but it’s important to set your expectations beforehand so you aren’t surprised by them when they happen. Having a little wiggle room built into your budget will ensure that when the unexpected happens, your project can continue and smooth over somewhat quickly.

By taking these steps and being aware of the general flow of your project, you can help ensure that your kitchen remodel is a success. Planning out your design, using quality materials, and choosing a contractor you trust and have clear communication with can be the key differences between a headache and a dream kitchen come true.

The post Steps to Ensure a Smooth Kitchen Remodel appeared first on Kitchen Solvers.

Plan, Plan, Plan 

The most important step of a successful kitchen remodel is really what comes before the first step and that is the planning stage. You’ll have to put a lot of thought into what you want from your kitchen. You’ll need to think of a budget and figure out if you’ll need to save up for it or if you’re ready to start right away. Companies like Kitchen Solvers also provide financing options so you could get started sooner than you think. According to experts, a well-planned project takes about 6 months of planning before work even begins. 

The Nooks and Crannies 

Use every square inch of space to your advantage. Ceiling height cabinets and corner cabinets can seem like a waste of space, but if you implement the right ergonomically designed storage solutions, you’ll be able to access every part of your kitchen and optimize storage. Pull-out shelves, drawers, and lazy susans are a great way to make sure no space is wasted. 

Traffic Flow 

Think about how you currently use your kitchen. Do you typically cook alone or is it a team effort? Is there enough space for all of you to move about the kitchen from prep space to cooking space to clean up space smoothly? You want to make sure that your workflow is efficient and that you don’t design a space that will ultimately get in your way. You’ll also want to consider the needs of other kitchen users now and in the future. Thinking through accessibility can help make sure everyone can enjoy your investment for years to come regardless of their body’s abilities. 

Use Technology 

There is a ton of technology available on the market today that can create a contemporary space. Smart appliances, smart faucets, and smart lighting are just a few. Take some time to do some research and find some smart technology to integrate into your design to make the most out of the process. Technology can help streamline your workflow and make you and your family more efficient in the kitchen. 

Plug it In, Plug it In 

There is nothing more frustrating than not having enough outlets in a room. You notice it in bathrooms, bedrooms, and living rooms but it is probably most noticeable in the kitchen. Installing plenty of outlets allows flexibility to use your small electrical appliances in multiple areas and makes sure there is always an outlet available for charging phones, laptops or other devices. 

To Infinity and Beyond 

Creating a sustainable kitchen makes sure your money is put to good use on a kitchen that will last a lifetime. Purchasing items that are sustainable and energy efficient is a great place to start. Opt for appliances that are timeless rather than expensive trendy ones. Choose countertops, fixtures, and hardware that will hold up under heavy use and not lose their value over time. Designing a timeless, sustainable kitchen ensures you won’t have to renovate again and that if you ever decide to move, potential buyers won’t have to either. 

Deciding to spend the money on a new kitchen is a huge decision, but one that can really pay off in the end. Hopefully these strategies will help you have a successful and minimally stressful kitchen remodel. For help planning or ideas, your local Kitchen Solvers is available to help make your dreams a reality. Reach out today for your free in-home consultation. 

The post Getting the Most Out of Your Kitchen Remodel appeared first on Kitchen Solvers.

Know Your Budget

The kitchen of your dreams might have gold cabinets and diamond-gilded countertops, but if you haven’t thought through if you can afford those things, your dreams might quickly be squashed. Getting so fixated on one design idea without considering your budget will almost certainly result in a half-finished project or one whose original plan had to be significantly compromised. The most important question to ask when you are determining your budget is where the money is coming from. Have you been saving up for this project and have a “slush fund” set aside just for it? Or do you plan to fund the project each step of the way without dipping into your savings? It’s important to figure out is what amount of money you have to work with and where that money is coming from.

It is critical to be completely open and honest about your budget with your Kitchen Solvers consultant, especially during this planning stage. A minor budgetary miscalculation in the kitchen remodel planning phase can manifest as a huge problem later down the road. Imagine a ship captain who unknowingly is sailing a single degree off course. That single degree could leave him miles away from his intended destination in the end. However, this advice may be impractical if you are unfamiliar with the qualms of your chosen kitchen remodeler. At Kitchen Solvers, our consultants can be relied on to work within your budget and maximize the value available to you.

Know Your Dreams

The most enjoyable part of the planning process for many people is customizing their kitchen. This is your chance to let your imagination run wild and create the ideal kitchen environment for your unique lifestyle. You should organize your thoughts before your consultation. It is extremely beneficial to collect images that reflect the style that you want to establish in your own home. This is especially true for those with limited construction and renovation experience because it is easier to look at pictures to decide what appeals to you than it is to read measurements, material names, and cabinetry stock styles to make the same decision. Some good places to look for ideas include:

• Magazines – There are so many home remodeling magazines out there that are full of images for inspiration in articles or even just in the advertisement in those magazines. Cut out pictures that match your tastes.
• Online Resources – There are lots of places online where you can look for inspiration. Houzz, Pinterest, Instagram, or even Google can generate a lot of content for ideas and for your own kitchen remodel. Save photos or screenshots of kitchens you find online that are similar to what you are looking for.
• Real Life Photos – These days you constantly have a camera in your pocket on your cell phone. When you are at other people’s houses whether it’s a friend, family member, or business associate, don’t hesitate to take photos of things you like in their kitchen to show our team. Your host will be flatter and most likely show off all of their favorite things about their kitchen.

Having these two things thought through before you meet with your local Kitchen Solvers guarantees that the design phase will be one of the most enjoyable parts of the process for you. With these two pieces of information, the Kitchen Solvers team can help you design and create the perfect kitchen for you and your family. Call us today to get a consultation appointment scheduled, then take some time between now and then to know your budget and know your dreams; then we’ll help make them come true for you.

The post 2 Steps to Planning Your Kitchen Remodel appeared first on Kitchen Solvers.

Question #1 – Is the company reputable and licensed and insured?

This is the first question you should ask the remodeling contractors you are considering, because if the answer is no, they shouldn’t be working in your home. Even if they offer to do the project for a great price and seem to have a good reputation, the liabilities you incur are usually not worth the savings. If an uninsured and unlicensed contractor damages your home, they may not have the financial strength to take care of the repairs. Even worse – your homeowner’s insurance policy holder may not pay for any damages caused by kitchen or bathroom remodeling contractors without proper paperwork. Make sure to look at reviews and be sure that everything is up-to-date before hiring any contractor.

Question #2 – What experience do you have with this type of remodeling project?

Remodeling contractors often have different skill sets and while one might have done a great job on your neighbor’s garage or backyard shed, that doesn’t make them qualified to remodel your kitchen or bathroom. Ask potential contractors for a list of past projects they have completed that are similar in scope to what you have in mind. Don’t hesitate to contact prior customers for their thoughts on contractors work quality, adherence to schedule, and overall competence. The same can also be true when considering the dollar amount of a project – a $30,000 kitchen remodeling project often requires a different level of expertise than one that costs $3,000.

Question #3 – Will there be a written and signed contract?

Unfortunately, the days of sealing a deal with a handshake are long gone. Regardless of how friendly the remodeling contractors you are interviewing might seem to be, or how good you feel about them, those sentiments can change during the course of a project. There should always be a signed contract that spells out the complete scope of work, the financial terms, and an approximate completion date for the job. Ask your kitchen remodeling contractors to be specific and precise in detail so you can make a good evaluation and decision.

Question #4 – How are extras and change orders handled?

When remodeling, no one likes to have their budget higher than expected. Ask the kitchen and bathroom contractors you are interviewing to thoroughly explain what their price includes, and even more importantly, what it does not include. If their price has allowances for fixtures, appliances, floor covering, and other finishes, make sure you have a firm understanding of how much they are and how they work.

You should also explain to the contractors that no changes or extra work that may cause the agreed upon contract price to go higher are to be done before you are given a cost and approve the addition. Keep in mind that kitchen and bathroom remodeling isn’t quite the same as new construction. There are often unanticipated issues lurking that may affect the price of your remodeling project.

Question #5 – How long will the remodeling project take?

Even if you have another bathroom, or an outdoor grill that can be used for cooking, remodeling a kitchen or bathroom can be a disruption to your daily life. Unfortunately, this minor inconvenience can be escalated drastically if you don’t see any progress being made on the project. Or perhaps days go by without any contractors showing up for work. Experienced kitchen remodeling contractors should be able to provide a reasonably accurate schedule for project completion when giving you a cost estimate. However, it’s also important to remember that unforeseen factors can delay your project for a few days and any changes you make during the course of construction may also add to its length. Open communication between homeowners and contractors is critical.

Question #6 – How will we communicate during the remodeling project?

Perhaps the most important component of successful remodeling projects is constant communication between homeowners and contractors. Contractors should be accessible for answering any questions or addressing any concerns that homeowners may have and there should be someone in charge when they’re not available. You should expect that your phone calls or emails to the contractors will be returned in a prompt manner. Kitchen remodeling contractors concerned about customer service will often walk the project with clients on a regular basis during the duration of a lengthy project in order to ensure progress and good communication.

Hiring kitchen or bathroom remodeling contractors that answer these questions satisfactorily should go a long way toward ensuring you have a successful and enjoyable kitchen or bathroom remodeling project.

Kitchen Solvers

Now that you know which questions to ask when trying to find a kitchen remodeling contractor, it’s finally time to hire an expert. And, that’s where Kitchen Solvers can help. Our design team can help you craft the perfect blueprint and put it all together for you. Contact us today to learn more!

And be sure to check out our helpful blogs, General timeline for your kitchen remodeling project for new cabinetry and How Much is a Kitchen Remodel Going to Cost Me? if you are considering a remodeling project for your kitchen.

The post Six Questions to Ask Contractors for Your Kitchen or Bathroom Remodeling Project appeared first on Kitchen Solvers.

• Credit Cards

If you are doing a smaller kitchen project, it might be something that you can just put on your existing credit cards. This is a good option because it means you can start your project right away since you don’t have to wait on an approval process. However, as you already know, most credit cards come with high-interest rates so you might end up paying a lot more for your kitchen in the long run. Another thing to keep in mind is your credit limit. There are always unexpected additional expenses during a home improvement project, so if your working budget is already close to your limit, you will not have much wiggle room for those surprises.

• FHA 203(K) Rehab Loan

If you happen to be planning a kitchen remodel on a new home purchase, an FHA 203(k) loan might be a good option for you. This is a type of mortgage loan that will include both the purchase price and the remodeling costs in one loan and, in turn, one payment. This is a great option if you are purchasing a fixer-upper and want to get working on the repairs and renovations right away. Of course, this would only be an option if you are purchasing a property, not if you are an existing homeowner wanting to remodel your current kitchen.

• Home Equity Loan (HEL) or Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)

Both a HEL and HELOC take advantage of the existing equity you have in your home. Because of this, you are essentially just borrowing money for yourself and using your home as collateral. However, it is still dependent on current market prices in your area, interest rates, and the terms of whichever lender you choose. HEL and HELOCs also come with closing costs and financing fees so there might be more upfront costs than you’re willing to take on.

• Unsecured Personal Loan

Finally, personal loans are always a good option for home improvement projects. They are typically pretty easy to obtain and can be less time-consuming than other types of financing. These are fixed-rate loans that come in a lump sum in a variety of amounts; you might even have your funds in your bank account that same day as approval. Because of the flexibility of personal loans, they are probably the most effective way to borrow money for any size and scope of kitchen remodel project. Kitchen Solvers partners with financing vendors to bring you low rates on home improvement loans for your whole project or even just a portion. You can learn more here www.kitchensolvers.com/financing

As you can see, there are plenty of options to make your kitchen remodel more feasible. Hopefully, that allows you to get started on your project sooner rather than later. When you’re ready to take that next step, give your local Kitchen Solvers a call and we can help with financing too!

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