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Each month we'll have some helpful information to assist you in your kitchen remodeling
plans. Print out this page and keep it for future reference. Also, for more information,
please see our
frequently asked questions and
Kitchen Remodeling Checklist
This
month's Feature ......
"Getting Started" Planning
to remodel your kitchen ? Here are some thoughts on getting
started: First
- get these items. You will need them: - file
folder - multi pocket type (for organizing ideas, magazine cut-outs,
photos,
etc. that you might like to incorporate into your new kitchen)
- graph
paper - for sketching your kitchen layout ideas (you don't need to
be an experienced
draftsperson!)
- measuring
tape (25' recommended but most any kind will do)
- notebook
(the kind with several subject sections is the best)
Then
think about answers to the following questions: Write down the
questions and
your answers. Keep it in your file for later reference. You and
your kitchen
designer will need to address some or all of these while
designing your new
kitchen.
- What
is my primary objective? Such as - Do I want a new look, more
storage, more
counter space, upgrade for resale, etc. ?
- What
do I like about my present kitchen? This is very important! You may
want to
keep certain features in your new kitchen. Don't give up what
works !
- What features of my present
kitchen do I most want to change? Such as
- I don't like my current cabinet
style, countertops, appliances, floor,
lighting, etc.
- What
is my budget for this project? You need to "qualify" yourself and
what you
can reasonably expect to complete. Kitchen remodeling is one
of the best
investments you can make in your home! It is possible to get
nearly 100 %
return on your kitchen remodeling investment.
- What
are the most important functions of my kitchen? It may simply be
such things
as cooking, family dining, etc. But it may also include
homework, budget
planning, entertaining, watching TV.
- When
do I want to have my remodeling project completed? You need to
allow a minimum
of 4 months. More realistic, 6 to 8 months. Most
custom cabinets take two
months to arrive after ordering. This does
NOT mean your home will be "torn
up" all this time. But it allows plenty of
time for planning, order processing,
shipping, demolition, installation,
moving back into your kitchen and re-organization.
- What kinds of things
will I need to make room for in my new design? You
might include a toaster,
food processor, blender, coffee maker,
everyday dishes, china, bulk groceries,
cookbooks, trays, etc.
- What
other special accommodations might I want in the new kitchen?
Things such
as a desk/computer/printer space, eating bar, washer/dryer,
baking center,
hobby or craft area, etc. - Will
I need to upgrade existing electrical or plumbing? The answer here
may depend
on whether you change the layout of your sink, cooktop or
oven. But it also
may depend on the requirements of the local building
codes for remodeling.
- Who will be the primary
user? Is this person left or right handed, very tall
or short, does this person
have any special needs? - Who
else will be using the kitchen? For example, will this become a "two
cook"
kitchen. - Do I want double
or single ovens? Two Dishwashers? Two Sinks ? Will
children be using the kitchen
and what are their ages? Answering
these questions are an important first step in remodeling your
kitchen. Don't
overlook them! The more detailed you can be with your
answers, the easier
it will be to develop a design that will make you
happy and will serve your
family for many years to come.
Look
for other helpful hints and ideas each month in the Feature section
of our
Website.
Also, for more information, please see our frequently
asked questions |
