Ready? Set! Oh… 

Ok. So you’re ready to start your kitchen or bath renovation... Or are you? It’s exciting, a little scary, and downright daunting. Whether you’ve been dreaming of this day or it’s spur-of-the-moment due to an unforeseen incident, being prepared will make your project…oh so much more successful.

Now you’ve got ideas swirling in your head; what are they? Maybe the layout is all wrong. Maybe your kitchen needs more baking space, storage, or larger appliances. Maybe your bathroom lacks organization, or it’s bleak, and you dream of that soaker tub experience on your last vacation. Before you start, consider the following…

Ideas! Write them all down. No matter how big or small. Brainstorm. Talk it over with your husband, wife, kids. This is your starting point.

So, what should you consider? At the top of your list, your budget! Then figure out your needs and wants, layout, style, and whether you’re hiring a professional or DIY-ing it. Ok, with all that said, let’s get started!

Oh. My. Budget!

Have you been dreaming and saving, or does a catastrophic event have you scrambling? Planned or not, this is where you determine what’s working and what needs to change. But first. Budget! 

What should your budget look like? It depends on what you can afford to spend. If you’re prepared to invest and maximize the value of your home, consider spending between five and 15% of your home’s current value.

If you’ve got a set budget, that’s ok too. Plan it out. Make a list of needs vs. wants. Be specific. This way, you’ll clearly understand your budget and priorities, enabling you to make better-informed decisions to allocate your funds effectively.

Alongside your budget, have a contingency plan, then stick to it. Your contingency will keep you and your project on track, just in case.

So, how much is that? Experts say 20 to 30% of your project cost should be set aside for the unexpected. After all, you don’t want to be halfway through your dream kitchen or bath only to find an issue that was not planned for.

What’s in an idea? Style? Layout?

Whether you’ve been dreaming forever or are just getting started and need inspiration, a great place to start is your local showrooms, home improvement websites, magazines, or social media. There is so much inspiration for styles, colors, layouts, and organization. 

Do you envision a more spacious open-concept kitchen or perhaps a more intimate private layout? Does your bathroom need help getting organized? The fact is, this may be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity; make it count. Know what you want and need. 

If you’re up to the challenge, draw it out yourself or enlist the help of a professional. Translating your vision to paper will offer valuable insight and bring your vision to life. You may discover things you need and, on the flip side, what you don’t.

Oh! So many options to choose from. Traditional, contemporary, rustic, farmhouse, coastal, transitional…the list goes on. So…where do you start? Do you have a specific style? Maybe you have multiple! The sky is the limit, within reason and your budget, of course. 

Your distinct taste will set your kitchen or bath apart from all others. Do you prefer a farmhouse sink with a traditional flair? Maybe you’re leaning towards a contemporary style with a more industrial feel. Whatever your style, make it your own.

Professional or No Professional. That is the Question!

What’s the plan? Tackling this project yourself or delegating to an experienced professional? While you’ll likely save money with DIY, then it’s all you, baby: the design, layout, ordering, installing, timeline, and final walkthrough.

When considering time and budget, DIY might be your best option. Many of us appreciate the sense of accomplishment when we complete a job independently. However, if the project is beyond your comfort level or it just feels overwhelming, enlist the help of a professional. 

With their extensive experience, they can probably complete your project with their eyes closed. Seriously though, it’s what they do. They’ll help you answer questions like, is this possible? Can I afford it? First, be honest about your budget. Lay it all out. Everything. Next, discuss ideas. Be transparent. From there, hand it all over to their capable hands.

How good will it feel knowing they’ll handle EVERYTHING? From beginning to end, taking all of your ideas and putting them into motion. It’s all on their shoulders now. Sit back, relax, and let them work their magic.

Be Clear and Concise

It is essential to be clear and straightforward. Which aspects of your project are most important to you? Is it the organization, cabinets, flooring, or countertops? 

Whether managing your project independently or reaching out to an expert, knowing your specific goals and budget will streamline the process, especially when receiving expert guidance.

For example, if your total budget is $20,000 with a 20% contingency, then you’ll have $16,000 to allocate. Additionally, if the most important aspect to your kitchen is your high-quality cabinets, knowing that will allow you to shift your budget based on your preferences.

Tips. Tips. Tips.

No matter your plan, there are a few things to consider when doing a kitchen or bath remodel or build. When it comes to your kitchen, it’s all about workflow. Strategic placement of your refrigerator, sink, and stove can enhance the functionality of your space, creating efficiency.

Additionally, storage solutions for your kitchen or bath can be crucial for keeping your space organized and free from clutter. Incorporating storage options will help make your routine more manageable.

Lastly, counterspace. Having room for meal prep or your morning routine can make a world of difference in your day-to-day and significantly improve the usefulness of both your kitchen and bathroom.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a DIY’er who prefers your hands in everything, or heck no, I’d rather hand it over to an expert. Many kitchen and bath showrooms have experienced designers ready to navigate your project.

From optimizing your layout to choosing the perfect cabinets, countertops, and accessories, they’ll ensure your space is tailored to you, functional, and beautiful. Ultimately, it’s all about creating a space that is uniquely you and makes you happy!

Visit our showroom or reach out today to plan your next kitchen or bath build or remodel. Our dedicated team of experts are ready to help bring your vision to life.

Whether you’re self-sufficient and need just a little guidance and support or have a more comprehensive residential or commercial project, we take pride in turning your thoughts and ideas into something concrete and impactful.