Saturday, August 17, 2013

6 Considerations for Planning a Kitchen Remodel

This post was contributed by Tali Wee of Zillow.com. I was not compensated for this post. 

Kitchen remodels are one of the most expensive and tricky home improvement projects to conquer. To ensure the final product meets the homeowner’s goals and expectations, preparation is important. Here are some tips on how to ensure that the renovation runs smoothly.
1.       Be Reasonable
Indulging in outrageously expensive appliances and the highest quality countertops isn’t necessary. If renovating on a strict budget, allocate finances for unexpected costs that may come up during renovation. There could be serious plumbing and electric problems that need to be addressed prior to finishing out the space.

2.       Be Modest
Don’t tackle every trend all at once. It is important to maintain a somewhat neutral look so the space can adapt to new styles over time. For example, interested in the popular chevron pattern? Skip painting the whole kitchen in zigzags and choose one accent wall for a funky twist.

3.       Focus on Lighting
Culinary master or not, a kitchen needs ample lighting. Recessed bulbs are a great choice for delivering abundant light without the clutter of fixtures, but consider more focused fixtures for specific lighting. Contemplate under-cabinet task lights to brighten workspace countertops. Homeowners who plan to use the kitchen as a dining area, dimmer switches are highly recommended. They can transform the ambiance from workspace to intimate eatery in seconds.

4.       Remember Convenience
Alter the space to fit the needs of the homeowners. A family of eight, for example, probably wants to invest in a larger fridge than two newlyweds. Some pet owners may even want to purchase built-in gates to keep their furry friends away from the dining area. While customization is important, don’t go overboard. Keep in mind that highly specified upgrades can negatively affect the real estate resale value.

5.       Indulge in Counter Space
Islands are great for providing extra workspace in the kitchen. They can also be used as a seating area for a quick breakfast or afternoon snack. Determine the size and functionality of the island before making final plans. Oversized islands can obstruct the workspace and make the kitchen appear smaller.

6.       Don’t Forget Personalized Details
Add some flair to the space by choosing a unique tile for the backsplash. Depending on the style of the kitchen and home as a whole, creative backsplashes are a great way to subtly add personality to the space. A downtown loft may benefit from brick while a traditional suburban home might look better using old-fashioned tiles. No matter the selection, steer clear of anything too porous, as sauce splatters can seep into the crevices of certain stones and make it almost impossible to clean.


While mistakes happen on occasion, most can be avoided with proper planning. Use these tips to ensure that a kitchen remodel benefits the current and future homeowners for the best return for the financial investment.

Tali Wee - Zillow.com

4 comments:

  1. i agree with all of this! kitchen renos (actually, any reno) can quickly spin out of control so planning is a MUST!

    i want to redo my kitchen - rip out cabinets and replace my counter and sink... been planting the seeds in my husband's brain for the past month :D

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  2. YAY! I LOVE this post! We are looking to redo our kitchen so this is a great post for us! :)

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  3. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  4. A kitchen is one of the most important parts of a home and the overall layout of the kitchen should be perfect in design. One of the ways to perfectly remodel the kitchen is to divide the remodeling into parts and design the kitchen according to your lifestyle. Set your budget and choose the latest style of kitchen design and layout according to your budget.

    By kitchen remodeling it becomes easy to increase the value of your home. It is essential to prepare a floor plan for remodeling your kitchen and plan everything in such a way that it will be easy to get the things when required. Recently, I have chosen kitchen design for my home from http://noeldempsey.com/kitchens. We have also focused on the lightning systems in the kitchen, so as to make the kitchen look more beautiful. The cabinets in the kitchen should be chosen with great efforts. Remember to keep wide space for walkways inside your kitchen, so that it will be easy to travel. The counter top in the kitchen should also be elegant in design and these days outdoor kitchens are preferred more by people as they are in trend. Materials in the kitchen that are used should be easy to clean and corrosion resistant.

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