A kitchen remodel is one of the biggest improvements you can make to a home. It is also a project with many decisions. Working through them in the right order keeps the project on budget and avoids changes after work has started.
Set your priorities and budget
List what you want the new kitchen to do better: more counter space, more storage, better lighting, room for seating. Then decide what matters most. A clear list of must-haves and nice-to-haves makes it much easier to adjust the plan if the budget gets tight.
Look at the work triangle
The sink, stove and refrigerator should be easy to move between without people bumping into each other. If your current kitchen feels cramped, a small change in layout, such as moving the refrigerator or adding an island, can make a big difference.
Choose cabinets first
Cabinets usually take up the largest share of a kitchen budget and set the style of the room. Decide on cabinet style, color and layout before countertops, backsplash and hardware, since those choices should complement the cabinets.
Plan lighting in layers
- •Ambient lighting, such as recessed lights, to light the whole room.
- •Task lighting under cabinets so you can see what you are cutting.
- •Accent or pendant lighting over an island or table.
Don't forget the floor
Kitchen floors take spills, dropped pans and constant foot traffic. Tile and luxury vinyl are durable, water-resistant choices. If flooring is being replaced, it is usually installed before new cabinets so the floor runs underneath them.
Get a clear plan before work begins
A good contractor should walk through the space with you, understand your goals and present a plan that spells out the scope, timeline and cost. At ABS Building Services that evaluation and planning step comes before any demolition.
Ready to talk about your kitchen? We serve Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Virginia, Monday to Friday from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Call (202) 582-9272 for a free estimate.
