Chattanooga-area homeowners are following national trends by remodeling their kitchens to fit new lifestyles and new design preferences.
Kitchens are one of the most popular rooms in the home for gathering with friends and family. An upgraded kitchen can make your time together more enjoyable and increase the value of your home.
Careful planning and partnering with the right remodeler are the keys to staying on schedule and within your budget. To help your kitchen renovation project start the right track, take the following steps before the first day of demo.
Make list of needs, wants
With a barrage of TV shows, magazines and social media highlighting dream kitchens, it might be hard to know where to start. The first step is to make a list of what you need to have for a functioning kitchen and want you’d like to have.
This might seem like an obvious task, but taking time to complete this step carefully will help you stay focused on your project goals and budget. Visit showrooms and home supply stores to learn about costs for materials, finishes and appliances.
Set a budget
After you have a general idea of what you need for your new kitchen, outline the cost associated with your project. The larger the scope of the project, such as knocking out walls to gain additional square footage, the more chances the renovation will take additional time and money.
A conservative budget will give you the cushion you need if the project has unexpected expenses. You want to make sure you have the funds to complete the project quickly and start enjoying your kitchen right away.
Find a qualified remodeler
Some homeowners might decide to take on the task of creating a new kitchen themselves. While smaller home projects can be rewarding and enjoyable, transforming an entire room is a large undertaking and shoddy work could decrease the value of your home.
Hiring a professional remodeler is more than just paying for labor and materials. A qualified remodeler has experience with project-related items such as building codes, permits, safety and cost estimates and has the necessary tools and equipment to get the job done. Professionals also have a network of suppliers and subcontractors to ensure the work on your home is executed properly.
A home renovation project can be rewarding with the right planning and partnership with a qualified professional. To find a qualified professional remodeler in the Tri-state area, visit the online directory of the Home Builders Association of Greater Chattanooga at www.HBAGC.net.