If a fully remodeled kitchen is your aim, it might be best to break down the project into several smaller stages. The average kitchen remodel usually takes anywhere from 6 to 12 weeks and costs between $12,000 and $21,000, so if you want to avoid living with a kitchen that’s unusable for up to three months along with having to spend a lot of money all at once, a phased remodel may be the best choice for both your finances and your quality of life.
This quick guide can help you understand what’s involved with a phased remodel and how you can apply it to your own kitchen renovation strategy.
Design Stage
It’s essential to start with a concrete plan for what your kitchen space will look like when it’s complete, so the first step is to take the time to create the design for your new kitchen before actually getting started on the remodel. Depending on how complex your remodel will be, this could be as simple as drawing a basic picture yourself or as complex as having a contractor create a full blueprint.
Budget Stage
Your budget should separate the phases of the project according to cost. Create a detailed project budget that’s divided into logical cost categories, such as demolition, labor, appliances, fixtures, flooring, and electrical work. Add an extra 10 percent to your budget for unexpected expenses or overruns.
Planning Stage
Along with budgeting, scheduling and completion deadlines should be considered during the planning phase. This should include considerations such as which phases can be completed while allowing your family to continue using your kitchen, which stages will make your kitchen briefly unusable, and how your family will function when you aren’t able to use the kitchen. Identify the estimated time that will be required to complete each stage of your renovation project. At this point in the process, you should determine whether you can do the renovation yourself or you need to hire experienced kitchen remodeling contractors.
Upper Cabinets Stage
When the actual remodel begins, it’s a good idea to start by replacing or updating your upper cabinets. Painting, resurfacing, or replacing these cabinets should only take a few days, and you’ll still be able to use your kitchen during this phase.
Lower Cabinets and Countertops Stage
The next stage involves replacing or updating your countertops and lower cabinets. Depending on your design plan, this could take a fair amount of time and leave you unable to use your kitchen for a few days or more. If you’re going to replace your faucet and sink, you should do it during this stage.
Appliances Stage
If your plans include replacing your appliances, make sure to choose them before the remodel gets started so you’ll have the exact measurements you’ll need to create a well-designed space around them. The countertops and cabinets will need to be spaced out in the right way so your appliances fit perfectly and you can access them easily.
Flooring Stage
Unless you’re planning a major transformation or you have an extremely large kitchen, it shouldn’t take more than a few days to update your flooring. If you’re making a major change in your flooring, consider doing that before you have your lower cabinets replaced.
Accents and Finishing Touches Stage
After all the other stages are finished, it’s time to add the final finishing touches. These are essential details such as backsplashes, lighting, and window coverings. This is often the most fun stage because most of the work is done and you’ll be able to relax, take your time, and add the subtle accents that will make the space uniquely yours.
The Forever Builders team will assist you through every step of your kitchen renovation. San Diego homeowners trust us to provide the most affordable kitchen remodeling services and ensure their visions become reality. From design to completion, we’ll help you create the kitchen you’ve always wanted, meeting all your expectations while keeping your costs within budget. To find out more about our exceptional remodeling services, give one of our friendly team members a call today at (833) 243-5624.