Kitchen Remodel Tacoma is a major undertaking that can add value to your home and improve its functionality. The project involves many elements that must be coordinated and executed successfully.
Reputable contractors like Bud Matthews Services offer warranties and guarantees on their work. They know local building codes and regulations and can help you obtain the necessary permits.
A kitchen remodel is a big project and requires a lot of time and money. The key to a successful kitchen remodel is planning ahead, setting budget limits and avoiding unnecessary costs.
The biggest cost component in any kitchen remodeling project is labor. It can account for up to 35 percent of the total project costs, depending on the complexity of the work, the professionals involved and regional labor rates. Cabinets are another major expense, as they typically consume 15 to 20 percent of the overall project costs.
Before starting a renovation, you should set a clear, realistic budget with a clear breakdown of all the expected components. This can help avoid costly surprises down the road, like running out of paint or discovering that you need to run water or electricity to a new area of the kitchen. It is also a good idea to include a percentage of the overall budget for unexpected expenses.
It is important to think about how much value you want the kitchen remodel to add to your home. Some homeowners can end up spending twice as much on a kitchen remodel that they will get back when it comes time to sell. This can be a risky proposition and it is recommended that you do some research on your neighborhood to see what other homes are selling for in order to determine an appropriate price.
It is a good idea to save money where possible and shop for discounts, sales and deals. You can also splurge strategically by choosing one or two areas where you can invest in higher quality materials, like countertops and cabinets, that will make the most impact to your kitchen’s design and functionality.
Design
A remodel can be as simple as adding new cabinets and appliances or as complex as tearing down walls and changing the kitchen’s layout. A good place to start is by talking with a kitchen designer who can help you translate your ideas into a design that will work in your space. This will give you a solid framework for moving forward, including creating budgets and timeline plans to ensure that your project stays on track.
You also need to decide whether you want to renovate or expand your kitchen. Renovating is a good option for those who like the general location of their kitchen but need to update materials and functionality. It could include tasks like refinishing or replacing floors, painting and repainting, upgrading lighting and appliances, or adding island seating.
This type of remodel can also be less expensive than a full kitchen renovation because it doesn’t involve changing the footprint of your kitchen. However, that doesn’t mean you won’t run into issues, such as rerouting plumbing or electrical.
On the other hand, a full renovation is a major undertaking that will change the way you use your kitchen. It can include everything from adding an island to expanding your existing kitchen into a new, open-concept living space. It will require demolition, rough-in (laying in mechanical, electrical and plumbing lines) and rebuilding.
This kind of project isn’t for weekend warriors. It requires professional building service, design service and licensed contractors to make sure that the job is done correctly and up to code. If you live in a co-op or condo, it will be essential to check with your building’s management for renovation regulations, noise restrictions, insurance needs and approval processes.
Layout
The layout of your kitchen is a crucial aspect of the remodeling process. It determines how you and your family will move through the space and whether it can meet all of your needs. The layout is influenced by a number of factors, including the style you want to achieve and how much space you have available. For example, you might want to include an island in your design to add more workspace or a pass-through window to connect the kitchen to the dining area.
The planning phase is when you will define your goals, set a budget, and gather ideas and inspiration for your remodel. It’s important to allow plenty of time for this step, which can take up to a week. At Block, our renovation consultants will help you with the planning stage and provide expert guidance through the building management company approval process if necessary.
Depending on your goals, you may choose to do a full remodel or simply replace fixtures and finishes. A full remodel requires tearing out existing cabinets and walls and reworking the room’s layout. It can also include adding structural enclosers, pass-through windows and more storage space.
The first phase of a kitchen renovation is the rough-in, when utility lines are laid in and the base cabinets are built. Once the cabinetry is installed, measurements for the countertops can be taken and fabrication can begin. This is a crucial stage, and it’s important to have accurate measurements so that the countertop fits perfectly. If you’re looking to add more storage space to your kitchen, consider using a combination of classic cabinets and open shelving. This will give you the best of both worlds, allowing you to display aesthetically pleasing items like vintage tea cups and cookbooks while still having space for your most-used cooking essentials.
Materials
The materials you select can make or break a kitchen remodel. From flooring to backsplashes, the right materials will inspire your culinary creativity and complement the style of your home. Durable and easy-to-clean, these materials will stand up to daily use and resist wear and tear.
Flooring is a vital part of the kitchen, providing a foundation for your entire room. Consider durable and easy-to-clean options like tile or hardwood. You can also add a backsplash to your kitchen to bring an artistic touch and protect the walls. Backsplashes come in a wide variety of colors and styles, from classic subway tiles to mosaics and hand-painted motifs.
Countertops are the workhorses of your kitchen, standing up to chopping, spills, and heat. Popular countertop materials include granite and quartz, which combine durability with natural beauty. Choose a material that suits your aesthetic and meets the needs of your family.
Cabinetry and storage solutions are a key element in any kitchen remodel, adding style and functionality to your space. Cabinets come in a wide range of colors and finishes, from sleek, modern panel designs to traditional wood cabinets. You can also find cabinets in a variety of materials, including wood and reclaimed lumber, natural stone, and metals.
While you can install some kitchen elements on your own, it’s best to hire a professional to handle the more complex components of your kitchen remodel. This will ensure that your project is done correctly and safely, while saving you time and money. A qualified remodeling expert can provide you with a detailed schedule detailing when to order materials, lead times and shipping, how long each stage should take, etc. They can also help you with the selection of fixtures and materials, including appliances, lighting, and flooring.
Lighting
Lighting is a key component in any kitchen remodel. It not only illuminates the space but also contributes to the overall ambiance and aesthetics. The type and placement of light fixtures can make or break the look of a room. In addition, poor or insufficient lighting can create shadows on work surfaces and muddy the look of a countertop. Choosing a cohesive light fixture finish that matches other finishes throughout the home will help tie together the kitchen and other rooms in an open floor plan.
Recessed ceiling fixtures should be installed over all open areas of the kitchen to provide ambient light. Task lights should be positioned over workspaces to brighten countertops and food preparation areas. LED light strips under cabinets, recessed or pendant lights, and even ceiling fixtures that hang over islands are great options for task lighting. Decorative or accent lighting can highlight artwork, architectural details, and other design elements in the kitchen. Pendants are a great choice for this purpose and come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from a few to multiple fixtures.
A common trend in kitchen remodeling is to enlarge or add well-placed windows. This often results in the need to remove upper cabinets or sacrifice some storage space. However, if the resulting view is worth it, the sacrifice can be worthwhile. Adding more natural light will brighten the kitchen and make it feel more spacious.
A popular counter material is quartz, which comes in a range of colors and looks including marble and limestone without the cost and maintenance associated with these high-end materials. Wood counters offer a more traditional and rustic look, but they can scratch, ding and dent under heavy use. Many homeowners choose to go with a low-maintenance material like granite or laminate instead.