10 Kitchen Remodel Tips

1. First things first: why you want to remodel

Making changes to your kitchen is both exciting and daunting. Focusing on why you want to remodel can keep the project from getting out of hand. Is your goal to improve the value of your home? Make the kitchen more usable? increase storage space or replace old and worn cabinets?

A knowledgeable professional contractor can help you focus on the areas that are right for you.

2. Cabinets

New cabinets—or a new look for existing cabinets—have a big impact on the look of a kitchen. To decide whether to reface existing cabinets or replace them with new ones, ask yourself these questions:

• Do I have enough storage space?

• Do I like the finish of my cabinets?

• Do my current cabinets and drawers meet my needs?

• Do my cabinets doors and drawers work well?

• Are my cabinets the right size and in the right places?

• Do I like my fixtures?

Make sure your contractor helps you understand what type of cabinets will fit your needs and provide long term performance and appearance.

3. Countertops

If you’re thinking of replacing the countertops, consider durability, aesthetics and maintenance as well as cost. Granite is hard compared to marble or limestone, but engineered rather than natural stones can be even more durable. Solid surfaces offer seamless designs and often are more resilient to stains or scratches. If you need a more economical countertop, laminate materials have come a long way.

4. Sinks, faucets and handles

Kitchen fixtures and hardware complement your new kitchen. Sinks come in so many styles and materials that you’ll have plenty of choices, The same is true of faucets and handles. Be sure your contractor has a wide selection of quality materials that can be professionally combined with your colors and styles to create a kitchen worthy of a magazine.

5. Flooring

As you consider remodeling your kitchen, you may also want to replace the floor. Does your contractor have options and ability to complete this work at the same time? A professional design consultant will help you select a flooring type that compliments the cabinets and countertops and your family’s use. Like with other selections, consider durability, maintenance and design when selecting flooring to complete your kitchen remodel. Also think about things such as noise and how much traffic and abuse the floor will receive in your type of household.

6. Extras

While there are major decisions to be made around cabinets, countertops, flooring, and appliances, consider all the “extra” items that may make your kitchen special. Can you include these type items in your turn-key kitchen remodel? Look for options for backsplash, cabinet interior hardware, lighting, cabinet interior hardware, lighting and more. Spend the time to create your dream kitchen with a professional who can deliver on all of the aspects of your project from one source with full project coordination.

7. What is included?

For a complete kitchen remodel, there may be work needed on cabinets, counters, plumbing and electrical. As you redesign your kitchen, make sure you understand which of these items is included in the project and which is not. A complete, turn-key project will provide you peace of mind that the entire work effort is coordinated and completed by one entity without extra work and coordination on your part.

8. Know your installation contractor

Is your contractor licensed and bonded? Does your contractor have adequate insurance? What warranties do they provide for both materials and labor? Does the contractor obtain the proper permits and follow all local and regional codes and regulations? How reliable is the contractor? What work have they done in your area? Be sure to ask these questions of each prospective contractor your hire. Place your home improvement project in the hands of someone you trust.

9. Warranties and after-sale service

One of the most important elements of any home improvement project is the service you receive after the installation is complete. Does your contractor offer a standard warranty? What does that include: product, labor, parts? For what length of time does the warranty cover? Is there an extended warranty? What does that include? For how long? What does it cost? How are service calls requested? Is there a cost? Will the company be around for the next 10 years if you need them?

10. Price isn’t everything

The natural inclination is to find the lowest price. While price should be a consideration, the most important part of the decision should be value and return on investment (ROI). Will the contractor charge you a fair price and one that covers the cost of quality products and installation? Do the features and selections for your kitchen match your aesthetic, care and comfort needs and your lifestyle? Kitchen remodels can be costly, but Remodeling Magazine’s 2020 Cost vs Value website gives an average ROI of 58% for a major remodel and 77% for minor remodels.

At Sears Home Services, we want you to find the kitchen remodeling contractor that is right for you. We provide all the resources and information you need to make an informed decision. Your experience is personalized, from the initial free sales consultation to the project completion.

Our professional design consultants can help you select colors, styles, product types and much more to fit your exact specifications and needs. We also provide a one-stop resource so you can complete all the elements of your remodel. Our project managers work with you at every step to ensure the job is completed correctly and professionally.