What process did you follow?

16 years ago

Hello,

I'm new here and just getting started on planning/doing a kitchen remodel. I'm wondering how folks here got started and whether I am on the right track?

Done so far:

Sketched out my kitchen on paper.

Went to a lumberyard (Dunn lumber for those in the Seattle area, they sell Canyon Creek brand) with the sketch and met with their cabinet designer. She is going to quote me on some cabinets something along the line of the sketch (filling in general layout with specific cabinet boxes) and a quartz countertop. This should hopefully give me the center of a range for what cabinets will cost. I know that the layout will change (the first sketch can't possibly be perfect!), but for a working number for making a budget item, should be OK.

Looking for kitchen design software of some sort to keep refining my layout.

Future plans:

I need to get a contractor or two in to see what the cost would be for some of the changes we are planning. Again, just to start having numbers to plug into a budget. (We can't get firm bids until we finish a design.) We are not a do-it-yourself family, so we will use somebody.

I know I need to replace a large custom window (it's about 8 feet wide!), so I want to find a good window company to get an idea of how much that will cost. This will be the other big-ticket item after the cabinets.

Based on those rough figures, determine whether project is feasible/affordable.

Finish design. May want to hire kitchen designer to help at this point. We can look for higher or lower end materials based on how the numbers are looking so far.

Use the design to get bids, start work.

Is this about right?

I'm thinking I can get the contractor signed up once I have the layout and major pieces, and can continue to shop for smaller items (knobs, faucet, etc.) while the bigger items are being installed.

Thanks for suggestions,

--Janet

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Comments (5)

plllog
16 years ago
The part you left out is posting your plans here for critique. You don't have to. And you should be prepared to get some advice that doesn't suit you as well as some that does, but there's nothing better. I found it invaluable for mine.
cj47
16 years ago
I ditto what plllog said--post your layout. There are some folks here that really know what they're doing, and you will get lots of advice. Take what works, leave the rest. In the end, you'll get a much better result!

Cj
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bireland
16 years ago
Are you buying new appliances? If so, start thinking about what's important to you in terms of appliances, as some of your priorities may impact the layout and design. For example, a full range versus rangetop with separate wall ovens or a counter depth refrigerator versus stand alone. It's an iterative process, often with trade-offs. Sounds like you are off to a good start.
rjr220
16 years ago
Janet;

1. Figure out what your budget is ahead of time. Determine what it is that you can spare out of your fin ances to fund this reno.

2. POST POST POST your plans. I did what you did in regards to a sketch, then going to a local Bradco KD, and then with a KD at Lowes and HD. None of them made any suggestions to change the plan.

I discovered this site, and have posted my plans several times, with changes recommended by Buehl and Rhome and bmorepanic and holligator and others. They really pointed out what was lacking, and made suggestions for changes that I now see are crucial in increasing the functionality of my layout. Did I incorporate all the changes? No, but that's the beauty of these great people. They make suggestions that make you THINK.

Last night my DH and I went to go see a neighbor's kitchen that was designed by a very popular KD place in town. Her pots and pans drawers are 12 feet away from her stove. Her dishwasher is on the right side of the sink, all of the cupboards/drawers for plates, silverware, cups, etc. are to the far left of the sink. She took down cupboards over the peninsula that separated the kitchen from a living area -- and then put the range in the peninsula. She now realizes that was a mistake -- yes, she took the upper cabs down to increase the view into the LR, but now has to put up an island hood, as they didn't make plans for a downdraft. I could go on and on, but I won't. Post your plans here. You will be so happy you did.
mailfox7
16 years ago
The most important thing to remember is what do need your kitchen to be so you can function well. Do you cook alone or with others? What is lacking in your current space that frustrates you so much that you are remodeling now? How can you change your space to fix these problem areas? Research, research, research. Keep a big binder with dividers (keep it well organized) and put all your plans, ideas, appliance choices, inspirational photos, countertop choices, window designs, tile choices, contractors bids, permits, contracts, contact numbers etc. Take it with you at all times and keep it current. I found this an invaluable tool. Remember, you can get all kinds of advice, some helpful (maybe invaluable), but only you will be using your kitchen. And, if you are using a contractor, make sure you trust him, can communicate well, and can depend on him. Research him, as well as any subs you might be using. This step can save you money as well as heartache and time down the road. Good luck, you are off to a good start.