| The kitchen is the heart of the home, and a kitchen | | | | This is another part of the job that should be |
| remodeling project is one of the most dramatic, as | | | | completed by a licensed professional. In fact, |
| well as most expensive, projects that you can | | | | depending on where you live, you may be required |
| undertake in your home. Before you begin a kitchen | | | | by law to have a professional make any changes to |
| remodeling job, it is important to plan the project | | | | the electrical or plumbing systems in your home. |
| from beginning to end. If you neglect this step, it is | | | | Some changes, such as adding can lights or running |
| easy to experience price overruns as well as | | | | an instant hot water tap are relatively |
| unexpected structural problems. | | | | straightforward, while others, such as adding wiring |
| Establish a Budget and Design the Space | | | | for a dishwasher, or running a gas line for a stove, |
| The most important part of the entire project is to | | | | can affect the entire home if not done properly. |
| establish a budget. Too often, people decide what | | | | This is the time to order cabinets, flooring and your |
| they want first, and establish a budget around that. | | | | counter top as well as any new appliances you will be |
| By establishing a budget first, you can choose what | | | | purchasing. This ensures that you will have all of your |
| you must have, what you would like and what you | | | | finishing materials ready for installation when the |
| would settle with in your new kitchen. Everyone's | | | | major remodeling work is completed. |
| priorities are different, as is their budget, and there is | | | | Install Flooring and Cabinets |
| no right or wrong answer. For some, a natural stone | | | | Once you are finished with the major changes, it is |
| counter top is a priority, while others want to extend | | | | time to begin the more exciting finish work. Your |
| the size of the room. Establishing a firm budget and | | | | new floor and cabinets are ready to be installed. |
| discussing it honestly with your contractor keeps you | | | | Cabinet installation is best left to professionals, but a |
| both on the same page for the duration of the | | | | do-it-yourselfer can easily install many types of |
| project. | | | | flooring, including hardwood, laminate and tile, on their |
| Once you have established a budget, take out some | | | | own. This is a good way to save a little money on |
| paper and sketch your ideas. Depending on your | | | | your remodel. |
| budget, your contractor, an architect, or the | | | | Complete Finish Plumbing Work and Paint |
| salesman at the local lumber store can give you | | | | The final step in a kitchen renovation is the finish |
| computer generated plans, but prior to that, sketch | | | | plumbing work and painting. The finish plumbing |
| your ideas, moving things around, until you are | | | | includes installing the dishwasher as well as the sink |
| generally happy with your plan. | | | | and any additional water lines, such as hooking up the |
| Empty the Area | | | | refrigerator water line and a hot water tap. Painting is |
| Once you have settled on a design, empty | | | | the last step in the kitchen remodeling project. It is |
| everything out of the kitchen. This is a good time to | | | | much easier to select paint for your new kitchen |
| reorganize, getting rid of the small appliances and | | | | after the new cabinets, counter top and flooring is in. |
| serving dishes that you never use, as well as cleaning | | | | The look of your kitchen can change so much, even |
| out those drawers and cabinets that inevitably | | | | during a minor remodel, that you may not be happy |
| become catch-alls for things without a home. | | | | with your paint if you make the selection too early. |
| Complete any Structural Changes | | | | Moderation is Okay |
| The actual construction starts with any significant | | | | While this article explains all of the details that are |
| structural changes. These may include anything from | | | | included in a complete kitchen remodel, it is possible |
| moving walls, to adding or moving windows or doors. | | | | to update your kitchen by completing a less |
| Even if you plan on doing much of the remodeling | | | | extensive remodeling project. A fresh coat of paint, |
| work on your own, you may consider using a | | | | new appliances or even an updated counter top can |
| professional contractor for this portion of the job. | | | | increase the appeal of your kitchen and make it a |
| Make Necessary Plumbing and Electrical Changes | | | | more pleasant place to congregate. |