Renovating your home is messy and disruptive, especially when remodeling kitchens. So, what should you expect? We have created a planning and scheduling guide to help you understand what a kitchen remodel entails. Plus, we have a few expert tips to make your remodel a little bit easier. If a kitchen remodel is on your wish list, read on!
Before embarking on any remodeling project, you should firmly establish reasons why you want to remodel and the priorities for your space. Give some thought to the layout, functionality, and storage (or lack thereof). What would you like to improve about the space’s overall flow and appearance? Who will the kitchen serve: a gourmet chef, baker, young family? Making a list of your desired improvements, and putting them in ordered priority will help keep things in perspective.
Next, research the realistic costs involved with a kitchen remodel in your area. Our Home Remodeling Cost Guide is a free downloadable resource specifically focused on home remodels in Snohomish County. Remodeler’s Magazine also publishes an annual Cost vs. Value Report, which you can drill down into certain areas of the country to learn more about what have the most return on investment.
Keep in mind that relocating plumbing, gas, or electrical lines will increase costs. To keep the budget in check, try to preserve your existing kitchen footprint (or change it only slightly). Next, the fun begins! Collect design ideas and favorite elements to give our designers direction for a design that is uniquely yours. We are remodeling experts and the sweet spot of working with a design | build company like VanderBeken Remodel is that we will guide you through the entire process.
What To Expect with A Kitchen Remodel: From Start to Finish
Depending on the size of the project, a kitchen remodel can take four to six months (or more). A kitchen remodel may vary greatly according to your wish list, budget, and the current condition of the home, but the following 3 steps are always involved:
Designing a Kitchen Remodel
To avoid delays when renovating a kitchen, every detail must be worked out before we begin. The design process can take a few weeks up to three months or longer depending on how extensive the project is, and how quickly you can make progress on the following:
- Prioritize your needs for the remodel
- Sign and pay design retainer in order to secure your spot with one of our designers
- While you wait to meet with one of our designers, gather your design ideas (create a Pinterest or Houzz board)
- Meet with our designer to discuss the scope of your kitchen remodel
- Sign design agreement (50% of design paid up front, 50% paid at the end)
- Approve schematic drawings
- Confirm selections for your fixtures, finishes and colors
- Specialty trade partner open house
- Proposal presentation meeting
During the proposal presentation meeting we will discuss your production contract which includes your fixed investment price, payment schedule, and proposed start and finish dates. If you are looking for a line-item quote (often referred to as a bid) we are not the company for you. Our fixed investment price method is the best way we've found to eliminate unpleasant surprises. This price will not change unless you request a change to the scope or something unforeseen arises (i.e. dry rot, electrical issues, insects). Check out this short video where we explain the shortcomings of bids and why we use a fixed investment price model.
Remodeling a Kitchen
Since you will not have a working kitchen for a while, we recommend creating a kitchenette in a handy spot like a laundry room. Being able to make coffee and heat up meals is a great stress reducer! We have written a blog about how to survive and thrive during a kitchen remodel that can help you with just this thing!
For a faster kitchen remodel, keeping the original layout reduces the amount of plumbing or electrical work required. Simply replacing cabinets, countertops and appliances in the same configuration can often be finished more quickly. If your new layout is significantly different, expect the project to take longer. Your remodeling team will also need to confirm that your existing plumbing and electrical are adequate for the remodel you are planning, if not, upgrades will need to be made. With the exception of new appliances, all material is procured by VanderBeken Remodel and delivered when ready to install.
One of the ways we provide an excellent customer experience is through clear communication with defined expectations. Our Project Manager will meet with you weekly to keep you informed of the progress of the remodel and answer any questions you might have. Our online client portal is another way we provide you with updates and photos of the work being done daily inside your home.
The following schedule is representative of the order and general timelines of the production phases in a kitchen remodel:
- Weeks 1 & 2 – pre-construction meeting, preparation and demolition
- Week 3 – framing and electrical rough-in
- Week 4 – plumbing rough-in and inspection
- Weeks 5 & 6 – insulation and drywall
- Weeks 7 & 8 – finish drywall and paint drop coat
- Week 9 – install cabinets and created countertop template
- Weeks 10 & 11 – install flooring
- Weeks 12 & 13 – install doors and millwork
- Week 14 – countertop and backsplash installation, finish electrical
- Week 15 – install electrical and plumbing trim fixtures
- Week 16 – final paint and touch ups
- Week 17 – install homeowner purchased appliances
- Week 18 – final inspection, cleaning and photos
The Value of a Remodeled Kitchen
When it comes to investing in your home, you are wise to consider what will bring the most return on investment. Remodeling Magazine's Cost vs. Value report reveals that a major upscale kitchen remodel results in a national average of 31.7% recouped cost. The even better news is with a kitchen remodel you get to enjoy the results of the remodeled space on a daily basis (and do not have to wait to sell to see some of that investment return to you). As you can see, kitchen remodeling is a complex process with lots to organize and trade partners to supervise; it is no wonder these projects take time! However, with proper planning we can finish your beautiful new kitchen after a handful of months.
Check out some of these beautifully remodeled kitchens to gather some inspiration for your kitchen remodel.
Book a Call at a Time that Works Best for You
We get it, you are busy, and honestly we are too. Book a time for an initial call and one of our team members will give you a call at a time that works best for your schedule. Typically the call will last 15-20 minutes. During this call we will try and answer your questions as well as gather information about your unique project, such as:
- location
- length of time in your home
- aspects of your space that are not working for you
