Kitchen remodeling is a game-changing process that allows you to upgrade your cabinetry, worktops, and appliances and create a functional and visually appealing space that aligns with your lifestyle. However, this process can be very complex and requires dealing with layout design, electrical adjustments, flooring installation, budget preparation, and sourcing quality material. This is why homeowners turn to professional remodelers, who ensure that the project runs smoothly and efficiently with their expertise and a structured approach. From understanding your goals to executing the whole project, these experts handle all the technical work by following a step-by-step approach tailored to meet your practical needs. Through this, they aim to exceed your expectations by delivering flawless results on time and within budget.
This blog will help you explore how the professionals break down each phase of this process for maximum results.
How Professionals Follow Step-by-Step Process
Understanding Homeowner Goals
Professional remodelers begin the process by discussing your goals and vision for your kitchen space in the following manner:
- Functionality Needs: In the first stage, experts try to understand your functional needs by knowing how you typically use your space, i.e., whether you utilize it for cooking, entertainment, or gathering. To further understand your objectives, they also address your concerns regarding storage issues like limited cabinet space and hard-to-reach shelves and gather details on any special appliance requirements.
- Aesthetic Preferences: Your kitchen’s style and aesthetic appeal are equally important, as they set the tone for your house. This is why the remodelers gather information on your preferred design style, color schemes, and finishes.
After learning about your goals, professionals discuss a timeline that aligns with your schedule and conduct an in-depth evaluation of your existing kitchen space to identify any structural limitations.
Budgeting For Kitchen Remodel
This is a crucial step, which is why kitchen remodeling contractors work closely with you to develop a budget that aligns with your vision. Here’s how professionals handle the budgeting phase:
- Setting A Realistic Budget Range: They help you establish a realistic budget range based on the scope of remodeling you envision, whether it’s a minor refresh, a mid-range upgrade with updated cabinets and fixtures, or a full-scale renovation with structural changes. Additionally, they recommend setting aside a contingency fund—typically 10-20% of the budget—to cover unexpected expenses, such as hidden electrical upgrades or water damage, that may arise during the remodeling process.
- Allocating Budget To Major Categories: Contractors allocate budget to major categories such as flooring, cabinetry and hardware, fixtures, countertops, and more to provide you with a clear breakdown of where your financial resources will go, helping you understand how your funds are being distributed.
Once the budget is set, they will track and manage it throughout the project by monitoring real-time expenses and conducting weekly check-ins with the homeowners.
Design And Layout
Kitchen remodeling designs and layouts are the foundation of a successful project where the professionals work towards ensuring maximum space and efficient workflow. Here’s how:
- Applying The Kitchen Work Triangle Principle: This principle connects and arranges the three main workstations, i.e., sink, stove, and refrigerator, in a triangular formation with a safe distance of approximately four to nine feet. Experts adapt this principle to the kitchen’s shape and size, ensuring it works whether the layout is L-shaped, U-shaped, galley, or open-concept.
- Creating Multiple Layout Options: Professionals can offer multiple layout variations, including island vs. peninsula options and open vs. closed layouts, to show how different setups affect space flow.
Selecting Materials And Finishes
The kitchen remodeling professional expertly guides you through the selection of materials and finishes in the following ways:
- Cabinets: Experts help you select materials, such as solid wood, valued for its durability and classic appeal, or particle board, a more budget-friendly option. They also offer finish options, including paint and stain, for a better visual display.
- Countertops: When it comes to countertops, besides its material, experts help you select colors and patterns that can complement your space. For instance, bold and dark countertops often add contrast to modern designs. Contractors can also add edge details like bullnose, bevel, and more to add more character to your countertops.
- Flooring: Kitchen floors endure spills, heavy use, and high traffic, for which professionals can select resilient materials like ceramic tile, vinyl, or engineered wood. To give your kitchen a more seamless finish, they can install longer tiles or plank-style flooring that minimizes grout lines.
Execution
After the kitchen remodeling contractors have selected the material, they shift to the execution phase, which involves careful steps to ensure the project progresses smoothly. Have a look at how a professional executes your design:
- Demolition And Site Preparation: They start by clearing the existing kitchen space by carefully dismantling and removing old appliances, fixtures, and flooring without damaging structural elements or underlying utilities. Professionals then set up barriers and dust-control measures, including ventilation equipment, plastic sheeting, and floor coverings, to protect other parts of the space.
- Rough-In Plumbing, Electrical, And HVAC Work: After demolition, experts map out the new plumbing requirements, especially if the dishwasher, refrigerator, or sink’s placement has changed. They install new wiring, outlets, and switches to accommodate modern appliances and lighting. Experts also update a ventilation system and ensure all the HVAC elements are properly positioned.
- Structural Framing And Wall Construction: A remodeling project involving structural changes requires a professional to handle the framing necessary to reinforce walls, add support beams, or expand your space. These modifications help maintain structural integrity.
Finishing Touches
Once your kitchen truly comes together, kitchen remodeling contractors focus on the following final details and touches that enhance both aesthetics and usability:
- Backsplash Installation: The backsplash is often the main appealing point of a kitchen. From classic subway tiles to intricate mosaics, professionals help you select and install backsplash with precision.
- Final Appliance Installation And Setup: Experts make the final adjustments to ensure appliances, including ovens, refrigerators, and dishwashers, are correctly positioned and securely installed. For this, they often conduct a full inspection and test these appliances to ensure they work properly.
- Final Quality Check And Cleaning: A detailed inspection or quality check is performed by the professionals to ensure there is no misalignment or gaps. After the inspection, they carry out a thorough deep clean, i.e., wiping down all surfaces, vacuuming dust, and polishing finishes to ensure your kitchen is spotless and ready for immediate use.
Tips For Hiring Professionals
The following are some of the tips for hiring kitchen remodeling professionals:
- Look for a licensed and insured professional with specific experience in kitchen remodeling. They can protect you from potential liabilities.
- Review their portfolio and past work, reflecting their design capabilities, craftsmanship, and attention to detail. Looking at their before-and-after photos can also give you some clarity.
- Read their existing clients’ reviews to know their reliability, customer service, work ethics, communication skills, and timeliness.
- Request a detailed contract including all the project details, scope of work, costs, and materials.
- Always ask for cleanup and post-remodel support.
Final Word
A professional kitchen remodeling process involves much more than changing or updating appliances, cabinets, and flooring. It combines technical expertise, design skills, careful management, and timely execution within the agreed budget. Professionals throughout this process ensure that your kitchen space turns out the way you’ve envisioned.
So, what are you waiting for? Contact Illinois General Construction Services for the best kitchen remodeling in Northbrook, Schaumburg, and other cities in the Chicagoland area.
