Remodeling Kitchens Orange County NY: 4 steps to remodeling your kitchen

When you decide to tackle this complex undertaking, you want to do it right. A recent survey by Houzz.com indicted that forty-nine percent of homeowners plan to completely gut their existing kitchen and start with a clean state. Regardless of the scope of your project, follow these four steps to design the space you’ve been dreaming about.

Step 1: Create a budget

The first step is to determine how much you’re willing to spend. There is a wide range of updates that can change the look and function of your space, whatever the price tag. Whether you need basic upgrades or a complete remodel, setting a budget will help you and your professionals create a realistic plan from the start and help to avoid wasting time on things that your budget won’t allow. Orange County real estate agents recommend a budget guideline of no more than 15 percent of a home’s total value when remodeling a kitchen. An updated space can also make it easier to sell the house when you’re ready. Consider what you want to accomplish and then decide what investment you want to make in your home.

Step 2: Think about what you need (versus what you want)

A functional, attractive kitchen offers intangible benefits, such as how much you’ll enjoy cooking and whether it’s suitable for entertaining. Take a step back and think about how you use the kitchen. Are you an avid baker who needs more counter space for producing confections? Do you have two cooks that need space to work? In order of increasing complexity (and, likely, cost), here are some popular changes to make to your space:

• hardware and faucet(s)

• countertops and sink

• add trim or glass inserts in doors

• add or update lighting (in cabinet, under cabinet, general room)

• change the appliances

• add storage or add inserts to existing storage

• change the cabinets and/or the floor

• change the layout, remove wall(s)

• make the space larger

Step 3: Research and plan

Sources for ideas and inspiration are infinite – especially online. Sites like Pinterest and Houzz provide endless eye candy and design concepts for your new kitchen space. Magazine articles and features can also provide valuable how-to information and design advice. Save any favorite ideas in one place, either online or in a folder, making everything easily accessible when it’s time to get started, and you can share it when you meet with your kitchen specialist. To visualize a few of the upgrades you’re considering – not to mention touch and feel them – visit our showroom to see a number of vignettes.

Step 4: Determine your approach

Will you hire a pro or do most of the work yourself? If you want to change the layout or remove walls in the kitchen, it’s best to work with a professional contractor. Cabinet installation isn’t rocket science but a contractor that specializes in kitchens has tools and experience that make the job go quicker, look the best, and gets you back in your kitchen faster. Ask neighbors, coworkers or us for recommendations or you can find a number of professionals online from sites like Angie’s List or Houzz. There are certain projects, like demo, painting, and installation of new faucets that anyone can tackle. If you’re an avid DIYer, you may feel comfortable installing new cabinets or flooring but plumbing, electrical, or adding new light sources are jobs best left to a licensed professional.

Now you’re ready to bring your budget and ideas to us to get the project started.