20 QUESTIONS TO ASK WHEN REMODELING YOUR KITCHEN
The kitchen is where many spend the most time in their homes. From gathering with family to experimenting with recipes or entertaining guests, life happens around the kitchen. It can be a place where your individual style shines or a place that’s curated with appliances that make prep and cleanup a breeze.
With so much happening in the kitchen, you may have thought of ways to make your space reflect both your creativity and your lifestyle. In this guide, learn some essential information to consider before taking on a kitchen remodel.
QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF WHEN PLANNING A KITCHEN REMODEL
A lot goes into a kitchen remodel—planning, budgeting, preparing, setting a timeline and then taking those noteworthy first steps. Whether you are doing most of the work yourself or hiring dedicated contractors to complete the project, it's best to have a general framework of how you will accomplish it.
With so many ideas on the table, starting a remodel can be exciting. There are endless possibilities ahead, and you’re on your way to creating your dream kitchen.
To help you during the initial phases, here is a list of some things you can ask yourself before embarking on your renovation:
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1. IS THIS A MAJOR OR MINOR REMODEL?
First and foremost, you’ll want to think about how involved your remodel project will be. Are you going all in and removing cabinets or simply updating your existing space? It’s best to have an initial plan in place so you can understand the type of work that will need to go into remodeling your kitchen.
It will also depend on the size of your space and how much you want to do. Smaller kitchen remodeling can require fewer materials and less work, as there are not as many surfaces and areas to cover with the renovation. A full kitchen remodel will naturally involve more planning and materials to bring your project across the finish line.
2. IS IT TIME TO UPDATE MY APPLIANCES?
Remodeling is an excellent time to add appliances designed with craftsmanship in every detail. Updated major appliances can bring new life to your space, as they offer modern finishes and sleek lines. There are also countless innovations to appliances to help make your home more technologically advanced, like smart ovens you can control right from your smartphone. These updated appliances come with features and functions that make cooking as simple as pressing a button.
For a full suite of appliances, KitchenAid brand offers curated options that go together to provide a cohesive look in your space.
3. WHO WILL DO THE WORK?
Next, you will need to consider who is taking on what. DIYing your kitchen renovation is sometimes possible, especially with so many resources available, like how-tos and guides. It’s also a fun way to get involved in your renovation and let your creativity shine.
Hiring a professional contractor or remodel company has its advantages, too. Professionals bring experience, efficiency and industry knowledge that can help save you time and help ensure high-quality results.
4. WHAT ARE MY WANTS VERSUS NEEDS?
When tackling a major kitchen remodel, it seems natural to want to accomplish everything on your wishlist. But if you have any constraints, like budget or timing, it's best to understand what is necessary to complete right now and what could be revisited in the future. Making a list of your wants and needs is very beneficial to you during the planning phase, as it helps set a framework for the different steps to come in your remodel.
5. HOW WILL I PREPARE MEALS WHILE MY KITCHEN IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION?
Depending on how much you change throughout your space, you may need other places to cook and eat while your remodel occurs. Be sure you have options planned out, so you can be out of the way while the work is being done.
A hot plate or KitchenAid® countertop convection oven can allow you to explore different recipes while your appliances are not accessible during the remodeling process. If you have other sinks available, like a utility sink in a garage or basement, you’ll need to plan on washing dishes there, as you won’t be able to use your dishwasher.
QUESTIONS TO ASK A KITCHEN DESIGNER
When hiring a designer, start by choosing one that aligns with and understands your style. A dedicated designer should feel like a partner throughout your remodel, as they can help bring in options you may not have thought of and guide you in the decision-making process along the way.
Here are some of the top questions you may need to ask when reaching out to a designer:
6. HOW CAN I ACCOMPLISH MY GOALS?
Start by asking your designer what they think of your remodeling goals and what they can do to help you achieve them. Their plans will ultimately impact your end result and how you’ll function in your kitchen daily.
7. WHAT LAYOUT IS RIGHT FOR MY KITCHEN?
A designer will have an expert opinion on your proposed layout. You may go into the project with preconceived ideas, but they’ll be able to help transform your space and often come up with less obvious options to help you make the most out of your kitchen.
Be sure to mention your lifestyle when discussing the layout of your kitchen. If you’re an avid entertainer, your kitchen might be tailored to include a large space for prep and gathering. If you want a more efficient kitchen, your designer may look to have certain appliances near each other and integrate a pantry close by for preparing meals.
8. HOW DO I MAKE THE MOST OF MY BUDGET?
Your designer should know the right tips and tricks to help stay within your desired budget. It’s best to be upfront with your designer right away so they can understand what they’re working with, as this will impact the types of plans they create or how extensive their proposed design will be.
9. WHICH APPLIANCES DO YOU RECOMMEND FOR MY KITCHEN?
Designers are not only up on aesthetic trends; they're tuned into the industry and have all the intel on the latest appliances. After all, the types of appliances you add to your kitchen can significantly affect the design.
Be sure to talk to your designer about your lifestyle and what appliances are desired in your kitchen. They’ll be able to help make the best choices for you and incorporate them into their overall design, like a KitchenAid® built-in refrigerator, set of stacked double wall ovens or versatile cooktops integrated into an island.
KitchenAid brand offers a collection of appliances with top-of-the-line performance and a seamless aesthetic to fit with your kitchen. If you aren't sure which refrigerators or ranges are best for your home, you can learn more about the must-have appliances with this guide.
QUESTIONS TO ASK A KITCHEN CONTRACTOR
As your designer is working on finalizing plans, a contractor will help make it all happen. Having the right team of people selected for your project is one step toward ensuring everything will run smoothly.
A good rule of thumb is to start setting standards with your contractor right away. Establishing a line of communication with this individual prior to any work will not only help ease the overall process but will help keep you updated on the progress.
Here are some other questions you’ll want to ask your contractors while embarking on a remodeling project:
10. HOW MUCH WILL THIS KITCHEN REMODEL COST?
Start by getting quotes from contractors you are thinking of working with. Your contractor should be able to estimate how much labor will cost and the different pricing for different materials. This will help you realistically estimate your budget.
11. WHAT IS THE ESTIMATED PROJECT TIMELINE?
Asking about the estimated timeline for your kitchen remodel can help you plan your life around the project. A contractor will typically be able to break the process into phases and provide a general schedule, even if some flexibility is needed. Be sure to ask about working hours, expected completion dates and how delays will be communicated. This will help you manage expectations and ensure your remodel stays on track.
12. DO YOU HAVE PHOTOS OF PREVIOUS WORK?
A picture is worth a thousand words. While positive testimonials will help you narrow down who you want to hire, you’ll also want to see images that back up a contractor's reviews to gain an understanding of their craftsmanship quality.
13. WHAT IS YOUR INPUT ON THE DESIGN?
As you go down the path of renovating, some things may not fit properly or have to be changed once the design starts coming to life during the build. To help avoid this, start by communicating the plans with your contractor early. After all, they work with these materials daily, so they truly understand what works best in your kitchen.
14. HOW OFTEN WILL you MEET TO CHECK IN ON THE RENOVATION?
Setting a communication schedule is key with a remodeling project. A routine day and time for doing status checks will be a relief for many, as it offers you a designated time to see how things are going.
Once you start going through the initial planning phases of your remodel, you’ll move on to the fun stuff, like picking out tiles, materials and other design options for your kitchen. Then before you know it, your dream kitchen will start to take shape around you and you’ll be able to watch your vision come to life.
15. WHICH MEMBERS OF YOUR TEAM WILL BE WORKING ON THE PROJECT?
Ask your contractor to introduce you to the team members who will be on site during your project. It’s important to know who will be in your home, what their roles will be and whether any work will be done by subcontractors. Inquire about each person’s experience and who your main point of contact will be for questions or updates.
16. HOW WILL YOU PROTECT MY HOME DURING THE REMODEL?
Protecting your home during construction is essential. Ask how the contractor plans to safeguard floors, walls and other finished areas. Measures may include drop cloths, plastic barriers and covering HVAC vents to prevent dust spread. Understanding this process up front can help ensure peace of mind during the remodel.
17. WHAT ARE YOUR DAILY CLEANUP PROCEDURES?
Daily cleanup is critical in keeping your home livable throughout the remodel. Ask contractors what you can expect each day in terms of trash removal, tool organization and safety practices. Knowing that your space will be tidy at the end of each workday can help reduce the stress of living through construction.
18. WHAT IS THE PAYMENT SCHEDULE?
Be sure to review the payment schedule before work begins. A professional contractor will usually outline payment milestones, such as deposits, mid-project payments, and a final payment after completion and any touch-ups. Avoid paying the full amount up front and ensure all agreements are in writing.
19. WHAT IS THE PROCESS FOR CHANGE ORDERS?
Change orders are common in remodeling. Ask how your contractor handles scope or design changes once work is underway. Get clarity on the process for approvals, additional costs and updated timelines. A clear plan for handling changes helps avoid miscommunication and surprise expenses.
20. WHAT IS THE WARRANTY ON YOUR WORK?
Construction warranties are essentially promises—explicit or implied—that certain aspects of the work will meet agreed-upon standards. Ask your contractor if the warranty will be spelled out in the contract and how long it will last. Common types include material, workmanship and callback warranties.
Be sure to also ask about vendor warranties for appliances or materials they install. Understanding the warranty terms, coverage and process for filing a claim may help protect you after the project is complete.
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