“Sometimes, people say they’re remodeling the kitchen when they mean they’re painting a few walls and buying new towels,” Janet laughed. “Meanwhile I’m over here planning on knocking out walls and bringing in new appliances – a major kitchen renovation. What are the most helpful things I should know during the planning process?”
As kitchen renovation contractors in Hingham, we always encourage homeowners to invest some real time and thought into the planning and design process. Because everyone in the family uses the kitchen, it’s a good idea to have everyone’s thoughts and input when making choices. These discussions take time, but that’s okay. Most local contractors are now booking 2023 kitchen renovations, so you have the opportunity to really talk things through.
Major Kitchen Remodel Tip #1: Know Local Codes & Ordinances
Before you get your heart set on a kitchen addition of a specific size in a specific location, it’s a good idea to make sure local building codes allow for this type of change to be made. There are rules regarding how close homes may come to the property line, for example, that you’ll want to know about. Much of this information is available online, or your local kitchen contractor can point you in the right direction. When you know for sure the parameters you can operate within, you’re free to plan with confidence.
Major Kitchen Remodel Tip #2: Create a Robust Budget
It’s always a good idea to have a budget firmly in place for kitchen renovations, but when you’re doing a major remodel, it’s critical to understand how much money you’re going to need and when you’re going to need it. By strategically timing purchases, especially appliances, cabinetry, and other building materials, it’s possible to save a good deal of money but it’s impossible to spot savings opportunity when you don’t know what you’ll need to buy.
Costs are fluctuating due to the ongoing global pandemic, but as a rule of thumb, major upscale kitchen renovations in this part of Massachusetts are averaging between $95 – 140K. To keep this expense manageable, use your favorite financing tools and the expertise of trusted professionals. Over the years, we’ve found that the families who have the lowest stress levels throughout a major remodel are the families who have a strong handle on their budget.
Major Kitchen Remodel Tip #3: Don’t Be Afraid to Have Fun
During the planning phase is the time to try out outrageous ideas and enjoy yourself. What would an all-purple kitchen look like? What if there was a real pizza oven in the new kitchen? What if every appliance in the kitchen could be controlled from your smartphone and your fridge could order groceries for you? Not every kitchen design idea or new technological possibility is for every household, but it’s during the planning phase that you have the fun of discovering what the possibilities are. Keeping an open mind means you might discover ways of changing your kitchen that truly make it into your favorite room in the house.