By: Kelli Nunnally, Designer
So, you are considering a remodel of either a kitchen or a bathroom. What should you expect? What is your first move? Where should you go and most importantly, what should you expect to spend? And finally, how long should the process take?
These are all very important questions. Let’s first consider the starting point. It is always a good idea to start by looking at magazines and checking out the internet. Why would I suggest this? So that when you go to visit a professional designer, you have an idea of what you like and what you might want. It is always best to do your homework before going to a professional design store.
Your next step is to visit a professional. You will be able to see actual kitchen displays and many door styles and options for your new kitchen or bath. But isn’t a professional remodeling store more expensive than an individual remodeler or a large box store? Absolutely not! This is one of the biggest myths of our industry. A professional design store will carry a range of products for nearly every budget. And the experienced designer will be able to help you through the selection process with your budget in mind. Also, a professional remodeler can offer installation, electrical and plumbing contractors and additional materials all within one contract. This makes it easy for you, the homeowner. You can let the professional worry about all the little details of a complete remodel.
After you have some idea of what you would like, the next step is for the professional to come to your home and take detailed measurements of your space. During this process, it may become clear to the designer that some of your wishes may not actually work in your space. Take a kitchen island for instance. Often folks really want that separate island, but really don’t have the room for the minimal clearances that are required for an island. This is where the experienced designer can really help.
Next is a trip back to the store to look over the design, usually in 3D on a computer screen. This will give you a very good idea of what your finished remodeled kitchen or bath will look like. At this time, pricing of your selections will be discussed. Often there will be a few options to increase or decrease the total price. So what should you expect to pay? That is a question that just can’t be answered in the context of this article. There are so many variables that go into pricing a remodel. From the quality of products, to the changes in the overall space, to the amount of labor that will be needed to complete the job. But often the original visit, design and pricing are offered at no charge to the client and an experienced designer will be able to give you a better idea after discussing what you want and seeing your specific space.
Finally, how long will it take to make over your bath or kitchen? Well, again that will depend on quite a few details. The original design, measuring and planning can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. Next, it will depend on which cabinet line you select. Cabinets are almost always made after the order is placed. Gone are the days of warehouses full of cabinets waiting to fill a kitchen. Why is this? Because not everyone wants the same wood or door style anymore. Oak used to be the main wood that was used for kitchen and bath cabinets. But today is different. Everyone wants their space to reflect their own personality. So we have white cabinets, rustic wood cabinets, sleek bamboo or laminate cabinets and everything in between. With cabinets not being produced until the order is placed, you can expect to wait anywhere from 3 – 8 weeks for your cabinets to arrive. Once your cabinets arrive, the job can begin. Depending on the amount of work needed in your space, you can figure on anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to demo your existing space and prepare for your new cabinets. The flooring should almost always be installed before your new cabinets and it is easiest to paint before fixtures and cabinets are installed.
Once the background is ready, it is time to install the main components. Cabinets, fixtures, and appliances are next to be added. You can figure on a week or more to receive your new top once the template is finished. Then its tile work, final electrical, and final plumbing before your remodel is mostly complete.
What’s left? Well, almost every remodel will have some punch out work to be completed. This is usually something fairly minor, but it still takes from 2-3 weeks to receive replacement parts as they also have to be produced after the order is placed. But while you are waiting for these small details to be worked out, you are usually enjoying your brand new, beautiful, functional new kitchen or bathroom.
A kitchen or bath remodel is a large purchase for all homeowners as it will be expected to last for at least 10 – 20 years or even more. So take your time, do you homework, work with professionals and enjoy the process of creating a space made just for you!