Remodeling Your Kitchen: 10 steps to the desired end result

Remodeling projects can be a real challenge, and kitchen remodeling ranks as one of the most difficult undertakings in the construction business. There are so many details involved in the preparation and execution of the project that a solid game plan is needed to ensure that everything is accounted for and that everything goes as smoothly as possible. From concept to completion, every detail needs to be well thought out and documented before the work can begin. The following 10 steps have proven to be a highly effective means of getting the work done within a reasonable budget and with the least amount of disruption to your lifestyle.

1. Initial Consultation – The first step is a process of discovery. If you’re like most people, you probably have a pretty good idea of what you’d like to accomplish. However, unless you have high level of experience in the design and execution of a remodeling project, you may not be aware of what it takes to realize your vision. For example, there may be options that you haven’t considered or that you didn’t even know existed. This is where the skill and experience of a knowledgeable professional can pay big dividends. The initial consultation – which I offer for free – can illuminate the level of complexity and the impact it has on your budget. At any rate, this session allows you to see your project through the eyes of one who has been through the process hundreds of times. And it costs you nothing more than an hour or so of your time.
   

2. As-built Drawing – The next step is to define the current space in the form of a drawing that details the location of the walls, doors, windows and fixtures, the ceiling height, and the current layout of the cabinetry and appliances. This drawing serves as the basis for the demolition stage and for producing the design. A complete and accurate drawing is critical in order to ensure that the design will fit the space.
   

3. Preliminary Design – In some cases, the design will involve simply replacing the existing cabinets, countertops, backsplash, and plumbing fixtures, without disturbing the current footprint. On the other hand, you may want to open up the space by removing certain walls so as to accommodate additional cabinetry or maybe putting in an island. Obviously, the higher the degree of complexity, the higher the price tag. At this stage, the primary objective is to define the layout and where to place the various cabinet types. The focus here is on functionality rather than the styles and finishes of the cabinets, which are selected in the next step. The National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) publishes a set of guidelines that if adhered to, will typically result in the optimal layout for a given space. For example, the work triangle consists of the location of the sink, the refrigerator, and the cooking surface. These locations should form a triangle such that one can move directly between them with no obstruction. There are also five zones to consider; cold storage, dry storage, preparation, cooking, and clean up. Each zone is comprised of the appropriate base, wall, and/or tall cabinets, as well as the appliances and fixtures. This step may involve one or more revisions in order to perfect the design.
   

4. Product Selection – Once the preliminary design is complete, it’s time to select the style and finishes for the cabinets, the type of countertops, the appliances, the fixtures (both plumbing and electrical), as well as the backsplash, trim, and other aesthetic features. Sometimes, the flooring may need to be replaced, particularly if a wall is removed or a door is relocated, exposing areas that the existing floor does not cover.
   

5. Field Verification – After the design and product selections are complete, a review and verification of all of the dimensions is conducted in order to ensure that everything will fit. This is a critical step before any materials are ordered, particularly the cabinetry.
   

6. Final Approval - One last review of the design is conducted with the homeowner for final approval.
   

7. Detailed Drawings – At this point, the design is reduced to construction grade drawings. At the very least, these include the floor plan and elevations. In some cases, a demolition plan is needed to illustrate designs that require the removal of structural components (walls, doors, windows, etc.) as well as the relocation of plumbing and electrical fixtures if required. Not all projects require permits, but for those that do, the local building department will need these drawings to be of sufficient detail before any permits are issued. The detailed drawings also serve to formulate the scope of work and the budget, as well as providing field personnel with a clear illustration of the work to be done.
   

8. Scope of Work and Budget – The scope of work is formulated on a line-item basis describing the work to be done as detailed on a spreadsheet, including a budget with allowances for labor and materials. The line-items are listed in the order that they are to be completed, which in turn serve as the basis for producing a project plan.      

9. Contractor Selection – The detailed drawings and the scope of work form a set of construction documents that are used to solicit quotes from various contractors and suppliers, in order to solidify the budget. This can be accomplished in one of two ways; soliciting quotes from general contractors who provide a lump sum for the entire project or soliciting quotes from sub-contractors if you should choose to act as your own general contractor. Either way, finding the right people to do the work can be a challenge. Simply going with the lowest bid is not always the best choice. The notion that “good work ain’t cheap and cheap work ain’t good” comes into play here. You’ll want to make sure that the people you choose have the required skill and experience, as well as a solid reputation for doing good work.
   

10. Project Management – This where the rubber meets the road. Managing a kitchen remodel – or any remodeling project for that matter – starts with a plan that details what will be done and in what order. This is best accomplished by using the “critical path method”. This approach takes into consideration the work that must be completed before each step in the process can begin. For example, any framing and rough plumbing, electrical and HVAC work needs to be completed before any drywall work is done. Then of course, the question becomes who will manage the project? If you elect to hire a general contractor, they would provide their own project manager. If you choose to be your own general contractor, you could either manage the project yourself or you could hire a knowledgeable professional to manage it for you. At any rate, effective project management is critical in order to minimize disruption and efficiently complete the work on time and within budget.

As you can see, there's much more to remodeling a kitchen than the average individual may realize. As a highly experienced professional, I can produce the design and construction documents, as well as assisting in product selection and evaluating bids from contractors. Finally, I can serve as your project manager if you'd like.

Ready to get started? Give me a call or send an email to schedule your free initial consultation.