How To Start Your Remodel

Posted on Sept 2nd, 2022

Most homeowners aren’t thrilled with the kitchen their house came with. Maybe it’s really outdated or maybe it’s been updated but doesn’t reflect your style. At all. If you’re tired of just “making it work” with what you have, it’s time to stop settling and it’s time to make some change. A remodel can really freshen up a space to give you some aspects you truly love while elevating the appeal of the rest of your home. 

If you’ve been longing for a new kitchen but aren’t sure where to start, here is your guide to kicking off your new kitchen remodel.

Determine Your Style

You don’t have to have every aspect of your kitchen laid out before speaking with a designer, but you should try to get an overall feel of which kitchen style you like the most. It’s important to not go overly trendy or you may tire of the style after a few years. Also, keep the current style of your home in mind. If you live in a modern home, a traditional kitchen probably isn’t a good fit. A kitchen is a big investment and you want to make sure you’re not hurting the marketability of your home.

This is where Pinterest and Houzz.com can come in very handy. Create a board of kitchens you like overall. Once you’ve gathered about 15 - 20 kitchens, you should be able to get an overall idea of what style you tend to gravitate towards.

Find What Inspires You

Once you’ve determined your general style, it’s time to dig a little deeper and find certain aspects you like. Again, don’t put too much pressure on yourself to make every decision right now, just try to get a general idea of what’s out there so you can make sure you’re making informed decisions when the time comes.

Create a board of different design features you like, such as the layout of the kitchen (U-shape, L-shape, galley, etc.), double sinks, a kitchen island, or lower cabinet drawers instead of cupboards. Also create a board of palettes, such as marble with white paint, herringbone tile backsplash with quartz countertops, etc.

Select A Budget Range

Once you’ve got a general idea of what you would like to do, it’s time to determine a general budget range of what you’re willing to invest in your kitchen. We say range because we all know any project in the house has room for unexpected expenses. Plus, we all tend to err on the side of affordable-as-possible because who doesn’t want to save money? So create a range you’re comfortable with so you won’t be too shook if/when you have to make changes.

Choose A Designer

Now that you’ve got a general idea of your style, what aspects you’d like to have in your kitchen, and a general budget, it’s time to find the right designer. Start with research! Look at previous work the designer has done to see if they’re a good fit for what you’re looking for. Read as many reviews as you can from homeowners who used this designer for their own remodel. Also, ensure they are licensed and come from a reputable organization that will professionally handle any issues you come across during the remodel.

At Bray & Scarff, all of our designers are licensed and offer an elaborate background of experience. They are experts in their field and are ready to listen and work with you today! Meet our designers here and schedule a consultation now!