Kitchen Remodeling - What To Do Before The Big Event
When it comes to your renovation dollars, there is nothing that gives you as big a return as a kitchen remodel.
In fact, statistics have shown up to a 98.5% return rate. What this means, is the price of your home goes up by almost as much as the cost of your kitchen renovation. Making it an investment, rather than and expense. The statistics in Panama may be slightly different, but the idea remains the same.
Once you have decided to do your kitchen remodel, the real work begins. And, I am not talking about the mess you have to live through while the renovation is in process. I mean the prep work of getting ready.
This is actually where you need to spend the most of your time. If the prep work is done correctly, the rest of your kitchen remodel can be handled by your contractor, with minimal input from you.
The first item of business for you is to decide how much you are able and willing to spend on your remodel. In Panama, like most places, a kitchen remodel can cost any where from a couple of thousand, up to tens or even hundreds of thousands.
In the US, the average is around $15,000, but it will depend on where you are. In Panama an equivalent Kitchen remodel will probably cost less, even though materials may cost a little more.
Once you have decided on a price range, you should start to consider what you want in your kitchen remodel. Keep in mind the "work triangle" and how you can get the most counter space into your existing room. Consider stationary and movable counter space, as well as the types and placements of appliances you want.
This does not have to be overly detailed at this point. You will hash out the details later with your contractor. But you do want a good idea so you can start shopping around.
Your next task is going to be to select a contractor. Discuss options with friends or neighbors. And then talk to the contractors of your choice. You do not necessarily want to go with the cheapest contractor. Find one you feel comfortable in working with.
In Panama, if you come from anywhere else in the world, it pays to select a builder who has experience working with foreigners. This is partially because they will speak English. But more importantly because they understand what foreigners are looking for in their kitchen renovation.
Once you have selected your contractor, hash out all of the details. Make sure you know exactly what materials are going to be used. And how they are going to be applied.
This is not the time to be vague. If everything is decided, and written down, there will be less need for change lists later on. This will keep your project on time and on budget.
Speaking of budget, always allow yourself 20% extra from what you think the remodel is going to cost. There are always unforeseen situations in a remodel, and you want to be prepared for them. This 20% makes a nice buffer. Hopefully, if you follow the other steps, not too much of this will be required.
Finally, make plans for how you are going to live while the renovation is in progress. Move out all of your kitchen utensils and everything else you care about. Don't leave these for the contractor to deal with.
Figure out how you are going to cook and eat during this time. And allow for extra time due to date delays.
Make sure you have a way to block dust from getting around the rest of your house. And if you are home through the day, figure out how you are going to be able to deal with the noise.
It is going to take your contractor much longer to finish your project, and it is going to cost you more, if he constantly has to be working around your schedule. So make sure you make it as easy as possible for the contractor to do his job. It will help your project move along much more quickly.
Doing the proper prep work for your kitchen remodel will go a long way towards making it as stress free as possible. If you adequately plan every detail, once the work starts, all you need to do is sit back. And watch your beautiful new kitchen come together.
Once you decide it is time to renovate, do as much planning as you can before you start. It may seem like it is unproductive, but it will make all the difference in the world to your finished project.
A kitchen remodel has the best return on investment of any renovation. But, only if it stays on time and on budget through proper preparation.
by: Carlos Duncan
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