Tacoma Kitchen Remodel is a significant investment. However, a well-planned remodel adds value to your home and enhances functionality.

Splurge strategically by choosing high-quality materials for areas that will impact your everyday kitchen use the most. Avoid over-buying on status-oriented appliances or overdoing it on decorative moldings and pilasters.

Clear out personal items that might block contractors or stand in the way of construction. This will minimize dust and disruptions to your daily routine.

Cabinets

Cabinetry is often the most expensive part of a kitchen remodel. It’s also one of the most impactful. Refinishing or repainting your cabinets can give your kitchen a fresh new look, especially when accessorized with a few stylish items.

The first step in a cabinet renovation is to clearly define your goals and expectations for the project with your designer. This helps to set the project scope and manage expectations for your remodeling contractor as well as any other professionals involved in the project, like plumbers or electricians. This will also help to establish budget goals for the project, so you can avoid surprises down the road.

During this stage, the design team will take detailed measurements to ensure that any new doors and drawer fronts will fit perfectly. They’ll also review the cabinet layout and existing hardware to determine what can be kept and what needs to be replaced. They’ll consider a wide variety of styles, materials, and finishes to create the perfect solution for your kitchen.

If you’re on a tight budget, you can often save money by simply refinishing your current cabinetry. Alternatively, refacing your cabinets is another cost-effective option that can give your kitchen a whole new look. This involves replacing cabinet fronts, refinishing cabinet boxes, and adding new hinges and hardware. In this remodel, cabinet refacing was used to refresh the appearance of the existing cabinetry and save money for more premium countertops and backsplash tile.

If you’re in need of additional storage space, adding pullout shelves to your base cabinets can be a simple yet stylish solution. They’ll provide easy access to items stored in the back of the cabinet, allowing you to fully maximize your pantry space.

Countertops

Countertops are one of the most significant investments in a kitchen remodel, so homeowners often take their time picking the right materials. Aside from aesthetic preferences, it’s important to consider a countertop’s durability and maintenance requirements during this process. This will help narrow down options, such as granite or quartz, versus marble or tile.

It’s also vital to determine whether the cabinetry can support a new countertop’s weight. If they can’t, the cabinets will need to be replaced before the new counters are installed. Otherwise, the countertops could buckle or sinks and faucets might not fit properly.

If your home’s cabinets are in good shape and you’re only replacing the countertops, it’s a good idea to consider refacing or painting them as well. This will give the kitchen a more updated look and create a consistent design throughout the room.

Reynal suggests using a countertop material that complements your backsplash to add depth and visual interest. For example, if you choose a natural stone countertop, you may want to use a contrasting tile backsplash.

A dated kitchen can feel outdated in just a few years, especially if the countertops and backsplash are not replaced. It’s a good idea to replace them both together so that the contractor can make sure everything fits correctly and looks seamless.

A fresh new kitchen is just a few renovation projects away. Start by reviewing your space and budget to decide what changes are necessary. Then, choose a remodeler that can provide the design and installation services you need to transform your home’s most important space. Once your kitchen is redesigned, you’ll be ready to cook, entertain, and enjoy the comforts of a well-designed space.

Flooring

Choosing the right flooring can help tie together your kitchen’s design and create a finished look. You can choose a light and neutral color or a bold or dramatic design that will make a statement in the room.

Wood floors are a great option for homeowners looking to add warmth and texture to their kitchen. Hardwoods are durable and can withstand a lot of wear and tear from everyday living. It’s also easy to clean and maintain, making it a great choice for busy families. If you decide on hardwood, consider having it installed before installing the cabinets to protect it from damage during the renovation process.

Tile is another popular flooring material that can be a great addition to any kitchen. It’s available in many different colors, patterns, and textures to suit any kitchen style. Tile can be installed before or after cabinetry, but installing it first makes it easier to install appliances and cabinets at a proper height for ease of use.

Reynal recommends setting aside at least 20% of your overall remodel budget for unexpected expenses, such as running out of paint or flooring. Unexpected expenses can also include having to repair electrical or plumbing issues, so it’s important to be prepared.

One way to prepare for an unexpected expense is by using a credit card that allows you to pay off the balance in a short period of time. This can boost your credit score while you’re going through a remodel, and it may also allow you to qualify for a lower interest rate than you would get on a traditional loan. However, you should be sure to set up a payment plan that ensures the credit card will be paid off in a timely manner.

Appliances

In many kitchen remodels, appliances are one of the last items to be added. This gives you the opportunity to select appliances that work well with your cabinets, countertop and tile to create a cohesive style in your kitchen. It’s also a good time to consider how you use your kitchen and pick appliances that will help you be most efficient. Do you frequently host large family gatherings? Maybe you’ll want to make sure your new kitchen has two ovens. Do you often cook meals in advance and freeze them? You’ll need a reliable freezer.

It’s also a good idea to upgrade your appliances during this phase of the kitchen remodel. A new set of appliances will look more attractive than your older ones, and they may also be more energy efficient. Finally, this is a good time to consider adding luxury items like a wine chiller or water filtration system.

If you’re replacing your refrigerator or dishwasher, it’s important to have a plan for moving them before the demolition phase begins. You’ll likely be without these items during the remodel, and they’re more susceptible to damage during this time. It’s best to find a storage space for these items until your remodel is complete.

If you’re remodeling your entire kitchen, it’s important to create a budget and stick to it. It’s easy to overspend in a new kitchen, and you don’t want to run out of money before the project is complete. You can avoid this by creating a detailed list of the elements you want in your kitchen and setting a realistic budget for each. A professional designer can help you stay on track and make the most of your kitchen remodel.

Lighting

A well-planned lighting design can transform a kitchen from drab and uninspired to bright, inviting, and functional. Choosing the right fixtures and bulbs can also help save money in the long run. There are a wide range of choices for illuminating your home’s kitchen, from traditional recessed lighting to smart LEDs. The key is to create a layered lighting plan that combines ambient, task, and accent illumination.

Ambient lights are installed overhead, either recessed or flush to the ceiling, and provide overall illumination throughout the space. They can be enhanced by installing dimmer switches to allow you to change the mood and highlight your decor. Consider hanging a mirror or two to bounce light around the room and add a touch of elegance.

Task lighting highlights specific work areas where tasks such as cooking take place. This can include under-cabinet lights that shine directly onto countertops, pendant lights above an island, or wall sconces near the sink. Adding a dimmer switch allows you to adjust the brightness of these lights and create a more relaxing atmosphere when entertaining or spending time with family.

Accent lighting is used to illuminate framed artwork or other decorative elements in the kitchen. As more homeowners are using their kitchens as a gathering and living space, canvases and framed photos are commonplace. Adding recessed, adjustable fixtures to highlight these pieces can bring them to life.

Optimal brightness levels are critical for kitchens, as they promote safety and enable effective food preparation. A kitchen remodeling project can help you achieve these goals and create a bright, welcoming area where everyone will want to spend time. The team at Honey-Doers Home Remodeling is ready to assist with your kitchen remodel, helping you choose the best lighting options for your needs and style.