5 Things To Do Before Remodeling Your Kitchen

A new kitchen can be life changing.  The process of obtaining one definitely is!  Make no mistake, it's stressful and expensive but it can also be fun and adventurous, with a little preparation.  Here are five steps, culled from my 20 plus years in the biz, that can help make the process less about stress and more about adventure! Collect Your Thoughts & ImagesI have always been a big proponent of what I call "kitchen scrapbooking".  It's the best way to begin. Collecting your ideas is now easier than ever with resources like Houzz.com, Pinterest and Modenus.  Just grab what appeals to you for whatever reason.  This is the way to identify your style.  Sometimes a picture is what it takes.  You may choose 12 pics and 10 of them feature black counter tops!  Maybe you hadn't even consciously thought of that preference.  Get the picture?Consult a proOnce you have some good ideas about what type of appliances, cabinets etc. you'd like to see in your kitchen run it by a pro.  I have always felt that the best projects are the result of great collaborations.  The more you bring to the table, the more your kitchen will be a unique reflection of your own personality and lifestyle.  My job is to make sure you know all your options and to translate them into a functional and beautiful plan.  A large (and fun) part of my job is staying educated on the latest products and technologies and I am excited to share that info with my clients.  Most kitchen designers will work with you at whatever level you require from simple consultations to full blown project management including design, supply and installation.  When you're making an investment in a new kitchen consulting with  a trusted and knowledgeable professional is a small price to pay!Create a temporary kitchenOnce the madness begins you can realistically expect your kitchen to be down at least ten days or so, maybe longer depending on various factors.  Having a functioning temporary kitchen will be your saving grace.  If you have a laundry room with a sink that is a good start.  Locate your refrigerator close by.  If you have a microwave hood you can set it on a table or other surface.  Just plug it in and you're good to go.  Slow cookers are a good idea too.  If you are a domestic diva, start freezing meals!  Pack a box with your everyday necessities such as glasses, plates, cutlery, cups etc. and don't forget the coffee pot.  The more time you take to think this part through and set it up, the happier you'll be during the process.  Trust me.Be prepared to go over budgetBudgeting for your new kitchen can seem daunting.  It is.  You think you've thought of everything but then something else is bound to appear.  There are some tools that can help.  Check out the free downloadable Kitchen & Bath Planner available here from the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA)Pick your battlesYou will be faced with an overwhelming amount of choices as you work  through the process and you're going to have to decide what your priorities  are.  Unfortunately, usually, we can't have it all.  Pick three.  Think of the  things that will add the most value for YOU!  Those should be your splurges.  You can save money elsewhere.  It's just like clothes.  Investing in that one  great handbag or pair of shoes or scarf can elevate the style factor of a whole  outfit.  In the kitchen it could be a counter top, a particular tile or cabinet  finish that you fall in love with but it can also be something like investing in a  counter depth refrigerator that doesn't stick out a foot if your tight on space. There you have it, if you've been looking for a place to begin, this is a great start.  Don't hesitate to email me for help at kitchensforliving@gmail.com.  If you've experienced a kitchen renovation, what would you add to this list?