Kitchen Remodeling Beaverton, OR: Planning Your Dream Kitchen

A kitchen remodel is one of those projects that sounds simple and then quickly becomes a Herculean task. Countless factors affect a remodel, including cabinets, flooring, fixtures, lighting, appliances, countertops, and more. And each decision is dependent on the others in ways that can make your head swim before you've chosen the paint colors. As such, a homeowner in the Beaverton or Portland area looking to update their kitchen should consider the time spent planning their kitchen remodel, as it can prevent years of headaches and financial heartbreak.

Any kitchen remodeling Beaverton, OR homeowner who has researched their project can attest: most issues stem from the planning process rather than the work itself. So, to ensure your dream kitchen is realized precisely as imagined, let's discuss several factors that a homeowner should consider before knocking out their walls.

Think About How You Use the Room Before Doing Research.

Most people have certain expectations for their kitchen. Some like to cook, whereas others prefer to use it more as a place to eat and be entertained. You may also have regular guests who like to be served while you cook, or find yourself and another person constantly blocking each other in the kitchen.

Regardless, the way in which we use our kitchen has a large effect on how we need it to be structured, equipped, and finished. A kitchen that looks amazing in a magazine but doesn't complement the way we live can be more trouble than it's worth after only a few months. That's why it's so vital to observe your current kitchen for a week or so and make a list of your likes and dislikes. These are things that could potentially be changed or added during the remodeling process.

Set a Budget

Speaking of money, it's time to think about the big question: how much money are we willing to spend? Unfortunately, many homeowners make the mistake of determining what they want and then deciding how much money they'll need to make it all happen. The worst-case scenario involves having to limit the scope of the project or completely change the direction of your ideas and design due to financial constraints. Instead, the smart approach is to decide on a maximum budget for the project first, then choose what you want based on that number.

It's also a good idea to set aside 10-15 percent of your budget for miscellaneous expenses. Once you begin knocking out walls, it's not uncommon to discover old water leaks, outdated materials, or other problems that can add up substantially.

Speaking of money, it's time to think about the big question: how much money are we willing to spend? Unfortunately, many homeowners make the mistake of determining what they want and then deciding how much money they'll need to make it all happen. The worst-case scenario involves having to limit the scope of the project or completely change the direction of your ideas and design due to financial constraints. Instead, the smart approach is to decide on a maximum budget for the project first, then choose what you want based on that number.

Decide on a Layout

Most kitchen designs can be generally categorized as galley, L-shaped, or U-shaped, as well as open-concept designs that include an island. Whether you choose a design, it should be suited to the size of your home, the location of the support beams, and how the rest of the house is structured. If you're thinking about an open-concept kitchen and are considering removing a load-bearing wall, hiring a professional structural engineer to determine how feasible this is will be vital. If it is possible, finding out how much it's going to cost before you set your heart on that amazing new layout is essential.

The galley or L-shaped design is also a fantastic option, especially for smaller homes. These types of kitchens allow homeowners to maximize the amount of usable space they have and can help you be much more organized.

Prioritize the Layout over Looks

Many people are so enamored with the thought of beautiful tile and cabinets that they forget to think through their kitchen layout. While it may not be as glamorous, the layout of your kitchen is vitally important and should always be considered before any decisions about finishes and materials are made. The placement of your work center, sink, and refrigerator should also be taken into account since they all factor into the overall functionality of your kitchen.

Most people think of the classic kitchen work triangle when talking about layout, but kitchens with islands and more than one cook are also important factors to consider. For example, many homeowners find it extremely practical to keep a space between the cooking area and where their food will be stored.

Consider Materials and Showroom Samples

Since they're used every day, materials like countertops, flooring, and cabinets need to be both practical and beautiful. When selecting these items, it's important to think about the durability of the materials as well as their appearance. Countertops made from quartz have become extremely popular in recent years, as they don't require nearly as much maintenance as natural stone. When it comes to flooring, both hardwood and vinyl planks are great options, but they vary considerably in terms of both upkeep and price.

Conclusion

Now that we've discussed a few things that a homeowner should consider before knocking out their walls, it's clear how essential planning is to every aspect of the kitchen remodeling process. it's important to think about the durability of the materials as well as their appearance. For anyone in the Portland, Beaverton, or surrounding areas looking to renovate, working with a local expert like Lazy Susan Design & Remodeling can help to make everything flow effortlessly. By prioritizing function over form and taking into account things like timing and budget, a homeowner can work closely with a remodeling expert to ensure everything goes off without a hitch and the result meets—or even exceeds—their expectations.