From the start of our business over 22 years ago, we’ve tackled a lot of renovation projects, large and small. One of the most requested is kitchen renovation, which sometimes is done independently, and other times is part of a larger renovation of the home. The initial reason homeowners consider a kitchen renovation varies – sometimes it’s worn out appliances that initiates the conversation, other times it’s the desire for a whole new look that’s the driving force, or they just bought a home and want renovations done before they move in. Whatever the initial thoughts, a kitchen renovation plan often grows with the reality that it makes sense to do several things at once.
Because the kitchen is the heart of the home, used every day, it takes careful planning to minimize impact. Our first step with our clients is to really hone in on scope. Are cabinets being replaced? Is the kitchen flow being redesigned? Those are initial big decisions. Once the scope is refined, we assist our clients in making all of their selections of cabinets and their layout, countertops, appliances, plumbing, lighting, painting and more. Once the selections are confirmed and approved, our focus turns to project management and scheduling.
If cabinets are being replaced, we know the entire kitchen will be renovated. The lead time for cabinetry is the longest in the project, so we base our production plan around final decisions, ordering, and expected delivery of the cabinets. We work with cabinet providers that offer a wide range of options, and these professionals are able to turn ideas into a new design. They may offer great ideas that might not have even been thought of yet. They can also lend insight into what is available and what is trending.
If kitchen design and flow are changing, it will necessitate us demoing the existing kitchen earlier in the process. If your redesign incorporates wall changes, we need to plan for that as well as include our electrician and plumber to make the necessary changes.
The kitchen pictured was part of a whole-house renovation on a 50 acre farm: 
We can assist our clients greatly in planning the tasks they need to do – from packing up everything in the kitchen, to understanding how to set-up a space for the bare minimum they will need to survive while their kitchen is torn up. Having renovated our own kitchen and helping so many others over the years, we know living in the home during the renovation will require a corner for at least a coffee pot and a microwave.
If only a couple of things will be changing and the goal is to create a more updated look, the project will be less expensive and less intrusive. Maybe the cabinets are of good quality and the layout is good, but a fresh new look is desired – in that case, we might suggest painting the cabinets or adding a glaze and adding new hardware. While wanting something new, we suggest cabinets have a classic look that won’t need to be changed any time soon and would be attractive to buyers, should a decision be made to sell in the future. A tile backsplash in classic subway neutrals or a bolder tile with interesting layout and colors might fit into the design to finish the overall appeal of the updated kitchen.
Homeowners area often surprised at the cost of the kitchen renovation. Without confirming scope, we can’t give an idea of renovation costs, but we work in a wide range of price points for kitchen renovations. We’re very cost conscious and will help homeowners get the best value for the investment they will make. One shouldn’t over invest in a kitchen, nor skimp on it either – it’s a balancing act for everyone.
If you’re considering a kitchen renovation at some point, we suggest you begin collecting ideas of what your want your future kitchen to look like. You can research on popular websites, visit model homes, peruse retail stores just to get ideas of what the latest offerings are. Then call us – let’s get started.