Studies shows that someone who has a kitchen remodeling project in mind must have planned about it at least a year before its implementation. Design conceptualization is the key. Having that as a premise, it means that plans have been laid out as far as remodeling goals, product ideas, functionality issues, kitchen layout and budget are concerned. However, it usually happens that as time clicks by near the execution stage, so many contingencies and choices have to be considered.
Because of your concern towards the environment, you have inkling towards greening your kitchen. If this is what you decide, choices have to be made on what type of environmental friendly materials, products, accessories and cabinets you will buy. When it comes to kitchen appliances like your refrigerator, look for an energy efficient product with the energy star label on it.
Some of the options will be recycled glass, recycled aluminum or paper composite for countertops, recycled tiles, cork flooring, compact fluorescent lights, wheat cabinets, hypoallergenic low VOC paints like the ones from Sherwin Williams. You are also motivated by the fact that a green kitchen remodeling project may entitle you to some tax incentives.
As you near the timetable for your dream kitchen, another critical decision to make is whether you want to be a do-it-yourselfer to save money on the remodeling contractor’s fee. This choice requires critical thinking. It is necessary that you have an intelligent idea on the complexity of what you are getting into. The work requires getting the necessary permits, hiring your subcontractors like the electrician, plumber, kitchen cleaner etc. It would mean a really serious job and responsibility on your shoulders. Bear in mind that you have to do close monitoring and supervision of the contractual people working under you from start to finish.
In doing a DIY remodeling, break up the work flow to start with preliminary permits, demolition, building and repairing, rough in plumbing system, install electrical system, insulation, wall closing, flooring, countertops, cabinets, sinks and fixtures, close out last items, final permits, touch ups and clean up. Finalize details and have them accurately documented and encoded in your computer.
Basically, you are aware about the traditional work flow around the classic kitchen triangle layout of sink, oven stove, and refrigerator. In studying the basic layouts : One Wall Design; U-Shape; L-shape; Galley; Double L-Shape and Corridor Design, you can conceptualize your own or use the design concept of your interior design consultant . You can talk to some cabinetry manufacturers with your design on hand. During your conference with their design professional, you can expect basic questions regarding your preferences and likes.
In discussing your kitchen design, preparation and cleanup workflow will be looked into to maximize productivity and reduce ergononic problems. A product catalogue of various kinds and designs of readymade kitchen island, backsplash, cabinet accessories and accents will be made available to you. There are many variations of cabinet finishes, countertops, floor tiles, lightings, etc. You can navigate all these options using front end software like The Kitchen Pond for more design possibilities.
Aside from The Kitchen Pond software, there are also other kitchen space saving design software you can try. Another source would be books and magazines and the net. Recently, the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) co-sponsored a research to track modern trends and use patterns in the kitchen. Based on this study, they came up with 31 guidelines for kitchen efficiency, convenience, traffic spaces, and distances between items, countertops and cabinet space. This can be a big help. In your kitchen remodeling project, keep in mind that whether or not you decide to be your own contractor, it is important to have the right attitude of optimism, joy, enthusiasm, passion and determination to achieve your goal!
