Kitchen Renovations Do’s and Don’ts

Do – Have a plan and a budget, many times people have one or the other but not both. It is vital to your satisfaction that you have both. The worst feeling is to run out of money before the project is completed to your satisfaction or to chop and change multiple materials or design aesthetic in the middle of project because you are not happy.

Don’t - Cut corners, we are not saying that everything must be the most expensive option. What we are saying is there is a difference between being cost conscious and not doing something that needs to be done. 

Here is an example, you will find in many older home’s older pipes that in a lot of cases need to be changed but maybe you did not budget for that. The choice may come down to fixing the pipes or those marble countertops you love. FIX THE PIPES!!! Maybe you have to go with cheaper countertops, but the pipes are a foundational piece of the home. Those neglected pipes could end up costing you 10’s of thousand if they cause a flood, always choose substance over style.

Do – Have a contingency fund. Renovations can be a very tricky prospect, once we as the contractor open walls and rip up the floor many times unforeseen issues can arise. When you do your design and planning, and you get that final number of for example $30,000 for a down to the studs rebuild makes sure you have another 10-15% or $3000-$4500 set aside for the unexpected. Hopefully you never have to use it but knowing it is there is a great piece of mind. 

Don’t – Try to do things on the cheap. That does not mean trying do not try to save money, whether it be doing your own demo or painting. There is nothing wrong with trying to keep your cost down. Cheap materials and cheap labor both usually lack quality in the long term, I am also not saying the most expensive will be the best. What I am saying is that there are things in our life that going for the cheapest price like on your favorite chocolate bar will not affect the quality. If you get a quote that is too good to be true it most likely is. All your quotes will be different but if one person says they can do the same work for 30-40% less don’t walk run away.

Do – Research your contractor. This is the MOST IMPORTANT part of any renovation. You are investing your hard-earned money into this renovation making sure you the company and people your giving your money to are trustworthy, do good work, meet their deadlines and most importantly can provide recent references of clients are MUST know information. Do not let flashy websites or pictures be your decision maker, take your time and do your research. Lastly always always pay in milestones never pay all your money upfront. If things go wrong, it is almost impossible to get your money back

Don’t – Try to keep up with the Jones’s. Because a friend or neighbor did a 50K kitchen does not mean that you must spend just as much. There are many ways to do a beautiful kitchen upgrade without going beyond your means any good contractor will provide options for that fit your budget. Always remember that it is about you loving your space it is not a competition with friends and family. 

 Column and Joist are here to advice, help and support you through your renovation. Until nest week be good stay safe.