How many times have you heard someone exclaim after spending thousands of dollars on a kitchen remodeling project, "I wish I would have put this cabinet over there!" Or "This might have looked better if I would have picked a different color!" After seeing the final result, many people are wistful or disappointed.
Hindsight can definitely be 20/20.
There are many reasons that this kind of remodeling let-down can occur- spending too little time matching and comparing designs and colors, failing to fully consider the function of your design, allowing contractors to talk you into using alternate materials that they have available to them when your initial choices are not part of their product inventory, or turning over the design to your remodeling company altogether when you do not have adequate time yourself to fully explore and consider your remodeling choices.
All of these mistakes can lead to pitfalls and disappointments in your final product.
No remodeling venture should occur without proper time and careful consideration during the planning stages of your project.
With all of the resources available, any inexperienced homeowner desiring a face lift in their kitchen can quickly become educated and aware of all of the products available to them, pricing options, as well as design examples.
The internet is an unlimited source of information regarding where to start, pros and cons to materials and products, color scheme options, material comparisons, quality and pricing, referrals and references for local remodeling companies and contractors, and testimonials from others that have already walked down the remodeling path.
Perusing local home repair and supply stores can also provide you with visible examples of cabinets, flooring, countertop, and appliance options.
These shops often display a variety of floor samples and mock kitchen designs to view different material combinations, cabinet configurations, and color schemes.
In addition, they offer countless flooring, tile, and countertop samples to compare and contrast.
There are many "styles" of design, from contemporary to traditional.
Take the time to look at all of the different styles available, and determine what styles and colors seem most pleasing to you and fit your home space best.
Many stores will allow you to check out samples that you can take home with you to get a better feel of how they would work in your own environment.
Take the time to thoughtfully consider what you specifically need from your kitchen layout before you proceed with your project.
Review your kitchen inventory- make careful note of how much space is necessary to meet your storage and supply needs.
Consider what types of shelving and drawer placements will make the use of your kitchen easy and functional.
Plan out in advance where you would like your food, dishes, appliances, silverware, pots and pans, etc.
to go so that they are in the best location for your use and enjoyment.
Jot out notes and sketches so that when you finally have the audience of the kitchen remodeling expert, they can get a clear idea from you how to best organize and design your cabinets to meet your overall needs.
Always research your local kitchen remodeling companies before selecting a contractor to begin work.
Many companies have extensive websites that provide you detailed information on the product lines they carry and services they offer.
Select a company that can offer legitimate references and provide you with portfolios of previous work.
Finally, go in to any agreement prepared to make compromises on your original design ideas, often based upon cost, feasibility, and availability of materials, but know in advance what ideas you are willing to "give" on for the sake of the project as a whole, and what details that you absolutely cannot "live without!" Being prepared in this way will ultimately ensure that you end up with a final remodeling result that you are completely satisfied with and can enjoy for years to come.
Hindsight can definitely be 20/20.
There are many reasons that this kind of remodeling let-down can occur- spending too little time matching and comparing designs and colors, failing to fully consider the function of your design, allowing contractors to talk you into using alternate materials that they have available to them when your initial choices are not part of their product inventory, or turning over the design to your remodeling company altogether when you do not have adequate time yourself to fully explore and consider your remodeling choices.
All of these mistakes can lead to pitfalls and disappointments in your final product.
No remodeling venture should occur without proper time and careful consideration during the planning stages of your project.
With all of the resources available, any inexperienced homeowner desiring a face lift in their kitchen can quickly become educated and aware of all of the products available to them, pricing options, as well as design examples.
The internet is an unlimited source of information regarding where to start, pros and cons to materials and products, color scheme options, material comparisons, quality and pricing, referrals and references for local remodeling companies and contractors, and testimonials from others that have already walked down the remodeling path.
Perusing local home repair and supply stores can also provide you with visible examples of cabinets, flooring, countertop, and appliance options.
These shops often display a variety of floor samples and mock kitchen designs to view different material combinations, cabinet configurations, and color schemes.
In addition, they offer countless flooring, tile, and countertop samples to compare and contrast.
There are many "styles" of design, from contemporary to traditional.
Take the time to look at all of the different styles available, and determine what styles and colors seem most pleasing to you and fit your home space best.
Many stores will allow you to check out samples that you can take home with you to get a better feel of how they would work in your own environment.
Take the time to thoughtfully consider what you specifically need from your kitchen layout before you proceed with your project.
Review your kitchen inventory- make careful note of how much space is necessary to meet your storage and supply needs.
Consider what types of shelving and drawer placements will make the use of your kitchen easy and functional.
Plan out in advance where you would like your food, dishes, appliances, silverware, pots and pans, etc.
to go so that they are in the best location for your use and enjoyment.
Jot out notes and sketches so that when you finally have the audience of the kitchen remodeling expert, they can get a clear idea from you how to best organize and design your cabinets to meet your overall needs.
Always research your local kitchen remodeling companies before selecting a contractor to begin work.
Many companies have extensive websites that provide you detailed information on the product lines they carry and services they offer.
Select a company that can offer legitimate references and provide you with portfolios of previous work.
Finally, go in to any agreement prepared to make compromises on your original design ideas, often based upon cost, feasibility, and availability of materials, but know in advance what ideas you are willing to "give" on for the sake of the project as a whole, and what details that you absolutely cannot "live without!" Being prepared in this way will ultimately ensure that you end up with a final remodeling result that you are completely satisfied with and can enjoy for years to come.
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