Kitchen renovations are very popular with homeowners in The Bay Area and below you’ll find the most important steps regarding the project. However, before you get started on your kitchen renovation project, it’s recommended that you be sure to apply for the necessary building permits and work with a top rated kitchen remodeling contractor. In addition, you’ll also need to decide if you want to hire a contractor or do the work yourself. If performing the renovation yourself you may want to buy all of your materials first.
1-Kitchen Design
You need a basic idea of what you plan on doing to your kitchen rather than just winging it as you go along. You need to have some type of plan in place so you know exactly what you’re going to fix up or replace. There are also some common design plans to choose from, such as the L-Shape, Double-L, Corridor, One-Wall, and U-Shape designs. If you need more information or help to design your kitchen you’ll find there are kitchen-design software programs to help you out as well as articles, books, and magazines etc. of course, you can always hire a professional kitchen designer for assistance.
2-Demolition
In some cases, the homeowner may want to demolish an existing wall or countertops etc. when renovating the kitchen. But be aware that some materials in the kitchen may be hazardous such as asbestos and lead-based paint and will need to be handled very carefully when being disposed of.
3-Repairing and Building
The renovation may include some major construction work such as removing, replacing or adding windows as well knocking down a wall or two.
4-Electrical and Plumbing
Unless you’re very handy, you’ll likely need some professional help when it comes to any electrical and plumbing work that’s needed. There’s a good chance that new drainage and supply piping will need to be installed for the refrigerator, dishwasher, and sink. In addition, you’ll need to make sure you have the proper type of electrical-service requirements for your appliances and lighting. In some cases, new wiring and circuits could be needed for the kitchen.
5-Walls
The exterior walls of the kitchen can be insulated when it’s easier to access the wall cavities. When the electrical system is in place the walls can be closed up with drywall and joint compound. When they’ve dried, they can be primed and then painted. You can also paint the ceiling if needed.
6-Flooring
It’s best to complete all of the heavy construction work and painting before completing the floor and baseboards. There are several types of popular kitchen flooring to choose from such as vinyl, cork, engineered wood, laminate, and tile with vinyl being the quickest and least expensive to install.
7-Cabinets, Countertops, and Backsplash
Installing countertops, a backsplash, and hanging cabinets usually take one or two days. You can choose from a variety of countertop materials such as marble, granite, ceramic tile, Corian, Formica, and Silestone. Be sure that the countertops are level when installing them.
8-Appliances, Fixtures, and Sinks
The last leg of your kitchen renovation will include the installation of the appliances, sinks, and fixtures etc. The plumbing has been roughed in already and you can now install and connect everything and hook up the dishwasher. You’ll also need to tidy up by reinstalling things such as light covers, cabinet knobs, outlet covers and HVAC filters etc.
9-Touch-Ups
You may need to do some touch-up painting here and there on the walls once the renovation has been completed and everything is in place.
10-Clean Up
Be sure all of the materials have been properly disposed of according to your local bylaws. You can now make sure your new kitchen is as clean as can be and start enjoying it.
