For A Successful Kitchen Or Bath Remodel... Prepare For The Process
“Remodeling a kitchen or bathroom isn’t a project as much as it is a process which includes numerous smaller projects within it. With that perspective, there is a much better chance of getting the end product you really want.” Rick Hoekstra, President of the Kitchen Idea Center
“Often our customers are surprised by the complexity when they begin the process of remodeling their kitchen. Initially, their expectations focus almost entirely on the end product. While that’s understandable, sometimes it leaves them unprepared for dealing with the many small steps that comprise the process. And, the process, because of the detail required, can be time consuming and challenging,” Hoekstra adds.
When reviewing how a kitchen and bathroom remodel proceeds, Hoekstra and his staff stress the process can be enhanced or diminished by the expectations of the consumer.
“To a great extent, a person's budget dictates the options they have available,” Hoekstra says. “There are real costs in planning, designing and building. Fortunately, it’s not like buying something off-the-shelf or negotiating a special deal for a product. The best thing a person can do is set a realistic budget. Define what they can afford, or at least are willing to spend. This is the foundation of the entire process.”
Practical expectations lead to satisfaction with the end result. The fact is we can do just about anything our customers ask. As a result, this step is extremely important because it implies boundaries, or specific guidelines, we will work within.
With the financial limits set, you then must come to grips with what you are trying to accomplish functionally & aesthetically. When those goals are defined, while considering your budget, you can then determine if the goal you have is practical. Kitchen Idea Center assists their customers at this stage because, in their experience, this is where the ultimate direction of the process takes shape.
Setting a budget is one of four milestones Hoekstra lists in the remodeling process. After each of the milestones, there are many smaller forward steps which must be taken; however, each of the following milestones sets the stage for the next phase of the remodeling process. They are:
1. Define a Budget — A real assessment of what you want to or can spend with your remodel. This allows your designer to responsibly provide options for your consideration...not “pie in the sky”guesses.
2. Develop a concept drawing which captures the look and the feel of what you ultimately want. Your designer will work to give you the best value for your budget, using your preferences as a guide. This step will involve many tough decisions pertaining to all of the component parts of your remodel.
3. Create the plans to direct the build. These plans capture your wishes from the concept drawing so a contractor can deliver your dreams in a finished product. Any details not yet decided are best done now to avoid unwanted surprises in the final bill.
4. Look to NARI (National Association of the Remodeling Industry 608.222.0670) for a remodeling contractor for your project. This is the individual who oversees the quality of work, timing of the project and manages your budget in real terms. Good planning will make your contractor’s performance more predictable and help maintain your budget.
The bottom line is defining your project as soon and as completely as you can. It will save you headaches and money.
