Time and again, one of the best renovation bangs for your buck is a kitchen remodel (see the 2014 Cost v. Value Report). Whether you are looking to remodel your entire kitchen or just give it a face-lift, upgrading your kitchen is one of the most noticeable – and pleasurable – changes you can make to your home.

However, before you get started, do your homework. A kitchen has many features and functions, and there are thousands of options. You can easily become overwhelmed with the vast array of choices, so do not rush into any spur-of-the-moment purchases or decisions. This is not a room to “piece together” without the full vision in place.

A kitchen remodel can be quite involved – like redesigning the floor plan and tearing down walls – or it can be a pull-and-replace renovation, where you change out the cabinets, appliances and hardware.

Before you begin, determine your budget and goals for the space. Ask yourself questions like:

• What are you trying to accomplish?

• Do you want more countertop space, more storage or simply a new look (or all three)?

Another way to approach it is by asking, “If I could wave a magic wand, what three things would I change instantly?”

Once you know your goals and budget, it is time to research the changes you want to make to your kitchen. Start with your top priority and determine the cost. Deduct that cost from your budget and continue onward in order of importance. You may find yourself making adjustments and changes as you move through this process to get the kitchen you want.

Before making any final decisions, you should also consider the cost, quality, functionality and durability of your items. Note that the fixtures and appliances that you get from a big-box home improvement store are often manufactured at a lower quality as the ones available in local showrooms. This is an important aspect to know – so you don’t base purchases solely on price.

Finally, make sure that all items function well together and that, when installed, they will add value to your home – and years of enjoyment to your kitchen.

We have been providing design/build remodeling services for over 60 years. We understand the complexities of renovating or adding to your existing home ready to assist you with your kitchen remodeling project. Discover how we can help you with your remodeling project.