A Quick Guide for Kitchen and Bathroom Remodels

Your home isn’t just where you hang your hat; it is likely your biggest asset. Did you know that improving your kitchen and your bathroom will increase the value of your home?

In addition to a smart financial move, updating your kitchen and/or your bathroom will bring you pleasure and improve the quality of your life, simply by surrounding yourself with style.

Curious on what the steps are for a successful remodel? Read on for our quick guide.

Hire the Right Person for the Job

Even if you have the best plans for your project, it’s no good if you don’t have the right person to execute them. Be thorough when you interview candidates.

Things you should ask them:

• Are you accredited?
• What kind of experience do they have?
• What payment schedule do they require?
• What is their policy on site cleanup?
• What is their contingency plan if they encounter something unexpected?
• What sort of after service do they offer?
• Do they have a client list you could talk to?
• What is their history with timelines and staying on budget?
• What are some of their specialities? Do they sub-contract work?
• Who buys materials (you or them)?

You should also feel comfortable personally with your chosen contractor and decide on what is the best method of communication during the project.

Plumbing and Fixture Update Considerations

How old is your home? During this project, it might be time to take care of “hidden problems”, especially if you’ve experienced leaks in the past.

It’s a good time when you are already swinging hammers to determine if there has been water damage. Then you know that you are on solid footing to start with your new bathroom and kitchen and are set for the future.

Also make sure that existing plumbing will support any new fixtures you intend to install before you get going.

Steps to Planning

Once you’ve established your budget, move on to determining exactly how much work you are going to do. Are you thinking about simply refreshing by replacing a few key items, or are you completing redoing the whole space?

Sketch out your design. Pay particular attention to functionality. For instance, if you love to cook, make sure you have the right sink for the job.

If you covet a warm bath at the end of the day, choose a soaker or jetted tub. Also make sure that accessories and fixtures are at the right height for you in your plans.

That is one of the good reasons to take measurements for everything and include them in your plans.

What sort of colour scheme and materials do you want? How about lighting and accessories?
Don’t forget to plan about how you will work around being without a kitchen or a bathroom for the duration of the project.