A kitchen remodel is a big project that involves a lot of decisions and planning. If you have never remodeled before, jumping into a project like this with no idea what to expect can be pretty intimidating.
Before you start picking out cabinets or choosing the first contractor that pops up when you search “remodelers near me,” take some time to figure out what you actually want and need from your kitchen. Understanding your goals, budget, timeline, and remodeling options will give you a much better place to start.
So, where do you begin?
Start With One Question: What’s Not Working in My Kitchen?
The first thing you should ask yourself is “What’s not working in my kitchen?”
Identifying the problems with your current space will help guide almost every decision that comes next.
Maybe you actually like the layout of your kitchen, but everything just feels outdated. Your cabinets, countertops, backsplash, or paint colors may need an update. In this case, you may be looking for more of a renovation than a full remodel.
And yes, there is a difference between a renovation and a remodel.
A renovation generally focuses on updating the appearance of an existing space without making major changes to its layout or function. A remodel typically goes further and may involve gutting the space, changing the layout, moving plumbing or electrical, removing walls, or completely changing how the kitchen functions. Depending on the work being completed, permits may also be required.
If you constantly find yourself saying, “I wish the island was over here,” “We have nowhere to store anything,” or “Why is this kitchen so closed off?” you are probably looking at a larger kitchen remodel.
Once you know what isn't working, you can start figuring out what would make it work better.
Create Your Kitchen Wish List
Now comes the fun part. Start creating a wish list of things you would love to have in your new kitchen.
You don't need to know the exact cabinet style, countertop material, or backsplash tile yet. At this point, think more about the bigger picture.
Maybe you want a larger island where your family can sit. Maybe you need more storage, a pantry, better lighting, or an open-concept layout that connects the kitchen to the rest of your home.
Write down your must-haves as well as the things that would simply be nice to have.
Having this list will help you better understand the scope of your project. It will also become helpful when you start talking with remodeling companies because they can help determine what is realistic for your space and budget.
Set a Realistic Budget
Once you have an idea of what you want to change, it's time to start thinking about how much you are comfortable investing in the project.
Your wish list and your budget need to work together.
If changing the layout and creating a large island are your biggest priorities, you may decide those are worth investing more of your budget into. Other features may become secondary.
Keep in mind that a kitchen remodeling budget isn't just cabinets and countertops. Depending on the project, it can also include demolition, plumbing, electrical work, flooring, appliances, lighting, permits, labor, and many other pieces that go into creating the finished space.
You don't necessarily need to know exactly what every part of the project will cost before contacting a remodeler. Having a realistic idea of what you are comfortable spending, though, can make those early conversations much more productive.
Think About Your Timeline
Next, ask yourself: When do I actually want to remodel my kitchen?
Maybe you want it finished before the holidays. Maybe you're hoping to have construction happen while you're away next summer. Or maybe you're thinking about remodeling sometime next year and are just starting your research now.
Whatever your goal is, give yourself plenty of time.
A full kitchen remodel isn't going to happen in a month, at least not with a reputable remodeling company completing a substantial project. There is a lot that needs to happen before construction even begins, including design, product selections, budgeting, ordering materials, permits, and scheduling.
At JMC, our kitchen remodeling process averages around 20 weeks from initial design through completion, depending on the project.
That is why it's a good idea to start planning well before the date you actually want your new kitchen finished.
Not Sure What Happens During Those 20 Weeks?
If you're completely new to remodeling, understanding the process can make the timeline feel much less confusing. Our guide breaks down the different stages of a kitchen remodel and what is happening during each one.
Find the Right Remodeling Company
Now that you have a general idea of what you want, what you want to spend, and when you want to do it, you can start looking for the right remodeling company.
And don't automatically choose the first company that appears when you Google “kitchen remodeler near me.” Do your research.
Look at previous kitchen projects, read reviews, ask about experience, and learn how each company handles the remodeling process. You should also ask about communication, pricing, timelines, references, design, and who will actually be managing your project.
One of the bigger decisions you'll need to make is whether you want to work with a design-build company or a traditional general contractor.
Design-Build Company: design, planning, product selections, budgeting, and construction are handled through one team. This can be a good fit for homeowners who don't want to coordinate multiple people throughout their remodel and would rather have one team guiding the project.
General Contractor: you may work separately with an architect, designer, contractor, and other professionals. This gives you more involvement in coordinating the different parts of the project, which some homeowners prefer.
Neither approach is automatically right or wrong. It comes down to how involved you want to be and what type of remodeling experience works best for you.
If you're not sure which approach makes sense, we break down the differences here:
Take Your Time Before Making a Decision
You don't need to have your entire kitchen figured out before contacting a remodeling company.
You just need a good understanding of why you want to remodel, what you would like to change, your general budget, and when you would like the project completed.
The right remodeling company should be able to help you figure out the rest.
Take your time researching companies, asking questions, and understanding how their processes work before making your decision. A kitchen remodel is a major investment in your home, and you want to feel comfortable with the people who will be guiding you through it.
If you're getting ready to interview remodeling companies, check out our guide on what to look for and what questions to ask:
How JMC Can Help With Your Kitchen Remodel
At JMC Design Build Remodel, we understand that you probably aren't going into your kitchen remodel knowing exactly what cabinets you want, where your new island should go, or how every detail is going to come together. That's what our team is here to help with.
Our design-build process brings design and construction together under one roof, so you have a team guiding you through the project from the initial ideas and design to product selections and construction. We can help you take that original list of problems and wish-list items and turn it into a kitchen that makes sense for your home, budget, and everyday life.
If you're thinking about remodeling your kitchen in Morris County or the surrounding areas, and aren't sure what your next step should be, contact JMC Design Build Remodel to start the conversation.