If you are thinking of selling your home or just want something new, an updated kitchen can add value and functionality to a house. However, the thought of remodeling one of the rooms in your house where most of your time is spent can be daunting. However, with careful planning, you can avoid common pitfalls and a successful and speedy remodel can be on your horizon. And with this Home Depot promo code, the remodel can stick to its budget!
Do Electrical Work According to the Code
If you can do your own electrical work that is amazing, however, it doesn’t exempt you from code requirements. Some common electrical-code violations committed in kitchen remodels are:
- Failing to provide two 20-amp appliance circuits
- Powering lights with the 20-amp appliance circuits
- Not installing enough outlets along the counter
Make a Schedule and Stick to it
Remodeling a kitchen requires a lot of planning and you don’t want to start demolishing your old kitchen too soon. Make sure you have already purchased your new appliances, cabinets, fixtures and other major components for your remodel. This allows you to confirm exact measurements and helps with a smooth transition. Also, schedule the plumber, electrician, and other subcontractors well in advance to be able to make sure everyone’s schedule is a well-choreographed dance.
Put Thought Into the Layout
If you want an open concept kitchen, don’t assume you can remove any wall you desire. Some walls are load-bearing and you should know if one is before taking a sledgehammer to any. On the opposite end, don’t think a wall has to stay where it is because it is structural. Sinks, stoves, and refrigerators can be moved, though moving plumbing and venting can add up.
Don’t Forget About Ventilation
On the subject of stoves, you can move it but don’t forget to take venation into account. Also be sure to think about where the vent will terminate on the outside of the house as well.
Pick Practical and Beautiful Flooring
You may think you want a stark white kitchen, however, think of all the mud and dirt that is tracked in through the kitchen, especially if that is off an entrance to the home. White floors rarely stay clean and you don’t want to be constantly cleaning your kitchen floor.
Also, if you don’t plan on changing your kitchen floors in your remodel, make sure that the flooring runs under cabinets and appliances or else you will have a hole to patch. A common pitfall to avoid is to not trap the dishwasher by installing a new floor in front of it.
Good Lighting is Important
No one wants to eat in the dark, so at a minimum, you will need ambient lighting for general activities as well as task lighting for cooking and mincing. A good rule of thumb to follow is to center a line of lights directly over the countertop.
These are just general things to think about before remodeling a kitchen. If you are beginning to remodel, make sure you are able to set up a temporary kitchen while the remodel is happening. Living without a kitchen is a strain especially if there are kids involved. A temporary kitchen can be set up by just moving the fridge, microwave, and toaster to another room. And for the time being, it is easiest to use paper plates and utensils until a new kitchen is made.
