How to Manage a Kitchen Remodel – A Homeowner’s Guide
The best kitchen remodelers in Pittsburgh are the ones that take time to understand your renovation dreams, expectations, and budget. A good remodeler asks the right questions and listens carefully, making note of even the tiniest details. One question a good remodeler asks is how involved you’d like to be in the project.
As a design-build company, every new kitchen renovation we undertake in Pittsburgh is a partnership between us and you, our client. Some of our clients want daily updates, while others are more hands-off. Some homeowners want to be intimately involved in their kitchen remodel, and some trust us to handle the details so they can focus on big picture decisions.
Here are a few tips for how to manage a kitchen remodel, no matter how involved you want to be.
Choose a Design-Build Partner You Trust
Once you’ve narrowed your search for a kitchen remodeling contractor, ask your top three candidates for references. Reach out to those customers for an honest evaluation. Pay special attention to those with recent projects, since recent work is more reflective of a remodeler’s work quality and professionalism than jobs from years ago. Ask plenty of questions.
If possible, try to visit a job in progress. You can learn a lot about your design-build contractor by seeing for yourself how clean the site is and inspecting the details of their work.
A good kitchen remodeler is worth waiting for, so be patient. The best designers and contractors tend to earn the most jobs, so they may be busy. Plan your remodeling schedule around the design-build company you love, rather than settling for the one that can start right away.
Have a Kitchen Remodeling Plan
A well-thought-out, detailed plan for a kitchen renovation minimizes uncertainty, confusion, and on-the-fly decision-making. We encourage you to be actively involved with your project during the design phase. This is your best opportunity to share your vision for your new kitchen, from look and feel to functionality and features.
Budget for Contingencies
Designing and building your dream kitchen is a big investment. It’s important to recognize that even with a detailed plan, projects run into problems and unforeseen conditions, especially in older homes where wiring, plumbing, and outdated construction need to be adapted to a modern home. Budget for a 20% contingency for your kitchen remodel project.
Be Ready to Make Decisions Along the Way
Do you want a backsplash in your new kitchen? What color should the chair rail be painted? Do you want track lighting above the cooktop?
A successful kitchen remodel begins with anticipating questions and being prepared with answers. Impulsive decision-making leads to choices you’ll regret later, cost/time overruns, or both.
Even the most prepared homeowner can’t anticipate every question during a remodel. As your design-build partner, we strive to set clear expectations about the key decision-making points during a project. When unanticipated questions need answers, we work with you to understand your options. Our goal is to be patient as you make decisions, while also keeping your project on track and being transparent about the impact of delays.
Want to Learn More? Schedule a Virtual Consultation
Our unique virtual design experience lets you work hand-in-hand with our talented designers to plan your remodeling project. Your designer will help you measure your space, recommend design elements, create design renderings, and answer your questions.
