The kitchen is such an important part of your home – it’s where the magic of cooking happens and often where family and friends gather to eat or just to hang out. Sometimes though, the kitchen can become outdated or just not work for you and your family anymore and you may consider a kitchen renovation. The more prepared you are before hiring a contractor for your kitchen remodel, the smoother the renovation process will be overall. Consider asking yourself these 9 essential questions before hiring a contractor for your kitchen remodel.

1. Am I planning to sell my home soon or am I staying long-term?

If you are planning to sell your home within the next year, then ideally you’ll be planning the kitchen remodel to appeal to buyers and get an increased return on your investment. But, if you’re planning on staying in your home long-term (more than a year), then you’ll want to take your personal lifestyle and needs into consideration as you’ll be spending much time in the new kitchen.

Answering this question also helps you plan your kitchen remodeling budget. Experts recommend if you’re selling soon, to spend only as much as you would like to make back when selling. If you plan to stay in your house long-term, plan the (affordable) kitchen of your dreams that the whole family will be able to enjoy for years.

2. What is my budget for the kitchen remodel?

First and foremost, before you decide on any style preferences or design-related aspects decide what your budget is as this will help determine what style and appliances choices you can realistically get. The average kitchen remodel costs about $12,500 with costs going up to about $66,000 for a major kitchen remodel and about $131,500 for an “upscale” major kitchen remodel according to Home Advisor. That’s a wide range so it can be tough to pinpoint exactly what you can afford as well as your size of renovation.

3. Who and how many people will be using the kitchen?

Who and how many people will be using the kitchen will determine the best kitchen designs and layout. For example if you have children or elderly who will be in or using the kitchen, you should consider features that are friendly and accessible for them. Also, consider at one time, how many people will be in the kitchen either cooking or hanging out in the kitchen area? After you answer these questions, then you can determine what layout and features make the most sense for your family.

4. Do I want/should I add dining space in the kitchen?

Consider if you want to dine in the kitchen – if so do you want casual dining like on an island or something more formal like a separate dining table. Also think about how many people will be regularly dining and if your already existing dining space is enough to accommodate this.

5. What kind of storage do I need?

Storage decisions can be based on other reflective questions such as grocery shopping patterns, family size, how often the kitchen will be cooked in, how often you plan on entertaining, etc. Consider all the products you will need storage for like pots, pans, cooking utensils, pantry items, groceries, plates, cups, boels, and more. Now, consider who in your house will be using the kitchen and how accessible you want all the items to be for them. Consider utilizing your headspace as well as being creative in your storage designs such as an island with extra storage or over the door hangers.

6. What do I prefer for my kitchen appliances?

Consider if you really need that premium, smart, restaurant-quality super stove 3000. An exaggeration, but really think about what you actually need vs what you want. Consider how often the appliances will be used, what features are musts, how much wear-and-tear they will get, and who will be using them. This will help save you money in the long run that you could turn around and use towards other features you want in your kitchen.

7. What are my dining plans while the kitchen is being remodeled?

Don’t get caught off guard with no dining options. While your kitchen is being remodeled, consider how you will survive and what your dining options are. You may consider a temporary kitchen, stocking up on non-perishable and non-refrigerated items, and/or making a budget for eating out. Examine all your options and choose one or a mix of some that work the best for you and your family.

8. Should I attempt a DIY or hire kitchen remodeling experts?

If you have some renovation skills you may consider attempting a kitchen remodel yourself or doing certain projects. Either way, be totally honest with yourself about your abilities and if you are not 110% confident in your abilities, it’s best to leave it to the professionals. You don’t want to cause any unnecessary problems short-term or even down the road that could be potentially unsafe or costly.

9. Do I know how to start planning a kitchen remodel?

You’re off to a great start asking yourself these questions. Now think about how you want to pick the best contractor for your job. Check out these tips on how to choose the right contractor for your kitchen remodeling project. Don’t settle for the cheapest or the first – do your research!

Choose the top Dallas kitchen remodeling experts

The experienced kitchen remodeling experts at Brunson Construction have been excelling in remodeling projects in Dallas since 1969! Contact us and we’ll be happy to provide you with a free estimate for your kitchen remodeling project and get the kitchen of your dreams started.