Turn Your Holiday Challenges Into a Dream Kitchen

When we’re cooking and entertaining for a crowd, a kitchen’s shortcomings quickly reveal themselves. Did you find yourself wishing for a few kitchen upgrades during the holidays? Perhaps more counter or cabinet space—or perhaps a pantry? Maybe you decided that this is finally the year to upgrade to that double oven and eight-burner range you’ve been coveting since last New Year’s Eve. Whatever your kitchen needs, the Cabinets & Designs team is here to help. Here are three things you need to know before starting your 2016 Kitchen Renovation.

Consider the Timeline

A big kitchen remodeling project can take up to 19-20 weeks; we’ve covered the remodeling timeline before, but here’s a quick refresher:

• Weeks 1-4: Planning & designing—Assess your kitchen’s needs, research some designs and products, and meet with a kitchen designer; begin interviewing contractors.
• Weeks 5-19: Prepping kitchen & demolition—Remove everything from the kitchen and create a temporary kitchen somewhere; donate unwanted items; demolition begins, and plumbing, electrical, and drywall will be installed.
• Weeks 11-19: Installation of flooring, cabinetry, paint, and appliances; unpack & put on the finishing touches.

Planning & Design

Before you sit down to meet with a kitchen designer, make a list of all of the things your dream kitchen would include—or not include—and be as specific as possible. Research appliance brands, consider colors and materials, and of course be prepared with a budget for your project. If working with environmentally friendly products and/or companies is important to you, don’t forget to communicate that to your designer as well.

This is the perfect time to get started using Pinterest to gather your inspiration in one place. Visit the Cabinets & Designs Pinterest page to see cabinets, countertops, and more.

Contractors: Research, Referrals, and References

Get a jump on the contractor search! Use GHBA’s tips for finding a contractor, and member directory, to help guide you. Asking friends and family for referrals is also a great way to find a contractor. No matter how you find them, don’t forget to always ask for references! A good contractor will be happy to share that information with you.

Is a dream kitchen on your 2016 list of resolutions? The Cabinets & Designs team can help! Stop in to our showroom at 4200 Westheimer to meet with a kitchen designer today.  And don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Houzz.