Plan a Kitchen That Fits Your Lifestyle and Budget

A kitchen remodel is a major project that requires careful design planning. It's a project that can cost you a bundle, so you must choose a layout that fits your lifestyle and materials that fit your budget. Here are some helpful kitchen remodeling tips.

Which Layout is Best For You?

Today's kitchens often serve as the hub of the house where families gather for cooking and dining, as well as family activities and conversations. Depending on your lifestyle, you may prefer an open or closed kitchen layout.

Open kitchens are great for large families and homeowners who have a busy lifestyle where multitasking is an essential part of daily life. They provide an open area that often adjoins a family room or living room. They allow you to prepare dinner, mingle with guests, or supervise your children from the kitchen. Since an open kitchen has little privacy, it requires regular attention to organization and cleaning.

Closed kitchens offer more privacy with walls to hide clutter and mess while cooking, but they don't offer open areas for entertaining. It's harder to visit with friends and family or interact with the kids while you're preparing meals. Since a closed kitchen is a confined space, you'll want a direct entrance into your dining room for meals and entertaining.

Plan Your Budget

Whether your kitchen remodel budget is $10,000 or $50,000, here's a breakdown of expected costs:

* Cabinets and Hardware – 29 percent
* Design and Planning – 22 percent
* Floors and Countertops – 15 percent
* Appliances – 15 percent
* Electrical and Plumbing – 10 percent

If you want to save money, keep your current layout. Knocking down walls and moving gas lines, electrical wiring and plumbing connections will increase your remodeling costs. To save on cabinet costs, choose a cabinet manufacturer that offers the door style and finish you want as a standard option. Choose aftermarket organizers like utensil dividers, roll-out racks and trays, and storage racks, rather than custom built-in options. Choose flooring and countertop materials that are practical, easy to clean, and fit within your budget requirements.

To get the kitchen of your dreams, hiring a contractor that can provide factory-built, custom cabinets may provide important advantages:

* 25 year warranties on cabinets, internal hardware and workmanship
* Controlled production environment for stable wood without future warping
* Computerized cutting tools for precise cuts and joinery
* Baked-on finishes that are more durable than on-site finishes