Kitchen remodeling is an excellent way to update your home’s aesthetic, improve functionality and add value. However, there are some things you should know before starting your project.

Before you start planning your kitchen remodel, decide what you want from your space and what your priorities are. You’ll also want to make sure that you have enough money for your renovation.

It’s always best to budget at least as much as you expect to recoup in the sale of your home when it’s time to move on, according to Will Lau, founder of Will & Way Homes and a realtor in Southern California. The goal is to create a kitchen that’s functional and attractive, and you’ll be happy with for years to come.

When designing your new kitchen, consider what materials will be best suited for the job. For instance, fire- and moisture-resistant drywall can make your space safer to work in, while paneling and tongue-in-groove ceilings may give your space a unique look.

Choosing the right materials is also essential for ensuring that your kitchen looks its best when you’re done with it. For example, laminate countertops may be easy to maintain, but they won’t hold up well against the wear and tear of constant use.

Another cost-saving tip is to choose stock cabinets and appliances rather than custom-made ones. By choosing simple woodwork and stock models, you can save on cabinetry costs, which make up the largest percentage of your remodel’s budget at 20 percent.

Installing the new elements of your kitchen is another costly part of the remodeling process. Including the cabinets, counters, sinks and faucets, this component takes up 17 percent of your remodel’s total costs.

If your renovation involves moving or relocating plumbing and venting, be sure to hire an expert to handle these tasks. Doing so can save you hundreds of dollars versus moving them yourself.

Removing walls can be a big cost saver, too. The cost of removing a non-load-bearing wall, for example, is only about $700, while a load-bearing wall can set you back a few thousand.

Before you start the demolition phase, check your foundation and determine if you need to remove any structural elements like columns or beams. Otherwise, you may be able to skip this step.

Demolition is a noisy and messy process, but it’s necessary to get your new kitchen in place. Depending on the size of your kitchen and the type of work that’s planned, this can take several weeks or even months.

Once you’ve decided on your design and the materials to use, you can begin planning the actual remodel. This can involve working directly with your St. Petersburg kitchen remodeling contractor to create detailed drawings.

The design phase usually represents 15-35% of your renovation costs, so it’s important to get this portion right. Once you’ve nailed down your design, it’s important to stick to your plans and your budget throughout the process.

Adding extras can quickly inflate your budget, so it’s a good idea to make a list of what you want and need from your kitchen. This will help you to scale down your plans later if necessary. For more details on kitchen remodeling visit https://www.stpetersburghomeremodeling.net/.