Planning a Kitchen Remodel

Kitchens are the hub of the home and as is commonly known, kitchens and baths sell the home. Kitchens on average are remodeled every 12-15 years.

A kitchen remodel requires careful planning and foresight. This space, more than any other room in the home, is often the most expensive per square foot and the remodel construction phase has the potential to temporarily disrupt the family’s routines.

Homeowners should start the process by defining the scope of the kitchen remodel, often with the help of a professional kitchen designer, to determine a practical budget and a time frame for completion.

For example, if you are planning to expand the kitchen to include a breakfast nook or design an open concept kitchen with great room, change out windows or add garden access doors, the cost and timeline will reflect the structural changes and/or the new square footage added.

A successful kitchen remodel demands careful consideration of functionality in the space, efficient layouts for the work zones, aisles and traffic paths, and , proper dimensioning for locating plumbing, electrical and ventilation systems.

The development of new technologies to conserve natural resources is evident in kitchen showrooms and local home improvement centers. Energy star appliances from refrigerator/freezers to dishwashers, and low wattage fluorescent and LED under cabinet task lighting and decorative interior cabinet lighting are standard in today’s kitchens. The offerings are diverse for other design elements such as cabinetry, counter surface materials, decorative backsplash wall tiles and flooring.

Professional Remodeling

A kitchen remodeled by a professional, experienced residential construction contractor has significant advantages over the “Do It Yourself” (DIY) handyman approach.

A residential design and build company experienced in remodeling projects, offers a range of valuable services that include design development, finish selections, the permit process, project management and quality construction. One such company that serves Bay Area homeowners is Mediterraneo Design and Build (MDB) of Menlo Park, CA.

MDB has over nineteen years of experience with residential building projects including kitchen remodels. A variety of completed projects can be viewed at www.mediterraneodesignbuild.com. To contact MDB, please call (650) 368-1361 or email info@mediterraneodesignbuild.com.

Why Remodel Your Kitchen

Kitchens on average are remodeled every 12-15 years and as is commonly known, kitchens and baths sell the home.

If you are planning a kitchen remodel it is essential to have a clear understanding of the motivating factors and personal vision for the project. Your estimated budget and timeline for the design and construction phases for the project will be determined by your expectations.

The common reasons for kitchen remodels are:

• the existing kitchen space does not meet the needs of the homeowner/s or family lifestyle
• the layout restricts functionality and accessibility
• there isn’t enough natural light or views to the exterior landscaping
• the overall kitchen style and design elements are dated
• the overall components are damaged or in disrepair from water damaged cabinetry doors, cracked tile or scratched laminate counter surfaces and worn out flooring materials
• appliance performance is poor and the water and electricity consumption demand is high
• the lighting is inadequate and inefficient
• the existing pantry, cooking equipment and serving wares storage is inadequate
• you are preparing to sell and want to present a “turn key” home to prospective buyers
• 
  

When you have assessed the “why”, you then begin to develop your personal objectives and vision for the project.

The scope of the project may be a complete remodel that involves gutting the existing kitchen, often exposing the wall studs and floor and ceiling framing.

Partial remodels may involve upgraded appliances, often with the result that the existing cabinetry may need adjustments to accommodate the new appliance dimensions or to create a built-in appearance. The existing cabinetry layout may be satisfactory but the door and drawer panels need replacement and a new counter surface is a necessity.

Knowing what you want and what you must have will influence your remodeling budget, as will the quality and cost of the materials and appliances you select.

Homeowners with “Do It Yourself” (DIY) skills may choose to execute their own project but for the majority of homeowners, a successful kitchen remodel is dependent upon the residential design and build professionals you collaborate with.

A Successful Kitchen Remodel with MDB

If you are a Bay Area resident, you should consider contacting Mediterraneo Design and Build for a complimentary consultation.

MDB, located in Menlo Park, CA, is a full range residential design & build services company with over eighteen years of experience in providing homeowners with a professional and comprehensive approach to their remodel, addition or new home project.

As MDB is a single source of service, the homeowner is better able to communicate and monitor project progress. Furthermore, single entity responsibility can result in significant cost savings.

For kitchen remodeling or any residential building project, please call MDB at (650) 368-1361 or email info@mediterraneodesignbuild.com. Visit www.mediterraneodesignbuild.com for more information about the company and their wide variety of completed projects.