Everyone loves a kitchen makeover. They’re a fantastic opportunity to add functionality to what is, for many homeowners, the hub of the house through modernized appliances and materials. They’re also an outlet for putting your personal stamp on your space.
Updating a smaller kitchen? You can still get big results when you work with a skilled kitchen remodeling contractor. Here are a few ideas to get your small kitchen remodeling project going.
Here at GreatBuildz, a free service that connects homeowners in Los Angeles, Orange County, Ventura & San Diego with reliable general contractors, we get inquiries every day from homeowners looking to remodel their homes – here are some key points you need to know.
How Much Does A Small Kitchen Remodel Cost?
On average, kitchen remodels in the Los Angeles area range from $50,000 to $70,000. But because you’re working with a smaller space, your costs could be lower — especially if you’re not altering the layout. We’ve seen simple remodels completed for as low as $35,000.
One thing to keep in mind as you plan your kitchen remodel budget is that many homeowners recoup most of — if not all — their costs thanks to improved energy savings and a boost to the home’s overall value.
Small Kitchen Design Ideas And Remodel Tips
First things first, take a critical eye at your existing layout and think about whether it currently meets your needs. Bringing in a kitchen remodel contractor early in the process can help you determine whether it’s best to maintain your kitchen’s current footprint or start over from scratch. From that point, there are a number of design considerations that can help maximize even the smallest of kitchens.
Let the sunshine in. Sunshine is a great way to make a small space feel bigger. Adding windows or sunlight will go a long way in making your kitchen feel bigger.
Get strategic with your storage. Having a place to store dishes, cookware and small appliances means your counters stay clutter-free — which in turn creates the illusion of more space. But in small kitchens where every square inch counts, traditional cabinets might not be your best bet. Removing lower cabinets in favor of drawers makes it easier to stay organized and to access the things you need when you need them. And removing the upper cabinets and replacing them with open shelving creates a more expansive look and feel.
Look up. Another way to create the illusion of space is to draw the eye upward. Extending the paint color to the ceiling is one way to do this. Another is to install large pendants or other statement lighting.
Downsize your appliances — or hide them. Compact kitchen appliances are a great way to free up real estate. Another option is to choose panel-ready appliances, which are made to be covered with front panels to match your cabinetry and create a seamless look. By eliminating visual breaks, you allow the gaze to travel, thus creating the impression of space.
Add an island or peninsula. A kitchen island or peninsula — that’s an L-shaped counter and cabinet extension — will take up floor space, but it gives you more work space and storage, as well as a comfortable place to sit with a cup of coffee.
Can You Redesign Or Expand Your Small Kitchen?
Enclosed spaces can make a small kitchen look and feel even smaller. One option is to tear down an outside wall so the kitchen opens up into a dining room or living room. Or, if you’re willing to give up part of another room, you could expand your kitchen’s square footage into it.
Another option is to have an addition built onto your house. Here, you could expand the kitchen itself, or build a dining nook that flows into the kitchen.
Whatever your plans for expanding your kitchen, know your expenses will increase significantly. Not only will you be paying more for material and labor costs, but you might also have to move or add wiring, ventilation, and water lines.
What Is The Process And Timing To Complete A Small Kitchen Remodel?
Even small kitchen renovations can take a considerable amount of time to complete. A simple, primarily cosmetic kitchen makeover might take as little as three to four weeks. A total overhaul complete with new custom cabinetry and specialized components can take between two and three months. To manage expectations, we recommend tacking on an additional 10 to 20% to your small kitchen contractor’s time estimate to allow for delays like back-ordered appliances or material shortages.
If you’ve hired a quality small kitchen contractor, they will do their best to keep the project moving as quickly as possible. After all, they are kitchen remodeling experts and they know the process backwards and forwards. However, delays can occur for several reasons. If the kitchen contractor gets over-burdened with too many jobs, their crew can get spread too thin and might start missing days on your project. Alternatively, there could be material delays that could hamper the project from moving forward. Sometimes this is preventable if you select an alternative material that is more readily available. Be weary selecting materials that are special order, as they can often get delayed by the manufacturer.
During this time, many homeowners like to set up temporary kitchens elsewhere in the home. These typically include a microwave, mini-fridge, and coffee station. This gives you a convenient place to prepare a snack or quick meal and can help cut back on what you’ll inevitably spend on restaurant meals and takeout.
Once the renovation is complete and you’ve done a walk-through with your contractor to approve everything, we recommend hiring a service to give the kitchen a deep cleaning before you move dishes, cookware and food back into the kitchen.
Related: 6 Things to Know Before Kitchen Remodeling
How To Find The Best Kitchen Contractor For The Job
At GreatBuildz, we make it a snap to find the best kitchen remodel contractors in Southern California. Whether you’re in Ventura County, Orange County, or anywhere else in the Los Angeles area, we’re ready to connect you with the best local home improvement professionals.
All you have to do is call and tell us about your project and your budget and we’ll match you with three licensed general contractors from our robust network. Every single one has passed our rigorous 10-point vetting process, which includes an in-person interview, reference checks, and verification of licensure and insurance. Upon passing, each contractor signs our 20-point code of conduct outlining expectations for reliability and professionalism.
We highly recommend reaching out to all three of your recommended contractors to request bids. Pay close attention not only to the bottom line but the scope of what’s included. Should you have any questions as you compare these bids, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our dedicated service team is always ready to help.
When it comes to remodeling your home or planning exterior projects, you shouldn’t have to go it alone – GreatBuildz can help simplify your renovation experience.
GreatBuildz is a free service that connects homeowners in Los Angeles, Orange County, Ventura or San Diego with reliable, thoroughly screened general contractors and provides project support from start to finish.
Call now (818.317.3567) to chat with a real person about your kitchen remodeling project or visit our website for more information: www.greatbuildz.com
