Everyone enjoys a renovated kitchen. Modern appliances and materials offer an excellent opportunity to add functionality to what for many homeowners is the heart of the home. In addition, they allow you to add a personal touch to your space.
Renovating a small kitchen? Working with a competent kitchen remodeling contractor can still yield big results. Here are some suggestions to get you started on your small kitchen remodeling endeavor.
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 a small kitchen – here are some key points you need to know.
How Much Does A Small Kitchen Remodel Cost?
Kitchen renovations in the Orange County area cost between $50,000 and $70,000 on average. However, because you are working with a smaller space, your expenses may be lower, particularly if you do not alter the layout. We have witnessed basic renovations completed for as little as $35,000.
As you plan the budget for your kitchen renovation, bear in mind that many homeowners recoup the majority, if not all, of their costs through improved energy savings and an increase in the home’s overall value.
Tips On Small Kitchen Design And Remodeling
First and foremost, examine your current layout with a critical eye and consider whether it meets your requirements. Bringing in a kitchen remodeler early in the process can help you determine whether it’s best to maintain the existing footprint of your kitchen or start fresh. Thereafter, a variety of design considerations can help maximize even the smallest kitchens.
Allow the sun to enter. Sunlight is an excellent method to make a small room feel larger. Adding windows or natural light will do much to make your kitchen feel larger.
Think strategically about your storage. Having a place to store dishes, cookware, and small appliances allows you to keep your countertops clear of debris, which gives the impression of more space. In tiny kitchens, however, where every square inch matters, traditional cabinets may not be the best option. Removing lower cabinets and replacing them with drawers makes it easier to remain organized and access items when needed. In addition, removing the upper cabinets and replacing them with open storage creates a sense of greater space.
Look up. Another technique for creating the illusion of space is to draw the viewer’s attention upward. Including the ceiling in the paint color is one method to accomplish this. Installing large pendants or other statement lighting is another option.
Reduce the size of your appliances, or conceal them. Having compact kitchen appliances is a wonderful way to save space. Choose panel-ready appliances, which are designed to be covered with front panels to complement your cabinetry and create a seamless appearance. By eliminating visual interruptions, you allow the eye to travel, thereby creating the illusion of space.
Add a peninsula or island. A kitchen island or peninsula, which is an L-shaped counter and cabinet extension, will consume floor space, but it will provide you with additional workspace, storage, and a comfortable place to enjoy your morning coffee.
Can You Remodel Or Enlarge Your Small Kitchen?
Walls can make a tiny kitchen appear and feel even more cramped. One option is to demolish a partition to open the kitchen to the dining room or living room. Or, if you are willing to sacrifice a portion of another room, you could expand the square footage of your kitchen into it.
Another option is to have a home addition constructed. Here, you could either expand the kitchen or construct an adjoining dining area.
Regardless of how you intend to expand your kitchen, your costs will increase significantly. Not only will you incur higher material and labor expenses, but you may also need to relocate or install new wiring, ventilation, and water lines.
What is the procedure and timeline for a small kitchen renovation?
Even modest kitchen renovations can consume a significant amount of time. A basic, largely cosmetic kitchen renovation could be completed in as little as three to four weeks. A complete renovation that includes new custom cabinetry and specialized components can take up to three months. To manage expectations, we suggest adding 10 to 20 percent to the small kitchen contractor’s time estimate to account for delays such as appliance backorders and material shortages.
If you’ve engaged a reputable kitchen contractor, they will make every effort to keep the project on schedule. After all, they are experts in kitchen remodeling and know the process inside and out. However, delays can be caused by a variety of factors. If the kitchen contractor is overburdened with too many projects, their personnel may become overstretched and miss days on your project. Alternatively, significant material delays could impede the progress of the kitchen. Occasionally, this can be avoided by selecting an alternative material that is more readily available. Special order materials should be chosen with caution, as they are frequently delayed by the manufacturer.
During this period, many householders prefer to set up temporary kitchens in other rooms/garage. Typical amenities include a coffee station, mini-fridge, and microwave. This provides you with a convenient location to prepare a snack or fast meal and can help you save money on restaurant meals and takeout.
Before you return dishes, cookware, and food to the kitchen, we recommend contracting a service to give it a thorough cleaning once the renovation is complete and you’ve walked through it with your contractor to ensure everything is satisfactory.
Related: 6 Things To Know Before Your Kitchen Remodeling Project
How to Locate the Most Qualified Kitchen Contractor
At GreatBuildz, we make it easy to discover the best Orange County kitchen remodelers. We are prepared to connect you with the finest local home improvement professionals in Ventura County, Orange County, or anywhere else in the greater Southern California area.
Simply contact us and describe your project and budget, and we will match you with three licensed general contractors from our extensive network. Every single one has passed our ten-point screening procedure, which includes an in-person interview, reference checks, and license and insurance verification. Each contractor who passes is required to sign a 20-point code of conduct delineating expectations for dependability and professionalism.
We strongly suggest soliciting estimates from all three of your recommended contractors. Focus not only on the bottom line but also on the scope of what is included. If you have any queries while comparing these bids, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our devoted service staff is always willing to assist.
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 (818.839.6855) to chat with a real person about your kitchen remodeling project or visit our website for more information: www.greatbuildz.com
