Out with the Old and In with the New: It's Time for a Kitchen Remodeler Maryland!
This article outlines all of the steps homeowners should consider before hiring a kitchen remodeler. It covers topics such as planning for a new kitchen, setting a remodel budget, and hiring a qualified contractor.
If you're a Maryland homeowner planning to renovate your kitchen in the near future and you live near areas such as Annapolis, Bowie, Crofton, or Silver Spring, read below to find strategies you can use to ensure a successful remodel.
Know What You Want
Before diving head-first into a kitchen remodel for your Maryland home, take some time to think about what it is you hope to gain from the renovation.
The best way to gather ideas to help you determine what you expect from your remodel is to create what design experts refer to as a "stylebook." A stylebook will not only help you gain a clearer picture of what you want from your kitchen remodel, but it will also help your contractor better understand your expectations as well.
To create a stylebook, simply follow these three easy steps:
- Look through magazines or browse remodeling sites on the Internet and cut out or print images of kitchens that particularly appeal to you.
- In the margins of the images, note what specific features you find most appealing.
- Place these pages into clear sheet protectors and organize them in a three-ring binder.
It's important for your renovation expectations to be reasonable. Try talking with people who have recently updated their own homes. Find out what problems they encountered so you can be prepared if you run into the same obstacles.
Set Your Budget
The national average cost for updating a kitchen is approximately $82,000 according to Remodeling Magazine. In order to determine how much money you should invest in your renovation, consider the following:
- How Much Can You Afford? Perform an honest examination of your household expenses to determine how much money you can afford to invest. Consult this worksheet published by the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) for help.
- How Much Is Your Home Worth? The budget for your kitchen remodel should be approximately 15 percent of the assessed value of your home. No matter how long you plan to live in your current home, you should carefully evaluate how this renovation will impact its value. Compare your renovation plans with others in the neighborhood.
- What's Important to You? Figuring out what features are and are not essential for the completion of your renovation project can help you cut costs substantially. Determine your priorities (fine cabinetry, appliances, etc.) and complement those with other economical features that are not of extreme importance to you.
- Is "Wiggle Room" A Budget Necessity? You should always set aside extra money in the budget to cover any unexpected or last minute costs. Incorporate an extra 10 percent of your estimated labor costs to help you prepare for sudden obstacles you may be confronted with.
- How Can I Finance My Kitchen Remodel? Although there are many ways to cover the costs associated with this type of renovation, a home equity loan is often the most popular choice because it's tax deductible. You may also consider refinancing your current home, no-equity loans, FHA loans, personal loans, loans from retirement plans or borrowing against a life insurance policy. Regardless of the type of financing you choose, always research to ensure you lock in the best rate.
Plan Ahead
A kitchen remodel is one of the most disruptive renovation projects homeowners can take on, with some renovations requiring weeks or even months to complete. Follow these tips to help minimize interruption on your daily life:
- Don't Procrastinate: Plan and prepare for the project months before it is scheduled to begin. Hire a certified kitchen designer to help make decisions about layout, cabinetry, and other features.
- Acquire Necessary Permits: Have your contractor apply for all permits before beginning work and be aware of all inspection dates. Electrical and plumbing work must be approved before work can continue.
- Place Your Orders Early: Purchase appliances, cabinetry, sinks, and other features in advance. This will give you time to inspect their condition upon arrival. Problems such as manufacturer delays, incorrect measurements, and other damage can be effectively handled when caught early during the renovation process.
Hire A Professional
Kitchen remodels are not the type of project that you as a homeowner can take on alone.
Your best option is to hire a qualified contractor to manage the project for you.
Spend some time doing research to find a licensed and qualified contractor who can do the job for a reasonable price.
You can call your state Contractors Licensing Board or the Better Business Bureau to learn about any complaints that may have been filed against contractors in your area.
Any contractor you hire will present you with his or her own contract. Know that you have the right to have a lawyer review the contract and make any changes you feel necessary before work begins on your kitchen remodel.
When reviewing the contract, make sure the following information is listed on the document:
- Contractor's name, address, phone number, and license number
- Start and end dates for the project
- Detailed description of project
- Costs for the project, including any permit fees
- Payment schedule
- Contractor's warranty policy and manufacturer's warranty information
- Insurance requirements
Make sure that you read and fully understand the contract presented to you. If you have any questions, ask the contractor answer them in writing.
Some red flags to beware of when reviewing your contract include any stipulations regarding an upfront payment in full or payment in cash. If you notice these, you may want to consider another contractor.
Choose Cunningham Contracting, Inc.
Cunningham Contracting, Inc. is a general contracting serving the state of Maryland around areas such as Annapolis, Bowie, Crofton, and Silver Spring. Our company has over 25 years of experience in remodeling homes, designing and building home additions, kitchen remodels, and bathrooms renovations.
At Cunningham, all of our work is quality craftsmanship, guaranteed. Our goal is to make renovating your home fun and easy.
But don't take our word for it. Read what one of our customers had to say about us:
| "I hired Cunningham Contracting, Inc. to remodel my kitchen two years ago, and I cannot express how impressed I was with the quality of their workmanship. The contractor sat down with me and explained each step of the renovation process and helped me choose the best materials to include in my new kitchen. I love the kitchen they designed for me and I would recommend them to anyone looking to renovate any room in their home. Hiring Cunningham Contracting, Inc. was the best decision I ever made!"
- Suzanne Meyers, Crofton, MD |
Contact Us Today
We schedule time to sit down with all of our clients and listen to their needs to help assist them in designing their new kitchen.
If you're thinking about renovating, call Cunningham Contracting, Inc. for more information or a free estimate 410-721-8757 or click here to request an estimate via our website.
Cunningham can make your kitchen renovation come true, smoothly and easily.
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