5 Tips to Simplify Kitchen Remodelling
Remodelling a kitchen involves significant expenses. To get the most worth out of the money, hiring the right kitchen remodelling company is important as an expert contractor will ensure the aesthetics and the functionality of the new kitchen seamlessly blend with the rest of the house. Besides, an experienced kitchen remodelling contractor will ensure all the work is done according to local regulations and codes to avoid any problems for the homeowner in the future.
1. Set a budget
Before planning a kitchen remodel, fixing a budget can be quite useful. This is because deciding how much should be spent on kitchen remodelling helps figure out which contractors’ services, materials, appliances, and fixtures are affordable.
Generally, contractors charge on the basis of percentage for larger remodelling projects. This percentage can be anywhere around 8% of the total cost of the entire project. For example, a contractor who does small kitchen remodels with a total cost of about ÂŁ20,000-ÂŁ30,000 will charge less than someone who does the work for a high-end and bespoke kitchen fixed with top-of-the-range appliances with overall costs of more than ÂŁ50,000.
2. Consider various kitchen designs
Most homeowners have a vision about how they would like their new kitchen to look like . Along with having a general idea about the overall aesthetics, it is important to dive into the various designs that are compatible with the layout and dimensions of the space. Besides, think about which elements of the kitchen are more important. For instance, some like to have lots of storage space, while others prefer bigger cooking areas. Based on these preferences, space available, and budget, pick a kitchen layout design that will not only maximise the functionality of the space but will also enhance its aesthetic appeal.
3. Pick high-quality materials
Choosing good-quality materials and fixtures is important since these are expected to last a number of years. From flooring to cabinets and from lighting to appliances , everything must be carefully chosen . Even if on a budget, it is possible to pick high-quality and standard materials. This is because expensive doesn’t always mean it will last longer.
4. Shortlist different kitchen remodelling companies
After fixing the budget and deciding on various aspects of the kitchen redesign, shortlist various local kitchen remodelling companies that are nearby and affordable. The reason for beginning the search with kitchen remodelling companies located nearby is that they have professionals who are well-versed with local planning permissions, building regulations approval, and safety codes. Besides, they have good networks of local suppliers. This means the cost of hauling the various materials and fixtures for remodelling will be lower. That said, there are various ways to find reliable local contractors.
- Get personal recommendations
Asking family members, friends, coworkers, or neighbours for reputable contractors is a good idea. If anyone has hired the services of a kitchen remodelling company, they can give reliable information about their experience. This can be helpful in understanding the quality of work of the particular contractor. - Look online
Online platforms that specially have listings of companies that offer home renovation services can be handy. These platforms often allow users to search for companies and contractors locally. One simply has to enter their zip code to find a list of kitchen remodelling companies nearby. Many of these platforms also have customer reviews, which can help find out the reliability of the remodelling companies .
5. Verify the credentials of the contractors
After making a list of potential kitchen remodelling companies, shorten it to a handful of good leads. After all, it is not possible to contact all the companies on the list. This will take months before the actual work of remodelling begins. Instead, look at the credentials of all the companies and contact only those with an authentic reputation. There are a couple of ways to do this.
- Check the company’s website
Most top kitchen remodelling companies ensure to have a strong digital presence. They do this to bring in more leads and business. This means they put in the work to build a reliable brand by having customer testimonials and reviews along with photos of their work available online for everyone to read on their website. Plus, they have essential information like the services they provide and for how long they have been in business. - Verify certifications and licences
All remodelling companies and contractors are required to have the necessary and updated licences and registrations. Moreover, certifications, registrations, and licences ensure that the company follows industry standards and practices along with safety regulations. Generally, they should be members of trade associations like the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) and the National Federation of Builders (NFB). For specific work involved in remodelling like gas installations, a company must have registrations from Gas Safe Register, or for electrical work , the professionals must have qualifications from the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC).