If you’re like most homeowners, remodeling your kitchen comes with many questions. At Lamont Bros. Design & Construction, we know how important it is to have those questions answered so you can feel confident making decisions for your home. In this video, we’ll cover the 7 most common questions homeowners ask when considering a kitchen remodel.
How Much Does a Kitchen Remodel Cost?
The cost of a kitchen remodel depends on several factors, including the size, complexity, and materials you select. It helps to think of kitchen remodel costs in terms of good, better, and best.
Good — $70,000 – $100,000
A good-level kitchen may include replacing the existing cabinetry with basic cabinets and changing out some of the finishes. You may upgrade your countertops, backsplash, and flooring, as well.
Better — $100,000 – $200,000
In a better-level kitchen remodel, you may have more custom work throughout the space. It’s common in these projects to remove walls, re-arrange cabinetry layouts, upgrade appliances, and change plumbing and electrical lines.
Best — $200,000 – $400,000
For a best-level kitchen remodel, luxury and customization are the priority. These kitchen remodel projects feature high-end finishes, more square footage, custom cabinetry packages, and luxury appliances.
Can I Do any of the Work Myself?
We typically recommend leaving most of the work to professional remodelers. However, there are certainly some aspects of a kitchen remodel that you could take on in order to reduce the cost of the project. This ultimately comes down to how comfortable you are performing your own remodeling work and how much money you are looking to save.
Can I Live at Home During My Kitchen Remodel?
One of the most common questions we get during a kitchen remodel is whether or not you should live at home during construction. Most families use their kitchen on a daily basis, so not having access to it leaves you with a choice between two options.
Set Up a Temporary Kitchen
A temporary kitchen can provide you with everything you need to cook while your kitchen is out of commission. Though not as luxurious or functional as a traditional kitchen, a temporary kitchen features the bare essentials. They usually include a microwave, hot plate, and mini fridge to hold you over for a few weeks.
Take a Vacation
Rather than stay and deal with a home under construction, many homeowners plan to go on vacation. Whether it’s across the globe or just on the other side of town, finding a short-term rental with a full kitchen can be a more convenient option. Plus, you won’t have to deal with the sights and sounds of construction going on around you.
Can I Remove Walls in My Kitchen?
Open floor plans are becoming more popular in interior design, especially for kitchens. For homeowners in older homes, achieving an open floor plan often involves removing a few walls.
The biggest challenge with removing interior walls comes down to whether or not the walls are load-bearing. If not, they’re usually pretty simple to remove. However, load-bearing walls require professional engineering and design and can be much more difficult to safely remove.
How Long Will My Kitchen Remodel Take?
It’s important to consider not only the time it takes to physically construct your remodel, but also the time it will take to design it. For most kitchen remodel projects, the design process typically lasts 2-4 months. This involves planning the layout, features, and finishes that will make your remodel uniquely fit to your needs and style.
The actual construction phase of the kitchen remodel usually takes anywhere from 6 to 15 weeks. However long it takes to build the project depends largely on its scope and complexity. A simple pull-and-replace kitchen will sit in the lower end of that range, while a full-scale kitchen addition can take up the full 15 weeks or longer.
How Does Your Remodel Team Communicate During the Project?
Most reputable remodeling companies will use some form of project management software to oversee the remodel and provide you with regular progress updates.
At Lamont Bros., we use a system called Buildertrend. This program manages the entire project. You can review your product selections, view weekly project updates on your remodel, or contact your team all from the same place.
How Soon Can I Start Remodeling?
Remodeling is exciting, and it’s good to be enthusiastic about getting started. Before you begin, here are two things to make sure you have ready.
1. Design Plans
It’s important to have remodel design plans to provide a clear roadmap for the project. They ensure that you and your build team are on the same page, prevent costly mistakes and delays, and ensure that the project’s final build will be exactly as you want it. Design plans can take several weeks or months to complete, but their benefit is well worth the added time.
2 Permits
Building permits ensure that construction is carried out responsibly and in accordance with established standards. Obtaining permits is a crucial part of guaranteeing safety, structural integrity, and adherence to zoning restrictions. For large-scale projects such as additions, custom kitchens, and whole-home remodels, you can expect to spend several weeks waiting for permit approval before you can begin construction. In some areas in Oregon, wait times for permits can take upwards of 16 weeks or more.
Want to Know More about Kitchen Remodeling?
While this video aims to answer the most common questions about kitchen remodel projects, perhaps you have more questions that are unique to your project. To continue learning more about kitchen remodeling, sign up for our free kitchen remodel buyers’ guide. We’ll walk you through the process of remodeling your kitchen so you know exactly what to expect when the time comes.