What to Expect When You’re Expecting - A New Kitchen...

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As an interior designer, I always try to meet my client’s expectations on any remodel project. But a kitchen remodel offers a unique set of expectations. Let’s face it when you are missing many of the conveniences that make your days run smoothly, like that morning cup of coffee - life can be stressful!

Through the years I’ve learned most people really have no idea of ALL THE DETAILS involved in a successful kitchen makeover. That is why (if I am acting as Project Manager for the Kitchen renovation) I will put together a detailed timeline so my clients know what is happening on each day, which tradespeople will be showing up at the worksite. This gives my client a much more REALISTIC expectation of how long each stage and the complete renovation process will take.

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When most people see a schedule in a written format it’s easier to grasp the extent of the work being done, as well as how many different aspects are involved and how each portion of the project effects another. Most of the time there are changes being made to the existing kitchen area, such as walls being moved or eliminated, electrical and lighting modifications, and plumbing alterations, etc. Of course, this work needs to be done BEFORE the cabinets are delivered and installed.

Additionally, my spreadsheet will contain ALL the decisions that need to be made by the client AND products that need to be ordered BEFORE the project can even start!

Finally, this detailed spreadsheet contains the contact information for each contractor. This also gives each of the various tradespeople an exact date that they are expected to show up on the job site, too!

Below is a typical flow of how a basic kitchen might progress. Each kitchen renovation is unique, so other elements and tasks might be added. But no matter who is taking responsibility for each task there is a domino effect when even one item is delayed.

● Pack up contents of existing cabinets

● Dumpster arrives on site

● Protect the flooring if the floor is not being replaced

● Remove appliances (Be sure to try and donate)

● Demo all the pieces of the kitchen that are being replaced (Or repurpose cabinets to basement or garage or donate)

● Demo all walls that are impacted by the new design

● Assess status of existing walls, ceiling and floor

● Add any modifications needed from planned OR unexpected concealed items exposed during demolition (This could include anything from water pipes to water damage).

● Frame walls and rough carpentry

● New plumbing

● New electrical and lighting wiring (Including any low-voltage wiring for speakers, window shade controls or television)

● Install ventilation/fan exhaust

● Flooring installation or alterations (if being installed under cabinetry)

● Insulation and drywall

● First coat of primer/paint

● Installation of cabinets

● Template for countertops (allow 2 weeks for delivery of countertops)

● Flooring installation (if being installed after cabinets)

● Countertops installation

● Tile backsplash installation

● Install finish plumbing fixtures

● Install electrical fixtures

● Install appliances

● Painting

● Finish carpentry and trim work and cabinetry hardware

● Installation of any window treatments and accessories

Kitchen renovation is stressful knowing what to expect makes it easier

Depending on the contractor, each of these tasks will take a different amount of time. If you have applied for permits remember that inspections need to be done after framing, electrical and plumbing modifications have been made and you are at the mercy of the inspector’s schedules. (Don’t assume that they inspect each area every day of the week!)

Hiring a qualified Kitchen Designer, like myself, to manage the process will take the stress off YOU AND ALL tradespeople involved! Thinking of renovating your kitchen? Check out my KITCHEN DESIGN ESSENTIALS online design services at Bailiwick Interior Design.

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