Ultimate Kitchen Remodel Guide – Planning, Tips, Ideas, and Costs
June 30, 2023
Ultimate Kitchen Remodel Guide – Planning, Tips, Ideas, and Costs
If you plan to remodel your kitchen, our kitchen remodel guide is a must-read – before you start. We’ll share some of our client’s most common questions when starting their projects, along with other tips and ideas.
If you plan to remodel your kitchen, our kitchen remodel guide is a must-read – before you start. We’ll share some of our client’s most common questions when starting their projects, along with other tips and ideas.
Our kitchen remodel guide will help you gain insights into the questions you have at all stages of your home renovation project. Specifically, we’ll answer:
What should your kitchen remodel plan consist of?
Should you hire an interior designer to help formulate your kitchen design?
What features to consider for your kitchen remodel project
And estimated kitchen remodel costs – along with insights into how kitchen remodels are quoted
We hope you come away from reading this article with a better understanding of what’s involved in a kitchen remodel, the necessary process steps, some inspiration for layout and features, and an idea of the costs of working with us.
Along with the above information, we’ll also cover why many clients select and trust Hammerdown to remodel their kitchens. If you’re looking for an MHBA Master Renovator and Master Builder that you can trust with your home renovations, let us know your plans – we’d love to be a part of them.
And without further ado, we have much to cover in our kitchen remodel guide – so let’s get started!
What should your kitchen remodel plan consist of?
Every well-executed kitchen remodel starts with planning. The more detailed your plan is, the fewer questions arise during the renovation. With detail-orientated planning, you can predict complications before they happen.
Kitchen remodel planning is the key to a successful outcome. We put immense effort into the planning phase of any kitchen remodel to ensure that once we start the demolition, everything is ready and accounted for so it goes smoothly. Our planning capabilities are second to none, giving us the edge over other renovators. It also allows us to spend less time renovating your home, so you’ll have your kitchen remodel finished quicker.
For more information on potential kitchen remodel timelines, visit our article on home renovation timelines.
What’s our recommended kitchen remodel plan look like? Here are some of the details and steps you’ll want to be sure to follow:
Understand the goals for your kitchen remodel – what do you need, and why do you need it?
Determine a kitchen remodel budget – be realistic and include all costs for things like products, labour, permits, and other expenses
Gather inspiration for your kitchen remodel – look for kitchen design inspiration in magazines, online platforms, and social media to gather ideas that resonate with your style and preferences
Research kitchen remodelling options – explore cabinets, countertops, flooring, appliances, lighting, and fixtures. Read reviews, compare prices, and consider the durability, aesthetics, and maintenance requirements of each choice
Contact home renovation companies for your kitchen remodel
Once you have an idea of what you want, need, and like – we recommend contacting home renovation companies to assist with your large-scale project (unless you have DIY skills). However, don’t let indecision stop you from working with a contractor. We’re here to help – including helping you make decisions throughout your project to get a kitchen remodel you love.
However, even if you have nothing figured out – if you know you want your home renovated or your kitchen remodelled, that’s one of the benefits of working with us. We help you step by step through the process so you can achieve your vision.
The process of working with a home contractor for your kitchen remodel will look similar to this:
Initial meeting with your home renovation company – to determine fit, align project expectations, and discuss costs
Thorough on-site meeting – at your home where we discuss in detail all parts of your kitchen remodel, make design, layout, and product recommendations, and gather all necessary measurements
Kitchen remodel quote and deposit – we present your project plan, review associated costs, and schedule your kitchen design project upon receipt of the deposit
Initial kitchen design meeting – our interior designers help select all necessary products, materials, and finishes and plan your kitchen layout
Kitchen design review – we walk through the design and layout, and you supply feedback
Project sign-off – after all feedback is complete, you sign off on your kitchen design, and we order all of the necessary items for your project
Production scheduling – after receiving all of the materials and products needed for your kitchen remodel, we put you on the construction schedule
Demolition of your space – completed before we start renovation work; usually, we strip everything to the studs
Wall removals – completed if your project requires
Engineering inspection and permits
Insulation and sub-floor repair or upgrades
Plumbing and electrical updates – with a review of permits by the City of Winnipeg
Drywall installation – including mudding and patching
Painting walls and installing lighting fixtures
Cabinets, including hardware, flooring, and countertop installations
Custom tile work for your kitchen backsplash
Installing appliances
Final cleaning of your kitchen space
Final project review by the City of Winnipeg
Adding decor and decorative elements
As you can tell by this list – the planning, process, and effort to complete a kitchen renovation is extensive. However, the good news is that we care for everything if you work with us! We simply require your opinion and thoughts throughout the project to ensure we create a kitchen you’ll love! All you need to do is sit back and watch your home transform before your eyes.
Should you hire an interior designer for your kitchen remodel?
We mentioned working with an interior designer as part of the recommended process when remodelling your kitchen, but why? Let us explain.
Interior design is an integral part of planning your kitchen remodel. We help you visualize your new space with line drawings and renderings. With interior design services, you’ll gain a sense of what your kitchen will look like before we even start construction.
The benefits of working with an interior designer for your kitchen remodel don’t end there. Here are some of the reasons to work with our interior design team:
Our interior designer brings specialized knowledge and expertise in kitchen design, layout, and functionality, ensuring your remodel is well-planned and executed.
Working with our designer allows you to create a customized kitchen that suits your needs, lifestyle, and aesthetic preferences. They can help translate your ideas into a cohesive and visually pleasing design.
Our interior designer is skilled at maximizing space utilization – and can get creative to make the most of your kitchen layout with efficient workflow and storage options.
Our designer can access various products, materials, and finishes. They can guide you in selecting high-quality, durable, and aesthetically pleasing options that align with your vision and budget.
We can assist with budgeting decisions – including helping you decide areas where to splurge and when to save.
Our design-build team oversees your entire remodelling process, coordinating with contractors and suppliers – ensuring that the project stays on track.
We pay close attention to the finer details that can elevate the overall design of your kitchen. From coordinating colour schemes to selecting the perfect hardware, we help perfect the look of your kitchen.
Our interior designer can alleviate significant stress because we handle the logistics, troubleshooting, and decision-making, allowing you to focus on enjoying the process.
For in-depth resources about working with an interior designer to assist with your kitchen design, check out these resources:
What features should you include in your kitchen remodel?
With your kitchen remodel plan sorted out, your home renovation company hired, and your interior designer selected – it’s time for the fun stuff!
Before we jump into our list – please remember – design trends can vary and evolve. It’s always a good idea to gather inspiration from multiple sources, consult with a professional interior designer (us!), and choose elements that align with your taste and lifestyle.
We’ve done hundreds of kitchen remodels, and while design trends come and go – everything on our list has serious staying power.
Functional storage solutions
Maximizing your storage space is a common focus across all kitchen remodels. Pull-out pantry cabinets, custom drawer organizers, and innovative storage solutions for small appliances help keep the kitchen clutter-free and organized.
Mixed materials and textures
Combining various materials and textures adds visual interest and a sense of style to your kitchen remodel.
Statement lighting
Eye-catching light fixtures, such as pendant lights or chandeliers, can be focal points in your kitchen. Incorporating stylish and well-placed lighting enhances functionality and adds a touch of elegance and personality.
Spots or accents of bold colours and patterns
While neutral colour palettes are timeless, bold colours and patterns are gaining popularity in kitchen design. Vibrant backsplashes, colourful cabinetry, or patterned tiles can inject personality and create an energetic atmosphere.
Streamlined designs
Clean lines have become popular in modern kitchen designs with a focus on simplicity. We can do things like conceal appliances, handleless cabinetry, and sleek countertops to create a streamlined and contemporary look for your kitchen remodel.
Other interesting kitchen remodel ideas for your kitchen can include things like:
Two-tone cabinetry for upper and lower cabinets creates a visually striking contrast and adds depth to the kitchen design.
Statement backsplashes using patterned tiles, mosaic patterns, or textured materials to make a bold statement and enhance your kitchen’s visual appeal.
Add a beverage station in your kitchen with a coffee machine, wine fridge, or a stylish bar cart for entertaining.
Large kitchen islands that serve as a central gathering and food preparation area. Consider adding features like a built-in sink, seating, or extra storage to enhance its functionality.
Open or floating shelves to display dishes, cookbooks, and decorative items can create an airy and accessible feel while showcasing your personal style.
Natural elements like wood accents, stone countertops, or a live-edge kitchen island create a warm and organic atmosphere.
The ideas are nearly endless – which can sometimes feel overwhelming. When you’re working with us, we help guide the entire process, ensuring you get precisely what you wish for along the way.
For most homeowners seeking a kitchen remodel, “How much will my kitchen remodel cost?” is a question that is always part of the discussion. While we can’t give you exact kitchen remodel costs within this article – we can talk about approximate ballpark amounts and information on price factors.
What factors affect kitchen remodel costs?
Several factors can affect the cost of your kitchen remodel. This list is not exhaustive but should help you understand the factors at play.
The size of your kitchen plays a significant role in determining the cost. Larger kitchens generally require more materials, labour, and time to complete the renovation
Layout changes for your kitchen remodel, such as moving plumbing or electrical, or wall removal
Materials and finishes dramatically influence the cost.
Cabinetry can vary depending on factors such as material, design complexity, customization, and hardware
Countertops such as granite, quartz, or laminate, along with higher-end materials and intricate designs or patterns
Appliances can vary significantly based on brand, size, features, and energy efficiency
Labour and contractor fees can vary depending on the complexity of the project, the contractor’s experience and their reputation
Permit fees and inspection costs should factor into the overall budget
How do we handle kitchen remodel quotes?
We pride ourselves on going the extra mile with kitchen remodel quotes. We will take more time to review and plan your renovation to ensure we get the details right. When you work with us, there are no surprises regarding your kitchen renovation. We’ve been creating dream kitchen remodels for clients since 2004, so your kitchen renovation will be no stress and you’ll love the outcome.
The advantages of detailed planning and quoting process are significant – but perhaps the most critical benefit is that it allows us to schedule your renovation like clockwork. Once your renovation plan is ready, we select a mutually available date to start construction on your project – with an end date already determined.
How meticulous and detailed is our planning? We use renovation project management software to plan your kitchen remodel by the hour. How can we do this? Because of the amount of planning goes into your renovation before we start. With a design plan, we can build an accurate schedule for your kitchen remodel. And we do this for you, our clients, as an added value, so you’ll never have to worry about the progress of your renovation.
There is no guesswork when it comes to our kitchen remodelling quotes. We have every detail sorted out before we start, which means the price on your quote is the price – unless you change your mind.
The kitchen remodel cost is approximately 20% of your home’s market value (note that the values below are figurative only). If you were to list your home for sale, this is the expected price it would fetch. For example:
If your home is worth $350,000; then you may need an approximate $70,000 budget
If your home is worth $600,000; then you may need an approximate $120,000 budget
Of course, the approximate cost figures and ballpark range numbers are completely illustrative. The above mentioned factors will significantly affect your project’s budget and can waiver in either direction. We won’t know how much your kitchen remodel will cost until we discuss your project needs and assess your existing home as part of our kitchen remodel quote process.
Why should you choose to work with us for your kitchen remodel?
We are a leading Winnipeg kitchen remodelling company because we act with integrity, communicate with transparency, and instill quality and superior craftsmanship in all that we do. We are known for:
Receive your kitchen remodel quote from us – start today!
If you’ve found our kitchen remodel guide helpful and want us to help you with your kitchen remodel project – contact us for a quote!
We’re ready to help you with each stage of your kitchen remodel project – from planning, interior design, building, and final walkthrough – your kitchen remodel is in good hands.
We love chatting with potential clients about their future kitchen renovation plans! But people often wonder if they are ready for a kitchen renovation – here is how you can tell.
At the beginning of the year, I often see home contracting companies offering advice on the latest trends in home renovations. While it’s important to be aware of trends in interior design and house remodelling, one shouldn’t get too caught up in the most recent trending product – as next year, it might be trending in the opposite direction.
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