A kitchen remodel can feel like a massive understanding, but what if I told you it could be accomplished in 6 weeks? With proper planning and research, a kitchen remodel can be completed in as little as 6 weeks. In this article, we are going to take a look at how to plan out your next kitchen remodel.
The timeline for your particular project will vary depending on the quantity and complexity of the tasks you take on. With proper planning and preparation, a kitchen remodel can realistically be accomplished in 4 to 6 weeks. However, if you have never completed a kitchen renovation, then you may not know where to start. Sketching out your project week-by-week can be a great way to ensure that you cover all your bases.
week 1: sketching out the remodel blueprint
At the start of your project, you will mostly be doing prep work. This includes things like clearing out the kitchen, putting down protective coverings, removing cabinet doors and drawers if you are replacing or repainting, and scheduling any professional help you need to hire.
One important tip is to label everything that you remove during this stage. Especially if you are removing your cabinet doors, it is important to keep the hinges and screws together and labeled, so that when it is time to reassemble, you know where everything goes. Here is a list of a few things that are common in the 1st week of a remodel:
- Site Preparation (coverings, ventilation, sanding, taping off areas).
- Demolition.
- Outlining any plumbing or electrical work that will be done.
- Takedown all measurements that you will need.
measuring your kitchen
Making sure you have accurate measurements is one of the most important parts of the start of your kitchen remodel. What you need to measure will depend on what you are planning to replace. If you are only replacing your cabinet doors, then you won’t have to worry about measuring your walls. However, if you are looking for a new kitchen island or wall cabinets, then you will need to do some more work.
If you need assistance measuring your kitchen, check out our YouTube walkthrough.
drawing a layout
To start, draw an outline of your kitchen. This should be the basic shape of your space, which would include any obstacles or structural features that could cause design difficulties. Next, add your doorways, windows, and any other features that will influence your design direction.
Once you have your sketch ready, add in all relevant measurements for your project. Be sure to label all of your measurements, so that when it is time to start ordering products, you will have all your sizes ready.
week 2: assembling the frame
In the second week of your project, you will begin assembling the frame of your kitchen. You will likely be doing things like hanging drywall and painting. You will need to set up a painting area away from the worksite if you will be painting your cabinet doors and drawer fronts. This is because the construction and demolition will create a lot of dust and debris that can stick to wet doors.
tips for finishes
As stated above, you will need a space to paint your cabinet doors and drawer fronts. This space needs to have proper ventilation in order to speed up drying times and to protect you from potentially harmful fumes or unpleasant odors.
For ideal finishing conditions, you should plan for a day with a temperature around 70 degrees Fahrenheit and a humidity of around 50-70%. If it has recently rained in the last day or two, it is often best to wait for the humidity to come back down. Your cabinets will take about 1-2 weeks to be dry to the touch, and then about a month to cure.
week 3-4: floors and countertops
In these weeks, you will be finishing what you started in the second week. Now that your base cabinets are installed, you can start laying down your flooring. You will also be using this time to install your countertops.
trends in kitchen floors and countertops
There are a wide variety of materials available to consumers today for both flooring and countertops. If you are looking for energy efficiency, stone or other natural elements are great for retaining heat during the day. In addition, they can also help you save money in some cases. For both countertops and flooring, natural elements, also known as biophilic design, can help improve your wellbeing.
week 5: tiles, appliances, and fixtures
As you head into week 5 you should begin to see your design coming together. Now that your cabinets and countertops are in place, you can start working on things like a tile backsplash, installing your appliances, and making sure everything is properly sealed. The last thing you want is for all your hard work to get ruined by an unseen leak or gap you forgot to seal.
creative tiling
Interior designers are constantly innovating in their work, and so we see a wide range of designs beyond classic subway tiles. From large colorful tiles to custom tiles, the possibility is as endless as your imagination. To get an idea for direction, check out interior design blogs or home decore sites.
considerations for appliance choice
While it may be tempting to go all out on one luxury appliance, it is not advisable if it will cause the appliance to stick out. When all your appliances match, it creates a sense of unity and completion in the space. And so, having the one stainless steel appliance in a room with mostly dated appliances creates a feeling of incompletion.
week 6: personalize your kitchen design
In week 6, you are near the top of the mountain. Be sure to stay disciplined as you finish, as it is easy to cut corners or coast through to the end of the project. In addition to performing the final cleaning, this is also the time that you get to inject your personal style into the space.
During this time you will be hanging your cabinet doors and mounting your drawers. You may also be doing projects like adding under cabinet lighting, stencils on upper cabinets, or adding decorative items on your kitchen countertops.
wrapping up your kitchen remodel
When it comes to a kitchen remodel, there can be a lot of pros and cons. One benefit, in particular, is that a kitchen remodel can often add value to your home. However, your area and the local housing market will determine the amount you can exact to get back from various products and services. Be sure to speak with interior designers and real estate professionals to get a good idea for your kitchen remodel ideas.
