Learning how to realize kitchen ideas is a rite of passage for many homeowners, especially considering it’s the second most popular remodeling project after bathrooms. Like a bathroom remodel, a major kitchen remodel requires careful planning and a big helping of patience to get through the disruption of not having a working kitchen, as well as the financial and logistical hoops one must jump through to get the project finished. But do not despair, for a major kitchen remodel is totally doable. All you have to do is stick to these seven steps and you’ll learn how to remodel a kitchen on a budget of any size.

Before starting any home remodeling project, you need a plan.

One of the biggest remodeling mistakes homeowners make is skipping the planning phase and rushing straight into a project.

While home project planning is a tedious process, it will help you make the most of your time and money. Follow the steps below to ensure your remodel meets and exceeds your expectations without making a lot of mistakes along the way.

4 Steps to a Foolproof Home Renovation Project Plan

1. Decide What You Want

Part of planning a home project is deciding what you want it to look like.

Whether you’re converting a bathtub into a walk-in shower or building an in-law suite, having a better understanding of how you want the finished product to look and feel will help make decisions on budget, design and materials easier.

If you’re looking for some inspiration, clip images from magazines, play around with home design software or check out Houzz, Fresh Home, The Spruce, House Beautiful and other design sites.

2. Create a Realistic Budget

The next step in your home remodeling project plan is to create a budget.

Once you’ve decided the scope of your project and what features and finishes you want, figure out how much money you have available to spend. Spoiler alert: what you want and how much you can afford don’t always agree with one another.

Keep in mind that renovations don’t guarantee returns, and spending more on an upscale renovation isn’t necessarily a better investment than spending less on a midrange project.

How to Budget for a Home Remodel

• Figure out how much you have to spend: After you’ve decided what you want, determine whether or not you have enough money to cover the costs. Look at your wish list and prioritize needs versus wants.
• Assess the condition of your home: As a general rule of thumb, the older the home, the more hidden costs you’re likely to find behind your doors and walls.
• Check what permits your city requires: In addition to protecting your home and family, getting the necessary permits will ensure you won’t have to redo any of the work. The last thing you want is to run out of money in the middle of a project.

To avoid going over budget, add up your expenses before you start.

3. Get Written Estimates

Planning a home remodeling project involves getting estimates from remodeling companies or general contractors.

Before you start researching contractors in your area, get recommendations from family and friends about whom they hired for their remodeling projects. Compile a list of several contractors you may want to hire, but don’t let price be the deciding factor. Before hiring a contractor, consider the following:

1. Years of experience: A contractor who’s been doing business for a long time makes them a safer bet than one who is new to the business.
2. Contracting license: Make sure your contractor has gone through all the steps needed to obtain any required certifications specific to their line of work.
3. Certificate of insurance: Contractors should have workers’ compensation and liability insurance for the type of work they perform.
4. Timeline for completion: It’s important to know when contractors will start and complete a project, and if there are any circumstances that may affect that schedule.
5. Payment schedule: A reputable contractor won’t ask you to pay the full price upfront, and the Better Business Bureau advises not to. However, it’s important to discuss payment terms before construction begins. In some cases, it’s better to spend a little extra to get someone you’re comfortable working with.

4. Map Out Your Schedule

Depending on the scope of your project, a home renovation can run anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. As a result, you can expect your day-to-day life to be impacted in some capacity.

If the contractor you hire doesn’t provide their own timeline or project plan for your home renovation, you should make your own and share it with them.

Planning on having major work done to your kitchen? You’ll have to find somewhere else to eat. Renovating the master bedroom? You’ll have to make sleeping arrangements. Whether or not you should live in your home during construction depends on what work is being done, as well as these renovation realities.

Generally, the bigger the project, the longer it will take

Now that you know how to plan a home remodel successfully, your time and money will be well spent.

Keeping on top of the newest home décor and design trends can be difficult. That’s why we’ve started a list of the five hottest interior design trends so you can stay ahead of the curve without having to thumb through fifteen different magazines. So grab a cup of coffee and get your paintbrush and hammer ready as we take a deep dive into what 2022 has in store.

Trend #1: Vibrant Color Schemes Are Coming Back

As you’d expect, neutral colors such as gray, beige and everyone’s new favorite paint color, “greige,” are still the trendiest in terms of home design and décor. However, brighter colors are picking up steam. Blush pinks, reds and greens are making a comeback but neutrals still reign supreme.

If you’re tempted by the brightness, consider painting an accent wall instead of going all-in on one color to see if it fits your style. Looking for an even smaller splash of color? Try adding colorful accessories instead. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Trend #2: Metallic Accents

Metallic touches are one of the biggest (and shiniest) home décor trends right now and will continue well into 2022. However, it’s very easy to overdo it when it comes to shiny surfaces. The best way to incorporate this home trend is to keep things basic, such as hanging a silver-accented mirror on a wall or buying some copper end tables.

Of course, no one will judge you if you want to go heavy on the metal. If you’re looking for wall-to-wall shine, you can easily find metallic wallpaper on home décor sites such as Wayfair and Houzz, each with a variety of patterns and sheens to choose from.

Trend #3: High-Class Kitchen Elements

Once again, Amanda Gates lays out the latest home design trends in the kitchen: “Quartz counters, lower and upper cabinets in different finishes, appliances in fun colors, layouts that promote ease of use, cement tile backsplashes.” Quartz is a popular choice for countertops because it goes with so many different styles. Mixing up the finishes on your cabinets makes them stand out more. As for kitchen layouts, HGTV has an article outlining a few designs that will help you move around the room a lot more easily.

Of course, if you aren’t ready for a full-on kitchen remodel, you might try your hand at upgrading your backsplash or appliances. You can use virtually any cement tile as a backsplash, just make sure it doesn’t clash with your new oven.

Trend #4: Geometric Patterns

If you thought you were done with geometry in high school, guess again. Geometric patterns are trending up in the interior design space, with mesmerizing wallpaper prints leading the charge. Burke Décor has a huge range of styles you can choose from within a price range that will work for most budgets.

Pro Tip: Geometric wallpaper patterns pair amazingly well with wainscoting and crown molding.

Not ready to commit to a complete wall makeover? Try a subtler approach by adding patterned quilts, pillows or other accessories with a mathematical theme to your living room.

Trend #5: Minimalist Furniture With Minimal Upkeep

Simple, elegant furniture pieces have been a trending home design feature for years, but in 2022 the emphasis is on “clean lines, comfort and ease of use [as well as] finishes that are easy to care for and use.” For couches and chairs, look for pieces made with vinyl or faux suede fabric. With these materials, you can clean up most spills with a towel and dish soap, saving you from frantically googling five different recipes for homemade cleaning solutions.

For further information about kitchen cabinet, countertops  or to add granite, marble or quartz countertops to your kitchen, call Potomac Kitchen & Bath Now! You can also make a free appointment to get service in:

Merrifield, Dunn,Loring, Annandale, Dulles, Oakton,  Aldie, Warrenton,Lorton,  Sterling, Alexandria, Arlington, Potomac Falls, South Riding, Gainesville, Vienna, McLean,  Gaithersburg, Great Falls, Bethesda, Rockville, Leesburg, Clifton, Haymarket, Burke,  Dumfries,Dalecity, Springfield, Reston, Centreville, Ashburn, Herndon, Manassas, Fairfax, Fairfax Station, Chantilly VA.

Potomac Kitchen and Bath is the best remodeling Campany in Falls Church and Sterling, Virginia. We offer clients a wide selection of contemporary styles and the best matches for affordable remodeling projects. You can use “kitchen and bath remodeling” and “bathroom remodeling” to inform about countertops selection.