So you want to remodel your kitchen. Before you get started here are some things to ask yourself before you meet with a kitchen designer and contractor.

What's Motivating You?

What is the motivation for changing your kitchen?
Are the cabinets unmanageable and falling apart?
Are you just looking for an updated door style or color?

Your kitchen may have excessive wear and tear from the islands salty air and humidity. You may have been visited by those happy little bugs that like to eat our local wood, and have been feasting on your cabinetry. Kitchens are typically remodeled every 10 years. This time frame can vary. Whatever your motivation is, keep it in mind, so you stay on track.

What are Your Likes and Dislikes?

When looking at your kitchen make a mental note of the things you like and dislike about your space.
Do you like where your appliances are located?
Do you have enough storage space for your dishes, pots and pans?

You’re not limited to keeping the same footprint of your current kitchen. You may have options to change the locations of your appliances. A professional can help remove walls, change out windows and/or relocate plumbing. Imagine your space as a blank canvas.

What's Your Budget?

When thinking about the budget for your new kitchen take into consideration that your home is an investment. How long do you plan on living in the home? Realtors agree that a good kitchen remodel can add considerably to your home’s value, and help with its resale.

Don’t put all your money in one spot. You have to budget for cabinetry, countertops, appliances and labor. Most kitchen remodels require new appliance, but if you are on a tight budget they don’t need to be the star attraction. Look out for deals on older models.

A good countertop is only as good as its cabinets. Granite is beautiful, but won’t last forever if it goes crashing to the floor because the cabinets were not strong enough to support its weight.
Your cabinets should be the foundation for the design and the piece that ties everything together.

When you have remodeling questions, seek help from an HPM professional.

Article Written by Jan and Jill from the HPM Home Design Center at Kauai Lumber