Kitchen Renovation - How to Get Started?

 

While it's always best to plan correctly in advance, most kitchen renovations go forward without a single peep from the local planning department. It's common to assume that permits are required when doing anything electrical in a house, such as installing a new toilet or replacing a light fixture. The fact is that pipes and appliances do not require permits, but they do require an inspection in order to ensure safety. That's why your plumber is usually called first to check for leaks and faulty wiring.

When renovating your kitchen, don't make the mistake of thinking all you have to do is replace appliances and fixtures. A kitchen renovation budget shouldn't include just about anything connected to the inner workings of your house. If a contractor plans to install new cabinetry and cabinets, he must get your approval for the layout changes. The layout changes could include new flooring, wallpaper, painting, cabinet door color, and similar items. You'll want to make sure the contractor uses new carpeting that's in compliance with local building codes.

If you're trying to save money on your kitchen renovation budget, you're going to have to give up a few things as well. For example, if you want to replace your existing refrigerator, you may have to give up the cabinet space you currently have. Even though most general contractors list replacement appliances under cabinetry, they'll sometimes mark these items as refrigerators. Even though the "tray" on a refrigerator is a more expensive name than "fridge," it can actually be sold as a refrigerator.

In addition, you'll have to give up any design features you want in your kitchen remodel. Even if you're replacing your cabinets, kitchen renovations rarely include cutting out windows or doors. Although most contractors do list these features under kitchen cabinets, it's extremely rare to find them in just about any kitchen remodel. Even if you do get lucky and find some, they're usually marked up considerably from their original price point.

Most people aren't willing to give up kitchen countertops, even for a kitchen renovation. Countertops are one of the most expensive things involved with a kitchen renovation, but if you don't take them out, you'll be wasting a lot of money. Some countertop companies may offer unifies discount kitchen countertops, which are basically stock countertops that come with everything included. These are incredibly cheap, but you will be stuck with them unless you choose to remove them.

Finally, when it comes to building codes and permits, there are often several requirements that must be met in order to be able to start renovating your home. Even if you're planning on renovating your entire kitchen from scratch, you still have to get building permits. Typically, new kitchen renovations only require building permits for the first year and then yearly inspections thereafter. However, some older properties may require more permits in order to be built. If you plan on doing the work yourself, you'll probably end up needing all three of these permits anyway, so it may make more sense to have them all in one place.