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Few home remodeling projects come with more benefitsand more headachesthan a majorkitchen remodelingjob.
Is it a matter of too little space to cook effectively?
Too little space to store food and dishware?
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Do you lack dining areas?
Are the appliances ineffective or too old?
Or does the kitchen just make you wince because it is so dated and so ugly?
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Establish a prioritized list of things you would like inyour new kitchen, ranked according to their importance.
It’s helpful to distinguish between those elements you absolutely need and those you simply want.
Kitchen Remodel Resale Value
Consider the financial payback on a new kitchen.
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Kitchen remodels often return a good portion of their cost in improved home equitybut not all of it.
Be ready to compromise on the materials in your new kitchen.
Is that restaurant-gradegas rangereally necessary or will a good quality consumer range do the job?
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For ease of movement, all plans represent some form of that classic workflow model, thekitchen triangle.
Permits must be obtained from different agencies.
Your city or county may administer the electrical, plumbing, andbuilding permits.
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If you are doing it yourself, start by calling your local city or county permitting agency.
Prepare Your Home
Make contingency plans for meals during the time your kitchen is out of operation.
With some kitchen remodels, your plumbing and appliances may be operational for some portions of the project.
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Make arrangements for living without your kitchen for however many weeks it will be out of commission.
A recreation room orhome barwith a sink can serve as a cooking and dining space for this time.
This may be a part of the project you choose to do yourself.
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Depending on your new kitchen’s configuration, this may involve some very major construction tasks.
Are you adding orreplacing windows?
Or removing windows to increase cabinet space?
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Taking down walls to open up the kitchen to the rest of the house?
Even minor kitchen remodeling projects may needjoistsstrengthened to support heavier appliances or built-ins such as akitchen island.
If you’re doing the work yourselfandlearning as you go, this will be slow-going.
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When the plumbing rough-in is completed, it will receive the first of two inspections mandated by permit requirements.
If you have done this work yourself, it is your responsibility to arrange for the inspection.
This means that many kitchen remodeling projects require that an electrician update the entire electrical service to the house.
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Exterior walls will beinsulated with fiberglass battto provide a buffer between the kitchen and inclement weather.
With the wall cavities accessible, this is a good time to install high-quality insulation.
Next, drywall is hung and the seams aretaped and finished.
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Walls and ceilings are now primed and painted.
If ceilings are being textured, the texture is now applied.
Be aware, though, that pros can do this work very quickly and are relatively inexpensive.
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It is normally saved until the end to prevent wear and tear on the new flooring.
If you are sub-contracting the work, any competent carpenter can do this job.
Or you’re able to do it yourself, though you will need helpers to do so.
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Although it looks easy enough, installing countertops is harder than it looks.
Ceramic tile countertops are probably best installed by tile pros who may also be installing your ceramic tile floor.
Theelectricianalso returns to install light fixtures and connect switches and outlets, and the ductwork covers are installed.
Now is the time to ensure you are satisfied with all the work that has been done.
A good contractor employs a housecleaner who specializes in building-related cleaning.
Remodeling Impact Report, 2022.
National Association of Realtors Research Group.
When Do You Need A Permit For Residential Work?Mecklenburg County Code Enforcement.
City of Newport News Asbestos & Lead-Based Paint Maintenance Program.
City of Newport News, VA.
National Electric Code, 2017.
National Fire Protection Association.
