5 Custom Kitchen Remodel Tips Before You Start Building
Remodeling your kitchen is an impactful way to increase your home value while enhancing the kitchen’s functionality. Custom kitchens are more effective for cooking and cleaning, and the aesthetics can set the tone for your home. Many homeowners we’ve worked with have shared how surprised they are to have a kitchen that reflects their lifestyle. But how do you update your kitchen while minimizing stress and disruption?
Our team has compiled 5 kitchen remodel tips that every homeowner should know before committing to the project. Read on to learn why you should:
Work With a Residential Architect or Design Professional
Get a Home Feasibility Study to Set Your Budget
Set Up a Temporary Kitchen
Invest in Custom Cabinets If You Can
Be Prepared for Surprises
Trade Design Build provides comprehensive design-build services, helping homeowners remodel their kitchens from start to finish. Tell us about your project to get started.
1. Work With a Residential Architect or Design Professional
Even if you do nothing else on this list, hiring a residential architect will go a long way toward ensuring a stress-free custom kitchen remodel. Architects design around how you use your space, ensuring your layout, storage, and design choices work harmoniously with your lifestyle.
They can also suggest design solutions that you haven’t considered before. Leverage their expertise to navigate challenging decisions with ease. Some architecture firms offer additional services, such as design-build integration or custom woodworking, to simplify the remodel.
Use these prompts to get the most out of your initial consultation:
Share your budget (if you have one)
Explain why you want to remodel your kitchen (What challenges do you have with your current kitchen?)
Discuss how you use the space (e.g., for entertaining, as the heart of the home, etc.)
Compile a list of wants vs needs
Bring inspiration photos or a moodboard to illustrate your aesthetic
2. Get a Home Feasibility Study to Set Your Budget
Looking for a cost estimate for your project? The best way to determine a realistic budget is to conduct a feasibility study. A feasibility study is a planning process that helps architects and homeowners align on vision, site requirements, and preconstruction and construction costs. These preliminary budget estimates are typically more accurate than generalized quotes because the architect thoroughly assesses the project to identify as many unknowns as possible and develop contingency scenarios should the project need to shift.
Feasibility studies are especially helpful when building a kitchen as an addition or reconfiguring floor plans, as they evaluate the structural integrity and zoning requirements.
3. Set Up a Temporary Kitchen
Custom kitchen remodels can be disruptive to home life. And while a good contractor will isolate the construction area as much as possible, homeowners still need to have a plan for how they’ll cook, eat, and clean during the process. Many homeowners stay in rentals or move in with family to avoid disruptions. If you can’t relocate, consider using a neighbor’s kitchen or setting up a temporary kitchen to get by.
Our kitchen remodel prep tips:
Pack up and store as many items as you can that you won’t need during the remodel. This is a great time to declutter and donate unwanted items.
If keeping your old appliances, move them to another part of your home, or factor in costs for external storage.
Set up a temporary kitchen in another part of the house with your essentials. Microwaves, portable stoves, outdoor grills, and mini-fridges are your friends.
Plan to eat out more often than you’d like. Some homeowners stock up on disposable plates and utensils to simplify cleanup.
For a more sustainable option, use a large plastic bin to wash your dishes efficiently in a bathroom sink or tub. Rely on low-mess meals to reduce your cleaning needs.
4. Invest in Custom Cabinets If You Can
Cabinets are one of the most visible and used elements in any kitchen, so it’s worth investing in storage that makes a statement. Custom hardwood cabinets are built to last, with high-quality materials and detailed joinery methods. Beyond superior craftsmanship, custom cabinets are tailored to your kitchen, ensuring a perfect fit and eliminating wasted space.
DIYers might be tempted to install custom cabinets themselves, but it’s a time-consuming process and often requires more expertise than prefab options. Work with trusted professionals for the best results.
5. Be Prepared for Surprises
It’s nearly impossible to perfectly plan for a custom kitchen remodel (or construction projects in general), though a feasibility study will get you pretty close. Market volatility, material availability, and unknown discoveries can affect project progress. This is especially true for older homes that may hide outdated wiring or structural issues. As a result, it’s important to be ready to pivot.
The good news? Feasibility studies typically anticipate common challenges and include development scenarios (contingency plans) on how to adjust the project course. A reliable architect and builder will also come up with creative solutions that balance quality, safety, and budget before walking you through the best path forward. This simplified process greatly reduces choice fatigue.
Resolving construction surprises can also be an opportunity to invest in upgrades, like better insulation, improved ventilation, and more.
FAQs About Kitchen Remodels
How long does it take to remodel your kitchen?
It depends on project complexity. Moving plumbing or electrical systems, ordering custom cabinets, or developing the kitchen as an addition will result in a longer timeline. The best way to determine the schedule is to conduct a feasibility study.
How much does it cost to remodel your kitchen?
Kitchen remodel costs vary based on materials, size, and scope. A feasibility study can help set realistic expectations.
How can I maximize the functionality of my kitchen?
An architect or design professional can help you design a kitchen layout tailored to your lifestyle. We help clients understand how to prioritize storage, counter space, and traffic flow as part of our feasibility study (physical space programming).
Do I need to move out to remodel my kitchen?
Moving out is not required, but it’s certainly more convenient. Some clients stay at rentals or vacation to avoid disruption altogether. Others stay at home and set up mini kitchens. Our contractors do their best to block off the kitchen area and minimize disruption.
Remodel Your Kitchen With Trade Design Build
A custom kitchen remodel is one of the most transformative updates you can make to your home. With the right team, smart planning, and a clear vision, your dream kitchen can become a reality, whether you’re building a contemporary new home or restoring a historic home in the Finger Lakes.
Trade Design Build offers integrated design-build services, allowing homeowners to simplify the kitchen remodeling process. Work with us to develop a quality custom kitchen that is as beautiful as it is functional.
