Kitchen & Bathroom Design Plans

Manage Your Kitchen Remodel

1.Put it down on paper. Draw a plan and make a list for your kitchen remodel to help you determine costs. Decide if you’ll need new cabinets or if you can paint them. Many home improvement centers offer computer generated kitchen remodeling plans based on your own photos. Decide if appliances will be replaced and what type you want. Check online for appliance features and stores that offer discounts.

2.Hire a reputable contractor who is experienced in kitchen remodeling if you aren’t going to do it yourself. Make sure the contractor is licensed and insured. Get references from the contractor and make sure that you have a time frame in writing. Labor costs are estimated at approximately 30 percent of the total remodeling cost.

3.Do it yourself. If you are experienced in home repairs, you may be able to do a lot of the work yourself to save money. Gas appliances need to be installed by experts. Make sure you hire reputable plumbers and electricians to help with the mechanical aspects of the kitchen remodel if necessary. Depending on the age of your kitchen, mechanical remodels can take as much as 30 percent of your budget.

4.Keep at least 10 percent of your budget for those unexpected costs. You might have termites or dry rot in wood, which will need to be replaced. Wiring may be old and not up to code. Old water pipes could be leaking and need to be replaced. Always keep a “contingency fund” for just such repairs.

Unless you will be doing your kitchen remodel as a Do-It-Yourself project, you will need to consult and select skilled experts in a variety of fields. Some remodeling companies and most building contractors specialize in handling the entire kitchen remodel from design through complete installation and will assist purchase of the products needed to complete your project. Some kitchen and bath retailers and some home centers offer this complete service or “turnkey” approach, too. If you do not select a full service company with this capability as your source, you must be prepared to serve as your own ’scheduling contractor’ and perhaps, even purchasing agent.

 Kitchen Measurement and Volume

Measure Your Existing Space

A) Start with the first wall on the left and work to your right around the room. First, measure the overall length of each wall in your kitchen. Use grid paper to record all your measurements.

B) Indicate all breaks in walls (windows, doors, closets) by measuring from the corner to the outside edge of the molding. Don’t forget to indicate any permanent appliances, air vents, offsets, etc.

C) Measure to centerline of plumbing, ducting and outlets. Remember, plumbing and outlets may be moved to accommodate a design.

Create Your Floor Plan

Using your kitchen measurements, start sketching your cabinets. Start in the corner of your grid paper and work out. Note the location of your electrical outlets, plumbing fixtures and air ducts. You may be able to move major appliances several inches either way to accommodate a layout change.

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Kitchen cabinets don’t have to be plain. Creative designs do more than decorate. They can reflect your own sense of style–even if you’re on a budget. There are many affordable models available; but why let those choices limit you? You could build the cabinets you want! Your custom-made design would personalize an important room in your home. Its unique style would look expensive and save you even more money.

Getting Started

1. Step 1

   Measure your kitchen and make a scale drawing of it. Include the locations of plumbing, windows and appliances.

2. Step 2

   Consider your current storage needs. Make a list of the items you need to store.

3. Step 3

   Visit kitchen cabinet retailers for inspiration. Take home free pamphlets and brochures. Find free building plans in home improvement stores or online.

4. Step 4

   Make a wish list of the cabinet styles you like. Consider the shape of your kitchen. Customize your design dreams to fit your storage needs.

5. Step 5

   Decide how much you can afford. Prioritize your wish list. Be prepared to match it with your budget. Price cheaper varieties of cabinet-grade wood. Give your measurements to a store employee who can give you an idea of the cost of your project.

   Building Your Kitchen Cabinets

6. Step 1

   Double-check your kitchen measurements. Make a final draft of your design that fits your budget.

7. Step 2

   Create a list of the supplies you will need. Shop more than one store to find the lowest possible prices. Keep all receipts so you can return unused or unopened products.

8. Step 3

   Build your cabinets to your design. Finish them with stain or paint. Follow the product label instructions.