How To Remodel Your Kitchen In Ten Easy Steps

Is your kitchen in need of a revamp? From making breakfast to spending time with your loved ones, your kitchen is one of the most used in your home, so it is only natural that you want to keep yours looking its best. However, when it comes to remodeling your kitchen, it can be tough to know where to begin. 

Here at Explore Kitchens, we know how daunting it can seem when you face a kitchen remodel in McClean, VA. That is why we thought we would take a look at how you can create the kitchen of your dreams in ten simple steps. 

Plan your kitchen remodel first 

While it can be tempting to start ripping your cupboards and appliances out when it comes to a kitchen remodel in McLean, VA, that can cause more issues later down the line. That is why before we take a look at the ten steps to remodeling your kitchen, the first thing that you want to do is ensure that you are taking the time to thoroughly plan your kitchen. 

This can be a time-consuming process, but it is one of the most important steps in any renovation project. The more comprehensive your planning is, the easier the task will be and the fewer issues you will face. 

When designing your kitchen, creating a mood board can be a wonderful way to help you put your vision on paper, ensuring you can convey your ideas to any contractors. If this is your first time trying to remodel your kitchen, then it might be best to work with a professional designer or contractor who can help ensure that your remodeling not only looks fantastic but also meets all permits and requirements. 

They will also be able to ensure that you can order all of the required items, such as kitchen cabinets, within the right timeframe, reducing the risk of any delays to your renovation. 

Ten steps to creating your dream kitchen 

Once you have thoroughly planned your kitchen remodeling and know exactly what you need to do to create the perfect interior, it is time to begin the process. While it can seem intimidating, breaking this down into ten steps can help make the process simpler. 

1. 1. Demolition 

Once you have your plan and you know exactly what it is that you need to do to your kitchen, then it is time to start the demolition phase. This will depend on the extent of your renovation. In some cases, it will be a complete clear out that leaves an empty shell of a room, while other times, it might mean being able to reuse existing appliances and kitchen cabinets. 

If you are completing a major demolition process, then it is often best to leave this to the professionals to ensure that there are no accidents. However, if you are going to complete the process yourself, make sure that you turn off the water, gas, and electricity supply to prevent a major issue. 

1. 1. Update any plumbing and electrical appliances 

Completing the demolition process is also a great chance for you to identify the plumbing and electrical appliances that you might need to replace or upgrade. This can take several days to complete, depending on the size of your kitchen, but being as thorough as you will help to prevent any time-consuming or costly repairs later down the line. 

As with the demolition process, this is part of the kitchen remodeling that is best left to the professionals. A professional plumber or electrician will be able to identify any issues that may not appear obvious, and you might otherwise miss. 

1. 1. Install your drywall and paint 

Your next step will then be to begin installing your drywall before giving it a coat of paint. The design of your interior will dictate how complex this step of your kitchen remodeling will be, but on average, it will take somewhere between seven and 14 days. While the previous two steps are best left to the professionals to complete, if you are confident in your DIY skills, then it is possible to install drywall yourself. 

Whether you do it yourself or you hire a contractor, once the drywall has been installed, then it is time to start creating your kitchen’s theme. Most homeowners will opt for more neutral colors for their kitchen walls, but this is your chance to get as creative as you like. 

Of course, while painting is one of the most common ways to decorate your kitchen, it is not your only option. You could also tile your walls or use wallpaper, which is the easiest option should you want to redecorate at a later date. 

1. 1. Add your flooring 

The right flooring is essential in helping you to bring your entire décor together. That is why the next step of your kitchen renovation should be to install your new flooring. The time this take will depend on the size of the floor, but typically most contractors will be able to do this within a week or two. 

When trying to decide on the perfect flooring option for your dream kitchen, do not be afraid to play around with colors and materials until you find the solution that is just right. However, the most common materials for kitchens are laminate, hardwood, and tile due to their durability and aesthetics. 

You might think that it is best to wait until your kitchen is complete before installing the flooring in order to prevent any scratches. However, this can make it far more challenging to install, and flooring that extends underneath your counters can help you to boost your resale value. 

1. 1. Add your kitchen cabinets 

No kitchen remodeling is complete without the perfect kitchen cabinets, so once you have installed your walls and flooring, the next step is to fit these. While it can be very tempting to opt for cheap cabinets, these solutions are often poorly made, resulting in you needing to replace them frequently. 

That is why it is best to focus on purchasing and installing the very best cabinets that you can afford. This will ensure that you can have complete peace of mind that they will continue to look fantastic for as long as you need them. 

Cabinets are also a vital part of the overall design, helping to capture the attention of visitors and creating a focal point for your room. However, while the design is important, cabinets also play a major role in the functionality of your kitchen, so you need to ensure your final choice is able to meet your demands. 

When it comes to installing your kitchen cabinets in McLean, VA, it is possible to fit these yourself. However, for the best results, it is advisable to leave this to the professionals. 

1. 1. Install your worktops 

No kitchen will work without countertops, which is why the next stage of your Virginia kitchen remodeling is to install yours! This is often one of the most time-consuming parts of the entire process, and you will need to ensure that measurements are exact before ordering. 

When deciding on your countertops, it can be a little overwhelming due to the wide array of styles and materials available. From granite and marble to quartz and stone, there is a seemingly endless choice, and it can be very easy to go over your budget. 

If you are not quite sure what the best solution for your kitchen is going to be, then speak with your designer or contractor. They will have helped create hundreds of kitchens and will know the best options for your design and budget. 

1. 1. Add your fixtures 

With your kitchen now starting to take shape, you can start thinking of adding those final touches. This includes all of your plumbing fixtures, such as your sinks and taps, as well as the lighting fixtures and other features. 

Despite the small size of these finishings, they play a vital role in bringing together your interior design. When choosing the style and type of fixtures, you should always keep the overall theme of your kitchen design, ensuring that they continue with this theme to bring your room together.

1. 1. Install your appliances 

Modern appliances are essential to any kitchen, helping to transform how you cook and clean up. However, they can be tricky to install, and one small mistake could cause yours to fail. That is why it is always advisable to leave it to the professionals to install these. 

These appliances can be very heavy, so to avoid scratching your floor as you bring them in, make sure you place them on a layer of protection. 

1. 1. Add your detailing 

By now, your new dream kitchen will be almost finished, and you can soon be enjoying making memories with your friends and family. However, before you do, you will need to complete any last-minute touch-ups or detailing. 

This could be removing any smudges or marks on your walls that occurred during the installation process, adding accessories to your countertops, bringing in your new kitchen table, or adding crown molding. 

1. 1. Add a backsplash 

With your kitchen now complete and looking its very best, you will want to keep it that way! That is why we recommend installing a backsplash on your wall. This will help to prevent any stains or spillages from cooking causing damage to your wall and requiring you to carry out extensive redecoration again. 

There are many assorted styles and shapes of backsplash that you can install, so take your time to find the right solution for your kitchen design. Once installed, you can then carry out one final check and clean before enjoying your brand-new kitchen! 

 

Kitchen Remodeling in McClean, VA, FAQ

Having helped hundreds of homeowners in Northern Virgina transform their property and create the kitchen of their dreams, we know how complex it can be to remodel a kitchen. If you are looking to design a new kitchen, then you will likely have many questions, which is why we have put together our FAQ to help you. However, if you have a question that’s not below, get in touch today, and we will be happy to help. 

Where should I start?

One of the most frequent questions that we are asked is where to begin when remodeling a kitchen. This can be a tough one to answer, especially if you do not have a clear vision of what your dream kitchen will look like. If you are struggling for inspiration, then we can help you find the perfect style for your needs. 

How much does a kitchen remodel in Northern Virginia cost?

Costs will vary depending on the size of your property and the level of remodeling you are undertaking. It will also depend on how much of the work you are looking to complete yourself and how much will need to be done by a professional. 

Get in touch with our team today, and we will be happy to help provide a guide. 

Is it possible to renovate a kitchen on a budget?

Absolutely! Remodeling your kitchen can seem daunting, but with the right preparation and planning, then you can reduce costs and still get the kitchen of your dream. Undertaking some of the work yourself or reusing components from your existing kitchen can also help to reduce costs even further. 

What’s the costliest aspect of a kitchen renovation?

When it comes to remodeling a kitchen in northern Virginia, most homeowners find that it is actually the cabinets that prove to be the most expensive. This is because they combine both a practical function in your room and a large part of the aesthetics, so this is one area that you want to purchase the absolute best you can. 

Final thoughts 

Remodeling your kitchen can be an incredibly stressful time, and it is only natural that you will feel a little overwhelmed at times. That is why here at Explore Kitchens, our team is on hand to help you every step of the way and ensure the smoothest renovations possible. 

So if you are looking to transform your home and turn your dream kitchen into a reality, schedule a virtual or in-person consultation today!