Less Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between remodeling and renovation?
While often used interchangeably since many of the elements in each are the same, the best renovations are returning a home to its former glory (repairing and restoring), while remodels are adding to or changing the home. A project on an old home might have elements of both: i.e. the baseboard and doors are restored because they are in relatively good condition (renovation), but the kitchen is moved to another part of the house and expanded to meet the needs of a growing family (remodel).
What are the stages in remodeling a home?
Step 1: Determine the scope.
Step 2: Set a budget in consultation with professionals.
Step 3: Draw up plans, specify materials.
Step 4: Demolition.
Step 5: Rough framing.
Step 6: Rough plumbing and electric.
Step 7: Progress inspections.
Step 8: Air sealing and insulation.
Step 9: Drywall.
Step 10: Finishes.
Step 11: Punchlist.
Step 12: Final inspections and CO
Step 13: Enjoy!
Where do I start with a remodeling project?
The first thing to do is figure out what changes you would like to see, and what style you respond to. Make a list of must haves and a wish list. Look at pictures of finished spaces on websites like Houzz.com. Save and write notes about the elements in the photo that you love and think would work in your home. If you are going to work with a designer or design-build remodeler, reach out after you’ve done this homework. If you are doing the plan yourself - look for examples of finished plans and talk to the contractor about what they need to see in the plans.
How do I prepare my home for a remodel?
1. Take "before" photos. When the remodel is weighing on you 3 months in it will be nice to see how far you've come. Also, you'll have documented the existing state in case questions come up later.
2. You'll be packing up items in the rooms being remodeled. Donate items so that when you unpack, it will only be things you love.
3. Move out if you can, and if not, plan for how you'll live in reduced space in a house that is part construction site. Can you set up a temporary kitchen? Where will the pets be during the day? The specifics are personal, but living through a remodel is hard. Plan ahead to make it easier.
How much will a designer charge for a kitchen?
While a cabinet showroom may design your kitchen for free, you get what you pay for. A complete design will include all elements needed for construction, and this will come at a price. Some designers may charge as little as $2-3,000, and a high-end kitchen design could be as much as 10% of the cost of the project. Most design-build firms will charge 5-8% of the project cost as a design fee. The Cost vs. Value report in Remodeling magazine is a good place to get an idea what to budget for a kitchen in your region.
What is the most effective kitchen design?
The most effective kitchen design is one tailored to your needs and the specifics of your home. A galley kitchen with an island will offer good circulation and prep space, but the design should work with the house. You can't force a square peg into a round hole.
What's the best floor in a kitchen?
A kitchen floor should be installed under the cabinets, be easy to clean, durable, and comfortable to stand on. There are many materials that fit the bill and can coordinate with different kitchen aesthetics.
What's the difference between semi-custom and custom cabinetry?
Semi-custom cabinets offer many choices in terms of style, color and size. With custom cabinetry, the options are only limited by your imagination.
Are custom cabinets worth the expense?
Custom cabinets are worth the expense if you see the value in a kitchen that fits your home perfectly, and represents your unique style. If your cabinets will require modifications, or if you're looking for that certain color, the cost of upgrading semi-custom cabinets might not be much different that a custom cabinetmaker.
How do I get a good deal from a contractor?
Do your research - speak to their previous clients, read reviews and their website. If you think you want to work with them, be honest, and be prepared to spend time and possibly money to get a good bid.
The more time the contractor spends up front on quoting, the less likely there will be surprises down the road.
Be clear about scope - if you add work once the project is underway it's going to cost more.
Ask for their input on ways to reduce the cost. Share your goals and ask for other ways to get there.
Get everything in writing. Anything not written down is a recipe for misunderstandings.
How can I avoid being scammed by a contractor?
1. Work only with contractors who are licensed and insured - ask to see both.
2. Check references, and know where their office is if something goes wrong.
3. Research state law. In Pennsylvania, contractors are required to have a Home Improvement Contractor number in addition to local licenses.
4. Never start work without a detailed contract.
What are some tips for surviving a kitchen remodel?
Most of us use our kitchen multiple times a day, so surviving a kitchen remodel is going to take some planning.
If you can move out during the remodel, so that you are not living without a kitchen, that is ideal. Especially if you have children. If you have kids it can seem like you never leave the kitchen, with all the snacks and meals little ones require.
If you can’t move out, you’ll need a plan for how you will complete kitchen related tasks without a kitchen. Here are some things to consider:
Move your current refrigerator to an accessible location outside of the construction zone. Make sure the outlet you plug it into can handle the load.
Designate a spot for storing and doing dishes. The dishwashing station could be a laundry sink or even the bathtub, but you may need to buy a drying rack, plastic bin to store and transport dirty dishes, etc. If there is a good location with easy access to plumbing, you may consider having your contractor hook up a dishwasher in a temporary location.
Set up a temporary spot for cooking. A hot plate and microwave, as well as a counter surface that’s easy to clean are must haves. Again, make sure you check that the circuits you are plugging in to are not overloaded.
Remodel your kitchen during grilling season. The more meals you can cook outside the better.
Schedule time away. If you can’t move out, it will help to have at least a week away where someone else can do the cooking for you and you aren’t kneeling in front of a bathtub doing dishes.
What are some tips for a more sustainable kitchen remodel?
When aiming for a more sustainable lifestyle, we are often looking to reduce waste, use less energy, and spend time in a healthy indoor environment. Since construction is a significant contributor to waste and our homes are big consumers of energy, the place in the house where we spend most of the time (the kitchen) is a great spot to consider sustainable choices. Here are some tips for a greener kitchen.
Remodel for function and energy use, not style. Many perfectly good kitchens are demolished simply because the new owner doesn’t like the style. Consider simple low impact upgrades like painting cabinets with a no-VOC paint.
If it is time for a kitchen remodel because the space is showing wear or doesn’t function efficiently for your family here are some things to consider:
Donate items to a building material reuse center near you.
Look for a waste management company near you that diverts a high percentage of construction waste out of landfills, like Revolution Recovery in Pennsylvania, for anything you can’t salvage.
Choose materials that are sourced as close to you as possible and which will last for a long time.
Consider products that don’t off-gas harmful VOC’s.
Choose appliances that use less electricity. If your refrigerator is 10 years old, the replacement will save energy. Induction cooking can be a great choice and offers additional counter space when not in use.
Work with an experienced design-build remodeler. If the job is done right the first time you will have a kitchen with a smart design that lasts decades, which is the most sustainable thing you can do.