How To Maintain Order and Sanity During a Kitchen Remodel in New Orleans

When you’re investing in a home remodeling project, you want to make sure that everything runs smoothly, and at the same time, you get the results that will not only please you but add value to your home.

Never is that more true than in a kitchen remodel, where costs can add up so quickly that your budget can all of a sudden seem like pennies in a jar. To avoid that and keep everything in line, and yet still get the kitchen of your dreams, here are a few of our favorite ways to run your kitchen remodel in New Orleans.

kitchen remodel in New Orleans

Start with your design plan                                            

Figure out the layout you want for your kitchen.  A simple and sleek design will appeal to most buyers in New Orleans.  Keeping your existing layout is always cheaper.  Avoid moving plumbing and electrical items if possible — at least try to keep your stove (especially gas stoves) and sink in the same location. 

Moving a gas stove will require relocating gas lines and moving your sink plumbing can create additional problems. They also require additional permits and time.

Carefully determine the scope of work

Once you have a very good idea of what you want, sit down and write up a good detailed list of tasks that you want completed.  You don’t have to be technical and you don’t have to use construction terms but just state all the things you want a contractor to do and bid. 

It can be as simple as: remove all existing countertops and cabinets; install new flooring, cabinets, countertops, sink and appliances per the plan; paint; hook up sink plumbing; and install new light fixtures.

When you start talking to contractors and designers you may find additional work is required.  That’s okay.  It’s easy to update your list and resend to all the bidding contractors.  Otherwise, the various contractors will list the items they believe you want and it will be difficult to maintain order.  A basic scope of your kitchen remodel in New Orleans also eliminates some guesswork by the contractor.

Make sure things are done in the right order

A very common mistake we see when carrying out kitchen countertop fabrications and installations in New Orleans is that some clients want tasks performed in piecemeal. This is fine…as long as you do it in the right order and plan ahead.

Too many times we’ve seen homeowners do the cabinets and countertops first…and then the flooring two years later when they can afford it. The problem with this is that often there is not enough room for hardwood floors (which are 3/4″ thick) or tile for that matter (which comes out to a similar height when you factor in a mud job or backer board.

You see this makes the cabinets too low. So the new flooring creates a weird height difference and makes the cabinets feel and look too low. Worse than this, the dishwasher won’t fit (or will get locked in). And the stove becomes higher than the countertop.

Plan ahead. If you’re going to do this, add 3/4″ plywood underneath the cabinets so that everything will be properly aligned when you add the flooring. It is also important to consult with a New Orleans Countertop Fabricator at this point.

kitchen remodel in New Orleans

DIY your countertops, if possible

Depending on your level of DIY savviness, you can get started on your kitchen remodel in New Orleans by doing the countertops yourself.

Granite is the most popular option for New Orleans countertops, and you can check to see if you can score a granite remnant, although for kitchens, it can be difficult to find enough remnants to cover all of your kitchen’s surfaces.

However, if you do choose to install your granite countertop, don’t forget to factor in the cost of a plumber to put a new sink in or re-plumb your sink.

Know Your Limits!

To maintain sanity, don’t make any structural changes. This includes adding on to the kitchen or turning an adjoining room into part of the kitchen. You should also put aside thoughts of moving a door, the sink, or the range. You’ll avoid costly plumbing mistakes and electrical work. Also be on the lookout for New Orleans Countertop sales & discounts for the best prices throughout the year.

Stone Interiors New Orleans is a full service company dealing with the supply, fabrication and installation of all types of natural and engineered countertops. Reach out to us today for a one stop shopping experience.

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