There is no doubt that a kitchen remodel involves a lot of decisions. From the budget to the materials to the layout, being well informed will pay dividends. The clearer your roadmap is, the smoother the project will go. Jim Keller Kitchen, Bath & Home has decades of experience helping clients through the remodeling process in Barrington, Algonquin and Hoffman Estates.

Project scope

First, consider the scope of your project. Are you simply replacing cabinets & countertops for a quick update or do you want something more extensive? Will walls need to be moved? Soffits removed? Appliances relocated? Determine what you would like to accomplish in your new kitchen.

Establish your budget

Nobody likes to think about money, but establishing your budget early in the process will save time and minimize frustration in the long run. Knowing how much to invest in your kitchen remodel in Barrington IL can be a hard question to answer. After all, it’s not something you do every day. Using Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs Value 2020 Report is a good place to get an idea on average project costs in your area. You can also refer to our Cost of a Kitchen Remodel article for more information. Decide how much you are willing to invest in the project; then develop a realistic budget.

Create your wish list

Now you can move on to the fun stuff! What’s on your wishlist? What problems are you trying to solve? What would make your life easier? What would make the kitchen a pleasant place to spend time in? Are you looking for more storage, countertop space, built in appliances? When you finish your list, prioritize your items to make sure the most important things are included.

Your style

Think about what you like and put together your ideas. Pinterest and Houzz are great sources for kitchen remodel pictures and ideas. You can create your own file to share with your kitchen designer. You may notice that you are drawn toward certain styles as you browse through kitchen pictures. Designers like to use words like transitional, French country and Contemporary, but you may have a different definition of those than others. Pictures of kitchen remodels help everyone get on the same page.

The right fit

Now that you have an idea of what you want and how much you want to invest, it’s time to find a kitchen remodeling contractor. Finding the right fit can be the difference between your dream kitchen and a remodeling nightmare. For a simple cabinet replacement, a trip to the local home center and “chuck in a truck” may suffice. For more extensive projects finding the right professional will make all the difference. Ask friends and relatives for recommendations, read online reviews, check out websites and testimonials. Develop a list of questions to ask prospective firms. Ask about the design process and about the installation process. Do they have their own crews or is everything turned over to outside contractors? Will the people you started with be with you during the whole process?

In our opinion, the single most important factor in a successful remodeling project is finding that relationship. After all you will be partners for the next several months from design through installation and beyond. Developing a trust you can lean on through what can be a long process makes it easier and much less stressful.

At Jim Keller Kitchen Bath & Home, we are a 2nd generation business that has been remodeling homes for decades. We pride ourselves on the relationships and friendships we have developed during that time. We will work through different ideas, create different layouts for you to consider, use both hand sketches and computer aided design to help you evaluate all the options – and let you know about the behind-the-scenes necessities you may not be aware of.

We provide the highest level of service to make sure your kitchen remodel is successful and gives you years of pleasure. From upfront planning and consultation, through design and construction, to the day you are able to begin using your new kitchen, you can rely on Jim Keller Kitchen, Bath & Home to guide you every step of the way. Call us today at 847-844-1900 if you live in the Barrington, Elgin, or Crystal Lake areas, and you can begin creating the perfect kitchen or bath for your home!