8 Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Start Your Kitchen Remodel

Where do you start with a kitchen remodel? The average cost for a full to midrange kitchen remodel is about $66,000. The average “upscale” renovation can run about $131,000. Highest costs go towards Cabinetry & Hardware at 29%, Installation at 17% and Appliances & Ventilation at 14%. It seems complicated and pricey, but really, you only need to start with these 8 Questions Before you Start Your Kitchen Remodel.

1) Is this your forever home or are you listing it?

Your remodeling project in the kitchen should be with your personal lifestyle in mind unless you are going to put your house on the market in the next 12-24 months.

2) How Will You Use the Kitchen?

Imagining what your cooking needs are or will be will help you make remodeling decisions. What type of cook are you? How do you entertain? Will you be hosting elaborate dinners every weekend? Or feeding a small army of kids every night? Do you dine solo? Do you love to bake or cook, or both?

3) Are you Skimping on Cabinetry?

Cabinetry should be one of the most significant investments in a kitchen. Take your cabinetry all the way up to the ceiling. Having a dead space outdates the kitchen by filling in this area with false cabinetry, which will make the room look bigger.

4) Do you Really Need Top-of-the-Line Appliances?

Do you really need a chef-grade stovetop? Probably not! If you have a large family, you will require a durable dishwasher. Consider how often you will use the appliances and how much wear & tear they will get. Don’t save money by choosing lower quality appliances but choose appliances offering you the most features that you’ll actually need. Always select your significant appliances first and then build the plan around those dimensions.

5) Is your Kitchen Functional?

Think about where you are going to store all of your pots, pans, plates, glasses, coffee mugs, spices, cutting boards, gadgets, serving platters, baking equipment, trays, containers, small appliances, and garbage can. You want to make sure you give yourself plenty of room to be able to access everything comfortably.

6) What Material should you choose for your Countertops?

Don’t Choose Fragile Materials, just because it looks pretty doesn’t mean it’s going to make your life easier! For the kitchen, make sure you choose a durable material. Here are some examples of material you may want to stay away from, limestone is vulnerable to water rings, marble is prone to etching and staining, recycled glass can chip and crack. Quartz is an excellent option if you want the look but don’t want the problems.

7) How’s Your Layout for Workflow?

For smooth flow, be sure your kitchen’s busiest areas, such as the sink, stove, and refrigerator. Kitchen designers often refer to this as the kitchen “work triangle.”

8) How’s Your Lighting?

Use layers of lights such as recessed lighting, LED under-cabinet lights, pendant fixtures, or a chandelier. Putting dimmer switches on all your kitchen lighting will help you control the amount of light you need for every occasion.

Need Help or have questions about 8 Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Start Your Kitchen Remodel? Contact Us online at or give Us a call at 1 (503) 3357-8810. From concept to completion, we provide full remodeling services. Let’s Build It!

Kurt Kopp is a dedicated professional with a commitment to excellence. He is a master builder of over 35 years of experience that strives to deliver the highest quality product to his valued customer.