No other room in the house is as exciting or as daunting to remodel as the kitchen. When reimagining an existing kitchen, you want to preserve or improve its functionality, while pulling it all together with a fresh new look. 

In addition to hiring an expert, there are several things you can do to ensure the success of your remodel. When you're done, you'll have an outstanding kitchen you'll love to work in and that you can enjoy for years. What's more, when the time comes, it'll make your home a star among other Spokane homes for sale.

1. Be Realistic About the Cost
   As you imagine your dream kitchen, you'll probably envision lots of moving about: moving walls, moving appliances, moving cabinetry, and rerouting the stove's ventilation system. Be realistic about what you can do within your budget. Can you move that load-bearing wall? Well, yes, if you're willing to pay the price to transfer the load to other structures. Same with the appliances. Yes, you can move the refrigerator, stove, and sink, although it will be expensive to do so. 
   
   
2. Think About Function
   Make an inventory of everything you want stored in your kitchen, including pots and pans, spices, gadgets, serving platters, baking equipment, cutting boards, knives and utensils, trays. Think about where all this equipment will be stored for the best access for a good workflow. Where should appliances go? Where should your trashcan be? Then, think about drawers (deep drawers, please!) and cabinetry.
   
   
3. Plan For Good Lighting
   You don't want a dark kitchen or one where you're having to work in shadows, which is a hazard of installing recessed lighting in the wrong place. Plan on ambient light to illuminate the room and lighting for tasks, so you don't cut yourself when slicing onions. 
   
   
4. Don't Fall For Trends
   You'll be living with this design for a while. While following the latest trends might be tempting, think about whether you'll really love these trends five years from now. Also, if you see your family moving in a couple of years, make sure your kitchen offers a more timeless look that buyers will love whenever you do decide to move. 
   
   
5. Hire the Right Contractor
   Avoid hiring the wrong contractor by asking for references from persons the builder has completed kitchens for. Look at the finished work. Ask how satisfied the homeowner was with the job, whether it was completed on time and within budget. Ask the contractor about insurance, how he would handle unexpected issues, and timeline. Get at least three bids and don't necessarily go with the low bidder.
   
   
6. Organize a Timeline For Your Remodel
   A kitchen remodel is a lot like orchestrating a piece of music: all the various elements must come together at just the right time when the final piece is played. Order your new cabinets, plumbing fixtures, appliances, and materials ahead so you will have it all at hand. This will help the builder make exact measurements for installation. Confer with the contractor about scheduling the various technicians, including electricians, plumber, ventilation installer, and others in advance. 

Our real estate agents have other good advice for similar projects for your Spokane home. Contact us today.