If you want your kitchen renovations to be a success, you need to follow proper steps that start with planning.
You've probably seen on TV how kitchen projects turn out when they are not planned in advance. It's not pretty.
Understanding the stages involved will save you headaches and the wasting of money.
The first step in the process is the development of a design. If you're using a contractor, be clear about what you want. If you'll be doing the work yourself, you need to know exactly how many materials you'll need and how they will all fit together. You need a picture in your head: What will your DIY kitchen look like? What features will it have? How much room do you have, and how will you use it? What elements will be included - will you have an eat-in kitchen, or perhaps just a breakfast bar? After you have these details, you and your designer can make the first drawings of the kitchen renovations you want done.
 Next, you will need to select and purchase the materials you'll need for your kitchen renovation. Speak with contractors if you'll be using one, to get their ideas and quotes. Look at samples of their work, and check their references. If you'll be doing the work yourself, you'll need to budget for the materials you'll be using. You get what you ultimately pay for, so don't cut corners on contractors or materials. Select materials that will last a long time and give the look you want.
You'll want to determine what type of cabinets you want, along with appliances, counter tops, plumbing fixtures, lights, and ceiling and wall finishes. If you will be having contractors do some of the work, and doing some yourself, be realistic about what you can and cannot do. You'll waste money and materials if you try to tackle a job you should have left to a contractor.
The average timeline for kitchen renovations is actually an astounding four to six months! But this includes the planning stages, too. If you order custom cabinets, it may take a month or more to get them done and delivered.
You need to know how long each stage of your kitchen remodel will last. This will alleviate some of the stress you experience when you are without a refrigerator, for instance. When you select the materials, review them and their cost with your contractor, if you are using one. Make adjustments if you are not inline with your budget. Don't make quick decisions on any part of the renovation, since you may regret them later.
Allow yourself and your contractors to work within your planned budget. Allow a bit extra in your budget, in case you come upon something you didn't expect - this seems to happen a lot. While you are dreaming of a bigger and newer DIY kitchen, don't overlook little things, like bringing your plumbing up to code, that may need to be done.
With detailed and careful planning for this project, you will make sure not to be caught off guard. Anticipate a lot of work, because that's what a kitchen renovation takes, and you'll be happy with the end product.
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