If there is a contest to see which part of the home gets the most use then the kitchen wins it hands down. No other area in the home is used so much by so many people for so many different uses than this space. This is why prospective home buyers base a lot of their home buying decicion on this very area.

If we know one thing about a kitchen remodel it is that the process is long and expensive. In addition, the contractor has to schedule all the work to mesh together so that the kitchen is finished with as little interruption to the family as possible. However many of these parts can be completed separately from the jobsite so that the installation and rebuilding can be completed within days.

Planning

The first process undertaken with building a new kitchen is planning. This entails a simple calculation: Having what you want within a price range you can afford? However, this doesn't mean you have to lower your expectations.

Ideas: For ideas, go through magazines and browse internet sets to see what is new and then visit as many kitchen places as you can. There is no such thing as too much information when it comes to a remodeling. The worst thing you can do is to hold onto stagnant or preconceived ideas which, in many cases, cost more than some of the new trends. For example, the price of many types of cabinets, hardware and fixtures have actually come down in the past few years.

Diagram: It doesn't take a map maker to draw out a kitchen remodel. The easiest way is to get a piece of graph paper and draw out your intended kitchen space. Include any walls you want to take out. You don't have to make it fancy just get it to scale. Photocopy this diagram a few times and experiment with different layouts.

Computer Diagram: Now that you have a rough idea about what you want and where you want it go online and find a kitchen software program. Many of these can be downloaded free of charge because the company wants you to use its products. The beauty of these programs is that you will be able get a 3D view of the kitchen layout, island, appliances, countertops, floors and cabinets. Now, this process may take a while because there is a small learning curve to learn the software. However, when you know what you want and where everything should go it will give each kitchen planner a level playing field to bid on your project.

The Kitchen Remodel Process

There are two ways in which you can go about remodeling your kitchen: hiring a kitchen contractor or being your own general contractor:

1. You the Contractor: If you are going to be your own contractor be prepared to put on some mileage. This includes going to different kitchen places to look at the materials and interviewing installers to put in the individual parts like flooring. Many trades like plumbers and electricians may hold up the process if they are really busy because the cabinet installers can't go in until the infrastructure is in place. Sometimes the money you save is not worth the aggravation and other times there may be problems which can cost more money that having it all done by a kitchen place. However, if you take careful steps it will turn out well and you will have the satisfaction of knowing you did it you way.

The Kitchen Contractor: People who deal entirely with kitchens have an edge because they know the industry back to front. In other words they know the materials, costs, price breaks and tradespeople to get the job done the way you want. Once the concept is agreed upon the kitchen contractor goes to work scheduling and arranging for the materials. Unlike the general contractor on a custom home site the kitchen contractor usually has in-house labor for the installation of cabinets, countertops and the finishing. As well, they have good relationships with the subcontractors and can get them in within the boundaries of the start and end dates. In larger companies there is usually a plumber or electrician on staff but most of the time these trades, like the flooring, is subcontracted.

Hiring a Kitchen Contractor

1.Go Reputable: A kitchen for most people is a once-in-a lifetime endeavor and any mistakes will be show up every time they go into the area. So this is no time to be on anyone's learning curve to save a few extra bucks. However, you do not have to go with the company whose estimators driver Hummers either. Word of mouth is always a good way to find a kitchen contractor but many kitchen cabinet sellers will have a list of reputable people they sell cabinets to.

2. Choosing: Don't go with the first bid. Get at least 3 because this will give you the real idea what the job is worth. Make sure each estimator gets the same set of details to work on. For example, don't tell one you want granite countertops and the others you want engineered stone or acrylic. In addition to the price:

• Do they guarantee their work?
• Are they licensed and insured?
• Do they have any outstanding BBB complaints?
• Do they only take a small down payment? (Don't pay over ¼ of the job upfront)
• Can you work with this person?
• Do they have a folio of work to show you and references? (Call at least 4 of the references)

Because this is the most important part of the home nothing should be left to chance. Make sure you get the best for your money.