Kitchen Remodeling - How to Plan a Small Kitchen Remodel

By Ehow writer

Are you planning to perform a small kitchen remodel in your home? If so, you may find yourself somewhat overwhelmed with all the little details and things to consider before you actually begin the renovation. What if you make the wrong choice? When this much money is involved, you want to make sure you do things right the first time. With a little thought and planning, you can avoid most pitfalls when the time comes. By keeping these things in mind as you plan your small kitchen remodel, you can ensure that the result is functional, elegant, and satisfying.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Make your available space multitask whenever possible. If there is anything that can be hung, combined, or made to fit in a smaller space, choose that model instead. Fit cabinets against the ceiling to double the use of that space. Instead of a standalone oven, include an in-wall oven in your small kitchen remodel. For the stove, use a cooktop that can be fitted over cabinets. Use a microwave that doubles as a toaster oven. Never use two items when one can perform both jobs just as well.

2. Choose compact versions of appliances and accessories whenever possible. Use a slide out cutting board to conserve space. Use a more compact, slim model refrigerator or baker's rack. Instead of using a rolling dishwasher that can be moved around, consider a model that can be mounted under a cabinet.

3. Ensure that you have enough storage. When doing a small kitchen remodel, remember that space is extremely limited. By having sufficient cabinet, drawer, and closet space, you can remove a great deal of clutter from your work area. Store your infrequently used items and small appliances to conserve space.

4. Make sure you have enough light. Bright light can make a small space seem larger, and good light is useful when cooking. Consider overhead panel lighting, as well as a few lights hanging beneath the cabinets to create small areas of direct light for detailed work.

Tips & Warnings
Avoid free standing cabinets or kitchen islands. Cabinets fitted against the wall, as well as overhead cabinets, will preserve valuable floor space. Plan your color scheme before you purchase anything. It is much easier to swap something out at the beginning than once your small kitchen remodel is underway.

Kitchen Remodeling Plans - How to Plan a Kitchen Remodel on Paper

By Jack Gorman, eHow Contributor

So you want to know how to plan a kitchen remodel on paper. When you know what you want, you can design a kitchen remodel on the back of a napkin, or on architectural blueprints. With a pencil, piece of paper and a ruler, you too can plan your kitchen remodel on paper.

Difficulty:- Easy
Instructions & things you'll need: Paper, Ruler, Pencil, Tape measure & Home magazines

1. Read a lot of home magazines. Visit Home Depot Expo center, and any other stores in your area with furniture and home needs. Visit your homes of friends. Figure out exactly what you want out of your kitchen, and keep notes as you go along.

2. Draw a few freehand sketches of your kitchen with a pencil, and try to visualize what you want things to look like and where you want them to go. Do this several times, or even dozens of times until you find an arrangement that feels right.

3. Once you've determined all of this, go out and measure everything; appliances, cabinets, sinks and so on.

4. Measure your kitchen. Establish what you have that can't be moved (bearing walls, windows, doorways).

5. Establish a scale that works for your paper; for instance, one inch equals one foot, then draw out your kitchen to scale. Using your measurements, add in your design, adjusting for any impossibilities based on sizes and dimensions.

6. Once you've established your scale drawing, go out and price everything you want. Invariably, there will be some changes based on prices. Once you've established your budget and made everything work within it, then adjust your drawing one last time based on any possible new dimensions.

7. Start to interview contractors. You will get more ideas from these folks, and, once again, adjust accordingly.

TIPS & WARNING!
Before you even get started, open up your yellow pages and have a series of kitchen designers come to your home (at least five) for an initial consultation, even if you don't plan to use one. What this will give you for no cost (other than your time) is a few off-the-cuff ideas from professionals. You might even find one that you want to hire, and then you won't need to do your own drawings. Kitchen remodels aren't cheap.