Summer is here, so you may be itching for ways to upgrade your home. If you're like most American homeowners, you may be focusing on your kitchen. The kitchen is one of the top choices for renovation among American homeowners. To undertake this major upgrade, you should have the right professionals in mind. Here are ways to prepare for your renovation services with our kitchen remodelers.

Prepare for Design Consultation

Before work begins on the kitchen upgrade, you need a proper design consultation. Professional kitchen renovators often have several ideas in store. During the consultation, you can review our kitchen remodelers' ideas and bring your own to the table. This consultation is a perfect time to clip any photo inspirations and present them to our team. Many homeowners get inspiration from sites like Pinterest and Good Housekeeping magazine. Our team will also show you our portfolio, so you can get an idea of our past projects.

Consider Material Preferences

One of the most fun aspects of renovating your kitchen is the choice of materials. Because the kitchen is such a dynamic room, you can use many materials throughout. Natural stone is still the number one choice for a kitchen counter, particularly granite, which can last up to 20 years and often symbolizes luxury, according to our team. Remember those beautiful marbles you played with as a kid? Marble stone can also add luxury and beauty to your kitchens. Your kitchen floors may be made from hardwood with epoxy coating, stone, or luxury vinyl. Have fun with metal fixtures, as two of the more common trends in recent years have been the use of gold or copper, according to our team. Whether you prefer natural materials like wood, bamboo, and stone or are comfortable with synthetic options or a combination of them, you can have fun using your kitchen to showcase the variety of materials and finishes available.

Define Layout Preferences

Do you struggle to get around your kitchen to do everything comfortably? If so, your kitchen remodelers can work with you to create the layout that will make your kitchen space easier to maneuver in. Your kitchens are where you store your food, prep it, and cook it. For many people, it may also be the center of socialization, from family gatherings to morning coffee to big parties. Therefore, you need a kitchen layout that can suit your activity needs and the number of people who live in your home. Kitchen remodelers understand the right areas to open up your space, whether it's taking down a wall or moving a kitchen island to another area.

Check Your Budget

Of course, kitchen renovations involve money. It's important to be realistic about how much you can afford when updating your space. Kitchen remodelers can work with you to ensure you have an update you're pleased with without putting yourself in debt. With proper planning, you may be able to get an equity loan to reinvest back into your home.

Consider Functionality

As mentioned, your kitchen can have a great deal of functionality. One of the top functional aspects of the kitchen is storage by way of cabinets and sometimes islands. According to Forbes, the National Kitchen and Bath Association claims that cabinets make up nearly 30% of a kitchen remodel expense. It's no surprise as a cabinet stores your food, appliances, dishes, etc. Your cabinets can be made from various types of wood that suit your overall aesthetic. Some people are incorporating more open shelving, such as floating shelves made of metal, glass, or wood. Adding pantries provides extra space for your backup food storage. If you have a large family and do a lot of entertaining, you may want to have a double island for more prep, eating, and sitting space. You can also have built-in appliances, and some may even be hidden behind cabinets. Many kitchen contractors are adding mud rooms to create a separate section near your kitchen for utility purposes.

For most people, the kitchen is often the center of the home. Therefore, when you have an outdated kitchen, it can take away from enjoying your space. It's never been a better time than now to work with local kitchen remodelers who've done this type of work regularly. Our team is experienced in creating modern kitchens homeowners love. To learn more about how we can work together, contact us at Homeway Construction and Restoration to begin a design consultation.