September 4, 2020

Feeling anxious and excited at the same time? Learn about two of the most important projects homeowners can invest in.

After successfully completing thousands of both kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects here in the Kansas City area over the years, we’re happy to share a bit of the basics you’re studying up on.

Jericho Home Improvement knows EXACTLY what it’s like to be in your shoes.

Once you decide you’re going to make a sizable investment to increase the value and indoor livability of your home, your first critical decision revolves around how you’ll get the help you need to get the work done.

Obviously, being in the trade, we don’t advise DIY’ing major overhauls – serious kitchen and bathroom remodeling should be properly planned and performed by professionals.

That said, let’s jump in.

Introduction – Getting the Most from Your Budget

Your kitchen and bathroom setup is likely unique (or perhaps it’s rather cookie cutter). Together they have their own shapes, size issues, cheap stock or outdated cabinetry, flooring, ways of utilizing space or not, nicks, scratches, and all the rest.

Grab a notebook and a pen, or whatever it is you’d like to use, and begin going through the kitchen and bathroom taking notes.

• …Do the sinks have enough counter space around them on both sides?
• …Is your storage space adequate, conveniently accessible and stylish?
• …How much should be replaced and what needs aren’t being met in these spaces?
• …How are the surfaces – shelves, the inside of cupboards, countertops, and flooring?
• …Is the space being utilized effectively and what will the focal points of these areas be?
• …Interested in adding space, a side-room, storage room, or new exits and entryways?

Don’t worry about costs and budgeting initially, just wrap your mind around the entirety of needs as you see them, in your own experience and from your perspectives.

Remodeling contractors will appreciate your vision.

They’ll translate it into dollars and cents and help you figure out what the best route is to get there.

Choosing Your Interior Remodeling Contractor

The #1 variable determining the ROI added to your property’s value, how enjoyable the process is, and ultimately how far your remodeling dollars go depends on the contractor you choose.

You MUST, yes MUST, allow yourself the time, energy, and headspace to do your due diligence on at least 3 solid options.

Don’t be hasty.

Don’t let anyone push you where your gut and finances aren’t comfortable.

Don’t allow yourself to feel rushed into making a decision or signing anything without first being as prudent as possible.

Start by performing a local search in your area looking to see what kind of competition you’ve got to benefit from. Hopefully, there’s a healthy amount! From here the quickest way to start breaking your options down is through customer reviews, the professionalism of websites, and relevancy.

• Reviews & Testimonials: Take your time. Don’t be persuaded by either the first glowing-fantastic or super-horrible review you see. Remodeling is a tough industry, which gets more complaints each year than even auto and insurance companies because it’s a jumble of extremely subjective topics mixed with science, carpentry, and manufacturing. Be discerning.
• Contractor Websites: Once reviews help you narrow the field, the next step is checking out websites to see which are the most professional. Browse their project portfolios and galleries to see what their typical scope and style are like.
• Trade Focus: Do you want a smaller, hyper-focused contractor who specializes in your needs, or a much bigger contractor who does a bit of everything? Your best bet is somewhere in the middle.

Gathering Quotes & Meeting Consultants

When you sit down with a home remodeling consultant, you REALLY get to see what a remodeling company is all about. Are they passionate, honest, and a pleasure to work with?

• Their inspection should be thorough and tell you FAR more about your kitchen and bathroom remodeling goals than you expected.
• Is their quote in line with what your research tells you and the other quotes you’re getting?
• Their goal should be smooth education, not sales.
• Their goal should be to make you happy with them as a consultant, not to get you to sign a contract.

The Basics of a Full Kitchen Remodel

• Brand new layout for kitchen and/or bathroom spaces.
• Gorgeous new cabinetry with stunning wood choices and finishes.
• Custom island configuration to suit modern lifestyles.
• New countertops of granite, quartz, or marble.
• New flooring of beautiful hardwood or laminate.
• New plumbing amenities like faucets, pot fillers, and prep sinks.
• New lighting, customized to the space.

The Basics of Bathroom Remodeling

• Top-quality new flooring: ceramic, porcelain, or natural stone tile.
• Washing area transformations: spa showers, tub-to-shower conversions, and more.
• Updated lighting & outlet locations.
• Senior & handicapped accessibility.
• Custom vanities, cabinetry, heated floors, and steam rooms.

Wrapping Up

Hopefully, these basics help you with your kitchen and bathroom remodeling decisions. If you’re in the Kansas City area and have more questions, feel free to reach out to us.

Our specialists are always ready to fill you in on any specifics. We look forward to hearing from you!