Plan Your Work Triangle The more food you cook, the more you’ll be in the kitchen, so you need a good workflow. Get out a pen and paper and sketch out a map with the three primary workspaces you’ll need: the cooking area, the food preparation area (counters), and your refrigerator. There should be a clear pathway between these three areas at all times. Traditionally, the length of all the triangle legs shouldn’t add up to more than 26 feet. Plan for the Right Number of Cooks Walkways should be at least three feet wide for one cook, and four feet for two cooks. If you are remodeling your countertops, design functional workspaces that accommodate the right number of people. Separate the Traffic from the Work Areas If you have room, keep a separate pathway for through traffic. This can make for a safer, more work-friendly environment. Children, pets, friends, and family don’t want to be bumping into you while you’re carrying a pot of boiling water. Electricity is a Must Plan on having outlets everywhere you’ll need them, including islands. “More than you need” may be just enough. If you don’t have the resources or desire to add multiple outlets, ensure that, at a minimum, your food preparation area and landing spaces have plugs. Keep the Design Consistent There are so many kitchen ideas online, on TV, and in magazines that it can be tempting to go with the latest, greatest design packages. But does it fit the rest of your house? Shop around for ideas that work with your current décor, and if you decide you still want something different, make sure that the new look doesn’t clash with the other rooms of your house. Know Your Priorities and Your Budget When you get in touch with a contractor, designer, or remodeler, you’ll want to know how much you can afford, what your main goals are, and what your priorities are. Are you doing a makeover or just replacing some counter tops? Knowing how much you’re willing to spend and where you want to spend your money can help your contractor find the best deals for your renovation. Buying the Right Material Do your research online and in consumer magazines, because the most expensive material isn’t always the best. Vinyl, for instance, is less expensive than many high-end flooring materials, but it resists stains, lasts a long time, and is easy to replace. Choose the Right Contractor A contractor will work with you to find the right solution for your remodeling project. This includes workspace planning, design ideas, material choices, and budget planning. Picking the right contractor is one of the best decisions you can make when remodeling your kitchen. Though by no means exhaustive, this list of tips should give you some ideas for your next remodeling project. The more time you spend in the kitchen, the better you want it to look and feel. Once you have your plan in place, contact your contractor for an estimate. ]]>
