Welcome to the ultimate guide to kitchen remodels in Colorado Springs! If you’re tired of your outdated kitchen or want to create a more functional and stylish room, this step-by-step guide will ensure you know what to expect during every phase, from the initial design to the final project completion. We’ll cover everything you need to know, including the typical time required for each step.
Initial Phase: Planning Your Dream Kitchen
No successful home improvement project occurs by chance. Instead, careful planning is needed to ensure you have the space, vision and budget for the kitchen remodel you envision. This is by far the most nebulous phase in our guide to kitchen remodels.
Colorado Springs homeowners must do some serious reflection at this phase. The planning phase includes defining your vision and deciding the layout, style, and functionality.
Start by considering what you like and dislike about your current kitchen. For instance, ask yourself:
Do you want to increase storage space, improve the flow of the kitchen, or incorporate specific design elements?
Is a complete kitchen overhaul needed, with floor plan changes, new custom cabinets and countertops?
Or are more minor updates all that is needed, such as new appliances, lighting, and backsplash?
The answers to these questions determine the project’s scope, design and budget.
Once you have a clear vision, the next step in the initial planning phase is to start designing your dream kitchen. Consider the layout, style, and functionality you want to achieve. An often overlooked resource for kitchen remodels is a professional, certified kitchen designer. They will help create a detailed plan that includes accurate measurements, appliance placement, and material selections.
Second Phase: Construction
Now that you have a solid plan and the help of a certified kitchen designer to keep your project on track, the next phase in our guide to kitchen remodels is the construction phase. So, without further ado, let’s walk through the step-by-step process of remodeling your kitchen.
Set-Up Your Temporary Kitchen
The process of a kitchen remodel can take months, depending on the complexity of the design of your new kitchen. Since the majority of homeowners do not want, nor can they afford, to get take-out every night in between.
Before work begins, determine where you will set up your temporary kitchen. For practical tips, please read Tips to Make Your Kitchen More Functional During a Kitchen Remodel.
Demolition
Finally! All the weeks or months of dreaming are becoming a reality. The first step in the actual construction process is demolition. Demo involves removing all the existing elements of your kitchen, such as cabinets, countertops, appliances, and flooring. Hiring a kitchen remodeling contractor is invaluable during this phase because of the many small details you may forget when doing a demo on your own – such as permitting, electrical and gas shut-offs, proper disposal of old materials, and keeping the work area clean and organized.
The demo is a quick process, usually lasting just a few days.
Rough-In Work
Once the old kitchen is gone, the time has come to focus on the rough-in work. Rough-in includes updating the framing, plumbing, and electrical systems to accommodate your new design. Depending on the complexity of your remodel, this step can take several days or even weeks to complete.
During this phase, issues related to the current building code can come up, and when having an experienced Colorado Springs kitchen design and remodeling company can save you a lot of time. These professionals know the current building code, have contacts within the City of Colorado Springs, and can help keep the project moving forward through any necessary permitting and inspections.
Insulation and Drywall
The next step in our guide to kitchen remodels is the installation of insulation and drywall on the walls. Insulation helps regulate temperature and soundproof the space, and drywall is necessary for a smooth surface for painting and other finishes.
This step typically takes about a week to complete. Once the drywall is in place, priming and painting the walls and ceiling come next.
Flooring
With the walls complete, the next step is to install your new flooring. Whether you choose hardwood, tile, luxury laminate, or another material, flooring installation can take anywhere from one to three days.
Consider factors such as cleaning, maintenance, durability, and style when selecting your flooring.
Some Colorado Springs homeowners choose to install flooring after cabinets to avoid potential damage during construction.
Cabinets and Countertops
Finally, the time has arrived to bring in the star of the show – the cabinets and countertops. Working with a professional like Designer Kitchens ensures that the installation of your custom kitchen cabinets goes smoothly. They will measure, cut, and install custom cabinets to fit your kitchen layout perfectly.
Countertop installation requires precision and expertise to ensure a seamless and beautiful finish. This step can take anywhere from a few days to a more, depending on how complex your design and the materials chosen.
Plumbing and Electrical Fixtures
Installing plumbing and electrical fixtures is the last significant step in this guide to kitchen remodels. Installation includes connecting sinks, faucets, and appliances to the plumbing system and wiring and installing light fixtures and electrical outlets. Again, hiring professionals for this step will guarantee all work is done safely and up to code.
Depending on the complexity of your design, this step can take one to five days to complete.
Finishing Touches
With the major elements in place, it’s time to add the finishing touches to your kitchen. This includes installing cabinet hardware, such as handles and knobs, as well as adding decorative elements like backsplashes and trim.
Take the time to carefully install these details to ensure a polished and cohesive look.
Phase 3: Final Inspection and Clean-Up
The last phase in our guide to kitchen remodels is usually the favorite for homeowners – the final inspection.
Before fully enjoying your newly remodeled kitchen, your kitchen remodeling company will schedule a final inspection to ensure all work is up to code and meets the necessary safety standards.
The final inspection is also when a punch list of any items yet to be completed or that need repair and replacement will be drawn up with the homeowner. Be sure to get a scheduled completion date for all of these items.
Once your remodel passes inspection, it’s time to clean up the space and prepare it for use. Remove any remaining construction debris, wipe down all surfaces, and thoroughly clean your kitchen.
Now comes the fun part – moving back into your new, beautifully redesigned, functional kitchen. How will you celebrate? Check out our 5 Fun Ways to Enjoy Your Newly Remodeled Kitchen.
Designer Kitchens: Colorado Springs’ Ultimate Guide to Kitchen Remodels
Now that you know what to expect when remodeling your kitchen, are you itching to start? Let Designer Kitchens be your guide to kitchen remodels in Colorado Springs. With our decades of experience and accreditation with the National Kitchen and Bath Association, we have the knowledge and expertise to help make your dream kitchen a reality.