Kitchen Remodeling

Remodeling is an opportunity to create a new, vibrant space. With the right design, your custom kitchen will not only meet all your needs, it will be a place for spending quality time with family and friends.

It's a great time to begin the planning process. Before you start working with our designer, there are some key questions you'll need to answer to ensure a smooth process that results in a kitchen that you'll love.

Do you use your kitchen as a place to gather the family, or to whip up your favorite recipes while they're playing outside? How you answer this can help you determine if you need to open things up, add an island or redesign the cabinetry. When you work with TotalTech Arizona we will ask questions about how you currently use the kitchen and how you'd like to use it after the redesign. Before your first meeting, it's a good idea to start paying attention to your day-to-day routines, listing problem areas and creating a wish list of features to meet your future needs.

In many of the older homes, kitchens can be tight, and most were not built with the popular open-floor-plan style. New kitchens may require an add-on or a remodel that carves out more space from the existing house. Removing a wall or two can sometimes make your kitchen feel more open and accessible. Adding windows can also give the illusion of more space.

Moving major appliances and plumbing fixtures is one of the quickest ways to drive up costs. In some cases, redesigning the kitchen around its original arrangement works, but often the only way to achieve the look and functionality you want is by changing the layout. Be honest with your designer about how your current setup is working for you, and we'll help you find the most cost-effective solution.

How will you cope during the construction phase? If you're one of a lucky few, you can move out of your home while your new kitchen is being built. However, if you're like most homeowners, you'll be staying put. Our building team pays serious attention to dust control and maintaining a clean job site. Also, start thinking about locations for a temporary kitchen that includes storage and cooking necessities.

This is a big question that is often overlooked until it's too late. It's important to consider which types of storage will best meet your unique needs. Do you make a big Costco run every few weeks? Then a walk-in pantry may be in order. If you mostly order takeout or pick up a few small items at the co-op, a massive pantry space would be a massive waste. Start paying close attention to the items you use every day, then start imagining how they might be conveniently organized.

This depends on many factors that are specific to your home. It's nearly impossible for remodeling contractors to guess a price-per-square-foot figure. The size of your kitchen is one factor, but your budget will likely be most affected by structural changes like removing walls or relocating plumbing and appliances.

Does that mean you have to start construction without knowing how much it will cost? No. As a reputable design-build firm we will be able to provide a very rough cost estimate over the phone. A few companies also publish annual pricing guides that can help you set a realistic budget.

Considering the cost, it makes sense to put as much thought as possible into your remodeling plans. Examining your family's habits, storage needs and preferences can help make your dream kitchen a reality.