2024 Sarasota Kitchen Remodel Checklist
A complete kitchen remodel can be a really exciting adventure, ending with a brand-new space that's perfectly functional and absolutely stunning. The road to get there can seem like a winding one if you're not prepared—but that's why you're here!
From updating style to improved safety with aging-in-place features, we've got you covered with our kitchen renovation checklist. We know you want to start your kitchen remodel off on the right foot, so we've created a checklist that includes identifying what improvements your kitchen needs, hiring your kitchen remodeling design-build contractor, kitchen upgrade ideas, and more.
Whether your kitchen remodel is part of a whole home remodel or a standalone project, you're in the right place.
Bonus! Scroll down for our free downloadable kitchen remodel checklist to print and keep handy every step of the way!
How Do You Plan a Kitchen Remodel?
When remodeling a kitchen, what comes first? Your first move will be identifying what needs to change so you and your family can enjoy the space, work smarter not harder, have enough space for all who want to use the kitchen at the same time, and have enough storage to keep your counters free from clutter. This is a great list of questions to ask yourself to start this process off right:
- Is the style of my kitchen outdated or just no longer represent my personal style?
- Does my kitchen feel cramped? Is my family bumping elbows to prepare meals or to perform everyday tasks?
- Is my kitchen short on storage? Are cabinets crammed? Am I often frustrated trying to find a place for different items?
- Is my kitchen safe to use for the long haul? Do I need to plan for aging-in-place?
- Is my kitchen dim, lacking enough light fixtures, or lacking natural light?
- Does my kitchen meet my culinary needs? Do I have space for the appliances and gadgets that I'd like to have for creating beautiful meals?
- Does my kitchen follow the Golden Triangle Rule?
- Could I use a walk-in pantry or scullery kitchen for added storage and extra workspace for entertaining?
Take notes as you ask yourself these questions. This list will help you identify exactly what's not working, what you can add to make everyday routines and entertaining easier, and create a space you truly enjoy.
How to Design a Kitchen Remodel?
After you've pinpointed what's not working and what your kitchen is lacking, you can start to look at every individual element of your kitchen and research your options. This will cover everything from style elements to aspects that will make your life a little easier.
Kitchens are one of the most complex rooms to remodel because of the number of finishes, features, appliances, and electrical and plumbing updates you'll have to consider during the design phase. A layout change, for example, could require you to move your plumbing and electrical lines. A kitchen expansion will mean a longer construction time, more finishes than your current kitchen, and extending your electrical and plumbing lines.
This might seem like a lot to handle, and it can be. However, with due diligence in hiring the right design-build team for the job, your experience can be a relief rather than a regret.
- Countertops
- Cabinets and custom storage
- Backsplash
- Appliances
- Lighting
- Flooring
- Layout changes
- Kitchen expansion or open floor plan
- Aging-in-place features
- Adding storage
- Adding smart features for safety and convenience
These are just a few of the many aspects your designer can help you plan around, making your kitchen remodel a great success! To help jumpstart your planning stage and avoid decision fatigue during the design process, keep this kitchen remodel checklist handy.
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What Is a Realistic Budget for a Kitchen Remodel?
Your budget is one of the first parts of the kitchen remodeling process you should handle. It will dictate the grade of finishes you choose and any structural updates you plan to make. Consider where your financial investment will come from, how your investment will affect the value of your home, and what your vision could cost to decide on your kitchen remodeling budget.
We've broken down average kitchen remodeling costs for you here to give you a foundation for understanding costs.
How Much Does It Cost to Remodel a Kitchen in Sarasota?
Kitchen remodels can range from updating all of the finishes to a major structural overhaul. The scope of the project, the grade of finishes, and the current condition of your kitchen will affect the cost of your unique kitchen remodel, but you can use these averages to better understand average costs.
- Minor Kitchen Remodels in Sarasota typically involve updates to an approximately 100-square-foot kitchen, keeping the existing layout and major components like cabinets and appliances in place. This kind of remodel might include new panels for cabinet boxes, updated hardware, and new standard appliances along with fresh paint. Costs for these updates generally range from $26,000 to $31,000.
- Major Kitchen Remodels offer a more comprehensive update and typically involve completely replacing cabinetry, adding new kitchen islands, and upgrading all major appliances to energy-efficient models. This level of renovation could also include new natural stone countertops and a stone or porcelain backsplash. For a 200-square-foot kitchen, this could cost between $73,000 and $91,000.
- Gourmet Kitchen Remodels represent the highest level of remodel, often including layout changes and high-end finishes like custom cabinetry and top-of-the-line appliances. These remodels might also incorporate luxury materials such as marble countertops or imported porcelain tile backsplashes. Prices for a gourmet kitchen remodel can start at $120,000 and go up to $165,000 or more, depending on the final design and materials.
In Sarasota, remodeling your kitchen not only enhances its functionality and aesthetic but also contributes to your overall home value. The return on investment (ROI) can vary, with minor remodels in the area sometimes recouping around 77% of their costs, while more extensive or gourmet remodels might return about 50% to 60% of your investment.
To get more in-depth information about the different costs of kitchen remodels, check out our comprehensive kitchen cost guide below. Or, read through this comprehensive resource on home remodeling seminars in Sarasota.
What Is the Biggest Expense in a Kitchen Remodel?
On average, your kitchen cabinets could consume about 25% of your budget, and for good reason. They have to be structurally sound to hold hundreds of pounds without fail. Knowing this, you can see how remodeling your kitchen cabinets can cost a pretty penny but will be worth every cent.
As for your cabinet's level of customization, consider making the most of your investment. Take a look at these custom kitchen cabinet storage ideas that can make organization a breeze:
- Hidden in-drawer outlets and USB ports
- Lower cabinet drawers with built-in dividers
- Pull-out lower shelves
- Pull-down upper shelves
- Pull-out kitchen bins
- Motion-activated inner cabinet lights
- Corner drawers
- Toe-kick drawers for baking sheets
Your kitchen cabinets also carry a lot of weight in style. A higher investment in all-wood cabinets in a style that matches your tastes will be a mood booster every time you use this space. This isn't to say you have to max out your budget for top-of-the-line cabinets. You'll work with your design-build team to find the right balance of cost and customization. Here are a few ideas for your kitchen cabinet design:
- Cabinet panels for your panel-ready appliances
- Shaker style
- Flat front
- Glass display cabinets with lighting
- Mix open shelves and upper cabinets
- Floor-to-ceiling cabinets
- Two-tone cabinets
Let's not forget about your kitchen's storage heavy-hitter—your kitchen island. You don't have to settle for a big box with open storage. Work with your designer to create custom storage that fits your specific needs and style. Wood-turned legs, a cantilever edge for seating, picture frame trim, or a waterfall design can transform your island into a well-deserved focal piece.
Time to Assemble Your Sarasota Kitchen Dream Team!
So, you've mulled over the upgrades you crave in your kitchen, pinpointed what doesn’t work in your current setup, and nailed down your budget—now it’s about finding the perfect crew to make your kitchen dreams come true.
When picking the right kitchen remodeling experts in Sarasota, Florida, it’s about transforming a task into a thrilling journey that leaves you beaming with joy. Seek out Sarasota remodeling contractors known for their expertise in kitchen designs and with a solid track record of stunning kitchen transformations through a smooth and enjoyable process. A top-notch contractor will guide you seamlessly from your vision on paper to your new kitchen in action.
Choosing the Right Kitchen Remodeling Team
Diving into a kitchen remodel can feel huge, but not when you have a comprehensive kitchen remodel checklist by your side. This checklist is your secret weapon, making sure every little detail, from picking the latest appliances to crafting a functional layout, is thoughtfully mapped out.
Solid planning is a game-changer—it keeps your budget on track and simplifies the whole remodeling process, cutting down on those oh-no moments.
If you're in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton or the Suncoast area and pondering a kitchen makeover, getting the right advice can really make a difference. Gilbert Design Build is all about bringing your kitchen visions to life, ensuring every part of the remodel meets your needs, is within your budget, and stuns with style.
We're pros at piecing together detailed, client-focused plans and bringing them to life with precision, boosting both the value and joy of your home. Ready to kick off your dream kitchen project? Give us a shout at Gilbert Design Build, and let’s start planning your expertly designed and beautifully crafted kitchen remodel.
