You've shopped and daydreamed over the magazines. You've visited web sites and home center stores. You have taken the first steps toward your new kitchen. Now you are ready to obtain some professional help in planning the kitchen you want. You probably have a budgeted amount of money to spend, but you may still not be sure how much you will need to invest in the various aspects of outfitting the kitchen, or have a solid idea of the probable cost range of the entire project. Here are some guidelines to help you determine what will fit best into your budget and your dream kitchen.

There are three basic choices you have for upgrading your kitchen.

A.) The least expensive would be to Re-face your existing Kitchen Cabinets.

Re-facing can be done in one of 3 ways:

1. Refinishing or painting existing cabinet and drawer fronts.
2. Installing new wood or laminate veneer over existing cabinet and drawer fronts.
3.  Installing completely new cabinet doors and drawer fronts.
    

All three cases will require, new countertops and hardware (such as hinges and pulls ) as well as any required minor electrical and plumbing work to help complete the project.

B.) The moderate range would be to Install new cabinets.

This includes replacing your existing kitchen cabinets with new ones without adding or removing walls, adding new countertops, light fixtures as well as minor electrical and plumbing work. Be on the look out because many older houses will need electrical outlets added in the kitchen to bring them up to code. Be sure to check with your contractor about this.


C.) The top of the line would be to tackle a full kitchen remodel.

This is typically an involved process. Starting with floor plans, your old kitchen is completely remodeled to include new cabinets, islands, fixtures, floors etc. A well-thought-out, detailed plan is a must for any kitchen project. Whether you design the kitchen yourself, work with a cabinet distributor or home center, or go to a
kitchen designer, formulating a plan is the first step.

Working with a designer at most major home centers is a free service, although they will require that a Kitchen Installation Specialist or Licensed General Contractor come out to your home to verify measurements to ensure the products ordered will fit
in the space provided. This service can cost approximately $75. and gives you an opportunity to discuss options and get ideas right from a professional.

To get started ask yourself these questions:

1. Is my existing kitchen space big enough for my household needs?

If so, replacing your existing kitchen cabinets without adding or removing walls may be your answer.

2. If not, are there walls in my home that can be moved or removed to make the kitchen space bigger?

This is where a general contractor can help. They will be able to safely determine which walls are non bearing (supporting your roof) and if they can be moved or removed.

Once you've determined those answers, you can choose the style of kitchen you want.

There are three basic kitchen functions to consider and arrange to create an ideal kitchen: storage, preparation and clean-up. And the following points will help you sort through those issues.

Typical kitchen Layouts:

For the last few decades, most kitchen designs have been based on three standard layouts: the U-shaped kitchen, the L-shaped kitchen and the galley kitchen.

Those all make use of the classic work triangle concept that basically positions the three major kitchen components (refrigerator, stove and sink) in a triangular pattern. This is useful if there is one primary cook or chef who typically works in the kitchen alone.

More than ever, the kitchen is the central headquarters for the family, where members cook together along with social gathering in the kitchen. Far from its 'utilitarian' roots, it is often the showplace of the home, yet now it is required to function well for a wider variety of tasks than ever before. A well-equipped, beautifully dressed kitchen provides both a sense of well-being and a favorite place in the home.

To accommodate for this, Designers now think in terms of multiple work centers or work stations within the kitchen in order to allow more than one person to work efficiently without getting in anyone else's way.

Work centers are a little less formal concept than a classic work triangle since you can basically create a station anytime decent counter space is provided next to a major appliance or sink.

Adding an island is one of the most common ways to program multiple work centers into a kitchen. It might block the clear paths of the classic work triangle, but an island creates 2-4 small work stations along its perimeter.

These stations can become major work centers if a second sink is added or the cook top is pulled away from the wall and set into the island. Even without an island, you can create distinct work centers simply by separating the microwave oven and the cook top/range.

For example, placing them on opposite sides of the sink—setting the microwave near the refrigerator/freezer—provides counter space for food preparation at each appliance.

Finish Materials

Choosing the right finish materials is another critical part of the kitchen remodeling process. Here are some things to consider in five primary categories.

Cabinets:
There are two basic cabinet styles: European-style (frameless) and face-framed cabinets. Either can be ordered from custom or semi-custom cabinet-makers or from stock supplies. Each style has a variety of door, wood and finish options. Cabinets vary in degree of construction quality so look for small details like roll-out and
tilt-out drawer features.
 

Countertops:
Countertop choices range from very durable, yet very expensive materials like solid surface or granite to the less expensive, but attractive choices of ceramic tile and laminates. Solid surface, marble and granite tops are not typical do-it-yourself
materials—unlike tile and laminate tops that are definitely within reach of do-it-yourselfers.

Flooring:
Recently, sheet vinyl has been the predominant flooring choice for moderately-priced kitchens. It has a variety of textures, designs, price ranges and has virtually replaced linoleum that was popular in our grandparents' era. Ceramic tile has always been
popular in pricier kitchens, and wood floors are gaining popularity in both moderate and high end kitchens.

Kitchen Sinks:
Kitchen sinks are made of materials such as solid surface, cast iron, stainless steel and plastic. Mounting styles are either top-mount or under-mount with a combination of sizes and features: single-bowl, double-bowl, deep or shallow. Faucets offer different finishes: polished brass or nickel, brushed nickel, chrome, stainless steel. Other options and price ranges include pull-out sprayers, single-levers, double-handled.

Appliances:
The main appliance choice involves built-in or free-standing styles. This decision will factor into the overall design. In addition, you'll choose between side-by-side refrigerators or units with top or bottom mounted freezers. Besides the traditional gas or electric issue, range options include: halogen or smooth-top cook tops, double and/or convection ovens, trash compactors, microwaves, range hoods and down-draft vents.