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10 Things You Need to Know BEFORE You Remodel Your Kitchen

February 22nd, 2018 | 4 min read

By Michael Flory

Kitchen with black mosaic backsplash, dark refrigerator, and glass front upper cabinets

Are you tired of the mismatched chaos that is your current Lansing kitchen? Do you often find yourself grappling with a space that doesn't align with your family's needs? We know the frustration.

At Custom Built, with 15+ years of kitchen remodeling experience, we recognize that your project isn't just about aesthetics; it's about resolving the pain points that have made your kitchen a daily struggle.

In this article, we dive into the 10 things you need to know before you remodel your kitchen:

  1. What is your favorite feature of your kitchen?
  2. What is your biggest problem with your kitchen?
  3. How do you use the space and who are the primary users?
  4. Who cooks in your family? Is this kitchen for one or two chefs?
  5. Do you like to entertain frequently?
  6. How important is storage for you?
  7. How do the adjacent rooms integrate with your kitchen?
  8. How important is lighting for you?
  9. How important are the views of the outdoors?
  10. What is your favorite spot in your current kitchen?

1. What is Your Favorite Feature of Your Kitchen?

Your favorite kitchen feature is like the superhero of your home. It could be the shiny oven that makes the best cookies, the big countertop where everyone gathers, or the colorful tiles that make you smile.

It's the part of your kitchen that steals the show and makes you say, "I love this!" So, what's that special something in your kitchen that you can't live without? Let's celebrate the star of your cooking space!

2. What is Your Biggest Problem With Your Kitchen?

Identifying the main issue in your kitchen is crucial for improvement. It could be limited storage, a chaotic arrangement, or perhaps inadequate lighting.

Share the core problem bothering you the most so that your remodeler can work on practical solutions to enhance your kitchen experience. Your input guides the way to a more functional and enjoyable cooking space.

3. How Do You Use the Space and Who Are the Primary Users?

Understanding how you utilize your kitchen is key to tailoring the design to your needs. Consider the daily activities—cooking, family meals, or social gatherings. Identify the primary users; is it a bustling family kitchen or a space primarily for one or two people?

Knowing the dynamics helps create a layout that accommodates your lifestyle, making the kitchen a seamless part of your daily routine. Share your insights, and your remodeler will shape the kitchen to suit your unique requirements.

4. Who Cooks in Your Family? Is This Kitchen for One or Two Chefs?

Understanding who takes charge of the kitchen is crucial for planning its layout. If you have multiple cooks or a designated chef, your remodeler should create a kitchen that accommodates teamwork and efficiency.

Alternatively, if it's mainly a single chef, the design can be streamlined to suit solo cooking preferences. By identifying the primary cooks, your remodeler can ensure that the kitchen layout aligns with your cooking style, making it a comfortable and functional space for preparing delicious meals. Share your cooking dynamics, and you can craft a kitchen that suits your culinary needs.

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5. Do You Like to Entertain Frequently?

Consideration of your hosting frequency guides the kitchen design, tailoring it to align with your entertaining needs. For those who frequently welcome friends and family, the focus is on creating an open layout that encourages socializing. This may involve strategic placement of seating areas or an open kitchen design seamlessly connected to the dining rooms and living spaces.

Understanding your entertaining preferences ensures the kitchen's functionality is enhanced, creating a welcoming hub for social events. Share insights on your hosting habits with your remodeler, and the kitchen will evolve into the perfect setting for memorable gatherings.

6. How Important is Storage For You?

Assessing the importance of storage in your kitchen unveils practical solutions to keep things organized. If storage is a top priority, the design may include ample kitchen cabinets, drawers, and pantry space. Functional storage solutions, such as pull-out or open shelves and smart organizers, contribute to an organized kitchen environment.

Prioritize accessibility and convenience when discussing your storage needs, ensuring that every item has its designated place. By emphasizing storage during the design process, your kitchen becomes not just a cooking space but an efficient storage haven for all your essentials.

7. How Do the Adjacent Rooms Integrate With Your Kitchen?

Considering the integration of your kitchen with adjacent rooms involves creating a harmonious flow throughout your living space. Simple design elements like coordinating color schemes and consistent flooring can foster a sense of cohesion. Assess how the kitchen connects with neighboring rooms, like your living room, ensuring a smooth transition between spaces.

Whether it's an open-concept layout that encourages social interaction or a more defined separation, thoughtful integration enhances the overall functionality and aesthetics of your home. Keep in mind the desired atmosphere in each area, ensuring that the kitchen complements the adjacent rooms for a unified and inviting home environment.

8. How Important is Lighting for You?

The significance of lighting in your kitchen plays a crucial role in creating a comfortable and functional space. Adequate lighting ensures that you can perform tasks with ease, enhancing safety and efficiency. Consider the placement of lighting fixtures to eliminate shadows in essential work areas like countertops and stovetops.

Furthermore, lighting contributes to the overall ambiance of your kitchen, setting the mood for different activities. Whether it's bright task lighting for cooking or softer ambient pendant lighting for dining, tailoring your lighting to meet specific needs enhances the practicality and atmosphere of your kitchen.

9. How Important Are the Views of the Outdoors?

The importance of views of the outdoors in your kitchen is about fostering a connection with nature while you go about daily activities. Having clear views of the outdoors brings in natural light and creates a sense of openness. It allows you to enjoy the changing seasons, watch the sunrise during breakfast, or simply appreciate the beauty of your surroundings.

This connection with the outdoors not only enhances the visual appeal of your kitchen but also contributes to a positive and uplifting atmosphere, making your cooking and dining experiences more enjoyable.

10. What is Your Favorite Spot in Your Current Kitchen?

Identifying your favorite spot in your kitchen is about understanding the specific area where you feel most comfortable and at ease. It could be a cozy corner with a view, a spot near the window, or the area around the kitchen island. This favorite spot is likely where you often find yourself spending moments of relaxation, enjoying a cup of coffee, or simply taking in the ambiance.

Knowing your preferred spot helps in designing a new kitchen that maximizes the elements you love, ensuring that the layout and features cater to creating a space where you can fully appreciate and enjoy your time.

Next Steps to Remodeling Your Kitchen

As we conclude this exploration into the heart of Lansing kitchen remodeling, it's crucial to revisit the challenges that brought you to this point—the frustrations, inefficiencies, and the longing for a space that truly caters to your needs.

Through our collaborative journey, we've unveiled the transformative power of understanding your unique requirements. The insights gained from our shared exploration serve as a roadmap toward crafting a Lansing kitchen that blends functionality with aesthetics.

With 15+ years of experience crafting beautiful kitchens, we understand that having the right mindset and goals going into a remodel is essential to its success.

Ready to embark on your kitchen remodeling journey? Reach out to our team of experts, and let's turn your vision into a reality. Your dream Lansing kitchen awaits, and we're here to guide you every step of the way.

high end kitchen remodeling contractor services custom built michigan

Michael Flory

Michael brings over 2 decades of building and remodeling experience to his position as the Owner and Visionary of Custom Built. Michael’s passion to make an impact on the home building industry has led him to serve for over ten years at the local and state Home Builders Association, culminating as President of the HBA of Michigan in 2020.