Kitchen Remodeling In Chicago: Where to Start

The kitchen is commonly referred to as “the heart of the home,” and for good reason. It is the central hub for entertainment and the central gathering place in our homes. It’s a place where tasty creations come to life, heartfelt conversations are held, and souls are fed time and time again. Kitchen remodels can be tricky because there are countless factors to consider before embarking on such a grandiose adventure.

For most, functionality is the top priority when it comes to a kitchen remodel, and rightfully so. Although capability is key, we want spaces that speak to us and appeal to our imaginative sides as well. No one wants to spend the bulk of their downtime in a space that is outdated and uninspiring. Within this article, we will explore steps that will guide you along your kitchen remodel journey.

Create an Inspo Board

If you are wondering where to begin, this is the perfect starting place! There are many ways to go about finding inspiration for how exactly you would like your space to look. Are you interested in a contemporary space? Maybe a traditional kitchen would appeal to you more? If you’re anything like me, a mixture of both would intrigue you the most. Instagram and Houzz are wonderful places to get started in looking for design inspiration.

Both sites have options to save images that speak to you on “boards” or within “idea books.” Think of it as scrapbooking, but the 21st-century version. This is a simple way to keep your remodeling ideas organized throughout the entire process. This way, when you are ready to meet with a designer, you can easily share your collection with them to get a head start on finalizing your likes and pain points. While you’re at it, you can draw inspiration from Areté’s stunning renovations on our very own Houzz Page.

Consider the Costs

One of the primary reasons that homeowners are iffy about remodeling their kitchens is the cost. Thinking about the amount of money that you may spend taking on a project of this magnitude can be overwhelming. You can minimize the cost of your project by going with pre-fabricated cabinetry instead of custom. Another helpful tip is choosing a subway tile backsplash over a mosaic, or quartz countertops over marble. Choosing these materials will give you a high-end look that won’t break the bank.

Begin Budgeting

You may be wondering: what is this remodel going to cost me in total? Budgeting is often the most stressful part of a remodel/renovation, and often a deterrent that stops a project in its tracks. At Areté, our average kitchen remodels start at $30,000. This includes smaller updates such as new countertops, backsplash, updated flooring, new sink hardware, etc. Larger remodels start between $40,000-$60,000 (depending on material selection) and include replacing appliances. Hopefully, these averages will give you an idea of the potential expenses of your project.

Anticipate Timing

When redoing any part of your home, you may have to adjust your routine to adapt to losing the use of that room temporarily. Of course, the inconvenience will be worth it in the end, and planning ahead will save you a lot of stress and grief in the long run. We estimate that a basic kitchen remodel will take 5-6 weeks. This timeline is for projects that have no change in layout. More complicated projects take 7-8 weeks. These are remodeling projects that include changes in wall structure or plumbing. Be prepared to come up with alternative measures during the time that your kitchen will be under construction, and be sure to ask your contractor scheduling questions. For example, we do not start any projects until all material is in stock and ready to install. This gives us the ability to shorten project length so our clients do see lapses in work being done.

Contact Our Designers

Now that you have some ideas about the style of kitchen that you would like in your home, as well as the potential costs of the project that you’re about to take on, it’s time for the real fun to begin. At Aret é, our in-house design team can aid you in bringing your dreams and ideas come to life. We offer a one-hour complimentary consultation in order to get a better understanding of your design concept and goals. This is so that we may prepare a customized and accurate cost estimate. Your designer will help you decide whether or not it will be necessary to change the layout of your existing space to fit within the way you live and use the space. Our design team will also present you with options of quality materials that fit within your desired budget and aesthetic. We pride ourselves on customizing the design process to fit the individual needs of each client. If you’d like to get started, you can schedule a consultation with us today!

Enjoy the Value!

When remodeling our spaces, we always want to consider the Return on Investment. According to a recent Housing Trends Report conducted by Zillow, 58% of buyers stated that their preferred kitchen style is an extremely important characteristic that they consider before purchasing a property. This being considered, one could concur that having an updated kitchen is a crucial part of giving your home a competitive edge in today’s market!

Contact The Experienced Chicago Kitchen Remodelers At Arete’ Renovators

There’s no time like the present to get started on creating the kitchen of your dreams. While it might seem like a behemoth task to tackle, planning ahead and working with the right team will make all the difference. Whether you are seeking minor kitchen upgrades or a complete overhaul of your space, these steps should help you put your project into a perspective that will be less intimidating. Put your Chicago kitchen remodel into the hands of our talented, capable in-house design team at Areté. Schedule a consultation and let’s get started on creating your stunning new space. The possibilities are endless! Call Arete’ now at 773.610.4551.