A kitchen remodel can be stressful for homeowners. Where do you even start? You might choose to start with a Pinterest board wish list.

Other folks start the process by picking out what new appliances they might enjoy. And those who have the DIY spirit might even outline their ideal layout on some graph paper or compose a dream board.

Depending on the type of remodel you need – a full renovation or just an upgrade – the project can take up to a year for homeowners to plan before they are ready to pull the trigger and call a Design Build firm to make their dreams a reality.

However, getting a design team involved earlier in the process can help you see unrealized opportunities or manage your expectations of what is feasible in your current space, elements that you might not see on your own.

Below Agape has laid out a Step By Step Guide to planning for your dream kitchen so that you can be ready to start your remodel!

Assess Your Kitchen Remodel Needs

First, let’s think about what isn’t working for you in your current kitchen. Is the layout too cramped for a family pizza making night? Do you have enough space for food prep and storing your pots, pans and dishes?

Then, start imagining how you WOULD use your kitchen if it fit your needs. Would you host potlucks? Would your family like to eat meals around the counter or do they prefer a breakfast nook? How many people does the space need to accommodate? Also definitely prioritize your kitchen wish list items, as not all of them may be feasible at the same time.

Finally, the part most homeowners love – Decide on a style! Do your research on Pinterest, Houzz or other design sites. Start saving pictures of kitchen layouts and styles you like, so that when you present your plan to the designer, they have a clear idea of what you are looking for.

Plan and Set Your Limits

Now you have your kitchen remodel vision ready to go. But, you may need to set some project parameters before seeking out a professional with your project. Evaluate what your budget is for the project before handing over your kitchen wish list. That way, a designer can help you prioritize which aspects of the remodel can fit within that frame.

Additionally, think about a timeline for the project. When is a good time of year for your family to have construction happen? Is there a certain time of year you use the kitchen less and order in meals more? Do you have any travel plans that could delay the project?

Find The Professionals You Need

Start researching local St. Louis Design Build firms to see which team is the right fit for your project. Most Design Build firms, like Agape, offer a complimentary consultation or assessment of your project.

Additionally, it’s always a good idea to ask friends for a referral or read a company’s online reviews to see how they have handled similar projects.

Some homeowners start a kitchen remodel by hiring an architect or interior designer. Some go with a kitchen designer. Still others might work on their own with a builder or contractor.

The good news is – if you use Agape for your kitchen remodel – you don’t have to choose! We have all of those people in house ready to work with you. The next steps showcase how Agape would guide you through the process.

Draft Your Kitchen Layout

We would work with you to compose your layout, often called the “schematic design” in the industry. This is the first step to your kitchen remodel project when working with a Design Build firm.

The architects working with you will provide sketches that show space planning, floor plans, cabinet and fixture sizes, layout and elevations.

Finalize Design & Contract

Next we would conduct a thorough walkthrough of your existing kitchen to ensure accurate price bidding and to create a final contract price. Next you would review these price options with one of our skilled Project Consulatants.

Kitchen Remodel Permits

Now that you’ve outlined your project, our project team will need to submit the final design documents and construction plans to get the proper permitting.

This process can take a short or long amount of time, depending on your local city ordinances and building codes. The more preparation you can do with your team upfront the more likely this process will go faster and smoothly.

Select Fixtures and Finishes

If you work with Agape, you will have access to our design showroom where you can see demos of many of the fixtures and finishes available to you. And if you’re like most of our clients, you probably have Pinterest boards full of the types of fixtures and finishes you want.

Before you finalized your schematic design, you probably had an idea on what materials you wanted to use for countertops and other items.

These fixtures and finishes may include:

Cabinetry construction type, door style, finish, and color
Countertop material
Refrigerators and other appliances
Kitchen sinks
Kitchen faucets
Light fixtures
Flooring
Backsplash
Decorative hardware

Once the permitting and documents and finalized, we can begin construction.

Construction Begins

The final stage of your remodel is the actual construction of your new dream kitchen! When working with Agape, you will receive a project binder that will inform you of timeline and when to expect workers at your home.

Be sure to communicate with your project manager any scheduling needs or concerns you might have during this phase and set a cadence for check ins.