Kitchen Renovation
By: Keith Hoyng

A Kitchen renovation can take approximately eight weeks to complete, but of course that is if everything goes as planned. If you know anything about Murphy's Law then you know that something may not go as it was planned. Each kitchen that needs rejuvenated varies with the extent of the project, the age, and condition of the house. The older the house, the most likeliness that there will be a few problems that go along with the remodeling. This reasoning can go with any kitchen remodeling design.

The items that follow will give you a short breakdown of what to expect from your kitchen renovation idea.

Before starting, you might need a building permit. Check with your local government.

1) The Demolition - This is where some project experienced homeowners will save money by doing the tear down themselves but it is not a very fun job. It can also bring a scare to the homeowner because it is always possible to find a "small leak" beneath a sink that reveals rotten floor boards or something worse as the sink base comes out. It's also possible to find out that the wiring is not up to code. The good news is that it is better to fix it now than later. Be sure to have a large trash bin to dump your waste.

2) The Preparation - The very good do it yourselfer can save quite a bit of money by painting or putting up drywall. If wiring or pipes need attention, you might have to hire a certified electrician or plumber depending on you building permit codes in your area.

3) The Installation - Always check your products for any damage that might have occurred during transportation from the store/warehouse to your home. Your installers should use padded equipment when moving appliances or other items around and use wooden clamps for your cabinets. If you decide to install yourself, you should read up on some home improvement manuals before making any major decisions on installation. For flooring, if you are using sheet vinyl, it goes in easier before your cabinets arrive but tile and wood floors are usually installed afterward to save on labor costs.

4) The Completion - This involves installing the counter tops, sinks, faucets and lights. Then comes the minor but certainly not forgotten kitchen details such as light covers, decorative hardware (knobs, handles), switch plates and trim. This can all become a little tiresome but if you keep your focus, you will finally complete the final touches. When all is done, it is time to decorate it to your liking and call the kitchen your own.