The Most Economical & Efficient Kitchen Renovation

Planning a kitchen renovation but not sure where to begin? Many homeowners aren’t sure how to start and end up getting the remodel process out of order costing them extra time and money. At Top Tier Kitchens & Baths, we’ve done hundreds of kitchen and bath remodels over the years and have a few tips to help you get the most bang for your buck on your new and improved kitchen.

Don’t hire an architect first

Often homeowners know they want to remove a load bearing wall or add an addition onto their kitchen, so they start their project by hiring an architect. This is putting the cart before the horse. Yes an architect or engineer may be needed for the project, but designing the space and the kitchen is the first step. Architects are not kitchen designers. Initial drawings done by architects are usually poor kitchen designs, so the entire project needs to be reworked to create a better kitchen. Often the homeowner has invested thousands of dollars on a design that will not work in the long run. You’d be better served holding off hiring the architect until the kitchen plans are nearly completed. The contractor may recommend an architect he likes to work with and the costs for the drawings needed will be less and only need to be done once.

Finalize the design plan BEFORE getting bids from contractors

Contractors need plans to estimate a kitchen renovation. When you have them bid on a project before the kitchen design is done and they can see the scope of the project will make their final estimate higher. The more information you give the contractor the more accurate the estimate will be and it will be easier to compare estimates between contractors when everyone is bidding on the same thing.

Buying from a big box store or kitchen showroom does not save time or money

Kitchen showrooms and box stores usually have several designers and carry several cabinet lines. This is a great place to begin working on your project and coming up with ideas for your dream kitchen. However, box stores and cabinet dealers have a poor selection of appliances, flooring, tile, and fixtures. Buying these materials through the cabinet dealer will be more expensive. Most of these kitchen designers would have helpful advice, but they are not the experts you need in each area. Appliance, flooring, and tile sales people will be more knowledgeable, and their showrooms will offer the largest selection. Some contractors like Top Tier Kitchens and Baths pass on their trade discounts at these locations to their customers. Buying these products through the kitchen showroom just adds an unneeded middleman and confusion.

Finalize the kitchen renovation design before starting demolition

Without a finalized kitchen design it makes no sense beginning a kitchen renovation. Work can be done more efficiently when the complete plans are available. Quality cabinetry takes at least a month to arrive after it is purchased. So, wait until the cabinets are ordered to start construction. It won’t slow you down and it could save time, money, and big headaches.

Buy appliances AFTER your kitchen renovation design is finalized

You handcuff your kitchen designer with appliances you purchased before you knew what design choices the designer might recommend. Many people mistakenly believe that they know the appliances they want before working with a kitchen designer. In fact, it is often the first thing they tell their kitchen designer.  80 percent of our customers get very different kitchens from what they originally expected. Buying appliances before working on the design with a professional isn’t helpful towards the final product of your dream kitchen.

The Top Tier Difference

We at Top Tier Kitchens & Baths set a high standard for outstanding customer service, high-quality kitchen renovation products, and impeccable installation. With over 15 years of experience remodeling kitchens & baths in the greater Springfield, MO area, we are the experts because that’s all we do.