Every home has a kitchen, but it may not be a dream kitchen where form meets function.

If you want to transform a boring or outdated kitchen into a beautiful cook’s kitchen, plan now to prevent surprises later.

Before you visit the first showroom or click on a website, ask yourself these three questions.


What’s your style?

Some of the most popular kitchen styles are contemporary, coastal, cottage, farmhouse, Mediterranean, modern, old world and traditional.

But which matches your home’s interior?

Once you’ve settled on that, think about your dream kitchen’s cabinets, which usually take up the most space. Do you want Shaker, Raised Panel or European-style cabinets?

Check out inspiration photos on Cabinets To Go’s website, review their catalog or visit a local showroom and discuss your vision with their design experts.

Kitchen renovations are an investment and can provide equity to your home, so take plenty of time on the planning and design process. Make these important decisions now so you won’t stress later about them.


What’s your budget?

Everyone has that “magic number,” an amount or range they plan to spend on a dream kitchen. This estimate often is what they’re comfortable spending — anything more is a dealbreaker.   

What is your range?

To determine this, do two things: first, identify your wants, and then list the must-haves.

Sure, you may want a high-speed oven, a counter-depth refrigerator and drawer dishwashers, but these high-end options may not fit your budget.

Stick with what’s realistic to achieve your goals.

For instance, if you want to boost your home’s resale value, upgrading cabinets and countertops will get more bang for your buck than adjusting electrical work, moving walls and relocating plumbing.  

Focus on the basics — the cabinets, countertops, flooring and sink. Build your dream kitchen around these must-haves, along with some accessories. Then, if budget allows, add some wants!


What’s your level of involvement?

A contractor can take your plan and make it a reality, start to finish. But if you’re handy and want to tackle some projects yourself, that option can reduce the project’s overall cost.

Precisely measure the floor plan and the pros at Cabinets To Go can help you design the space, choose building materials and install everything. The store is a one-stop-shop to create your dream kitchen.

If you do go the DIY route, they’ll even share tips and tricks to make the job easier. Your role in the project is yours to choose.

Want to learn more? Read, “Steps to a Kitchen Remodel.”

Editorial Contributors
avatar for Danny Lipford

Danny Lipford

Founder

Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.

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