Larry Greene
Indianapolis Star

Question: I want to remodel my outdated kitchen. Where should I start?

Answer: Kitchen remodeling can be a complicated and intimidating process. The number of choices and decisions often is overwhelming.

A successful kitchen remodeling starts with planning and ideas and an organized design process. Consider taking the following steps:

Determine the big-picture goals. Consider your family situation. How long you think you’ll be staying in your home will affect the level of investment you should make.

For example, if you may be moving in the next two to three years, you will want to think more about resale. In that case, avoid making too many improvements to your kitchen and consider a more cosmetic remodel that will yield a higher return on your investment. If you plan to stay in your home longer, design more for your personal taste and consider a larger investment.

Determine a realistic budget. Think about how much you are willing to spend and try to prioritize and distinguish between needs and wants.

A professional remodeling contractor can assist you with ballpark estimates for various options, but you will need to know in advance what you are comfortable spending.

Many homeowners are afraid to discuss budget with a contractor for fear the contractor will “spend it all.” However, most professionals can guide the client by discussing realistic budget estimates.

Gather ideas, including pictures and other useful information. Start a file with photos and ideas from magazines, newspapers or Web sites. Make notes of your likes and dislikes from visiting friends’ homes, showrooms or model homes in new developments.

Understand your options and select a partner. Almost every kitchen-remodeling project starts with the design process.

Are you going to hire a separate designer and contractor? Are you going to attempt to design, manage or complete some of the work yourself? Or are you going to hire a design/build company, that handles everything from planning to design through construction?

Consider the expertise you’ll need to complete the project when selecting a partner.

Determine the timeline to meet your goals. Many homeowners underestimate the time it takes to complete a full kitchen remodel.

There are generally three phases: design, pre-construction and construction.

Work backward from the time you want to be cooking your first meal in your new kitchen and see when you need to get started.