5 things to consider when remodeling a kitchen, according to an expert | Brand Ave. Studios

Remodeling a kitchen is a big undertaking. While gathering inspiration online and shopping at local décor stores can be fun, it’s important to look at the bigger picture before you begin your journey. Remodeling costs and scope can quickly get out of hand if a proper plan is not firmly set in place. To ensure a smoother, speedier remodel, Jeremy Freyenhagen, owner of Freyenhagen Construction, shares five insights about the process that are often overlooked.

“There is a lot more to redesigning a kitchen than replacing cabinets, counters and appliances,” says Freyenhagen. “We ask clients lots of questions to understand their pain — what’s not working for them in their current kitchen layout and why. We like to consider function first.”

He suggests homeowners take a look at their storage and workspace needs, along with the workflow. Consider how many people typically use the room, who does the cooking and what appliances are used most before proceeding with any design elements.

“The idea is that there is no one-size-fits-all solution,” says Freyenhagen. “Each kitchen should be customized for that specific homeowner and their specific needs. Our team works closely with the homeowner right from the start to ensure that all details have been considered in order to give them the most efficient space possible.”

The modern kitchen is much more complex than its predecessor. Large hoods may require opening a wall to install a certain size of vent duct. Large commercial ranges may require bracing the floor to support the added weight. New or relocated appliances may require additional wiring or new water lines. A professional can make sure all of these specifics are dealt with and all codes are met.

“Electrical, ventilation and plumbing codes need to be considered, among other things,” says Freyenhagen. “We bring professionals or engineers on-site to review our preliminary plans and give us feedback before we ever finalize a design. Taking these steps before beginning can help ensure the project doesn’t get held up further down the line with costly delays.”

Islands have been popular for decades, and they show no sign of slowing down. In fact, they’re regularly cited as the most requested kitchen update and can even add resale value to a home — but that doesn’t mean they’re easy to add. Homeowners must first consider size, function and design.

“We always have to first consider if there is enough space for an island or what we can do to make enough space,” says Freyenhagen. “Then we consider how the homeowner would like to use it. Is it for entertaining and seating purposes, or is it a ‘working’ island with appliances and a sink? Then we talk about how they want it to look.”

Perhaps one of the most surprisingly time-consuming pieces of a home or kitchen remodeling project is the scheduling of the work itself. Dozens of individual skilled tradesmen, designers and craftsmen — and sometimes even engineers and architects — are required to complete a project, so scheduling the work in a way that keeps a kitchen remodel moving forward smoothly is no easy task.

“It takes a team of professionals to successfully complete a kitchen remodel,” says Freyenhagen. “The Freyenhagen secure online scheduling system makes sure clients have access to the project calendar so they can see precisely what’s happening on their project and what to expect next.”

There are dozens — if not hundreds — of individual design decisions and specific selections to be made during a kitchen remodel. From cabinets to countertops to flooring, appliances, lighting, plumbing fixtures, tile and more, every detail needs to be coordinated to the color scheme and ordered to be on-site exactly when needed.

“Our in-house staff of designers, headed up by Angie Freyenhagen, work with homeowners to ensure all bases are covered and every specific detail has been considered,” says Freyenhagen. “Kitchens are complex spaces that require very precise, thoughtful planning. Our expert team is always up to the task.”

When it comes to redesigning, remodeling and reinventing your home, turn to the design-build experts at Freyenhagen Construction. For more information, visit freyenhagenconstruction.com or call 406-652-6170.

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