Kitchens are one of the most focal rooms that sway potential home buyers on whether to buy a property or move on to the next. And after being lived in for a while, a kitchen definitely experiences wear and tear. And that will necessitate a remodel. That is where we come in as kitchen remodeling San Diego experts.

We know kitchen renovations in and out. We have dealt with all manner of projects with varying budgets. So when we say we can help turn your San Diego kitchen around, we mean it!

Let’s look at how to plan a kitchen remodel, including costs, finding a kitchen contractor, and more.

Is it worth it to remodel my kitchen?

Are kitchen remodels worth it? They most certainly are. Right off the bat, a kitchen remodel adds great value to your property. This is regardless of whether you want to sell or not. Even if you plan never to sell, it feels great knowing that your property has great value.

Another reason why a kitchen remodel is so worth it is that it adds utility and functionality. For those who don’t like to cook as much, having a kitchen with a great layout, enough counter space, and great appliances can make it easier and more fun to get in there and cook every day. And if you already love cooking, remodeling your kitchen will make your work easier and even save time when doing so.

And of course, a kitchen remodel makes your kitchen look great. And why shouldn’t it? Great lighting, fresh paint on the walls, modern faucets, and updated cabinets are a delight to have in any kitchen.

Which areas of a kitchen remodel should you focus on?

What should I consider when remodeling a kitchen? This is where you should start the moment you start planning a kitchen remodel. Consider the following areas:

• Kitchen cabinets

Get enough storage space for all your cutlery, cookware, and supplies. You can replace the cabinets, add more, or refresh the ones you have.

• Wearables

Some areas of a kitchen wear off quickly due to lots of daily use. These are inexpensive areas that would really improve your kitchen experience. They include faucets, drawer handles and knobs, backsplash, etc.

• Layout and design

Think about a good kitchen layout that maximizes use of the space and allows you to easily entertain on special occasions. Adding an island or adding more counter space is a great place to start.

• Flooring

New floors can transform the look of your kitchen. You can go with ceramic tiles, hardwood, vinyl, laminate, and other options.

• Plumbing

Make sure your plumbing system is in order. Have it checked for leaks and pressure especially.

• Kitchen appliances

New kitchen appliances cost a dime but they add lots of value to a kitchen. Some of the best appliances to upgrade are cookers, fridges, and ovens.

• Dining furniture

Kitchen dining furniture can make your kitchen look sophisticated and relaxed. And, you get to use the furniture to eat in the kitchen right on the countertop when you want to. That comes in really handy when you have kids or are entertaining.

• Lighting

Great lighting in a kitchen cannot be emphasized enough. You’ll be surprised what modern lighting fixtures can do to the ambience of your space.

How much does a kitchen remodel cost in San Diego?

You cannot avoid the topic on money when it comes to a remodel. Find out how much it costs to remodel a kitchen remodel.

How much should I budget for a kitchen remodel?

A kitchen remodeling San Diego project will set you back about $40,000 to $80,000 on average. However, depending on the size of your space and what you want done, the general bracket is about $25,000 to $150,000.

What is the most expensive part of a kitchen remodel?

The most costly items on your kitchen remodel will be cabinets, new appliances, countertops, and of course labor charges. If there are any walls that need to be knocked down or moved that will cost some considerable money.

How to find a San Diego kitchen contractor

Finding a good kitchen remodeling contractor is a big part of getting the process right. This is one of the areas where you can make or break the project. If you hire an unprofessional company/contractor then your remodel will have failed before even starting.

So take time to look around, ask for referrals, ask the questions that matter, and look at reviews to see what past customers have to say about them.

How can I find someone to design my kitchen?

You can start on the internet by searching for “San Diego kitchen remodel contractor”. You can also look through review sites including Google GMB listings. There is also the option to ask family, friends, and colleagues. And you can always look around the city and see if you spot any design shops around.

How to plan your kitchen remodel

Do you want your San Diego kitchen remodel to go smoothly as planned? Every client or homeowner wants this. But it doesn’t always happen. We know of cases where clients come to us because a previous kitchen remodeling San Diego project needed to be redone. So what’s the solution? We have some additional tips on how to make sure that you get exactly what you want when you finally decide to give your kitchen a makeover.

Go over the design details carefully with your San Diego contractor

Your kitchen remodeling contractor is your biggest ally when it comes to the remodel. It is therefore very important that you are both on the same page about everything. The best way to make sure of this is to continually go over what needs to be done. You should do this when consulting them, before the project kicks off, and at different stages of the project.

As you do that:

• Get ideas from the experts

Let the experts give your ideas on how to tackle various problems such as addressing poor lighting or how to attain a certain design look. They have a wealth of knowledge that can give you a kitchen you’ll be proud of for many years to come.

• Choose your ideal materials

If you’re like most homeowners, you want your space to feature specific fixtures. You want certain lighting, countertops, kitchen cabinets, appliances, etc. Take the time to shop for these items in collaboration with your kitchen remodeling manager. They can help you source these materials, and maybe even find cheaper deals.

• Update your remodel budget

As you consult with your San Diego remodeling expert and buy the requisite materials, you will realize that your budget is changing. How do you manage a renovation budget? Re-adjust it accordingly so that you have enough resources to see the process through.

Buy the materials/fixtures you need before starting the build

Have you made sure you have everything you need as the work starts? That way, you won’t end up with installations that you don’t love. When you shop early, you have enough time in case you don’t get something that you wanted. You can therefore choose a second or third option. However, if you go shopping for fixtures and furniture at the last minute and don’t find what you need, you may either end up settling for what you didn’t want, or delay the project altogether.

Inspect the work constantly as it’s going on

Don’t get too busy that you can’t keep an eye on the kitchen remodel. Can I project manage a renovation? You don’t have to; but is important that you stay close so that the contractor can bounce ideas off you from time to time. In some cases, some of the best changes made during a remodel happen due to an “idea spark” as the works are going on.

Plan for the unexpected

The unexpected will undoubtedly happen during the kitchen remodel. It could be plumbing issues, the gas line needing to be re-routed, electrical upgrades, etc. Be ready for this by having some extra money to cater the unexpected expenditure. Also note that such unexpected works may delay your kitchen remodel by a little while.

Need kitchen remodeling San Diego experts? Talk to us at Creative Design & Build. We handle everything, from 3D design models to plumbing, electrical works, cabinetry, and full project management.

A good kitchen today cannot be complete without a pantry. If you are building a new home or remodeling a kitchen you have the chance to build a pantry that makes your kitchen better. Yes, a good pantry makes your work in the kitchen easier. Enjoy some tips below on how you can build a better pantry that does more for you and your kitchen.

Size matters when building a pantry

If you can, build a large pantry. Size matters when it comes to pantries and walk-in pantries are not a waste of space. They help declutter the kitchen because you get to stow away everything that is not used regularly/daily. You also get to use them as a store of some sort for your freezer, as well as kitchen equipment that you don’t want to clutter your countertops. Think of extra cutlery and crockery, and cookware.

Have a sliding door (not a swinging)

A sliding door for a kitchen pantry is okay. However, if you can help it, think about getting a sliding door. You can go the extra mile and get a sliding barn door design if you like. A sliding door seems more befitting for a pantry because it does not eat into your kitchen space the way a sliding door does. You can have a sliding pantry door open in your kitchen door without obstructing movement. With a sliding door, you have to close it every time you open it otherwise it will be obstructing foot traffic in an otherwise busy kitchen.

Go for open storage pantry shelves

When it comes to pantry storage, go for simplistic open shelves. Not only will these save you money, these offer better aeration for your dried and fresh foods. They also make it much easier to locate whatever you want to grab out of there at any time. And that’s not all, open shelves make it easy to notice what needs a top-up so that you can add it to the grocery list before it runs out. With closed shelves it’s easy to run into empty jars and boxes at the very last minute when you’re not expecting it.

Build shelves of different sizes

When building pantry shelves do not go for one size all across the board. If you do that you will end up wasting very valuable space. Sure, you do need large spaces for pots and storage boxes. However, you also need smaller storage spaces for items that do not need much space. Think about canned foods and spices. A good idea, therefore, would be to have one side of the pantry exclusively fitted with small size shelves only. In fact, each wall can have shelves of different sizes ranging from small to large.

Incorporate specialized storage such as wine racks and freezers

It would be sad to build a large pantry and still have no space to store your wine bottles or somewhere to put your freezer. If you need such large storage items, think about incorporating them to the build of your pantry in the first place.

Creative Design & Build are kitchen remodeling San Diego experts. Talk to us about your kitchen pantry ideas as well as any remodeling plans/projects you may have.

If you just moved into a new house, it is common to want to change a few things about the place. Kitchen remodels, in specific, are quite popular with new home buyers. If you are on the fence about whether or not you should remodel your kitchen, check out some of the most common reasons why so many people remodel houses they have just moved into every year across the country.

1. Design/style doesn’t match your own
   Every family and each new set of homeowners have their own distinct sense of style. So even though you might like the house and what if offers (such as space, the number of bedrooms you need, and proximity to work), you may not like the specific style of your kitchen or other rooms as well. Through a kitchen remodel you can change that so that you get to enjoy a wholesome space that reflects your identity and character.
   And this is where the question - how much should you spend on a kitchen remodel comes in. Well, that will depend on your design taste really.
2. Closed off spaces
   Open concept floor plans and kitchens are the norm as far as today’s designs go. And that may be what you’re looking forward to. But older homes may contain kitchen designs that feature traditional closed floor plan concepts. You may therefore find that your new kitchen feels boxed in and not connected to the rest of the house. Most homeowners in such a situation opt to knock down a wall or two and open up the space by joining it with the dining room and living room.
3. Kitchen is too small
   Modern kitchens are not just mere cooking spaces. They are just as valued as other spaces in the house. And being a common area such as the living room or the dining room, it is important for modern kitchens to be large enough for visitors to walk into, and for multiple people to work in during parties or family gatherings. So that might explain why in the last few years kitchens have been getting bigger and bigger.
   Need a bigger pantry, more counter space, a huge island? Get a kitchen remodel!
4. Outdated fixtures
   If you move into a house that was built quite a while back, you will most likely realize that the fixtures are quite outdated. This is another common reason why people remodel kitchens. Through a remodel you can refresh the space as you like and replace cabinets, countertops, and appliances with modern options.
5. Poor flow/planning of floor space
   Which kitchen layout is the most functional? Any can work. So long as you allow enough working room. Some kitchens just have poor workflow due to awkward installation of the sink, fridge, and storage spaces. That is good reason for a remodel.
6. Not enough storage
   What is the most expensive part of a kitchen remodel? Some say it’s the cabinets, other say appliances. The truth is that it differs with each kitchen. So don’t be coy about needing more storage. It might not be as expensive as you think. Good storage and a well-sized pantry are important in any modern kitchen.

Creative Design & Build is the kitchen remodel company San Diego County that you need. We understand kitchen remodels and the reasons behind them. Which of the above reasons apply to your current kitchen?

If you’re looking to remodel or build your dream kitchen in San Diego, you must be looking for the best kitchen contractors in the county to take on your project. And why wouldn’t you? A good kitchen adds great value to a property and creates a wonderful space to prepare meals and entertain. Wondering, “how do I find a good kitchen contractor?”. Check out our list of some sure ways on how to land the kitchen contractor you need.

Portfolio (past work)

Ask kitchen contractors to tell you (or give you) their portfolio. That is, ask them to show you what work they have done in the past, and possibly what kitchen projects they are in the middle of. This process will reveal to you several things:

• The quality of their work.
• How busy they are (now and throughout the year).
• What type of projects they typically handle.
• What their design style is.

Idea board

How do I choose a kitchen contractor? One of the main factors that should guide you in choosing a kitchen contractor is the potential they can bring to your space. And remember, the best contractor might not hold the best potential for your project; it might be the second-best contractor that gets what you need. So how do you figure it out? Ask the kitchen contractors to give you ideas on how they will transform the space into what you need. This is where you’ll start to see the real contenders and the non-starters.

Client referrals

What should I look for in a contractor? The qualities that make up great contractors include trust, skill, experience, and even affordability. But any contractor can claim to have these qualities. The best way to find out is to go straight to the horse’s mouth. Ask for referrals of past clients and then ask those clients how it was dealing with the contractor in question. The answers you get will give you a first-hand account of what you can expect from working with the contractor.

Ratings & reviews

How do you know if a contractor is reliable? Well, that is hard to tell from talking to one. Once again, the best way to get that information is to hear it from people who have worked with these contractors in the past. And today you can get that information easily via ratings or reviews. You can get these from the contractor’s websites or from consumer-driven review sites such as Yelp.

Trusting your gut feeling (intuition)

Last but not least, trust your intuition when you first deal or meet with a contractor. This is in addition to all the above factors. If your gut feeling tells you that a certain contractor is great, or maybe not-so-great, put that into mind as well and evaluate it alongside all the other factors above.

Creative Design & Build is one of the leading kitchen contractor San Diego County has. We love what we do and we know you would too. Talk to our team today and let us show you what we can do for your kitchen!

If you want to remodel your kitchen (be it because you just moved into the house, you want to list the property on the market, or you just want to reverse the tear and wear of age), you want the best people in San Diego working on your space. You want the job done right the very first time. This is not always easy as far as any type of construction project is concerned. And you may already know this if you have been looking for contractors. The question therefore remains; how do I find a good kitchen contractor? We’ve put together some qualities that should guide you to the right company.

They understand their customers’ needs

It is refreshing dealing with a service provider who understands what their clients are looking for without you having to explain yourself in detail. This is a sign of an experienced and skilled contractor that is well-informed and well-updated on their industry. The moment you start to explain a concept, they immediately understand what you’re looking for and why you’re looking into that idea.

They have great ideas and insights

Your kitchen contractor is the expert when it comes to the project that you are handing over to them. So not only should they remodel your kitchen and give you what you need, they should guide you in that process. They should have the ideas and insights as to what designs, materials, styles, and trends you need to look at. This is where real value comes in and this is part of what you are paying for when you hire your designer or contractor.

Details matter to them

Serious professionals do not leave any grey areas on their plans. Every design and every material must make sense and come together beautifully to complete the client’s vision and meet their needs. There is no margin for error and there is no guesswork in their thought process. This is why they are able to create great works that impress their clients and surpass their expectations. If you are dealing with a contractor that doesn’t pay much attention to detail, you should start to question their expected results.

They do the work themselves

How do I find a contractor to remodel my kitchen? Look for a contractor that does not simply “sell” or “offload” your project to another company. Good contractors don’t outsource work to other parties. The have the manpower, tools, and resources to handle all the work themselves. And they like to do all the work themselves because that is the only way they can guarantee quality to their clients.

They offer both design and build services

A good kitchen remodel company San Diego County will not offer you half the services you need and ask you to seek the rest from another company. By understanding your needs, they should be able to offer you:
• Consultation services
• Design services
• Architectural 3D plans
• Planning permissions
• Construction services
• Interior design

Is a new kitchen worth it? Yes it is. And Creative Design & Build can give it to you. Call us today and let us plan your kitchen remodel together.

A kitchen remodel is a sure way to revitalize one of the most versatile spaces in your home. And if you are already in the process of preparing for such a remodel, chances are that you have lots of questions swirling at the back of your mind in regards to various factors and considerations that will affect your kitchen remodel. Below we discuss a few common ones and shed some light on how to go about the various issues.

How much is a kitchen remodel in San Diego?

A kitchen remodel in San Diego will cost you tens of thousands of dollars. In most cases the project will cost anywhere from 10K to 50K or even 100K. It all depends on the type of finishes and fixtures that you want installed. The type of kitchen contractor you hire will also affect your cost. If you hire an experienced contractor they will come at a premium cost and that will push your project budget upwards marginally.

How much does it cost to hire a kitchen designer?

Most kitchen designers will charge a fraction of the budget cost of the project. So with that said, their cost will depend on the scale of your kitchen remodel. If your remodel is grand and unique, the cost of the designer and their ideas will be high; and vice versa. The location where the project is taking place will also affect the cost of the kitchen designer. If the property is located in a high-end address then, just as it is with the cost of housing, the rates will be higher.

Why is kitchen remodeling so expensive?

Kitchen remodeling costs are a bit high. And construction costs in general are high as well. Part of reason why kitchens are costlier to renovate compared to other rooms in a house is that kitchens need a lot more work. While a typical room only needs flooring, walling, and lighting to function, a kitchen also needs plumbing, electrical, gas, countertops, appliances, faucets, sinks, a backsplash, and more.

Can you redo a kitchen yourself?

Well, yes you can. However, you would need to learn how to do it first. And that would require you to spend hundreds of hours learning to how to properly install various fixtures. And even then you probably won’t be as good as the contractors you might have hired. And when it comes to kitchen design, well, that can’t be learned as easily.

What percentage of remodeling cost is labor?

Today labor costs average somewhere between 20% to 40% of the total project. This is when all the factors have been considered. As you evaluate your labor costs, though, it is important to understand that good materials without good labor just won’t cut it. You need good labor to enjoy good results. And that costs money.

Need a kitchen contractor San Diego County. Creative Design and Build is here for you. We have a superb team that can offer you design and construction services with great results. We handle small to high-end kitchen builds, be it remodels or new constructions.