Reasons to Hire A Professional For Your Kitchen Remodel vs. Doing it Yourself - Alaska Edition

The kitchen is the heart and soul of the home. Your kitchen plays a pivotal role in the flow, organization and every day moments of your life. So, when it comes time for a kitchen remodel it’s important to proceed with planning and expertise.

Advanced Planning and Design 

Having detailed plans along with a scope of work in place before starting a kitchen remodel will save a lot of time, energy and headaches. Set your priorities. Understanding what’s most important allows you to make decisions based on these priorities. Meet with an established kitchen and bathroom designer. They are connected and will have worked with experienced, licensed, bonded and insured remodel contractors. They will help you design the space and plan the details of your project in a professional, efficient and practical way. They will help you effectively communicate your expectations to your contractor.

Budget

The kitchen is often the most expensive room in a home to remodel. Kitchens host appliances, plumbing, electrical, cabinets and counters, to name a few. Even cosmetic changes can rack up a big bill. The price will depend on the scope of work, code compliance scope and finish selections, for starters. It’s critical to create a budget to stay on track. The cost of a kitchen remodel covers materials, fixtures and labor. If you’re planning a DIY remodel, identify areas that may need a professional, such as plumbing, mechanical and electrical. Professional designers and contractors have the ability to understand the potential costs and reality of what it will take to execute a proposed design. With a design in place, a contractor should be able to prepare an accurate estimate for you. 

At 360 Construction & Design, we direct our clients to the most current cost vs. value study available for the area. This is information gathered from realtors, remodel contractors and put together by Qualified Remodeling Magazine. This information can be found at, www.remodeling.hw.net/cost-vs-value/2022/pacific/anchorage-ak

The Benefits of a Professional 

Working with a professional offers many benefits like knowledge, experience, confidence, safety, real world expertise, planning, professionalism and more. Professionals are state qualified, licensed contractors, with a residential endorsement and often with the municipalities where work is completed. This helps ensure professionalism, knowledge and quality of work standards, all while working within and understanding current permits and codes. 

When searching for a company to work with, look at their portfolio. At 360 Construction & Design, we have a website and online image portfolio of previous jobs. You should also ask for references and speak with former clients. Ask how the project went and if they would recommend them. You can see some of our work on our website, www.360-ak.com or www.houzz.com/pro/360constructionak 

One of the many benefits of hiring a professional like 360 Construction & Design is that professionals are experts at the planning the process. Professionals understand how to map out the project in a way that doesn’t waste time or add inconvenience. They’ll order materials in advance, understanding lead time and freight issues, and have in house carpenters and staff. By using in-house experts, they’re able to minimize delays, miscommunications, avoid conflicting schedules and wait times for subcontractors. Plus, if any surprises are lurking behind the walls, chances are they’re likely to have seen them before and understand how to navigate the problems. 

A kitchen remodel can be costly and inconvenient but the finished project will transform your home and lifestyle, as well as increase the value of your home. 

Jana Seda is an award-winning kitchen and bathroom designer with 360 Construction & Design and Red Door Design.