A kitchen remodel can be exciting. Our clients typically experience the thrill of looking forward to seeing the kitchen of their dreams.
But it can also be anxiety-inducing. It can cost a lot of money, so you need to make sure you get a good estimate of the costs involved. You might have to think of a way to raise the money you need for the project. Also, looking for a trustworthy, competent, and reliable contractor can be a big challenge. Plus, you have to think of permits and to make sure that the project complies with the building code in your area.
We want homeowners like you to have a good head start, so we’ve created this handy guide for kitchen remodeling in Washington DC. Moreover, we also want you to be more confident as you embark on your project.
Price Estimates for a Kitchen Remodel in Washington DC
One of the first things you need to consider when you’re looking to remodel your kitchen is the budget you need to set up for the project.
However, accurately estimating kitchen remodeling costs in Washington DC can be challenging for homeowners. It’s difficult to get a reliable ballpark figure because no two projects are the same.
Also, the cost of a kitchen remodel is determined by a number of factors. Some projects require the installation of new appliances; some don’t. Others may require invasive work such as a plumbing overhaul.
It’s a good thing that there’s a resource that you can use to get a good estimate so you can feel confident that you’re not being overcharged. The Remodeling Cost vs Value Report is a useful reference that provides realistic pricing estimates in a specific area. It compares cost data from across the country over the past 20 years. It allows you to compare your area’s average costs to the national average.
Financing Options for a Kitchen Remodeling Project
Unless you have ready cash at your disposal, the next thing you need to do after getting an estimate is to look for financing options. Here are some alternatives:
Personal Loans
With a personal loan, you can use the funds however you like. You can get enough funds to cover any renovation budget.
The process of securing a personal loan is relatively quick. Borrowers with low credit scores may still qualify. Usually, no collateral is required for approval.
However, personal loans have higher interest rates compared to other options. In addition, the loan periods are shorter.
Home Equity Loan
A home equity loan requires you to use your home as collateral. It has a lower interest rate than a personal loan, but the processing time is longer and may require more steps.
This type of loan is tax deductible as long as the money is used for home improvements. Also, you can qualify for it even if your credit score is not strong as long as there is enough equity available in your home.
That said, you’re putting your home at risk for foreclosure if you can’t repay the loan. Moreover, you may have to pay appraisal and closing costs.
Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)
A HELOC works like a credit card. You have a credit line that you can draw from multiple times during the term of the account. The amount you borrow is up to you. You just pay for what you draw, plus interest.
It is best to use a HELOC if you are planning to remodel your kitchen over a period of several months. However, like a home equity loan, your home will be the collateral, so you need to be aware of how much you are able to repay. Make sure you don’t overborrow!
Like the home equity loan, HELOC is also tax deductible and has a lower interest rate than a personal loan. It also has a longer repayment period, which makes it more affordable than the other two options.
As with a home equity loan, you’re using your home as collateral with a HELOC. This means you run the risk of losing your home through foreclosure. Also, you’ll have to pay a higher interest rate compared to a home equity loan. Moreover, there is a possibility that the rate will increase in the future.
Choosing a Designer and a Builder
Some homeowners who are looking to remodel their kitchen hire an architect who comes up with a plan. Then they hire a contractor to build the home. In most cases, the architect monitors the contractor to ensure that the project is built according to specifications.
Other homeowners prefer to hire a design build firm, which designs and completes the construction of the project as opposed to signing multiple contracts with an architect and a general contractor.
Hiring a design-build firm ensures that the work being done is seamless and genuinely collaborative. The designers and builders work together from the beginning of the project to its completion.
“But do I really need an architect?” you might ask.
It really depends on the scope of the work to be done. If the work that the project requires is more complex, you might need to hire one. It’s not always necessary, but you might still need an architect’s signature on drawings to meet your local government’s requirements.
Whatever you decide to do, you need to make sure that you hire people you can trust. To learn how, you can read the article which we wrote to help homeowners tell the difference between a good contractor vs bad contractor.
Permits for Kitchen Remodeling in Washington DC
Permits ensure that a home improvement project is safe and code-compliant. Building codes may vary depending on the locality, but there are overlaps and common areas.
Generally, there are three types of permits:
- Electrical
- Plumbing
- Building
Not all projects need a permit, but it would be good to know which ones do. To learn more, read the article on our blog on what you need to know about remodeling and permits.
To ensure that your project is code compliant, you can hire a design-build firm like Winthorpe that takes care of the permitting process and sees to it that your remodel meets all the necessary requirements.
Staying in Your House During a Kitchen Remodel
When we start a kitchen remodeling project with a client, one of the questions we usually get is “Should I stay or should I go?”
When we remodel a kitchen, we can usually set up a temporary kitchen in another part of the house. You can still cook and go about your normal day while we work in your kitchen. But in cases where staying in your home would be unpleasant and/or unsafe, we would recommend that you move out.
Are you planning to remodel your kitchen anytime soon? Winthorpe can help you with the different aspects of the project including estimates and permits. For a worry-free kitchen remodeling in Washington DC, reach out to us. We’ll make the process as easy as possible for you.
