What to think about before, during and after your kitchen remodel

Be sure to consider the way your kitchen's look will gel with the rest of your home. If you like the look of a Manhattan loft, but live in split level colonial, you may want to re-think the modern kitchen look. Try something transitional to bridge the gap.

Make sure you have enough storage for all those plates and pots— accessories like tray dividers and pull-out shelves will make them a snap to find. It's not only about the new look of your kitchen, it is about it's function as well. Make sure the space works as good as it looks.

Cabinets aren't the best place to go wild. Select a cabinet that you can live with for the next 15 years. As for resale, be sure to favor the sound choice. You can always spice things up with cabinet handles and knobs, paint and decor.

Get assistance from kitchen designers, contractors and architects. Be sure to partner with licensed and insured professionals you get along well with. You want to have a friendly and professional relationship with your contractors. They are going to be with you through all steps of this process. They also have knowledge about all aspects of a remodel, so be sure to ask for advice and guidance when you need it. This is what you are contracting them for!!!

Design with the future in mind. Ergonomic choices like raised dishwashers will keep you kitchen functional as you grow older. One of the biggest "if I had it to do over again" complaints I hear is about designing spaces for children. Kids are an amazing part of any family, but they are always growing and getting bigger. Designing a space that 3 children can sit at is great, but remember that the same space may not fit 3 larger kids making an island overhang only 2/3's as effective!

Invest some time and money in coming up with a solid lighting plan (earmark about 10% of your budget for it). It'll keep your kitchen safe, set the appropriate mood and keep creepy shadows from turning your honey-colored cabinets a stale shade of brown.

You can change your mind in the middle of the process—just be ready to handle the additional charges and delays that will be accrued.

Change the layout now if you would like to. If you are tired of walking across the room to get to the fridge...move it now.

Figure out what your are going to keep before the remodel starts. Keeping fairly new appliances can be cost effective in the long run.

Be realistic about your needs - if you are not a professional chef, or you don't know the first thing about baking a pie, you probably don't need expensive, professional appliances.

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