Summary: A kitchen remodel can be complicated, even if you’re using a contractor. Here in Utah, there are plenty of high-quality contractors to choose from. Still, you need to know what to expect before hiring someone to work in your home.
The kitchen is more than just a place to prepare meals. For so many families in Sandy – and throughout Utah – it is the headquarters of the home. Whether you are hosting lunch after a hike in Little Cottonwood Canyon or preparing a Sunday dinner, your kitchen should be able to handle a lot of traffic without deviating from your personal style.
If yours doesn’t, perhaps a remodel is in your future. Keep in mind that the journey from demolition to that first post-construction dinner party is completed in multiple phases. It is a journey that requires working closely with your contractor. A good one knows how to get the job done while offering you a stress-free experience.
Here’s what you should be able to expect from a contractor throughout each phase of the kitchen remodel:
1. The Design and Discovery Phase
The first thing you should expect is a willingness to plan everything out before the first hammer is swung. In Utah’s competitive housing market, the same ‘measure twice, cut once’ principle construction workers apply on-the-job also applies to budgets and floor plans.
During the design and discovery phase, you and your contractor should work through:
- Optimizing Workflow – An expert contractor will work with a designer who knows enough to pay attention to the ‘kitchen triangle’. This triangle defines the relationship between the three most used kitchen components: the refrigerator, stove, and sink. That triangle should optimize daily workflow.
- Material Selections – Believe it or not, this is where the aesthetic heavy lifting happens. You and your contractor will be looking at countertop materials like granite, marble, and quartz. But you will also be looking at flooring, cabinetry, and how lighting ties it all together. Material selections during the design phase are critical.
- Budget Alignment – A truly transparent contractor will work with you to align your must-haves with your extras in order to stay within your budget.
The more thorough the design and discovery phase is, the smoother the rest of the project will go. On the other hand, not giving enough time to design and discovery could mean a project filled with pitfalls and hurdles.
2. The Compliance and Permitting Phase
One of the big advantages of hiring a licensed contractor is taking advantage of their familiarity with local building codes and permit requirements. In Sandy, most kitchen remodels that involve structural changes require a permit. That permit can be obtained from the Sandy City Building and Code Compliance Division.
You can expect a Utah contractor to handle the following on your behalf:
- Submitting plans for review.
- Ensuring all electrical work meets the National Electrical Code (NEC) standards.
- Scheduling all the necessary inspections, from start to finish.
If you are just installing new cabinetry and countertops, a permit probably won’t be necessary. But you will need a permit to remove gas lines, modify load-bearing walls, add or remove plumbing, or any other mechanical or structural work.
3. The Demo and Rough-In Phase
Once planning is complete and all your paperwork is done, the actual work begins. The first stage is demolition. This is usually the fastest part of the job, but it is also the loudest and dirtiest. Here is what you should expect from your Utah contractor:
- Dust Control – A reputable contractor will seal off the construction zone to keep the rest of the house clean. A combination of plastic sheeting and floor protection should do the job.
- Subcontractor Management – It is unlikely your contractor will do all the work himself. He will be using a group of subcontractors specializing in things like plumbing and HVAC. It is your contractor’s responsibility to manage all the subs.
- Handling Surprises – Rare is the kitchen remodeling project that goes off without a hitch. In places like Sandy, where many of the neighborhoods are fairly old, it is not unusual to find outdated wiring, plumbing that is not up to modern codes, and other surprises that need to be dealt with in a way that is compliant.
Of course, you are going to want to be kept in the loop throughout, but a good contractor will handle all the headaches for you. The most you should have to worry about is making sure your home accommodates workers to whatever extent it needs to.
4. The Cabinetry and Templating Phase
The next phase involves laying out the cabinetry and creating templates for your kitchen countertops. This is where your kitchen actually starts taking shape.
Cabinetry is installed first because it serves as the foundation for everything else. Note that this isn’t something a contractor should rush, especially where templating is concerned. It is important to take whatever time is necessary to get it right. Most contractors in Sandy and throughout Utah now use digital templating tools.
5. The Countertop Installation Phase
By the time you reach the fifth phase, you are zeroing-in on the end of your project. This is where countertops are installed. For so many homeowners, this is the most exciting part of the entire remodel. It is when the kitchen is transformed from a construction site into the welcoming space it’s intended to be.
Even though countertop installation is often the most exciting part for homeowners, it’s still hard work for the contractor. Heavy slabs of quartz or granite need to be brought into the house and meticulously fitted in place. Installers then handle seaming – the process of joining two slabs – using a color-matched epoxy that hopefully makes the joints disappear.
6. Putting It All Together
The final phase is putting it all together and tying up loose ends. In this final phase, the backsplash is installed. Hardware and lighting come next. Last but not least is the walk-through. You and your contractor walk through the space together, looking for any minor deficiencies or touch-up needs.
Whether you are remodeling a kitchen in Sandy or another part of Utah, there are very good contractors to choose from. Note that here at Bedrock Quartz, we install everything we sell. We can help with your kitchen remodel – from the very first phase all the way to the last. Stop into one of our Utah showrooms to learn more.
FAQs
How long does a typical Utah Kitchen remodel take?
A typical project utilizing the same layout takes 6-10 weeks. If you are gutting and starting over from scratch, it could be several months.
How would I know if I need a permit for my project?
Generally speaking, Utah residents need construction permits if remodeling will involve any changes to electrical, plumbing, gas lines, or structural elements.
How important is a countertop template?
Creating a digital template is extremely important, especially if your chosen material is natural stone. Contractors only have one opportunity to get it right, and templating ensures they do just that.
Can I continue living in my home during the project?
Yes, most homeowners stay in their homes while their kitchens are being remodeled. But make sure your contractor seals off the construction zone to keep dirt and debris from getting into the rest of your home.
