Planning a Chicago kitchen remodel is an exciting process. You explore the broad spectrum of possibilities, all designed to make your kitchen attractive and functional. That functional piece of the design puzzle, however, isn't always quite as glamorous as the attractive piece.

Thinking about function, accessibility and flow requires thinking about footprints, measurements and processes - none of which are as exciting as countertops, cabinets and appliances.

Boring Details Make All the Difference in a Chicago Kitchen Remodel

We promise that if you spend dedicated time thinking about those "boring" details, your remodel will be so much more of what your household wants and needs it to be. Working with an experienced kitchen design and build team will ensure all of your bases are covered.

Here are some of the more poignant things to remember:

Prepare the Area Before Demolition

If you hired the right remodeling team, they should do this step for you. Demolition is a messy business. So is construction. Thus, it's important that you completely isolated the space being demo'd with plastic. Tape it securely. The dust and particulates stirred up from demolition and construction are tenacious and they seem to appear everywhere.

Once the remodel is complete, we recommend replacing your HVAC filters as well, so particulate matter doesn't continue to recycle through your forced air system.

Set Up a Temporary Kitchen

Depending on the level of remodel you are planning, the full kitchen function could be out of commission for weeks. Going out to eat and bringing home takeout is all well and good, but you still need some bare necessities. Setting up a temporary kitchen beforehand (the laundry room or garage are popular locations) will make the process less traumatic for the household routine. Read, Preparing for A Chicago Kitchen Remodeling Project to learn more.

Count Your Outlets

Unless your kitchen has an ample number of outlets, don't just rely on what you have now. Think about all the possibilities - like when you're entertaining or have family staying for the holidays - and then add a few extra electrical outlets for good measure. You can integrate them into the backsplash, under the cabinets or on the island to make them less visible. Consider adding a message center and/or drawers with hidden outlets to serve as household gadget charging stations.

Plan Lighting & Switches Intentionally

Kitchen lighting plans require extra attention. First, you have both task and ambient lighting to think about. Then, you need to think about the style of particular lighting fixtures - especially pendants and suspended versions. Finally, switch placement is important.

Where do you enter and leave the kitchen? Which lights do you use the most? Which ones should be on dimmers? You'll never regret spending extra time on your kitchen lighting plan.

Customize Everything

There are so many things you can customize without adding much expense. Countertop heights, organization and storage, use-specific layouts, etc. Analyzing how your family uses the kitchen will assist you and your kitchen designer as you personalize the design.

Worried you might forget one of the important "boring" details during your Chicago kitchen remodel? Schedule an appointment with Kitchens & Baths Unlimited and we'll make sure all of your bases are covered.