Kitchen renovations are the most popular home renovations year after year. Not only do they add a lot of monetary value to a home, but they also make the home more modern and functional.

Sure, you could keep cooking in your old kitchen, but wouldn't you prefer a more pleasant place to spend your time? Don't you deserve new appliances that would make your life easier?

If you're planning on remodeling your kitchen, you should keep a few things in mind before getting started. Read on to learn more.

What's Your Budget?

It's no secret that remodeling projects can be expensive. Kitchens, in particular, start getting pricey before you know it. Between the new countertops, your appliances, new tile floors and backsplashes, and everything else a good kitchen needs, you're going to be dropping thousands of dollars.

This doesn't mean that you should just open your wallet without a plan.

Make a list of things that you want and need in your kitchen and do some preliminary research to determine how much each of those things is likely going to cost.

Remember, you need to consider the cost of materials and labor, so unless you're trying to DIY remodel your kitchen, it will be more expensive than you're thinking.

You should have a set upper limit to how much you're willing and able to spend, but you should also include a lower ideal limit. The extra money is your "wiggle room."

Knowing your budget well ahead of time will help you plan and help out the contractors that are helping you. If they know your budget, they can make recommendations that fit within it and they may offer ideas that you wouldn't have thought of on your own.

What's Your Kitchen Workflow Like?

While we all want beautiful kitchens, you need to consider your workflow over the overall aesthetic of the kitchen. It would be unfortunate to have a brand-new freshly remodeled kitchen just to realize that it makes cooking a hassle.

Spend a few days paying close attention to your own behavior in the kitchen. Often, we forget what we're doing because we're on autopilot. Be mindful while you're cooking and baking.

We also recommend trying to cook and bake a variety of things so you get a better idea of your workflow in different situations.

Pay attention to the surfaces you use most, the burners you use most, and why you think you do that. Do you find yourself needing more counter space? Are you always wishing there was more room between the sink and the stove to prepare food?

Take notes and start jotting down things that you like about your kitchen and things that you would change if you could.

How Much Storage Do You Need?

Storage is a huge problem in many kitchens, especially small ones! If you're struggling to hold all of your dishes, cookware, and non-perishable foods in your kitchen, this is the perfect opportunity to upgrade your kitchen storage.

Again, pay attention to your current layout. Where would you want to be able to store more things? What things do you currently not have enough room for?

If you have sufficient storage but it's not convenient for you (for example, if your kitchen has cabinets or shelves that are too high for you to reach without a stool), note that down as well.

Remember that while space is limited, adding storage to a kitchen is a breeze. You're responsible for telling your renovation company what you need, however.

What New Additions Would You Like?

So what would you like to add to your kitchen that you don't already have?

Many people want to make the switch to better and more eco-friendly appliances. They may want newer fancy gas stoves, efficient dishwashers, and built-in microwaves.

Some people want to add kitchen islands. You can have an island with a cooktop and plenty of storage or an island that doubles up as a bar and dining area.

You may not be able to get everything on your list, but coming up with a list in the first place will help you and your renovation company figure out how to plan your new kitchen.

Can You Improve Your Lighting?

Lighting is often an afterthought when it comes to a kitchen remodeling project, but don't forget about it! Changing your lighting can change the entire aesthetic of your kitchen.

Evaluate your current kitchen lighting situation and try to consider what you'd change. If you're feeling unsure (after all, many of us never think about the lights in our kitchen), look online for kitchen lighting inspiration.

We love the idea of having lights under the upper cabinets to illuminate your cooking space, or using quirky hanging lights over kitchen islands!

Are You on a Tight Schedule?

Kitchen remodeling projects aren't quick. If you're planning to remodel your kitchen, you need to know how much time you can afford to spend on it.

During this time, you may be spending dinner time elsewhere. You won't be able to use your appliances for a lot of that time. You may want to invest in some smaller appliances, like an electric cooktop and a convection oven.

Kitchen remodeling projects can take anywhere from several weeks to several months, so plan accordingly. If you know that you have time constraints, discuss this with the remodeling company.

Remodeling Your Kitchen? Consider These Factors

Remodeling your kitchen is exciting! Make sure your remodeling project goes well by planning ahead and keeping these factors in mind. You deserve to have the kitchen of your dreams!

If you're planning your kitchen remodel, it's time to look for new cabinets! Lucky for you, we offer fantastic cabinets at great prices so you don't have to break the bank.

Check out our kitchen cabinet options to find your new favorites.