Ok, now you know your kitchen needs remodeling, but you still don’t know where to begin! It may seem like the list of things-to-do is endless, but don’t worry, just follow the steps below and take our advice. You’ll be on your way in no time!

1. Decide What You Want

• What is the main purpose of remodeling your room? To add extra space, upgrade the kitchen, improve security, make changes for health reasons, or just to improve your living space
  
• What are your options? Is there room to expand into the back/front yard or is there enough room to redesign using the existing floor space?
  
• What are your priorities? Figure out what you what to change the most, and what can you keep or just update
  
• Get input from all members of your household – find out their needs and wants
  
• Consider short-term and long-term implications of your renovation decisions (Will you have more/any children, how long you plan to live in this house, will your choices increase/decrease its resale value?)

2. Collect Ideas and Information

• Read magazines and books to get an idea of the ‘look’ you want
  
• Make a clip book of all the pictures and ideas that represent your taste and style
  
• Watch related television shows and record episodes you particularly like
  
• Visit home shows and manufacturer/supplier showrooms
  
• Talk to relatives, friends and co-workers that have renovated. What have they learned, what would they recommend

3. Determine Your Budget

• Break down your priorities and figure out what you are willing to spend the most money on
  
• What’s the total amount you are willing to spend?
  
• How much can/are you willing to borrow?

4. Find a Qualified Professional

• Find a list of qualified professionals!

Ten top tips for kitchen planners

Electricity sockets – you can’t have too many but remember they should be at least one metre away from any water source.
Extractor fans should be at least 750mm above the hob to prevent overheating.

Lighting is crucial. Illuminate work surfaces with strip or spotlights located under wall units to reduce the risk of accidents. For a natural, warm glow choose recessed halogen lights instead of a fluorescent strip or pendant light.

Flooring must be hard-wearing and easy to clean – try stone, wood, slate, wood laminate or vinyl.

Small appliances like food mixers and juicers should be positioned where you they will be used. If you have to move them to use them – you won’t!

Stainless steel units should be wiped over with baby oil to minimise unsightly finger marks, etc.

Sinks can be small, large, square, round, double, single, stainless steel, ceramic, deep, shallow – think carefully about what you will use yours for before choosing.

Taps are among the small details that can add greatly to the overall look of the kitchen. Choose the one that looks and feels right for you.

Storage – for maximum efficiency try to store utensils close to the areas where they will be used.

Small children and kitchens don’t mix. Never underestimate the ingenuity of toddlers! Put childproof catches on low-level cupboards and site any play areas well away from cooking appliances. Keep sharp knives in a locked drawer.

Article from: http://www.kitchens.com