A kitchen remodel is a big job in itself, but changing your kitchen layout can make it that much more complicated. There are several things you need to consider when you are deciding to change your kitchen layout. We’ve got them covered below!

Kitchen Layout Considerations

If you’re removing walls

If you’re removing walls, you need a licensed professional contractor. The biggest issue is making sure that the wall is not load bearing. If it is, you will need a beam, either exposed or hidden, each with their own cost. You also need to make sure you will have enough wall cabinets for your personal needs if you’re removing a large wall that once held upper cabinets. Open concept is very popular, and for good reason, but some people jump the gun. They decide to remove a wall without thinking about how it will effect their storage space. Lowers are great, but uppers are typically used for your most used items. Don’t forget to evaluate your needs honestly!

Electric Concerns

If you are changing your kitchen layout, you need to make sure that your vision is a possibility from an electric standpoint. While pretty much anything can be done, you need to make sure you have the budget if you are going to need serious changes made. Some things you need to consider is your stove hook up. This is not a regular plug, so you can either make sure it’s long enough to move where you want it to go, or you will have to get it moved. Consider where light switches used to be and where there will need to go now. Also think about the most logical places for wall outlets. Where will your toaster go? Do you used crock pots or blenders regularly? These will effect you later on down the road if you don’t consider them up front when adjusting your kitchen layout.

Plumbing Concerns

When changing your kitchen layout, you need to consider if plumbing will be moving as well. Is your sink going in your island? If your refrigerator going to need to move? Where will your dishwasher go? All these appliances come with plumbing hookups as well. If you have a slab foundation, moving certain plumbing aspects could be extremely difficult. Sometimes, it’s no big deal. Again, find this out ahead of time so that you can plan your plumbing budget accordingly and make sure that your plan is actually doable before purchasing cabinetry that is built around this idea.

Proper Flow For Appliances

When you plan to redo your kitchen layout, make sure that the flow of your appliances if conducive for easy cooking. This is usually done by triangle placement. Triangle placement in kitchen layouts say that your stove, sink and fridge should be in a sort of triangle if you want the best cooking flow. While not everyone opts for this, it’s definitly something to consider. Also think about if you’re left or right handed, where you should add extra storage for pots and pans, etc.  

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  Builders Surplus is a full service renovation company with locations in Louisville, Kentucky, and Newport, Kentucky, which also serves Cincinnati, Ohio. We are the leading provider of Kitchen Remodeling, Kitchen Cabinets, Countertops and backsplash tile in Louisville, Newport, and Cincinnati. We specialize in interior design, kitchen design, bathroom remodel, building materials, and home improvement. Interior Design and measurements come as a free service to our clients. We sell building materials ranging in every price point, from unfinished kitchen cabinets to top of the line Wellborn cabinets. In addition to interior design, we also offer installation services. If you have any questions or would like to set up a free design consultation with one of our interior designers, we would encourage you to do so. We love sharing our knowledge with clients & potential home renovators. We write about interior design, home decor, decorating ideas, and home improvement. We hope you’ll check back in for our next article! Happy Renovation! Written By: Allie Bloyd