Ten Things to Consider When Remodeling Your Kitchen

1. Decide what is cosmetic and what is needed. Budgets are key, so make a list of what you want and what you actually need. Some kitchens are so out of date they're dangerous. Faulty appliances, wiring or plumbing should always come first. Never spend a dime on cosmetic changes until you have obvious safety issues under control. If you don't know what's safe, call in an expert to give your kitchen a good inspection.

2. Plan a new layout. Are you going to keep the same floor plan or designing a new one? If your budget is not a concern, the sky is the limit. But if your funds are limited, you may need to work around existing wiring and plumbing, which limits your creativity. For example, you may have your heart set on a sink with an elegant vegetable spray tap in the center of your kitchen, but getting the plumbing routed that direction is going to take a lot of work. Be flexible. Focus on one or two changes and put your money toward those first. You don't have to do everything at the same time. You can work toward your dream kitchen in stages.

3. Measure your space and keep the list in your wallet or purse. You're going to need to know the width, depth and height of your kitchen before you can purchase new units with confidence. Use your floor plan as a guide to measure the exact space available for counter tops, cabinets and appliances. Don't estimate, take you time and do it right to avoid problems later down the road. Everyone who assists your project is going to want to know these numbers, so keep them handy.

4. Get at least 3 quotes before you buy anything. Take your dream plan to experts and let them use software specifically designed for kitchen remodeling. Pick out at least two sets of kitchen units in different price brackets. Then give your measurements and preferences to your assistant and let them work some magic. In about 30 minutes to an hour, you'll have a full color graphic of your dream kitchen and an idea of how much the whole package will cost in two price ranges. Be fair to your wallet and visit at least two more experts. Compare your quotes carefully. Some stores will offer lower cabinet prices but charge nearly double for accessories such as special shelving, lighting and handles.

5. Mix and match materials and appliances to save money. After you get your quotes, you'll notice that if you mix and match products from different stores, you can save hundreds of dollars. It's ok to buy your counter tops from one store and your cabinets from another. Some appliances can be purchased right online to save even more money.

6. If you absolutely must have the expensive kitchen units and your budget is tight, you can still move forward with your project if you're willing to hold off on a few other purchases. By keeping your old appliances or flooring for a few more months, you can put the cash you saved toward something you really want. If you're only looking for a quick cosmetic facelift, examine the inside of your cabinets for wear and tear. If your units are sturdy enough, you can opt to simply replace the doors. This alone will save you tons of cash, but still boost the value of your home practically overnight.

7. Keep your colors neutral. Green tiles and red borders may look good to you, but it can turn off would-be buyers who see your artistic flare as nothing more than something they'll have to sink money into to correct. The last thing you want when you're trying to sell a house is a buyer who is going to give you a lower offer to offset the expense involved in undoing your "art".

8. Hire professionals to do the jobs you can't do. Now is not the time to read up on electrical wiring or take a class in laying tiles. Drilling holes in the wrong doors, accidentally cutting into pipes or hanging your cabinets crooked may save you a few bucks, but the frustration and long term consequences aren't worth it. Don't forget to include labor charges in your budget or your project estimates will be all out of whack.

9. Box up your dishes and kitchen items at least 2 days before your new kitchen arrives. Move your fridge and microwave into another room in your house and relax with disposable dinnerware for a few days. While your old kitchen is being ripped out, it's going to be noisy and potentially stressful. You'll feel like you're camping, but remember it's only for a few days. The trick is to prepare, prepare, prepare. Pre-cooked frozen dinners, meals with relatives and take outs are all great solutions.

10. Check your items before the delivery men leave. Take the time to open boxes and check for damage. Although items are packaged well, shipping can leave items chipped, dented and bent. The last thing you want is to discover your counter tops are cracked when the joiner shows up on the clock. If possible, have your new kitchen items delivered a few weeks prior to installing them. This gives you ample time to re-order items before workers show up to build your kitchen. Be sure to read the fine print, most companies only give you a few days to report damage for a replacement or refund.