Map it Out

Kitchens are unlike any other room in your house. While your sofa and buffet will move with you, a kitchen is comprised of built-in components, which require a different type of planning.

"Your kitchen is mechanical; make sure all the parts and pieces fit together well to accomplish your end goal,” says Vern Yip. When remodeling your kitchen, Yip suggests having an idea of what appliances you want, including sizes and finishes, before you start, and know what will actually fit within your square footage. “If you don’t know how to do a physical plan, then use a computer program. Many are free, and you can download them online. If you’re not computer savvy, doing this on graph paper with a pencil will get you the same result. Lay it out.”

Some software programs, like Smart Draw, must be purchased but have free trials available. Others, like Google Sketchup and Draft IT, are free and can be downloaded online.