Many Connecticut homeowners start interviewing contractors before they fully understand what they want from their kitchen renovation. While finding the right contractor is important, the biggest mistakes often happen before construction even begins.

At ASR Interior Designs, we frequently meet homeowners who have already collected contractor estimates but still have unanswered questions about layout, storage, functionality, and budget priorities. The result is often confusion, change orders, delays, and unnecessary expenses.

Before you hire a contractor, make these seven decisions first.

1. Define How Your Family Actually Uses the Kitchen

2. Decide Whether the Existing Layout Works

Many homeowners assume they must keep the existing layout because moving walls or plumbing sounds expensive.

However, sometimes a few strategic changes dramatically improve functionality and daily living.

Before pricing contractors, determine whether your current kitchen truly supports the way you live

3. Establish Your Renovation Priorities

Every project has competing priorities.

Ask yourself:

• More storage?
• Better workflow?
• Larger island?
• Improved lighting?
• Open concept living?
• Increased home value?

Knowing your priorities helps guide design decisions and budget allocation.

4. Understand Your Budget Range

A realistic budget creates better decisions.

Kitchen renovations in Connecticut can vary significantly depending on scope, materials, cabinetry, and
structural changes.

Having a target investment range before requesting contractor bids helps ensure you receive accurate
proposals and realistic expectations.

5. Select Materials Before Construction Begins

One of the biggest causes of project delays is late material selection.

Whenever possible, choose:

• Cabinet style and finish
• Countertops
• Flooring
• Plumbing fixtures
• Hardware
• Lighting

before construction starts.

This creates a smoother renovation process and reduces unexpected costs.

6. Create a Cohesive Design Plan

A kitchen should feel connected to the rest of the home.

Rather than selecting individual finishes one at a time, develop a complete design vision that considers architecture, flow, materials, lighting, and furnishings.

A well-planned design often prevents expensive revisions later.

7. Build the Right Team

The most successful renovations happen when design and construction work together from the beginning.

At ASR Interior Designs, we help Connecticut homeowners create a clear renovation roadmap before construction starts. By addressing layout, functionality, material selections, and project priorities early, our clients move into construction with confidence and clarity.

Start with a Plan, Not a Contractor

The best kitchen renovations begin with thoughtful planning.

Before collecting contractor estimates, invest time in understanding how your new kitchen should function, feel, and support your next chapter of life.
A clear vision leads to better decisions, smoother construction, and a kitchen that serves your family for years to come.

If you’re planning a kitchen renovation in Connecticut, ASR Interior Designs can help you create a personalized renovation plan before the first wall comes down.

Until next time,

♡ Anna

Creating thoughtful homes for life’s changing chapters.