Kitchen remodeling projects can seem daunting, but with careful planning and the right techniques, transforming your Arlington kitchen does not have to be stressful. A time-lapse video documenting the remodel provides a satisfying way to look back on the kitchen’s evolution. This guide will walk you through the key steps of remodeling an Arlington kitchen and capturing the process in a time-lapse.
Planning Your Arlington Kitchen Remodel
Remodeling a kitchen requires significant forethought and preparation. Rushing into the project without planning can lead to mistakes, delays, and cost overruns. Follow these tips for smoothly planning your Arlington kitchen remodel:
Set Your Budget
Kitchen remodels can range dramatically in price. Setting a realistic budget based on the scope of work is crucial. Get quotes from contractors on the specifics you want to accomplish. Factor in the costs of permits, new appliances, flooring, cabinets, countertops, and labor. Pad the budget with a 10-20% contingency fund to cover unforeseen expenses.
Choose a Design
Take time to think about how you want the new kitchen to look and function. Bring in magazines, photos, or drawings to give the contractor a clear idea of the aesthetic you want. Focus on elements like cabinetry, countertops, flooring, lighting, and layout. Decide if you want to remodel the kitchen within the existing footprint or expand it.
Hire a Contractor
Finding a qualified general contractor experienced in kitchen remodeling is key to a smooth project. Interview at least three contractors and check references thoroughly. Look for demonstrated expertise in Arlington kitchen remodels specifically. Clarify the payment schedule and timeline expectations upfront.
Obtain Permits
Most kitchen remodeling projects require permits from the city of Arlington before work can legally begin. The general contractor usually secures these permits, but be sure to verify. Permits are required for plumbing, electrical, gas line work, and structural changes.
Schedule Appliance Purchases
Order any new appliances and fixtures early in the process. There can be long lead times of 4 weeks or more on specialty appliance orders. You don’t want new cabinetry designed around an appliance that isn’t available.
Demolition: Removing the Old Kitchen
Demolition lays the groundwork for your new Arlington kitchen by clearing out the old. Proper demolition techniques help the project move forward efficiently.
Turn Off Utilities
Before demolition, all electric, gas, and water lines need to be turned off to avoid accident or injury. Check in advance if temporary utility hookups are needed.
Remove Cabinets and Countertops
Taking out old cabinetry and countertops is often the most labor-intensive part of kitchen demolition. Appliances may need disconnecting first. Carefully pry off countertops and use pry bars and hammers to remove stubborn nails, screws, and adhesives.
Knock Down Walls
If walls are being removed as part of the remodel, use sledgehammers, pry bars, saws, and other tools to safely take them down. Wear proper safety equipment like goggles, gloves, and a mask.
Clear Plumbing and Electrical
Any old sinks, faucets, wiring, and outlets not being reused need disconnecting and removal. Cut water and drain pipes behind walls and under floors to be demolished. Cap off any live wires.
Rip Up Flooring
Carefully pry up existing flooring using floor scrapers, pry bars, and hammers. Nail down any loose subflooring to avoid tripping hazards until new flooring is installed. Dispose of all debris promptly.
Framing and Structural Work
With demolition complete, the construction phase begins by altering the kitchen’s underlying structure.
Frame New Walls
For any reshaped floorplan, frame new walls using 2×4 lumber. Nail top and bottom plates to the studs and anchor firmly to existing walls or flooring. Consult building codes for specifics.
Install Support Beams
If load-bearing walls have been removed, temporary jack posts or permanent support beams need installing to redistribute weight properly. An engineer determines ideal beam sizing and placement.
Cut New Window or Door Openings
Use a circular saw adjusted to the proper depth to cut openings for any new windows or doors in exterior walls. Frame, flash, and seal the rough openings appropriately.
Upgrade Electrical System
With walls open, inspect wiring and upgrade electrical load capacity if needed. This may involve running new wire or installing a new panel and breakers.
Insulate Walls
Fill framed walls with fiberglass batt insulation for energy efficiency. Use unfaced insulation between living spaces or faced insulation for exterior walls.
Rough-In Plumbing and HVAC
With framing and structural work complete, running new plumbing, HVAC, gas lines, and vents comes next.
Install New Plumbing
Plan new sink, appliance, and faucet locations. Run fresh water supply lines, drain pipes, and venting to each. Use copper, PEX, or PVC for supply lines.
Reroute Gas Lines
If the stove or other gas appliances are moving, extend gas supply lines to the new locations per code. A professional should handle gas line work.
Upgrade Electrical Wiring
Run any necessary new electrical lines inside the fresh wall framing. Map locations for outlets, switches, and fixtures. Use proper gauge wire for appliances.
Install New HVAC Ductwork
Design and install ductwork for heating and AC systems. Seal all joints thoroughly with mastic. Insulate ducts running through unheated spaces.
Connect Venting
Ensure proper venting to the exterior for the range hood, bathroom fans, and dryer if located in kitchen. Use rigid metal ductwork with smooth interior surfaces.
Insulation, Drywall, and Backsplash
With rough-in work complete, the kitchen remodel enters the drywall and finishes stage.
Install Insulation
Fill all framed exterior walls with batt fiberglass insulation per code for maximum energy efficiency. Use unfaced insulation between living spaces.
Hang Drywall
Screw sheets of drywall to the wall studs and ceiling joists using drywall screws. Tape seams with joint compound and cover screw heads. Apply several coats to ensure smooth finish.
Paint or Apply Backsplash
Prime and paint new drywall and any existing walls getting fresh paint. Or, apply a tile, glass, or stone backsplash over appropriate areas using adhesive and grout.
Install New Doors and Trim
With drywall and backsplash in place, install any new interior or exterior doors along with desired baseboards, crown molding, window trim, and door casing.
Install Flooring
Prep the subfloor and lay the new flooring once cabinets are installed. Types like tile and wood coordinate well with many kitchen designs.
Cabinetry and Countertops
The cabinets and countertops form the core of your new Arlington kitchen’s style. Invest time into choosing designs and finishes you’ll enjoy for years.
Install New Cabinets
Have cabinetry custom built or purchase stock options to match your kitchen’s layout. Set base cabinets first by leveling and anchoring to studs. Mount wall cabinets last after ensuring proper placement.
Choose Countertops
Select a durable, low-maintenance countertop material that fits your budget. Popular options include granite, quartz, laminate, butcher block, and concrete. Have a fabricator take exact measurements to cut and install.
Add Islands or Bars
Islands and bars instantly expand usable space in kitchens. Freestanding islands can hold sinks or cooktops. Breakfast bars offer casual seating without taking up floor space.
Finish Cabinets
Stain, paint, or apply a glaze over cabinets for desired finish. Install knobs, pulls, hinges, or hidden latches on doors and drawers. Consider accent lighting around and inside cabinets.
Seal Countertops
Apply a penetrating or topical sealant to natural stone countertops to prevent staining and etching. Reseal every 1-2 years. Quartz and solid surface countertops do not require sealing.
Appliances and Fixtures
Choosing the right appliances and fixtures puts the final touch on your new Arlington kitchen’s functionality.
Install Sink and Faucet
Mount the sink properly into the countertop opening and seal with silicone caulk for watertightness. Connect supply lines and drain piping, test for leaks. Install desired faucet and sprayer.
Add Appliances
Place refrigerators, ovens, microwaves, dishwashers, etc. in designed locations. Level appliances and connect to electrical, gas, and plumbing lines as needed per manufacturer instructions.
Install Lighting
Mount new lighting like track lights, pendants, and under-cabinet fixtures per the lighting plan. Use dimmers or smart controls as desired. Connect to wiring and test illuminated effect.
Finish Plumbing Connections
Hot and cold water lines require hooking up to sinks, appliances, and faucets. Complete drain, waste, and vent system connections. Caulk plumbing penetrations.
Update Ventilation
Adequate ventilation prevents moisture, odors, and indoor air pollution. Use vented range hoods plus strategically placed bathroom and dryer vents.
Final Touches
Apply the finishing details that elevate your new Arlington kitchen from construction zone to a warm, welcoming space.
Paint and Caulk
Beyond drywall, paint the trim, doors, and any other desired elements in coordinated colors. Use high-quality silicone or latex caulk at seams and joints.
Install Backsplash
Specialty backsplash tile brings visual interest while protecting walls from splatters. Carefully set tile using spacers and waterproof adhesive. Grout and seal when complete.
Add Molding and Trim
Install crown molding, baseboards, window trim, and door casings for a polished look. Use decorative molding to highlight architectural details.
Style with Accessories
Show off your personal style by decorating with and organizing using kitchen accessories like rugs, window curtains, shelving units, lighting, wall art, and more.
Clean the Space
Thoroughly clean the entire kitchen by washing surfaces, scrubbing floors, dusting, wiping fingerprints away, and vacuuming up construction debris. Test appliances.
Arrange Furniture
Bring in a fresh table, chairs, stools, and other furnishings to complete the living space. Position items advantageously within the new layout.
Documenting Your Arlington Kitchen Remodel Time-Lapse
Capturing the remodel process in a time-lapse video creates a short visual summary that highlights all the hard work. Follow these tips for setting up a simple time-lapse of your Arlington kitchen remodel.
Find the Right Camera Angle
Determine the best fixed position to set up the camera where most or all of the kitchen will be visible in the frame throughout the process.
Secure the Camera
Use a tripod or mount the camera in place overlooking the kitchen area. Verify that the mounting is stable and won’t shift or rotate during filming.
Set the Timer Interval
Most digital cameras and smartphones allow setting a delay between each photo captured. 5-10 minutes often works well to capture noticeable progress.
Test Lighting Conditions
Ideally, the time-lapse should happen under consistent lighting day to night. Supplement dark areas with portable work lights if needed.
Start Capturing Photos
Begin taking photos at the very start of demolition and don’t stop until the kitchen is completely finished. For a few months’ remodel, the total images easily top thousands.
Import Images into Software
Load all the time-lapse photos into editing software like Final Cut Pro, Premiere Pro, After Effects, or iMovie. View the clip to ensure photos aligned properly.
Adjust Playback Speed
condense the image sequence duration to between 10 and 60 seconds for the finished time-lapse. This compresses weeks or months of work into a shareable video.
Add Titles and Audio
Consider opening and closing titles to orient the viewer. Background music also enhances the time-lapse. Just avoid anything distracting.
Export the Final Time-Lapse
Export the condensed, edited image sequence as a standard digital video file format like MP4 or MOV. Raw photo sequences require massive storage space.
Share and Enjoy!
Post the finished time-lapse of your Arlington kitchen remodel on social media so friends and family can watch this big project unfold in just seconds or minutes!
Frequently Asked Questions About Arlington Kitchen Remodels
- What permits do I need for a kitchen remodel in Arlington?
Most kitchen remodeling projects in Arlington require plumbing, electrical, mechanical, and building permits from the city permitting office. The general contractor normally obtains required permits.
- How much does an Arlington kitchen remodel cost?
Kitchen remodels in Arlington range from $20,000 to $60,000+ depending on the project scope. Cost is driven by layout changes, finish quality, appliances, counters, cabinetry, flooring, lighting, and more.
- Should I remodel my kitchen all at once or in phases?
It is generally recommended to complete kitchen remodels all at once to prevent living in a construction zone longer. But phasing larger projects over time can work with proper planning.
- How long will my Arlington kitchen remodel take?
Expect a major kitchen remodel to take 8-12 weeks or longer if expanding the space. Smaller facelifts without moving walls or appliances can be completed in 4-6 weeks.
- How do I choose a contractor for my Arlington kitchen remodel?
Look for licensed general contractors with an excellent reputation for timely Arlington kitchen remodels in your budget range. Thoroughly check their reviews and references.
- When should I order appliances for my kitchen remodel?
Order kitchen appliances and fixtures as soon as possible, preferably 4-8 weeks minimum before installation. Many high-end brands have long lead times that could delay the project.
Conclusion
While remodeling an Arlington kitchen requires significant work and disruption, the modernized space and boosted home value make the investment worthwhile. Careful planning combined with professional help facilitates the remodel process. Capturing time-lapse photos provides a satisfying way to look back on the transformation. With these tips, tips for documenting the Arlington kitchen remodel time-lapse, you can tackle a kitchen overhaul smoothly and cost-effectively.