Assess Your Needs: Basic Goals, Kitchen Size and Design

Assess Your Needs: Basic Goals

Before you start shopping for your new kitchen, or even consult a design professional, it's wise to take a needs assessment. Use these questions to help you determine design changes you need to make, based on the way you use -- or plan to use -- your new kitchen.

How much time is spent in the kitchen?

How old is your existing kitchen?

What is the budget for your kitchen project?

How long do you intend to own your home?

Is the remodel a long- or short-term investment?

Are you remodeling for resale value or to suit yourself?

What do you like/dislike most about your present kitchen?

Assess Your Needs: Kitchen Size

Is your family likely to grow, remain the same, or decrease in size?

Is there a primary cook? Secondary cook or cooks?

Do the cooks have any physical limitations or special needs?

How does your family use the kitchen?

·         Daily heat-and-serve meals?

·         Daily full-course meals?

·         Weekend family meals?

·         Is the kitchen a social/entertainment space?

List the things you want and need from your kitchen and dining area.

How would you like your new kitchen to relate to adjacent rooms?

Assess Your Needs: Kitchen Designs

In addition to food prep, which of the following would you like to accommodate in your kitchen?

·         Eating Area

·         Crafts/Sewing

·         Laundry

·         Work/Study/Desk

·         Radio/TV/Computer

·         Wet Bar/Other

Do you need a place for recyclables in your kitchen?