Where to go for kitchen floorplan help?

[boogiemom]

We are paying on some property right now and plan to build a new house within the next 2 years or so. I have drawn out a houseplan that is perfect for our family but need a little help with the kitchen. I'd like to get it done so I can start getting estimates to see if this is going to be feasible or if I have to go back to the drawing board.

Also, I don't know if I have our "mud/laundry room" just right yet. I'd love any suggestions of things you love/hate about yours or things you wish you'd done.

Lastly, where is the most reasonable place to take a plan that is already pretty specific (drawn out on graph paper) to have it made into official blueprints? We've never had to go thru this process and would love some guidance.


Thanks so much!

[bostonsmama]

When we were renovating our kitchen, we worked with both Lowes and Home Depot (EXPO Design Center) Kitchen Planning Specialist to pound out where we wanted each cabinet, the sink, fridge, dishwasher, etc. They were really knowledgeable about working with the pre-fab sizes of cabinetry, a good work triangle, and where we could put certain fun features (like a spice drawer, sink kip outs, a plate wrack). All you have to do is bring the room's dimmensions and they can do the rest. If you already have places you know an external window has to be, they'll need that info. Also, if your gas line and plumbing is coming in at a certain place, they can also work with those measurements. You can even see it in 3-D now, and you'll get a front view, top view, side view and 3D print-out from either. It'll be especially easy for them if you don't have hookups established. The blue prints will probably have to be done by a licensed contractor or architecht, though.

If you want to fiddle around online, HGTV has been advertising a new feature on their websites where you can plan the same way.

I hope this link works: http://hgtv3.view22.com/view22/web/kitchen_default.jsp

Have fun...if you have an Q's, we've BTDT, so feel free to PM me (and check the archives/do a search...I've written about my kitchen remodeling experience exhaustively and so have some other creative mamas...including photos).

Larissa
***Cheers! Here's to better luck in 2006!***

"Children have never been very good at listening to their elders, but they have never failed to imitate them."
-James Baldwin

[boogiemom]

Thanks for the suggestions Larissa! I knew they offered that at Lowe's and Home Depot but wasn't sure how knowlegeable the people really were there. It's good to know you had a good experience. I'll give them a shot! I'll also check out HGTV.

Thanks so much!

[erosenst]

That Home Site has a great kitchens forum (http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/kitchbath/). If you post a copy of your sketch, there are a lot of very knowledgable people there who will give you great input. The problem with HD and Lowe's, etc is that it's very "hit or miss" who you will get, and how competent they are. In addition, while they can be good at working with the floor plan you have, they're not always so great at starting with a blank page.

There's also a mudroom forum on there, too, I think.

In most areas of the country, you can take the plan that you have to a draftsman who is familiar with the local building codes, and he/she will do blueprints from there. Depending on what's involved, it's usually about $1 a square foot. If you're SURE that you're done making changes, you might be able to negotiate for a little less.

Happy planning!

[boogiemom]

Thanks Emily for the input. I'll definitely check out that site. I will definitely be sure I'm done "fiddling" with my plan before I take it to have blueprints done. I can't be having prints made more than once when it's so darn expensive!

Thanks!