Homeowners remodel more than 10.2 million kitchens annually. This is no surprise, as it’s one of the places we spend the most time. When it’s time for your kitchen remodel, your kitchen remodeling contractor knows exactly what to do. But what should you know before you start? Here are five things you absolutely need to know and consider before you start.

1. Are you moving soon?Are you concerned about resale value? If you plan to move in the future, and want to ensure that your home will sell, a kitchen renovation is a wise investment. Consider selecting classic styles and features for your renovation that have broad appeal–and steer clear from trendy colors and finishes.

2. Does it match your aesthetics? The absolute last thing you want is for your kitchen to be modern and your living room to be boho. The two styles don’t work well together. Your kitchen remodeling contractor might not care if it matches or not, but you will. It ruins the look of your home and can even put you in a permanent bad mood. The best thing to do is when picking out the style of your cabinets and furniture, make sure it matches the rest of your home.

3. Is anything else being renovated? Did you know about 35% of remodeling jobs involved the whole home? Aging homes often have multiple rooms requiring updates simultaneously necessitating a whole home remodeling. If you’re planning to remodel more than just your kitchen, inform your design-build firm. That way, they can plan the best possible flow and transition between these spaces.

4. Is it functional? You could have kids running around, or guests coming to your house for a fun party. No matter the occasion, other people besides you will be using your kitchen. Do you want them struggling to open your cabinets or colliding with you while you prep meals? Of course not! This means ensuring you work closely with your kitchen remodeling contractor to have it be fashionable and functional. The last thing you need is to have a beautiful kitchen only to find yourself unable to use half of it.

5. What about appliances? Besides your cabinets, countertops, and fixtures, you need great appliances. Most are available in various shades of silver, black or white. But in most cases appliances can be modified with custom fronts to match your cabinetry. This gives the overall kitchen a seamless appearance, and tends to make the space feel larger. Many appliances can also be mounted below counters, or in drawers, which helps to eliminate counter clutter. No matter what your needs are for appliances, be sure to consult with your remodeling contractor to make sure they work for your lifestyle.