So you’ve been saving for it, and now you have the funds. Finally, that new kitchen isn’t just a dream anymore; it’s ready to become a reality.
This is not just a renovation, it’s a transformation waiting to happen. All those ideas of things you can and want to change can be realized and brought to life within your home. It’s an exciting time, and a new kitchen can be life-changing for homeowners as it can increase functionality and deliver a purpose-built area that meets their needs.
However, before you race forward and start designing the kitchen of your dreams or commit to the ideas you have been ruminating on, let’s consider some invaluable tips from experts and those who have walked this path before you. Their advice can be a guiding light in your renovation journey, providing reassurance and confidence.
Have a Realistic Budget – and Contingency Plan
A realistic budget is your best tool for controlling your renovation. It’s the first step in ensuring that your dream kitchen becomes a reality, without any unexpected financial surprises.
Stop, sit down, and run the numbers before you start swinging sledgehammers and jumping in gung-ho all Property Brothers style.
- How much do you realistically have to spend?
- Why do you need to send the majority of your money?
- What contingency plan can you put aside for unforeseen circumstances?
Kitchen renovations can run into the thousands, depending on the size, style, and quality of materials you’re using. This can result in the costs ranging anywhere from a few thousand to $50,000 or more. And your contingency plan needs to be around 10 to 20% of this final figure. So if you have $30,000 for your kitchen renovation, around $3 to $6,0000 needs to be contingency, giving you a maximum of $27,000 to work with initially.
Function over Form
Of all the rooms in your house, your kitchen needs to be functional, so when you’re running through the plans and designing elements, you need to put functionality above all else. It’s no good having a beautiful kitchen; it needs to work for you. One key design principle to remember is the ‘kitchen triangle‘, which refers to the ideal placement of the sink, stove, and refrigerator to optimize workflow. Paying attention to this and having enough counter space and storage can benefit you more than splashing out on the more casual aspects of the kitchen.
Invest in Quality Where It Counts
This follows closely from the above point, but you need to invest in the kitchen’s aspects that will serve you well. From high-end appliances to a more expensive and durable countertop or backsplash, quality cabinetry and door-close drawers are all great aspects to invest in for your renovation over other parts that don’t necessarily need more expensive options. For instance, you might want to avoid overspending on decorative elements like a fancy chandelier or a high-end coffee machine, as these are more about form than function.
Consider Custom Fitters
In many cases, the design and input of your custom kitchen installers make your kitchen renovation stand out. Their years of experience working with kitchens of different styles and designs, not to mention different features, can unlock new ideas and elements you might not have been aware you can incorporate or that would work. Their insight can help you avoid some of the more common kitchen renovation mistakes and guide you throughout the process.
Small Details Matter
The small touches can make the difference in your kitchen renovation. Undercabinet lighting, deep drawers for pots and pans, and outlets in the right places, i.e., in drawers or on an island, will improve the space’s day-to-day functionality and elevate the results even more. It’s not always about what you have; it’s about how it all works together, and those small details matter more than you think.
