When you think of the most communal parts of your home the kitchen will likely top the list. This high traffic space is typically not tucked away behind closed doors and as a result it’s a room that needs to be both efficient and welcoming. The average cost of kitchen renovations reviewed on HomeStars is $23,000, and for most people this is the sort of investment you want to get your mileage out of.
HomeStars spoke with Nick Wallace of Bravehart Building and Design and John Oborne of Oborne Contracting Inc, who specialize in kitchen building and design to get their tips on how to make your kitchen reno successful.
1. Kitchen Island Measurements
The National Kitchen & Bath Association recommends a minimum of 40 inches from your main counter space to an island. Wallace says you can cheat this a bit in a cramped space, taking away up to six inches.
2. Countertop options
According to Wallace a good designer will include finishing options in the design plan.
- Natural stone: Beautiful but more expensive and a little harder to maintain.
- Manmade stone: A little more cost effective and very customizable in terms of variation of colour and pattern.
- Laminate: The least expensive of the three but comes in a wide variety of colours and patterns so you can really get the look you want, at the most economical price possible.
3. Cost
Oborne gives these general guidelines for pricing:
- Full-scale tear out of kitchen – $10,000 (pre and post construction of the kitchen).
- Kitchen cabinets and countertops (custom) – no less than $10,000 and upwards of $15,000- $20,000.
- Non-custom kitchen – closer to the $20,000-$25,000 range.
4. Building a timeless kitchen
Oborne says shaker style cabinets painted in white, off-white or a dark stain generally stay in style.
