We always say planning is key to any successful home renovation. When it comes to kitchen renovations, proper planning is essential. With so many moving parts, multiple tradespeople and decisions to make, you need to go in with a plan. As you start to plan your project, think about these 5 things to save you time, money and frustration.
1. Who Is This Renovation For?
Are you renovating for you or with the intent to sell? The design decisions you make will be different depending on whom the reno is for. If you’re planning on staying in your home for years to come, design the space just for you. Get creative and use your favourite colours and invest in the high-end finishes you want. If you’re renovating with the intent to sell, basic upgrades to give it a facelift are best. It’s likely that buyers will want to redo the kitchen to an extent and make it their own. Do not invest in personal touches when renovating to sell. Keep things neutral but up to date.
2. Do You Really Need High-End Appliances?
Once you’ve thought about who the reno is really for, design decisions become a lot easier to make. Many homeowners think that when designing for resell, top of the line is best for everything, including appliances. This is not necessarily true. Functioning appliances that look modern will do the trick when renovating for resale. If this reno is for you and you have your heart set on a premium gas stove, go for it. Do not install the same top of the line chef’s stove if you’re planning to sell. The new buyers might only order in and your investment will do nothing but collect dust.
3. Is Your Design Functional?
While knocking down a wall to open up your kitchen may seem like a good idea, you could be losing a wall of cabinetry and storage. If you’re planning to fully redesign your kitchen, you should consult with a kitchen designer. They can help you with more than just the aesthetics of your kitchen, they can help you plan the layout of your kitchen so it functions properly. For example, many homeowners overlook the number of cupboards you actually need to have a functioning kitchen. A kitchen designer will be aware of this and know the right spots to place them.
4. How Extensive Is Your Reno?
The spectrum of kitchen renovations is very wide. You can do simple updates to refresh it or completely tear it out and start from scratch. If you’re looking to do a quick and easy reno, consider projects like refacing kitchen cabinets, updating your backsplash, adding a fresh coat of paint, or new countertops. While these projects do not equal a complete renovation, they will be enough to completely transform your kitchen. Just because there are dated items you no longer like, doesn’t mean you have to completely gut your kitchen. If the bones of the kitchen are in place and you just need a facelift, consider doing multiple mini repairs as opposed to one big reno.
5. Have You Found the Right Pro?
Before you move forward with any step of your renovation, make sure you’ve found the right pro for the job. Be sure to read reviews, check references, and look at past project photos. Ask important questions like, is this their first kitchen renovation ever? You might want to go with a more experienced company with a quality track record. Who you hire can make or break your project so it’s important to do your research. Check out this article to find out what to look for in a kitchen renovation company.
Your kitchen is the heart of the home and it should reflect yours. If you’re doing a reno just for you, then do it for you. If you’re doing it for others, play it safe and do what needs to be done. No matter the extent of the reno you’re doing, make sure it’s with a company you can trust. Start your search on HomeStars and you’ll be loving your newly renovated kitchen in no time.
