Kitchen renovation dos and don’ts

Creating the perfect kitchen requires a lot of work, so you definitely want to get results that make everything worth it. Check out this list of the dos and don’ts of kitchen renovation.

DO: Hire a professional.

DON’T: Make a single contractor do everything.

It can be tempting to hire your local all-around handyman and let them install your plumbing, tiling, and lighting fixtures, but stuff like this should really be handled by licensed professionals. Yes, you would have to deal with more contractors and pay more for labour. However, getting a specialist for these important jobs can save you from costly repairs in the long run.

Make sure that you hire the right professional for the job. An architect can help you with the entire layout and design for your kitchen, while a kitchen designer mostly deals with just the cosmetic stuff. If you get an architect to plan your kitchen renovation, he or she can suggest trustworthy builders, plumbers, tilers, electricians, and other contractors as well.

DO: Set a budget.

DON’T: Be a cheapskate.

Unless you’re a complete renovation rookie, you probably already know that costs for these projects can really blow up. This is why it’s important to set a reasonable budget from the start. But what does a reasonable budget really mean? Kitchen renovations can have a very wide range of costs, and rightly so, because each project have very different scopes.

A good way to get an idea of how much to budget for your kitchen is to provide a detailed description of your dream kitchen to various kitchen renovation experts. Depending on the specifications of your job, the professionals can help you come up with a budget that includes material and labour costs. Make necessary adjustments to your plans depending on how much you can afford plus about 10% extra.

Although it’s important to save during renovations, don’t settle for the cheapest materials and labour. More often than not, the cheapest ones won’t last as long and will just lead to more repair or replacement costs in the future.

DO: Design with functionality in mind.

DON’T: Make your kitchen too dull.

While you might be having a kitchen renovation to create a gorgeous kitchen, it’s still important to put functionality first. After all, what’s the use of a really beautiful kitchen if you’re going to have a hard time getting around and using it? This doesn’t mean that you have to settle for a utilitarian kitchen though. Sometimes, a unique splashback or creative material choices are all it takes to make a kitchen that’s both functional and awe-inspiring.

DO: Make room for plenty of storage.

DON’T: Forget to measure.

With all the pots, pans, plates, utensils, and food that get stored in the kitchen, it’s easy to see why kitchen storage is so important. But don’t get too carried away with adding as much storage as possible that you forget to make room for your appliances. Before getting your cabinets or drawers built, make sure that everything is measured multiple times. An expert can also help you get the most exact measurements.

Get quotes from kitchen renovation experts now, so you can choose the best candidate to build your kitchen.