If your existing kitchen is run-down, too small, doesn’t have enough storage, or simply doesn’t match the rest of your house, you’re probably considering a kitchen renovation. But before you start tearing down walls and pulling up floors, it’s important to develop a plan, and importantly, a budget. Here are some tips to help your kitchen renovation run smoothly.
Start with a budget
Having a budget is crucial for any renovation, but it’s especially important when you’re planning your kitchen renovation because there are so many things that can go wrong if you don’t hire a professional. Kitchens can be expensive to renovate, but this is mostly due to poor planning. When things go wrong, it ends up costing you money. With the right help, you can achieve affordable kitchen renovations.
Like anything, it’s good to build some ‘fat’ into your budget. This will help you deal with any unexpected costs along the way, however, working with experienced kitchen renovation experts should eliminate a lot of these expenses.
Assess your kitchen’s current condition
Before you start to renovate your kitchen, it’s important to take stock of the current condition of your space. The first step is to look at the layout and see how it works for you. Is there enough counter space? Do you have enough storage for all your cooking tools and appliances? Do all the appliances work properly? Are there any structural problems with the floor or walls that could cause plumbing issues? If so, these issues should be identified before starting any renovation project. This way, you can plan for necessary repairs as part of the renovation.
We’ll touch on choosing a renovation contractor later. But if you choose to work with a professional rather than DIY, this is a great time to get a contractor involved. There’s a good chance they will be able to identify potential issues before you start, and this can save you plenty of money during the project.
Make a list of priorities
If you’ve decided to renovate your kitchen, you likely have a good idea of why. You might want more bench space, modern appliances or more storage. You might want the space to be more functional, or perhaps you’ve always wanted a kitchen island. So, decide what’s most important for you to achieve.
This helps in the budgeting stage too. You’ll have a set of non-negotiables, and then some desirables that you can add if your budget permits. This ensures that you can stay on budget while still getting all of the kitchen design aspects that matter most.
Consider the interior decorating style you want
When you’re planning your kitchen renovation, it’s important to consider the interior decorating style you want. Do you want a traditional or modern kitchen? Would you prefer a classic or contemporary look? If you’ve already done some renovations in other parts of the house, this can be a guide for your kitchen also.
There are several styles to choose from, such as Hamptons, Coastal, Industrial, Minimalist, Modern – the list goes on. You should also consider whether you intend to renovate other rooms. By deciding on a theme, you’ll be able to stick with it through the entire house.
Find a contractor who can help you with your plans
Once you have a clear idea of what you want to achieve, it’s time to find a contractor who can help you with your plans. There are many factors to consider when choosing a kitchen contractor. Firstly, you want a person or team of people who are experienced. Preferably, they will have extensive experience in residential kitchen renovations.
Secondly, find renovation experts who are flexible and willing to help with your plans. We mentioned a lot of planning above, but qualified renovation specialists can help with this. They can suggest storage solutions you haven’t considered, for example. They can help you brainstorm ideas. In addition, they can even recommend appliances.
So, when choosing a renovation contractor, make sure they’re a good fit. Most will come to your home and provide a quote. This is a chance to share your ideas, let them know your non-negotiables, and start planning more thoroughly.
Need help with how to plan your kitchen renovation?
If you’re looking for reliable, trusted professionals to help with kitchen renovations in Perth, look no further. Veejays has been transforming Western Australian homes for 30 years, and we’re not slowing down. Contact us today and find out how we can help transform your home.