Guide To Renovating Your Kitchen

Are you excited about remodelling the kitchen after years of DIY fixes here and there?

If the plan is just starting, you’ve got a lot to do, and we’ll help you make the most of it. Apart from bathrooms, kitchens are the most popular area that people prefer to renovate the first chance they get.

Kitchen remodelling is no small feat and can take a while to complete, not to forget the hole it creates in the wallet! So, take a moment to go through these steps to prepare yourself for the gigantic task ahead, especially if the new layout to map is U shaped. Of course, you could always leave it up to the contractor.

But if you want a fully personalised kitchen, you’d be better off starting with some research. Here are a few guidelines that will assist you in your kitchen journey.

Guide To Renovating Your Kitchen

1. Look For Inspiration

Before you rush out to buy those materials you’ve been eyeing all week, take a step back and formulate a plan. We understand browsing the store and buying everything that excites you is fun. But impulsive renovations are a recipe for disaster. The last thing you want to end up with is a mismatched kitchen that costs thousands of dollars.

So, begin by searching the internet for fresh kitchen remodel ideas, and you’re sure to find the style you have in mind. Going through various kitchen decor images will bring your creative side into action if you don’t have a layout in mind.

Plus, researching is a great way to learn about new textures, materials and decoratives that you can use later on.

We also suggest drawing the design and layout you have in mind. Sketching an outline of where the counters should sit and where the kitchen islands look best can prepare you even before you visit a contractor.

2. Plan The Kitchen Layout

Remember, your existing kitchen needs to be practical, functional, fresh, and beautiful. So, maybe you could note the issues you have with the current design.

Does a wooden floor add the elegance you were looking for in your renovation project? Does the kitchen island bench take up too much space and decrease the property value? Give some thought to the arrangement to determine what works and doesn’t.

For example, begin with the kitchen features used the most- refrigerator, stove, oven, and kitchen sink. Try to place these items close to one another because you’ll need all of them while cooking and prepping. If you are up to it, a separate chopping and cooking zone could work, too. Also, remember you want optimal lighting for meal preparation and cooking.

Ultimately, this part of planning is entirely up to you, and you can incorporate as many design ideas to share with the contractor later.

3. Prepare A Budget

The next important step is to formulate a realistic budget and ideal time limit. After carefully planning the new kitchen, you must ensure the kitchen renovation cost fits your price range. Now, it’s not always easy to come up with estimates, especially if you haven’t renovated the kitchen before. So, this might be a challenge for some homeowners.

However, when it comes to renovating a kitchen, we always say it’s better to be prepared with a cost in mind rather than exceeding the price limit after the project begins. You can ask questions in online forums, read some kitchen decor blogs, or watch relevant videos to get an idea. Consequently, before consulting the contractor, make a mental note of the maximum amount of money you are willing to spend on the kitchen design project.

Another thing you should consider is the time it will take for the entire renovation, which could be as quick as three days. The contractor will give an estimate as part of the renovation process, but this depends on the kitchen size and the type of renovation. Usually, the whole kitchen would take three months to complete.

4. Consult A Professional

Now, you can call your contractor for a professional installation, allowing them to work their magic and transform the kitchen space. The best time to contact a licenced contractor and save money in the long run is when the budget, design/theme, cabinet installation, and general layout are in place. It is ideal for getting at least three estimates from different contractors so you can compare and select the professional kitchen designer that suits you best.

Get all three contractors to visit your home, explain your thought process, and wait to hear their ideas. If you have any questions or special requests, now is an excellent time to ask if they would be able to fulfil your requirements.

5. Plan The Kitchen Space

The contractors will surely place each piece of equipment in the kitchen to match the general safety parameters. But you can always add suggestions and inputs as per your individual needs. In your old kitchen, make enough room to walk in the kitchen from one end to the other. Ideally, a distance of 42 inches between the counters and islands is recommended.

Regarding counter space, keep 36 to 40 inches of space for the food preparation countertop or food storage. You can modify it as you like, but ensure enough space for the sink to fit in. You can also buy DIY kitchens and cabinets from several hardware and homeware stores. Regarding fitting refrigerators, you’ll need adequate space towards the front so the doors can swing open.

While you may feel that you’ve accounted for enough storage space, you may find that it’s not enough once you start using your kitchen. When deciding on the height of your corner cupboards, think about any tall appliances you have and the bottles or containers you want to store.

Also, take into account that the existing plumbing and electrical systems will need to be updated or altered if you want to move your sink to create more bench space in your family kitchen.

6. Prepare For Clearing Day

Now that all the planning is done, you’re ready to dismantle all kitchen parts. At this time, you can choose to relocate to a different house till the work gets done. Alternatively, you can set up a makeshift kitchen in the basement with temporary stoves, a sink, dining tables and a fridge.

This way, you can stay home and save on renting another house. Also, a temporary kitchen will give you space to cook to avoid spending daily on takeaway meals. Keep your pantry stocked with dry, non-perishable edibles, paper plates, and temporary cutlery. It’s also a good idea to keep snacks handy.

7. Look For Quality Over Quantity

Your kitchen isn’t going to get a renovation every day, so selecting high-quality materials, pieces, and kitchen appliances is wiser. If you’re renovating once, you might as well get a great job done! So, invest in the best quality materials, including counters, cabinet doors, flooring, and appliances, as they last much longer, and you won’t need to replace them often.

If you make the right choices, you may not need to make any more changes in the kitchen for years to come. If your budget does not allow many upgrades, you could consider piecing together a DIY kitchen by buying used items from retail businesses. The products are often good quality and will last long. Plus, pre-used fixtures and kitchen accessories cost much lower than brand-new ones.

A Few Tips For Renovating Kitchens

Here are a few additional tips you can follow for a stress-free renovation experience:

• Safeguard your renovation budget by allocating a substantial amount for revamping the existing flooring as it experiences the most traffic.
• Don’t forget to pay attention to kitchen ventilation.
• Avoid expanding the kitchen if you are on a tight budget.
• DIY the parts you are confident in.

Revamping Your Kitchen

Renovating the kitchen can be daunting, so we recommend sorting your ideas, designs and sketches for a clear action plan. After that, invite the contractor to inspect your space, and you can discuss ideas and get started on crafting your new functional kitchen.

After all, planning a kitchen renovation has many benefits. You are already in a good place if you have a clear vision of the desired look and hire a decent contractor. All you need to do is stick to your budget; the rest will pan out eventually.

So, that’s all for today. We hope you embark on incredible kitchen renovations and end up with a fabulous new kitchen. Contact our team if you need assistance with a kitchen reno in Sydney. We are licenced builders in Sydney and have years of experience in home renovations!

Until next time, take care!