10 Essential Steps to a Successful Kitchen Renovation
A kitchen renovation is an exciting and rewarding process – one we think everyone should go through at once in their lives!
To make a renovation a successful one, however, you’ll need a lot of planning (and patience).
We’ve compiled ten key steps you should follow to ensure your kitchen renovation is a successful one.
1. Set a clear budget
Your first essential step of any renovation is to sit down and make a comprehensive budget for the project. While you’re doing this, research prices for each aspect of the renovation including hiring a project manager, construction costs, potential accommodation you might need to make.
It’s easy to get carried away by beautiful showrooms but it can add up quickly and you might be in for a bit of bill shock if you don’t do your due diligence.
2. Analyse the layout
The most common thing we’re asked to fix in a kitchen renovation is the layout. Make sure your new design ticks all the right boxes by making a list of things you don’t like about the current kitchen, such as the distance from the fridge to the stove or entry and exit points.
3. Storage
Ensure your kitchen will have enough storage and make design considerations to ensure this won’t be a problem later down the track. Consider if the footprint of your kitchen can be extended to reclaim space from other areas in the home to provide more storage space.
4. Find inspiration
Now for the easy and fun part – finding inspiration. A kitchen renovation will likely be a once-in-a-lifetime project, so take time to indulge in researching what you like by watching TV shows, looking through Pinterest and magazines, and visiting kitchen showrooms.
Once you have a mood board, sit with your concepts for a week or two to see what you’re still like and love. Don’t be afraid to visit showrooms multiple times, either – you’ll be surprised how soon your taste can change.
Our 2022 Kitchen Design Trends eBook is your exclusive guide to a successful kitchen renovation – download it now.
5. Have a plan B
A frustrating reality of kitchen renovations is that the best-laid plans often go awry. Your kitchen cabinet design might not work within your overall layout, your benchtop material might not be available, and your Plan A might go south. Make a Plan B and C to allow you to press forwards and stick to your timeline in times where things could go wrong.
6. Find a contractor
Once you know what you want, it’s time to find a contractor who can make it happen.
Read reviews and then book a consultation to see if they’re able to make your kitchen renovation dream a reality. Be sure to ask for references from previous clients, along with a quote and indicative timeframe to make sure you’re both on the same page.
7. Get a second (and third) opinion
If you’re having doubts about whether your kitchen renovation is the right move – get a second opinion. Apollo Joinery Group offers a pre-development consultation for homeowners and builders to discuss cost-effective specification options to make sure your renovation will deliver the outcomes you’re after.
8. Invest in good lighting
In a kitchen, lighting is everything. You’ll need to consider both natural lights to the space along with the functional and decorative lighting you want to install.
Consider if any adjustments can be made to your design to increase available natural light, or if you can add skylights for all day-brightness.
9. Hire professional tradespeople
Always hire professional kitchen renovation services to install electrical work. They’ll prevent fire damage and the risk of electrocution. Don’t be tempted to cut corners, you’ll only encounter more problems down the road.
10. Have patience
Kitchen renovations are prone to delays so be prepared to extend your deadline – especially if you’re embarking on your renovation during the second half of the year. Remember, good things take time, especially quality kitchen renovations!
Unsure where to start when it comes to getting your project underway? We’re here to help. Get in touch with us for a no-obligation consultation and quote, and see how we can help you to realise your dreams of a functional, beautiful kitchen!
