Expert Advice for Your First Kitchen Renovation
The decision to renovate your kitchen is an exciting one, but before you end up with your shiny new space, there is quite a large process you’ll need to go through.
A renovation is daunting for any homeowner, but if you haven’t been through a similar project before, it can be overwhelming.
Taking the time to educate yourself on what to expect – and how to avoid others’ mistakes – will help to make the process as smooth as possible, keeping you within timeframe and budget while achieving your renovation goals.
We’ve compiled our best kitchen renovation advice to get you started.
Create a budget
Deciding on your project budget should be the first thing you do, before looking at any inspiration sites or visiting showrooms. It’s easy to get carried away in the moment, and then realise you’ve overcommitted yourself.
Plus, you will need to factor in a buffer budget. Plan for unexpected expenses and think of this bank of money as project insurance. Accidents, delays, and frequent changes of mind do happen. Consider interest-free financing options to alleviate the stress of an upfront expense, but don’t use this as an excuse to inflate your budget.
Research
Plan for what you need to do or source before and during this kitchen renovation project. This might include:
- Multiple quotes
- The council’s approval to renovate
- Giving your neighbours a heads up about the noise
- Firing up the barbeque for a few days
- Locating suitable professionals in your area
- Supervisors or project managers on the project
- Shelter for your pets so they’re away from the construction
- A clear idea of how you want your kitchen design to look and feel
Highlight your ‘must haves’ from your wishlist
One of the most critical pieces of kitchen renovation advice is to understand where you are willing to compromise and where you’re not. Be honest about which items you absolutely need in your kitchen and which you could live without if need be.
If you’re a serious cook and entertainer, you should, for example, invest in quality appliances. Don’t be afraid to be open and honest with your designer about this list; they’ll be able to present you with options that are within your budget, and prioritise these inclusions.
Looking for more kitchen renovation advice? We’ve packed our best tips and tricks into our eBook to help you plan and budget your project. Download it now.
Allow time
While home improvement shows give the impression that you can have a new kitchen by the end of the week, in reality a custom kitchen is one of the more complex and time-consuming home updates.
Be realistic about the extent of work you want to get through, and how much of a disruption this will be to your daily routines. Larger renovations may require you to spend time in temporary accommodation, so plan accordingly.
At the consultation stage, a kitchen designer will be able to provide you with an indication of your project timeframe. Make sure this doesn’t clash with any major events on your family calendar, then act quickly to get your project underway.
Know when to call in the experts
When looking at the costs associated with a renovation, it can be tempting to try and do it all yourself. If you don’t have trades experience however, this can often end up costing more in the long run, and take far longer than you initially planned.
Plus, inexperienced renovators can sometimes cause structural damage that will require professional assistance to rectify. Kitchen renovation advice from the internet is not necessarily relevant to your kitchen or home, and doesn’t replace the need for professional guidance.
Utilise a team of experts to help alleviate your stress, and have confidence that your new kitchen has been built to high standards. You can still save money through being transparent about your budget and your areas of compromise, or reduce the scale of this project to get a feel for the process.
Working with our team at Apollo Kitchens will ensure two things:
- Your custom kitchen will be designed to your exact preferences and needs
- Your kitchen will be built to the highest standards and last for years to come
Meet our award-winning designers by visiting our kitchen showrooms in the Central Coast, Sydney and Western Sydney regions to get started on your custom kitchen journey. Alternatively, contact us to arrange a consultation with an expert Apollo Kitchens team member today.
