As a
designer, I get hired regularly to help with kitchen renovations and
updates. Today I thought I would share 5 simple, but important things that I have
learned over the years:
1)
Don't start your project until you are fully prepared. Do your
homework, decide what finishes and materials you want to use as well as
how the kitchen will function and look. This step takes time,
DON'T SCRIMP on that time!
2)
If you are not comfortable doing the step above, HIRE AN EXPERT! This
could be a designer with kitchen experience, a design/build contractor,
an architect or the kitchen expert at your local cabinet supplier. It is totally worth the cost, as without them you will likely incur expensive mistakes.
3)
Details make the difference between a new kitchen and a WOW kitchen
which is why the steps above are so important. A new kitchen is costly no matter how budget friendly it turns out to be. You want
to love every aspect from how it looks to how it works when you are
done. Finishes, lighting, layout and even the seemingly inconsequential things like grout color, make an impact. Don't overlook anything.
4)
Have a schedule, but be flexible. Order as many of your materials as
possible before you start. Many a kitchen project has been derailed due
to back-orders or long lead times. The same can be said for making a
materials decision too late in the game. My last client spent almost 9 months
getting her ideas, design and materials together. When the project
finally started, it was complete within 4 weeks!
5)
Plan for the unexpected, if you are opening up walls or removing
soffits, you never know what you will find. This step includes adding a
cushion to your budget (a minimum of 10%) and being able to change your
plan mid- stream when something comes up, which it will.
{A sagging, load bearing support beam was found when this wall was opened up, resulting in additional work and expense.}
{A soffit with major HVAC duct work and venting, as well as a limited budget, changed the design of this cabinet layout mid-project. Come back later this week to see more of this kitchen, my most recently completed project.}
Obviously there is much more to a successful kitchen renovation than these quick tips can impart, but if you are just beginning to dream of a new kitchen, this a good place to start.
Have you remodeled your kitchen? What tips for success would you add?
Does your room need a “prescription” for a change of decor, function or design? If so please contact me, I would love to help your room feel better with a Room Rx.
9 comments:
great tips! i really hope i get to use them next year! :)
Great tips! My dream is to one day be able to renovate our kitchen.
Great tips, Cathy! I have renovated many a kitchen in my day and planning is an absolute must. We're currently doing a cosmetic kitchen update with new countertops, wallpaper, backsplash and lighting. The space functions perfectly as it is!
www.chattafabulous.blogspot.com
Great post, Cathy! I had so much doing our reno and think the prepartion before hand is key to making it run smoothly!
I literally just laughed out loud at this post! Our kitchen has quickly become a bad example of not deciding on finishing and materials beforehand and a great example of a flexible timeline! Ha! :) This are really excellent tips Cathy! And, I cannot agree more with figuring it all out beforehand.
Also, quick question -- in that first mood board, where are the all white stools from? I'm still on the hunt for the perfect bar stool. :)
You have done some fantastic kitchen projects Cathy, some of which I don't recognize seeing before like that first photo. I have yet to do a kitchen project (as a designer) but look forward to the opportunity and challenge it will present. Everything is a learning experience and you've given some great tips to help as a guide during a kitchen renovation. When we renovated we sort of flew by the seat of our pants for the most part - I know next time around I will be much more prepared and hopefully armed with my list of materials that are on my wish list.
Awesome post, Cathy!! Our kitchen is ok for now, but I know sometime we are going to have to renovate it, which will be amazing, but it scares me to death!! Kitchens are so intimidating, so many moving parts. Will keep these tips in mind!!
These tips are very useful and helpful for home renovation work.And this kitchen design looks very nice.Thanks for posting this useful post.www.instilerenovations.com.au/kitchen-renovations
I feel hiring an expert for kitchen renovation would be the best idea. Great tips shared.
Kitchen Renovation Sydney
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