Kitchen●Renovations
6 Things to Keep in Mind When Renovating Your Kitchen
June 11, 2021
Kitchens are, by far, one of the most popular rooms in a home to renovate. They tend to be the heart of a house, they’re a place to entertain, gather with family, and most importantly, cook! Most people have some sort of idea in mind when they picture their idyllic kitchen. But actually, executing the perfect kitchen renovation is far easier said than done. When the time comes to finally start renovations and get your dream kitchen underway, don’t dive in headfirst without considering these 6 important things:
Consider the Timeframe
Before any work is underway, you should know how long to expect to deal with your kitchen being a building site. Renovating a kitchen is no easy feat, and a professional renovation company in Vancouver will be able to provide you with a realistic work timeline. It can take quite a significant amount of time, especially if you’re making considerable changes. From the get-go, you need to be prepared to live without a kitchen for at least a few months. This takes some planning, so don’t underestimate it! Speak to your contractor or designer about the timeframe you think you can realistically expect so you can plan to be kitchen-less, at least for a little while.
Prepare a Realistic Budget
Your renovation budget is a huge factor and a consideration that certainly shouldn’t be overlooked. The first thing to do when deciding your budget is to figure out, realistically, what you can afford, and then prioritize what you want to include in your new kitchen. Be prepared, because costs can add up quickly. A kitchen renovation involves a lot of different moving parts, and that can get expensive. You’ll need plumbers, electricians, a contractor, and a designer. Then there are all the extras. For example, if you want custom cabinets, that’s going to cost you a pretty penny. Budget realistically in the beginning to avoid nasty surprises!
Hire an Interior Designer
You might have a rough idea, or even a pretty detailed one, of what you want your kitchen to look like. But an interior designer can really help make your vision come to life. What’s more, they’ll probably help you decide on details you haven’t really considered. They’ll have knowledge about materials, fixtures, and other small details that can really bring the kitchen together. An interior designer may also be able to help you connect with a renovation company in Vancouver who can make your design a reality.
Think About Your Lifestyle
Pin down exactly what you want to use your kitchen for, and then plan from there. If you entertain a lot, you might want to consider a large central island. If you’re a gourmet home chef, then appliances will be a huge consideration. Figure out exactly how you want your kitchen to function and how it will fit into your specific lifestyle. Once you know exactly what you want, find a renovation company in Vancouver who can help you bring your vision to life.
Don’t Skimp on the Appliances
Appliances may not be added in the beginning stages of your kitchen renovation, but you should plan for them early on. Splurge on the best appliances you can afford, it’ll be worth it in the long run. It’s also important to consider that if you want your appliances to be built-in, they will need to be included in the planning from the very beginning. Consider the appliances you want to spend the most money on, too. Do you want a top-of-the-line stove? How about a wine fridge? There are so many different types and makes of appliances out there, so make sure to do your research.
Try Not to Cut Costs
You may want to make it a priority to keep costs down where you can, but this won’t always benefit you! In fact, trying to incorporate things such as older appliances for the sake of saving money could end up being more expensive. It can cost more money to work around existing kitchen features, so it’s a good idea to consult with your contractor, designer, or a renovation company in Vancouver on how you can cut costs if you can. If they tell you something needs to go, listen to them.
Splurging on a kitchen renovation is a big deal, and if you want it to turn out as you’ve always dreamed, plan ahead and listen to the experts. A professional renovation company in Vancouver will be able to help guide your and bring your dream kitchen to life. There’s a lot of things that need to be considered when successfully executing a kitchen renovation, so be prepared, but remember, it’ll all be worth it in the end!