An extensive kitchen renovation is one of the most expensive revamps you can undertake. To avoid costly mistakes, you should be prepared to spend as much time as needed on planning before laying the first tile.
A successful kitchen renovation can significantly increase the value of your home and will make it more appealing to buyers if you decide to sell. However, you need to be sure to create a functional space that adds to your family’s enjoyment of your home with an optimal combination of storage and design.
It may be worth your while to employ a professional kitchen designer or a company specialising in kitchen renovations. This will help ensure that your money is well spent.
Detail
Depending on the extent of the project, a kitchen renovation will take about four to six weeks from delivery of the materials to completion. Keep in mind that any changes you make to the initial design will delay the fitting of the kitchen, so it’s best to be absolutely sure of everything before placing orders for materials.
Be aware that the company fitting the new kitchen will not necessarily remove your existing kitchen cupboards and fittings. If not, you will have to arrange for them to be cleared from the site before work starts.
The layout of water and electricity installations might not match your new kitchen design, especially in older homes. So before starting a renovation project, you need to find out whether any of these need to be moved and how many electrical plug points are necessary. Multiplugs are handy, but they look untidy, and it’s all too easy to overload them, creating a fire hazard.
One of the most important design parameters is providing ample workspace – at least one metre of uninterrupted counter space will ensure a smooth workflow.
Roller shutters are great for concealing appliances like toasters and food mixers, making your kitchen more efficient and keeping it tidy. You simply need to roll up the shutters, and your appliances are ready for use.
Include space for recycling bins in addition to the usual refuse bin. If possible, add a compost bin for fruit and vegetable peels.
If you are replacing appliances, ensure the new items are energy efficient.
In general
All the working parts of a kitchen, such as runners and hinges on cupboards, work hard and need to be of the best possible quality you can afford. Skimping on fittings will almost certainly cost you more in the long run.
Having a new kitchen fitted can be messy - and intrusive. Be sure to set up an alternative space for preparing food and washing dishes. If possible, prepare meals in advance and freeze them to make your life easier while waiting for your new kitchen.
Writer: Sarah-Jane Meyer
