Kitchen Renovation Dos and Don’ts
One of the first places that starts showing its age in a house is the kitchen. Updating your kitchen is an exciting time – you get to replace old appliances, have a more functional layout, and get rid of all the pain points that have bothered you for years. A kitchen redo is also not the cheapest thing in the world which is why you want to make sure that the entire process flows smoothly, and you avoid costly mistakes. Read on for our top kitchen renovation dos and don’ts to avoid common mistakes many owners make.
DO Make Sure There’s Space to Move Around
When planning your new kitchen design, it can be tempting to get larger appliances, add a central island, add seating and a whole lot more. Which is all great provided you make sure that there is enough room to move around in the aisles. Have enough space for two cooks to move around each other – about 36 to 48 inches of room to maneuver should do it.
DON’T Neglect the Triangle
The kitchen triangle is sacrosanct to good kitchen design. Figure out the best work triangle for the shape of your room and plan your layout accordingly. Create the work triangle with the stove, sink, and refrigerator by thinking about your workflow in the kitchen. Even a large kitchen layout should make sure that the stove, fridge, and sink are all within easy access of each other without exceeding 20 – 26 feet between them. A well-planned triangle should also ensure that there is enough counterspace next to the stove so that you have space to prep or keep food that is going to be cooked.
DO Plan Your Lighting
You need plenty of light in your kitchen to make sure your fillets are filleted perfectly and to check your food isn’t burning. Plan your lighting carefully. Make sure that there are lights directly above you not behind if you’re planning recessed lighting otherwise your own shadow will make it difficult to see what you are going.
DON’T Neglect Storage
It doesn’t matter if you’re an occasional cook or someone who likes to make a three-course dinner everyday. Kitchen cabinets tend to fill up in the blink of an eye. Make sure that you plan your cabinetry well, so you have plenty of room for all those sauces and saucepans. If you have the space, consider including a butler’s pantry for that extra room.
DO Have a Budget
Kitchen renovation costs can spiral out of control if you don’t set a budget. Make lists of what you need to have and what you would like to have. Be realistic about what you can afford and let your renovations contractor know what you plan to spend. They might be able to help you fit as many things as possible into your budget while still maintaining quality. For example, if you are looking at an especially expensive piece of marble for your countertops, your contractor may be able to suggest something that still gives your kitchen the vibe you are going for while saving you money to allocate elsewhere.
Make sure you have a little extra set aside for any contingencies as well. You never know what you’ll find while ripping the old cabinets out.
DON’T Rush It
While getting your kitchen redone is exciting, kitchen renovations have to be done carefully. Discuss timelines with your contractor and be prepared for delays if they uncover problems with your existing water and gas plumbing and electrical wiring. These need to be resolved carefully so that you know your kitchen is as safe as possible for you and your family.
DO Your Research
Before starting your kitchen redesign, do your research on different kitchen layouts, how they fit in (or don’t) with your lifestyle, and research new appliances if you plan to replace your old ones. Check if your renovations mean you will be eligible for rebates or tax credits.
Research the various renovations contractors in your area carefully. Choose a kitchen renovations contractor with experience, satisfied customers, who is willing to communicate clearly and can take care of the entire project from conceptualization to finish.
Tartin Wood looks after every single detail of your kitchen renovation right down to appliance selection and guarantee a 3-year limited warranty on our craftsmanship. We’re committed to creating a beautiful space for you and your family.