Australia (AU $)

10 Tips to Beat the Headache of a Kitchen Renovation

July 21, 2014

A kitchen renovation can be a big issue for everyone, including the most experienced renovator.

We have been involved in the renovation industry for more than 10 years so we have seen and heard all the disaster stories with kitchen renovations.

As a result of all this feedback and knowledge we have compiled the top 10 tips to a good renovation:

10 tips for having a headache free renovation

1. Make a list of what you do and don't like in your existing kitchen. Particularly keep in mind any specific function your new kitchen will need to perform. Consider if you are planning a larger family, the age of children, school, cooking.

2. Storage: Make a list of any unusual or unique items that may require specialized storage in your new kitchen. Look at your pots and pans, storage containers, popcorn maker etc.

3. Research: Visit showrooms, websites, magazines, new hoome displays to gather ideas and trends what is happening with renovations.

4. Think about how your kitchen relates to adjoining rooms. Do you want an open plan kitchen, what access is there to the kitchen, where are people walking to and from the kitchen, how will people pass through your kitchen?

When you have guests where will they congregate when you are cooking, how will you watch the children if you are preparing a meal?

5. Think once, think twice and think three times about how realistic you are with your kitchen and you will use it in the future.

Will you do alot or little meal preparation, how often will you cook, what will you cook?

How will your plans suit the new home and who will be using the kitchen. Is it just amakeover or a full renovation. How long do you plan to stay in the house?

6. Have a clear budget, discuss it with all the family and be clear with your kitchen manufacturer.

7. Get three quotes and make sure your kitchen manufacturer is licensed and qualified.

How you receive the quote will give you an insight into the kitchen manufacturer ie were they on time, how was the quote presented, did they provide references, definite time frames.

10 tips for planning a headache free renovation

8. Make sure you receive a written and guaranteed quote which clearly spells out the full contract of works and what materials and items are included.

If there are any changes make sure they are entered into the contract and signed by both parties. Always compare apples to apples when looking at different quotes.

9. Don't rush the project or put yourself under additional stress. Think about holidays, Christmas, family activities and give yourself enough time before these events to have your kitchen finished.

10. Don't leave your appliances until last, make the decision early in your planning process. We see a number of people who leave them until last and then they have to compromise themselves on the appliances and have to review their choices and thus miss out on getting the best from their kitchen.