The Kitchen Renovation Guide The following is a simple kitchen renovation checklist. It aims to assist you, and us, in preparing for your new kitchen. If it's been while since you last renovated a kitchen, you will find that a lot has changed. The options, ideas, appliances, etc have all evolved. Components of a Kitchen Renovation Budget The first item on the kitchen renovation checklist is budget. Having a budget to work with will help you determine what you can and can't do. Without clear parameters it's easy to find the scope of the renovation growing. Knowing your budget limitations will guide your choices. Tight on funds? Those solid gold taps might have to make way for gold plated alternatives, for example. Floor Plan What are the options? Give some thought to what the possibilities are. Your current kitchen location may not be your only option. What would happen if you moved, or removed some walls? Is there another area that is better suited for the kitchen, and your lifestyle? If your ideas include structural changes you should consult a builder before starting. Style Do you have a style that you particularly love, or are you unsure? Do your research to get a feel for what works for you. Here's a few ideas to get you started: Flick through some magazines. If you can, tear out the things that inspire you Make a mood board, or scrap book of ideas you like Scour the internet for kitchen renovation websites. Many kitchen companies have renovation galleries, including ours. Have a look at Houzz for ideas (www.houzz.com.au) You might also find site like Pinterest and Instagram helpful Take photos of things you like, and those you don't. Cabinetry What type of cabinetry are you looking for? The options have evolved over the years, so take some time to investigate what is available to you. Once there was just cupboards for plates, and drawers for cutlery. Now there are cupboards and drawers for everything! Consider how you use your kitchen, and consider the options:
Drawers Cupboards Pot Drawers Corner Cupboards Pantry Material There are a variety of materials available to consider. Here is a list to get you going: / Veneers Feature Glass 2 pack paint / Lacquer Finishes And what about finishes? High Gloss, Semi gloss or Matt? When choosing your finish give some thought to: How they reflect or absorb light. How they suit the style of kitchen you have chosen How they show or hide dirt, fingerprints, etc Ease of cleaning Hardware Once again, the options can appear endless. Consider your overall style in making your choices. Remember, you'll be using these knobs and handles every day! If you can, try them out. Looks are one thing, but how do they feel to use? Butler's Pantry Are you considering a butler's pantry? What appliances, storage, etc do you want to include? If you're including appliances, factor in the trades and services needed to achieve this.
Benchtops When choosing a benchtop for your kitchen there are many considerations. For example, style, durability, practicality and budget. The options available to renovator's today are many and varied. Here's a small list to get your started: Natural stone Engineered stone Concrete Acrylic Metal Appliances and Fixtures There are so many appliances and fixtures available for modern kitchens. Do your research early, as some of your choices may impact your design. Give consideration to the smaller appliances you want in your kitchen as well. Understanding their frequency of use and their size. This will help plan for their storage, and the benchtop space required for their use. Some of the more common appliances to consider are: Fridge Freezer Oven/s Cooktop Microwave Rangehood Dishwasher Coffee machine Sink Tapware Kettle Toaster Juicer Mixmaster List everything you can think of, and plan for it!
Splashbacks Splashbacks come in a variety of materials. It's not just tiles and glass. Here's a list for your consideration: Window Glass Mirror Acrylic Porcelain Sheet Tile Stone Metal Brick Bear in mind that some of these materials work best in combination, eg timber covered with glass. There are also regulations to consider as well. Flooring It's a good idea to think about your flooring before you begin. The type of flooring you choose may impact on your renovation schedule. When you install the flooring, ie before or after kitchen installation, may depend on the flooring choice. Some flooring options to consider: Tile Stone Concrete Cork Rubber Vinyl
Trades DIY or Outsourced? The last item on the kitchen renovation checklist is trades. Project managing a kitchen renovation can be complex. Consider whether you have the skills, knowledge and time to renovate on your own. We believe it's always better to leave it to experienced kitchen renovators. Having said that, if you are planning to go it alone, or manage the process yourself, plan ahead. Here's a list of some of the trades you are likely to need: Cabinet Maker Carpenter Electrician Plumber Tiler Floor Coverer Plasterer Painter Stonemason Glazier You will need to coordinate these trades to ensure you avoid delays. Once again, we recommend and experience kitchen renovation team that includes project management. Planning a renovation can be daunting! We hope this kitchen renovation checklist helps you in understanding and planning the many bits and pieces that go into making a great kitchen.