10 Amazing Tips for How to Renovate a Kitchen
Completing a kitchen renovation adds a lot of value not only to your quality of life but also to your property. The decision to get a new kitchen is an incredibly exciting one, but is also daunting! There’s so much to think about, and trying to create a realistic budget isn’t often easy.
Today, we’ll explore typical kitchen renovation costs, how to spruce up your kitchen on a budget, and what to avoid when renovating your kitchen space.
Before
After
What does the average kitchen renovation cost?
A typical kitchen renovation in the US will cost around $25,047—or $150 per square foot. Most people spend between $13,160 and $37,011 for a full kitchen renovation.
If you’re working with a particularly small or large space and aren’t sure how much it’ll cost you, you can calculate the average cost of your kitchen renovation using this Kitchen Renovation Cost Calculator.
How can I modernize my kitchen cheaply?
If you’re looking to redecorate on a budget, here are some less costly things you can do to modernize your kitchen:
· Install a pendant light: this adds drama and mood to your kitchen, especially islands. Pendant lights are sleek, modern and allow you to bring an element of glamor to your kitchen.
· Upgrade your hardware: New hardware is relatively inexpensive and can bring new life to your kitchen.
· Replace your flooring: Replacing your floor is often inexpensive and is a great way to make your kitchen look fresh and new.
What should you not do in a kitchen renovation?
We know plenty of things are good ideas when renovating a kitchen, but what should you avoid when getting the job done?
· Choose your appliances last. While it may be true that kitchen appliances are the last things to be installed, you may want to think about picking them out as early as you can. Your appliances should fit comfortably between your cabinets, but you might not know their specific measurements until you pick them out. If you’re having your kitchen gutted, aim to build your kitchen around your appliances, not the other way around.
· Ignoring the finer details in an attempt to save money. Appliances like the fridge, dishwasher and washing machine may be the first thing that comes to mind when you imagine your dream kitchen. Still, it’s also good to remember the smaller details like cabinet pulls, backsplashes, cupboard handles and plug sockets. It may feel as though you’re saving a lot of money upfront, but you’ll likely have to pay to have these things updated before too long.
· Being indecisive or making decisions at the last minute. You want to be certain of any design decisions you make, and procrastinating or changing your mind can result in stress, delays and higher fees from your contractors.
· Trying to save money on bigger items because they can be expensive up-front. Always choose the best quality worktops you can afford; you’ll use them more than any other kitchen element. Make sure you go for good-quality cabinets because thin carcasses won’t last long.
In what order do you renovate a kitchen?
When you’re thinking about having your kitchen renovated, there are plenty of things to think about. Here’s the specific order in which you might want to consider these things:
1. Figure out what you like about your kitchen and what you want to change. Clear out anything that’s been gathering dust and assess which elements of your appliances and furniture you’d like to rethink. Decide whether you want to open up space or make it feel cozier.
2. Ask yourself the following questions regarding plumbing and heating:
o do I plan to use existing plumbing for sinks and appliances, or will I need additional pipework?
o Do I want a kitchen island, and if so, is there electricity and plumbing already in place?
o Where will appliances go, and will I have plug points where I need them?
o Where will the sink go, and will the washing machine and dishwasher be nearby?
3. Think about your lighting options. The best thing about a flexible lighting system is that you can focus on any independent part of the kitchen at any time. Secondary lighting helps bring the focus onto your favorite worktop, appliance, or island counter.
4. Create a mood board. Collect magazines, read design blogs, print out photos of your dream accents and put together an inspiring mood board. This can give you an idea of what you want your kitchen to look like, but it can also shed some light on things you thought would look great but might not work.
5. Set a budget, and be realistic so that your designer can help you figure out where to save and what to invest in. We can easily get carried away when we’re picking out shiny, new appliances and accessories, so only invest in things you’ll use frequently. Remember to include installation fees in your budget, and an extra ten percent on top, in case of any unexpected incidentals.
6. Once you know how much you can spend, consult a kitchen designer. It’s their job to know what will look perfect in your new kitchen and they’ll have up-to-date knowledge of the latest kitchen trends. They can source everything for you, but remember: only agree on an installation and design quote once the designer has looked at your space. Be sure the full quotation includes the cabinetry and installation and check what the cost includes.
7. Find your installation team! This step may take a little time, so be prepared to do some research. As with any job, a great kitchen fitter can make even cheap units look great, so it’s worth being certain you’ve picked the right team. Depending on the extent of your renovation needs, you may require architects, kitchen suppliers, fitters, builders, plumbers and electricians.
8. Choose your finishing touches. So, your project’s finished and now it’s time to be creative. Cabinet handles, wall decorations, plants, window coverings and lightbulbs can all make a huge difference to the overall look of your kitchen.
Is it worth doing a kitchen renovation?
Whether or not it’s worth renovating your kitchen depends on how long you plan to live in your current home, and how much the renovation would increase its value. Provided your team of designers, installers and contractors give you the results you want, it’s worth it and can give your whole home a brand new lease of life!
Top 5 Things To Consider When Renovating Your Kitchen
Plan everything: remember Benjamin Franklin’s famous quote: “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” This definitely applies to kitchen renovations, especially if you’re managing it yourself! Here are our best resources to help you do that:
· Let us take care of it for you with our easy 4-step process
· Kitchen Remodel Design Guide
· Best Kitchen Remodel Software
Creating your kitchen renovation budget: When it comes to any home improvements, creating a budget and sticking to it is crucial. You can easily get swept away by the excitement of buying little matching pieces for your kitchen, thinking the individual cost of each item is trivial, but they all add up in the end. Create a strict budget at the beginning of the project, sub-categorizing each cost, from cabinets and countertops to new floor tiles.
Use our Kitchen Remodel Cost Estimator for further help.
Designing the look and feel of your kitchen: Your kitchen says a lot about you as a person; the colors, materials, shapes and textures you choose all express your individuality and taste. Don’t forget to consider the details, such as:
· Focal points for people when eating in the kitchen
· Views you may want to take advantage of
· Smart storage solutions you may need/want
· Natural light
· Your preferred metal finishes (see our guide to kitchen sinks, faucets & fixtures)
· Consider a mix of shelving and cabinetry
· Consider incorporating color through your kitchen accessories so you can change it up frequently
Choosing the best materials for renovating your kitchen: The materials you select determine the overall “feel” of your kitchen. A marble-heavy kitchen feels sleek and modern, a kitchen with plants, wood and earthy tones feels warm, and inviting and one with high, beamed ceilings and dark wood furniture gives a classic, farmhouse feel.
Don’t forget that the quality of the materials will also determine how long they last. More expensive sometimes means it is also more likely to stain, so do your research before you choose. (See our guide to kitchen countertops.)
Maximizing the usable space in your renovated kitchen: In a small apartment or family kitchen, every square foot counts! Instead of over-filling the kitchen with cupboards and drawers, make use of the wall space. Install small hooks for pots, pans and anything else you can hang on a wall! Make the most of your kitchen corners by installing corner shelving or pull-out drawers in the small space between your fridge and the wall. Explore smart storage solutions – read our Guide to Kitchen Storage Solutions here.
A kitchen renovation can be a lengthy and involved process, with many people, much logistical planning and complicated building procedures. But it doesn’t have to be complicated, provided you’re willing to do your research, set a strict budget and plan ahead.
If you want to renovate your kitchen without the hassle, extra fees and long turnaround period, contact Skipp for a renovation estimate today! We make the process simple and save you money. We provide you with professional designs so that you can create that kitchen you have always dreamed of. To find out more about our easy 4-step process, click here.
