2 Important Things To Know Before Embarking On Your First Kitchen Renovation Project
Posted on: 25 April 2018
When it comes to home renovation projects, kitchens are one of the most popular for many Australian homeowners. An old kitchen, while still perfectly functional, can really date a home's interior and may not be entirely suitable for the variety of functions modern families now expect from their kitchens.
Kitchen renovations can also be more complex, more expensive and more difficult to get right than many other projects. This is largely due to the sheer number of different elements that make up a kitchen and the highly visible positioning of the kitchen in the home.
If you're about to embark on your first kitchen renovation, you may be feeling excited and daunted in equal measures. To help ease your concerns, here are two important things that you should know before the installation of your new kitchen begins.
1. It's not a quick project
Many people have been lulled into the false idea derived from home improvement TV shows that kitchens or even entire homes can be completely remodelled in just a few days. In reality, these things take time, and for a full kitchen remodel, you can usually expect it to take several weeks from start to finish.
A lot of this time is due to the actual installation project, but many people also forget about the sometimes extensive preparation time. The old kitchen needs to be stripped out, which can be particularly painstaking when there is a lot of tiling. Often, repairs will also need to be made to plasterboard and waterproofing materials added before the installation can begin.
2. Planning is vital
Kitchens are generally the most expensive room to renovate, and whatever size your budget may be, you'll no doubt want to stick as closely to it as possible. One of the most important ways to ensure you don't overspend is to make sure that every detail is planned and accounted for before the contractors begin work.
Making changes mid-build, such as changing your mind about the position of different fittings or deciding on a different material for your benchtop or splashback, will most likely blow your budget. Contractors pre-order all of the materials they need so that they arrive on-site on time. Moving appliances or plumbing fixtures will involve costly labour by specialised tradespeople.
Having a strong design that you feel very confident with will help to prevent these mid-build crises of confidence. Working with an experienced designer who can not only plan your kitchen but also provide you with a visual mockup of the finished kitchen is a great way to achieve this. Contact a company like Bowtie Joinery to learn more.
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