If you ask people to choose only one room at their house or apartment they would like to renovate, the majority of them will opt for renovating their kitchen. As incredible as it may seem, even men who do not cook, letting their better halves take care of food, have their own idea of how this important area should look like.
However, a kitchen is one of the most challenging spaces to revamp because it has to be not only eye-catching but also highly functional – otherwise, it just doesn’t serve the purpose. That’s why you have to think of everything in advance, even such insignificant at first glance details as the placement of a built-in coffee maker or choice of cabinet primer.
Believe it or not, everything is much easier when carefully planned and well thought out, and it’s especially true if you are plotting to renovate your kitchen, which is also a pretty big investment. Read on to brush up on 6 essential things you need to know before embarking on this exciting yet complex journey.
#1: Your Real Needs And Budget
It’s no secret, kitchens are not only one of the most complicated but also the most expensive rooms to renovate, hence the first thing you should do is to determine your real needs and see whether or not they can fit into your budget. There is nothing worse than getting stuck right in the middle of the process because you can’t afford to buy certain materials or pay cabinetmakers. If you are not an instant millionaire with an infinite budget, do not dream too big and plan something you won’t actually use.
#2: You May Need Help Of A Designer
No doubt, you are the one who knows exactly what you want but chances are, you will be hard-pressed to find a solution for making your dream come true. A good interior designer can help you with a myriad of things, from space optimization to the selection of color scheme, as well as the paint and primer for your future cabinets. The folks at LifeRejoice.com stress the importance of using a primer to achieve a clean and efficient painting experience. And one more thing, many designers charge per hour, therefore professional help doesn’t necessarily have to cost you a fortune, especially if you are ready to do some research on the internet.
#3: Don’t Skimp On Appliances
This is not to say that you have to buy the most spicy-pricey wine fridge or dishwasher but we do encourage you to get the best within your budget. Especially, if you will have built-in appliances that are more expensive and often not so easy to replace. Again, you will need to know in advance all the dimensions of every item to avoid unpleasant surprises.
#4: It May Take Longer Than You Think
We all love those engaging TV shows but let’s face it, the reality is very different. Of course, your contractor will tell how long the entire process is going to take but be prepared to wait a bit longer. Try to stay in control of the renovation, spending as much time as you can on spot. If people who work for you see that you are interested in what’s going on, they will do their best to stick to the agreed timeframes and quality of the work.
#5: It’s Not Easy To Find The Right People
Regardless of whether it’s about cabinetmakers, electricians, plumbers, or painters, be ready to speak and meet with a lot of them until you find your perfect fit. It’s great if your designer can recommend you a trustworthy squad but if not, make sure to set aside enough time to research the market. Invite potential candidates to show them your kitchen and explain what you want. This way you can see if they share your vision and can offer a solution for eventual challenges.
#6: Some Stuff Is Not Worth Keeping
It makes sense to try to minimize costs but keeping old stuff is not a good way to reach your goals. Do not keep existing plumbing, wiring, or windows if they are not able to meet the demands of your new kitchen. You will have to replace them later and it may cost your dearly.
Renovating your kitchen can easily become one of the most exciting experiences in your life. The key to success is knowing exactly what you want and planning ahead every step and every detail. Thanks to the tips stated above, you can renovate your kitchen with the least amount of stress possible.
