There's no need to suffer through your kitchen renovation with these valuable tips compiled by our experts.
Plan your budget
Most people – particularly those new to renovating – don't plan their budget correctly and are surprised when it blows out. Remember that a makeover is not the same as a new kitchen, so, when comparing quotes, make sure you understand exactly what is included in each. DIY can sound like a cost-saving exercise, but homeowners often realise the difficulty of scheduling and coordinating trades. Delays caused by trades unavailability is a massive factor in a budget blowout.
Have an idea of material and finishes — laminate, two-pack, stone and solid timber.
Know your 'must haves' from your 'wish list.'
When you embark on a renovation, it's essential to know where you are prepared to compromise and where you are not. Be realistic about those items you feel you must have in your kitchen and those you could live without if you had to. If you are a serious cook and entertainer, it's better to invest in quality appliances, for example. Don't be afraid to be honest with your designer about this list – it's an essential tool they can use to ensure the final design meets your needs.
From hardware to handles — have an idea so they can be accounted for.
Open your eyes to the potential.
Mainly if you have been living with an old, dysfunctional kitchen for many years, or there is simply blank space on a plan from an architect or builder, it can be challenging to see the potential. But here's where we have the knowledge and experience to create a new kitchen that is all you desire. A makeover won't solve functionality issues, so don't be fooled into thinking a facelift will be a magic fix. Be prepared to consider moving or removing walls to create the ideal plan.
Allow plenty of time.
Too often, we see homeowners needing a new kitchen "in time for Christmas" or "in time for the new baby" and these types of time restrictions only add stress. If you want your kitchen renovated in time to cook a beautiful Christmas lunch, get started early in the year. The planning and design process needs time to ensure the space meets all your needs. Factories become very busy in the second half of the year, as do benchtop manufacturers, and it only takes one delay to upset the whole schedule.
Use professionals for a professional result.
If you receive a substantially cheaper quote than another, take the time to find out why. If the company is cutting corners to bring down the costs, you can be sure it will be the quality of the result and the communication through the process that will be sacrificed, not its profit margins. Always check the credentials of the company providing the quote – do the kitchen designers have specialist design qualifications or are they just salespeople? Have they entered and been successful in various industry-judged award programs?
Compare materials, hardware — make sure they're well made.
At David Powels Kitchens, we specialise in creating unique spaces for our customers, and our reputation is second to none. Talk to us today about your dream space and let our experts help you make it.
