The kitchen is undoubtedly the soul of the home. From quick morning coffees to Christmas roasts for friends and family, the kitchen sees a lot of traffic and wear. Therefore, it is often one of the first rooms in the house to get remodeled and renovated. Here are some tips on how to successfully plan and execute a kitchen renovation.
Set a Budget
Before you go about choosing tiles, light fixtures, and furniture for your new kitchen, determine a budget first. A kitchen renovation is a considerably large project that can easily end up costing you more time and money than you anticipated. Decide on the maximum amount that you are willing to spend. Then, designate 80 percent of it as your spending budget. This will ensure that you have a safety buffer for unplanned and surprise expenses.
If you will hire professionals to assist you in your renovation, be sure to allocate a generous estimate for the cost of consultations and labor. Aside from the costs of materials, remember to account for possible taxes and delivery charges. Make sure to consider all expenses, including the meals that you will have to buy when you cannot cook. The last thing you want is to have a half-finished kitchen and no more funds.
Research and Plan
Research is an essential part of establishing a realistic budget. Visit furniture showrooms and home improvement stores to get a clear estimate of how much things cost and what you can afford. The vision of your perfect kitchen may not match the price of what is available. Try to visit as many show kitchens or homes around Montreal as possible to get ideas on how to build your dream kitchen for the budget that you have.
If you have the choice, always go for high-quality materials that will last longer. This will prevent you from having to undertake another renovation in the next decade. Well-made cabinets, quality cooktops, and energy-saving appliances will retain their value at resale. Should you not have the budget for brand new, consider repurposing or updating used items that are in good condition or buying from individual sellers instead of businesses.
Plan the Ideal Layout
A kitchen often sees heavy usage and it needs to be one of the most functional rooms in the house. You do not want to be running from one end of the room to another when you are cooking so consider the kitchen work triangle. The kitchen work triangle was developed in the 1940s with efficiency as its goal. The idea is to have the cooktop, sink, and refrigerator located in a close triangle to maximize convenience.
You also want to make sure that there is plenty of counter space for food preparation. Note that many small appliances such as coffee machines will take up valuable counter space. Thus, consider adding a kitchen island or a movable workstation that can be stowed away. If you find this task extremely difficult, consider engaging a Montreal remodeling contractor to help you map out and design your kitchen space.
Select Fixtures and Finishes
During your research process, you must have seen dozens of kitchens throughout Montreal. No doubt you would have taken photos of some fixtures and finishes that you love. Now is the time for you to decide on a final kitchen style and choose the fixtures that will complete your kitchen makeover. Should you need extra ideas, head to Pinterest or Houzz or browse the online catalogs of kitchen fixture providers to get inspired.
A large part of finishing your kitchen is choosing the right countertop. Quartz is a popular and affordable choice but granite is more durable and can withstand higher temperatures. Faucets can change the entire feel of your kitchen and they are used very frequently, so sure to select a high-quality one. Also, choose light fixtures that not only illuminate your work area but add warmth and layers to your kitchen.
Hire the Professionals
Unless you are a builder by trade, you will probably need to engage an interior designer, architect, or Montreal kitchen renovation specialist to assist with your kitchen remodel. Even if you can do some part of the renovation such as installing the cabinets or putting up the drywall, you will need to call in a professional for certain tasks such as putting in the floors, setting up the electrics, or moving the plumbing around.
When choosing a contractor, find one who offers a free site visit and consultation. This way, you can hear what they suggest and get an estimate of the cost before committing to anything more. The cheapest quotes may come with surprise additions throughout the project so choose contractors that provide transparent quotations with a complete breakdown of costs. Look for industry experience, a proven track record, and excellent service.
You can hire a renovation specialist to help with certain components of your renovation such as the cabinets and countertops, or you can engage them to manage the entire project from start to finish. Renovation experts can help to suggest layouts, designs, materials, and fixtures that fit in with your budget and requirements. They will also have a project manager to oversee the contractors and the progress of your project.