Are you considering a new kitchen in 2023? Cowan Building discovers how to start when planning a kitchen renovation. PLUS: the crucial questions to ask your kitchen builder. 

 

Is that drab kitchen getting you down? Dreaming of new benchtops, cabinets, and flooring? If you have chosen to jump in and finally upgrade your existing kitchen, now is the time to get planning. 

 

How Do I Set a Kitchen Budget? 

The first and most crucial step of any renovation is to have a clear budget set in place. No renovation should go down to the wire when it comes to budgets. Always overcompensate slightly so you can ensure your project will go without a hitch. The great news is that if your project sticks perfectly to budget, you will have extra money left over in the kitty to splash out on kitchen extras. 

 

A complete kitchen renovation can cost anywhere between $15,000 to $40,000+. This will depend on the size of the kitchen, the fixtures, the fittings you wish to use, and the appliances. As a general rule of thumb, and to ensure you can recoup your investment if you choose to sell, a kitchen renovation should cost at most 15% of the value of your home and at least five percent. Again leaving a little extra money is key. 

 

How Do I Plan My Kitchen Design? 

The best way to start is to write down everything you wish to change in your kitchen. This could include more storage, a butler's pantry, a bigger fridge, additional bench prep space, or seating areas.  

 

Making a note of the things you love and want to change will allow functionality to come to the forefront. This is vital. There is no point spending thousands on the look of your kitchen only to discover it does not meet your family's needs. Once you have a reasonable budget and a fair idea of the functional aspects you want, you can start to research kitchen designs.  

 

When considering your kitchen design think about the home, it will be presented in. A full Hamptons-style kitchen in an ultra-modern home may not suit – unless you are considering an entire home renovation later.  

 

Now is the time to call in the experts. Your kitchen builder and designer can give you great advice and guidance to ensure the layout, materials, and theme will suit your needs and your budget. Professional advice is imperative to get the plan right. They are skilled experts in their field, with many homeowners attesting how impressed they are with the overall concept of the design. With a trained eye, they can offer advice that most would never consider. 

 

What Should I Ask My Kitchen Designer? 

When finding the best person to design, manufacture and build your kitchen, asking a few critical questions is a good idea. Think; 

·       Can I see examples of previous work similar to my space/budget? 

·       How long have you been building kitchens? 

·       How are payments structured? 

·       Do I need to organise any trades, or will you undertake this? 

·       Who will manage my project? 

·       Will the kitchen be built to budget? 

·       Can you customise my kitchen layout? 

·       How long will the renovation take? 

·       When can you start? 

 

Getting testimonials and a clear understanding of how the job will be completed is essential. It is important to ensure you understand precisely what you are signing up for and how long the job will take to complete. 

 

What Are The Top Five Reasons Kitchens Go Over Budget? 

There are a few reasons kitchens can go over budget and cause headaches for builders and homeowners. Here are the main reasons; 

 

1.     Bad Planning – if you decide to change your design halfway through or make any additions or exclusions, this can cost you more money. Having a good plan that you are 100% happy with from the get-go is essential. This is vitally important for the expensive aspects such as plumbing and electrical work. 

 

2.     Choose Your Fixtures/Fittings Wisely – choosing to upgrade these features will also end up costing more. For example, custom-made cabinetry can push your budget out, so ensure if you want a customisation of any features, this is built into your initial budget and not during the actual renovation. 

 

3.     Benchtops – this can push a budget out of wack. Particularly if you decide to now like natural stone instead of engineered stone. Enlisting a professional early on can ensure you can ask these questions before the job begins.  

 

4.     Unforeseen Issues – These could be issues lurking behind your tiles, like lousy plumbing or other problems. This is why having a little extra is very important particularly for much older homes looking for a revamp. 

 

5.     Appliances – as with fixtures and fittings, it's crucial to plan what appliances you want to use and stick to your plan. Upgrading appliances or choosing that you now want a new oven in your kitchen instead of your existing appliance can end up pushing your budget through the roof.  

 

With the right advice, you can easily stick to your budget and create the perfect new kitchen for you and your family. That looks stunning and reaches the mark in terms of functionality and style.