There are lots of decisions to make when it comes to kitchen renovations. In fact, planning a kitchen renovation of any kind requires plenty of decision making, long before the first tool ever gets raised. You have to consider money, timing, the extent of work you want accomplished, and how much inconvenience you are willing to put up with while the actual work is going on. Before you start picking colours, you might want to think about some of these…
Decisions, Decisions…
Things to Consider When Making Kitchen Renovation Decisions
Budget
While you might think about kitchen cabinets, counter tops, faucets, and flooring. The very first decision you have to make is around money—how much do you want to spend? Every other decision you make factors around that. Your budget affects all aspects of your kitchen; from scope (refacing versus full remodel) to the quality of materials (laminate versus natural stone). More money spent on one aspect of your kitchen remodel affects how much you have to spend on other details. If you go top of the line on counters, there might be less in the budget for flooring. For most of us, the almighty budget (and any wiggle room it might hold), is the key to any home renovation. As such, it needs plenty of consideration.
Timing
Of course timing is important too. We are not just talking about summer versus winter either. While you might be able to deal with a massive kitchen remodel in the summer by escaping to your outdoor kitchen and barbecue, come winter that might look like a lot more takeout and your morning tea via a kettle in the bathroom. What other things are on your calendar though? Is now the right time for a kitchen renovation if you have a big project coming up at work, if your daughter is getting married and the in-laws are looking for someplace to stay, or if you are already working on other home reno projects? Do yourself a favour and think about what else is going on in life before committing to a remodel.
Scope
The budget always affects decisions, but it is important to decide how much work you want to have done. The scope of work detailed needs to be considered. If you already have part of the kitchen needing work, does it make sense to do it all at once? Sometimes. A slightly larger budget and plan might reduce costs in the long run. Of course sometimes our dreams run away on us, when just a small renovation might suffice. Do you really want to rip out walls? Could that corner cabinet be repurposed and refaced, instead of gutted? How much time are you willing to commit to the project depending upon the amount of work slated?
Tolerance
Certainly not last on the list of factors to consider, but something many people don’t give enough thought to is your tolerance to the process. Kitchen renovations require planning, purchasing of materials, demolition, and plenty of muscle hours to accomplish the actual work. If dealing with dust and debris gives you a case of the hives, do you want to be around for a full kitchen remodel? Maybe or maybe not. Some people set their sights on the end goal—the kitchen of their dreams—and see past the missing cabinets. If the thought of living out of a drawer in your living room makes you want to scream though, perhaps a smaller job might be more your cup of tea. Home renovations can cause stress and you need to be realistic with yourself on that front. What are you truly willing to put up with and for how long? That is an important consideration.
Are you ready? So are we. Call Revival Home Renovations today to discuss your kitchen renovation plans.