Kitchens are one of the most popular rooms in the house to renovate; despite it being a big job in terms of both project scale and cost. So, before you hire a contractor and start bulldozing down walls, there are some important considerations to make. You need to set a budget, determine the design and style you want to follow and plan it all out properly. Kitchens Colwyn Bay are willing and able to help you with this process.
Set a Budget
As you begin the kitchen remodel process, you need to be completely realistic about the cost implications. Larger renovation projects such as this will often end up taking more time and money than you initially account for – so it’s a good idea to aim for a conservative budget which comes in just under your absolute maximum budget, this should ensure that there are some extra funds if your project does run over. A solid rule of thumb is to add another 10-20 percent for unplanned expenses through the project. The more of a financial cushion you are able to put aside, the better. You don’t want to be scrambling around for an additional loan mid-project which could delay progress or even leave you with a half-finished kitchen.
Hidden Costs
Remember to factor in the cost of labor and materials as well as VAT and any other shipping and delivery costs that might crop up during the project. These can add up incredibly quickly, so it’s important to keep track of all these purchases and costs throughout the project – consider setting up a spreadsheet to track everything in one place. You should also give some thought to whether you’ll be completing any of the tasks yourself, DIY can be a great way to reduce overall costs.
Research
Visit your local kitchen showrooms and home stores to figure out the cost of certain items, and then you can come away and discuss what you need and what you can realistically afford. Looking online at social media sites such as instagram and pinterest can also be a fantastic way to find inspiration for your new kitchen.
Quality Materials
It makes sense, but you should always aim to buy the best quality materials that you can afford. This is true for kitchens – you want to have high-quality and functional items that are for your own use and for a potential home resale. High-quality countertops, cabinets and appliances last so much longer, so you’ll only have to redecorate when you get the urge to!
Needs vs Wants
Put your practical head on, and don’t go crazy and buy unnecessary items. It can be incredibly tempting to buy lots of nice looking gadgets and gizmos, but it’s much better to purchase those reliable basics that you know you’re going to use. Remember, you need to consider that with every new appliance, your utility bill is going to increase – along with your maintenance responsibilities.
Kitchen Space Planning
Your chosen kitchen contractor can help you make sure that your new kitchen is laid out with consideration to safety. Here are some things to remember when mapping out your available kitchen space:
- Appliances: leave adequate floor space in front of your appliances so that the doors can be opened and you can still comfortably walk in front of them.
- Counters: you should plan to have at least 24 inches on one side of the sink and 18inches on the other. If you are able to fit more in, you should.
- Walkways: you should be considerate of traffic flow. There needs to be at least 42inches between the counters so that people can easily walk through without having to disrupt anyone working at the counters.
Final Considerations
You should have final meetings with your chosen contractor and kitchen designer in order to discuss all of your plans in detail. This will be a final run-through of how you’ve planned your space, which will ensure convenience and ease of movement for you and your family.