Choosing your appliances

You may have a rough idea of the appliances that you want. When you meet with the kitchen designer he will ask what oven and fridge you are going to choose. This is important for them because they need to know exactly how wide the fridge space needs to be, do you want a freestanding or dish drawer dishwasher?  What type of oven do you have in mind? I have learned that it’s so much easier to have the dimensions of the appliances on hand as this will save you time and make things flow smoother. Plus there can be a lot of decision making when it comes to taps, sinks and cupboard colours so it makes sense to get appliances like the fridge, oven and dishwasher first.

Know your budget

Before you start designing your kitchen and choosing various accessories, it is important to know exactly how much you would like to spend.  This can be a complicated process especially if you don’t have a ballpark cost for the renovation.  It is recommended that you get a quote for any renovation or building work before setting a budget for other aspects of the project. I definitely underestimated the costs of building work and also flooring. Grab a pen and paper and make a list of everything you need, how you plan on funding the project, and how much you can afford to set aside for emergency work.

Choose durable materials that are easy to maintain

Many people dream about the kitchens they see in magazines and the white marble filled spaces. While they look absolutely amazing, your kitchen will probably be a 15 year investment, so it’s important to choose materials that are durable. While marble can look fantastic, it is also extremely porous, meaning it can absorb stains and needs regular maintenance. Stainless steel is another great looking material that takes a lot of maintaining. Choosing the materials all comes down to personal preference, so just choose materials that meet the needs of you and your family.

Seek inspiration

Many people do not know what they want until they see it; this is why it’s important to seek inspiration from as many sources as possible. This will give you fresh ideas about the various styles and designs of kitchens. Interior design magazines usually feature photographs of unconventional kitchen styles and explain exactly how they created them. The internet is probably your greatest resource; there are a vast amount of interior design blogs that can provide you with fresh ideas.

Analyze your existing kitchen

Analyzing your existing kitchen will give you the best idea of what you want from your new kitchen. Take a walk around your kitchen with a pen and paper; make a note of the areas that you dislike and the areas that could be improved. Maybe your kitchen is lacking in workspace? Make a list of five things you like and dislike about your existing kitchen; this will give you a much better idea of what is needed to create your dream kitchen.

Hire the best professionals

Even though your budget may dictate who you can hire, choosing the right professionals is one of the most important aspects of remodeling a kitchen. Ask your family and friends for a recommendation, chances are that whoever they recommend will be of a decent standard. Or you could ask another professional to recommend someone, with their reputation on the line; they will only recommend the best person for the job.

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This is an article by David at Leekes, a home improvement company that specialize in Fitted Kitchens and kitchen remodeling.

Ready to start your kitchen remodeling project?  Give us a call for a free in home estimate!  We specialize in kitchen renovations. – Gary B.