You may know that your current kitchen no longer suits your needs and that new kitchens are those you admire in other people’s homes, but what gets you from A to B? How do you plan for a new kitchen installation to make sure the entire process goes smoothly? Some of the following information may be helpful.
Identify What Your Current Kitchen Lacks
Even before you start researching new kitchens, identify what you don’t like about your current kitchen. You may then be able to avoid design issues in your final design.
It might lack storage or bench space, or it might be too closed off from the rest of the home. Even the shape may not suit your needs. Once you have the issues written down, you can move onto the research phase.
Research Your Options
Because there are so many kitchen designs available, it can take some time to determine the features you like or need in your new kitchen. A cabinet maker may be able to assist with this process, especially if you are hiring one to design a new kitchen for you.
At the research phase, you need to determine the style and colouring you prefer and even the materials you’d like, such as stone, concrete, tiles, and quartz.
It also helps to consider your kitchen’s shape to ensure it’s going to suit your space and the flow of your home. Some people prefer the simplicity of double galley or island, while others prefer the defining lines of U-shape and L-shape kitchens. If you work with professional cabinet makers, they can sketch out a shape to best suit your floorplan.
Set a Budget
The sky is truly the limit on a new kitchen. A budget kitchen, not including kitchen appliances, can cost upwards of $20,000. Although, Archicentre Australia 2019 Cost Guide estimates a price tag of between $15,000 and $43,000. Based on your requirements, your chosen cabinetmaker will be able to give you a general idea.
You may also see the value in breaking down your budget into the features of a kitchen, such as the worktops, appliances, cabinets, and installation.
Bring Your Ideas to Life
Once you have nailed down your kitchen style, colours, and design preferences, you can work with a cabinetmaker or a design professional to come up with a drawing of what your kitchen would look like. At this stage, you can start making changes and finetuning features until you’re entirely happy with what you’re seeing.
Start the Build
It can be quite exciting getting to the ‘start the build’ phase of a kitchen renovation. Ask your chosen cabinetmaker how long it will take for them to build the cabinetry, and then the timeframe for the kitchen to be finished and in place for you to use it.
By knowing the timeframe, you can plan accordingly. For a set period of time, you may not be able to use your kitchen and will need to have a plan B for family meals and preparation.
There can be a lot to consider when planning new kitchens, such as knowing what you want and how much you want to spend. Though, if you follow these steps above, you may be on track for having that new kitchen build sooner rather than later.