When you start planning your kitchen renovation please note of the following factors:
- The ceiling height of your kitchen. If you have a high ceiling, like 10-12 feet, and would like to have the kitchen cabinets all the way to the ceiling, the cabinet’s cost will be high. The height requires a custom kitchen cabinet and brings the cost up high. Therefore, it is important to have a kitchen designer who can design your kitchen at least closer to your budget. Sometimes, we do not know the real cost and do not have a set budget since we do not have a proper kitchen plan. Do not avoid hiring a kitchen designer. You will save more by paying a fee to design your kitchen.
- Choosing custom cabinets with lots of additional requirements like special knife storage and special corner cabinets. Please read my blog on corner cabinets to avoid high costs without knowing the types that exist. Before committing to all the fancy features consider how much you will be using these cabinets. Avoid many drawers that bring the cost high. Less drawers the cost of the cabinets is less. You can have one upper drawer and the rest just doors and shelves inside.
- Choosing your countertop material is essential when you are on a budget. There are many other alternatives to natural stone, and please ask your designer to show you the choices to avoid the higher cost. Keep in mind that the stone installation cost varies depending on the stone type you will be using.
- Appliances are another big expense, and they range widely. Luxury appliances like Wolf and Sub-Zero are considered high-end. I really like Fisher and Paykel appliances. You can mix and match to avoid higher costs but keep the finish the same on all your appliances.
- Please consider that during the renovation, you will be facing unseen structural issues. Once you open the wall, surprises arise, e.g., termites, broken and old water pipes, and mould issues. To avoid this, please have your contractor do pre-project due diligence. I recommend adding a 20% contingency to your kitchen renovation budget for unexpected surprises.
- Changing your mind in the mid-renovation. Suddenly, your ambition takes over, and you want better and more features. That brings the cost way up. The change of order adds up and escalates the cost and the aggravation due to the unforeseen delays. To avoid all this, hire a professional designer who can visualize your kitchen in 3D photorealistic rendering. Seeing your space before committing to any changes helps you to make up your mind and have precise planning when renovating your kitchen.