Five Practical Kitchen Renovation Tips
Undertaking a kitchen renovation can be a game changer for boosting a property’s value, but it can also be a costly disaster – so how do you get it right?
As most of us are aware, Australia’s property market is currently running hotter than ever. Thanks to demand outstripping supply, stay at home orders, and savings on what would normally be for the holiday fund has introduced a unique combination of factors that has created the perfect storm for many homeowners to turn to renovating as a means to bring their property vision to life.
It’s no secret that kitchens are often one of the biggest influences on the final sale figure of a property, so as a result, renovations or refits in this area of the home is often the source of a budget blowout. As such, when researching designs for a kitchen renovation, it’s always a good idea to consider your budget, the overall design of your home, how you need the room to function, your own personal taste, and of course, your long term vision for the dwelling in the future.
How To Nail A Stress Free Kitchen Renovation
In Australia, purchasing and installing a new kitchen can cost anywhere between $7,000 right up to the six figure mark. The physical size and space of your kitchen area can also be a key influence, as this usually restricts and in turn dictates what can go where.
Although the big ticket appliances – stoves, ovens, fridges, microbes, dishwashers and other electrical appliances – are not generally included in the cost of a kitchen renovation or installation, they aren’t the only things that can sway the final figure.
Somewhat unsurprisingly, it’s often the materials that you opt for that will have a big impact on the cost of your renovation. This generally includes the substances used for your benches, splashbacks and cabinetry, or your handles, tapware and sinks. While the going rate typically differs according to a product’s quality, style or general popularity, every home owner is different when it comes to sifting through the ‘want vs need’ list. In saying that, there are always a few things that homeowners can do to ensure that their kitchen renovation is a streamlined, and (relatively) stress free experience.
Layout Comes First – Your kitchen’s measurements allow you to design an area that maximises the space, and plan ahead accordingly. Not only is the layout of your kitchen crucial when it comes to the overall design and inclusions, but knowing exactly how much space you have to work with and where will help calculate limits regarding the size of your appliances.
Make A Budget – Once you have a better idea on the basic layout, make a budget – and stick to it. While renovating often incurs unexpected expenses from minor issues here and there, the primary offender for these surprise costs is because a well-thought out budget has not been defined or implemented before the actual kitchen renovation gets underway.
Function Before Style – Whatever you do, don’t prioritise the look of your kitchen over how it’s actually supposed to function. Have a clear vision as to how you need the space to work for you – will you need a space that has room for an island bench, can you expect the kids to scoff their breakfast on a stool, or is it simply a space to cook dinner?
Retain Existing Plumbing – The most expensive part of any kitchen renovation is often the labour, so try to keep your existing plumbing materials and layout as is whenever possible. If you do need to make a few adjustments, consider adding a grey water system or a macerator as a cheaper alternative to a whole new pipe system.
Collect Samples – For many renovators, the whole point of a kitchen renovation is to give the heart of your home a facelift – and that often means new cosmetics. However, before you shell out hundreds or thousands of dollars on timber floors or marble benchtops, collect as many samples as you can to ensure that the final product matches the vision you have in mind.
Thankfully, the good news is that homeowners have never had more choice when it comes to sourcing materials that both look good, feel good, function well and are affordable. Since the kitchen is one of the few areas of a home where renovators can actually combine multiple flooring and wall materials, such as floors, splashbacks and even walls, it’s important to do the research before settling.
Talk To The Experts On Kitchen Tiles And Flooring
While your options for tile finishes are almost limitless, selecting the right type of product for your home certainly isn’t an easy feat. With each space, comes a different preference or priority: are you chasing style, functionality, or simply want to stay within the budget?
In operation for over 25 years, at Tile Wizards we pride ourselves on getting you more – for less. We pioneered the warehouse format, and our stores are purposefully designed to make your selection easier, and ultimately offer our customers quality, price and the right advice.
Even if you are just after some honest and friendly advice – please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at Tile Wizards today for a free quote. We’re able to work with you in order to bring your dream flooring solution to life.
