Your kitchen should reflect your lifestyle. It should accommodate your cooking needs, provide the type of space you need for dining, as well as offer plenty of storage. Its décor should complement the current style and look and feel of your home and be suitable for the gatherings that happen there.

If you are considering remodelling your kitchen, here are a couple of important pointers worth considering:

1. Reasoning – Why renovate?

What is the main reason for renovating? Consider the following:

• increase re-sale value
• add more counter space
• reconfigure cabinets and storage
• update appliances
• improve kitchen layout
• update colour or style
• incorporate technology

2. Functionality – What are your goals for the kitchen space?

What are the top five priorities for your kitchen renovation? List them.

• What do you like about your current kitchen?
• What additional features would you like to add to your current kitchen?
• Identify what about the current layout does not work for you?

 What activities take place in your kitchen?

• Cooking, baking, laundry, entertainment, homework etc
• Dining – what meals do you eat in the kitchen?
• Identify which appliances you use the most
• Storage space (consider kitchen cabinet space as well as other storage areas such as a pantry)

3. Space – Do you have enough space?

• This helps avoid unnecessary gaps and the horror of a fridge that no longer fits.

4. Layout

• Do you want a brand new kitchen layout or to simply tweak the existing one?
• Your layout should incorporate the points covered in the functionality of the kitchen
• Draw a sketch of the new kitchen with a clear indication of where the following will be:
• Cabinet
• Appliances (stove, fridge, microwave, ovens, dishwasher, washing machine, tumble dryer, sinks, etc)
• Work space
• Eating/dining space

• Tip: Ensure that you plan your space around your appliances
• If your budget is limiting your creativity, consider working around existing plumbing and wiring
• Tip: consider sunlight direction when designing your kitchen layout
• Tip: When scouting for appliances, ensure that you have the correct measurements
• Get expert advice from a contractor – ask your contractor for a sketch scaled to the correct measurements

5. Look / Feel – Which appliances? Which trend?

• How would your ideal kitchen look? Does it have a modern flair? Or is it more rustic or traditional?
• What colours do you have in mind for your kitchen? Do you prefer understated neutral shades or bold vibrant colours?
• Tip: your look and feel should be similar to the look and feel of your house

6. Infrastructure

• Depending on the age of your kitchen, you may need to deal with various electrical or plumbing issues as you remodel. Work with a professional contractor to ensure that your current electrical circuit can accommodate the additions (appliances, lighting, etc.) you are planning to install before you buy them.
• In an older house, you may find yourself with sagging floors that need to be fixed or crooked walls that need to be straightened out. These are budget busters that many homeowners do not plan for.

7. Time – When?

• Be prepared for a long haul.
• Be aware that unforeseen changes may occur, leading to delays.
• Remember that your kitchen will not be functional during the construction phase; it is advisable to make alternative plans.
• It is advisable to prepare pre-cooked frozen meals or consider the fast food option. Alternatively make alternative cooking and / or living arrangements with friends or family.

8. Budget – How much?

• Discuss all the related costs with your contractor
• Do your research, find out what’s available in the market – visit showrooms, read magazines, conduct internet research or visit tradeshows. The more research you do before making decisions, the less likely you are to change your mind
• It’s a good idea to have 2 options/alternatives for appliances, countertops and tiles
• The following costs should be taken into account:
• Labour costs
• Costs of cabinets and countertops
• Cost of appliances and accessories such as door handles, mixers, sinks, bar stools or table/chairs for seating
• Plumbing costs
• Electrical costs
• Cost of tiles
• Lighting costs

• Once you have a project quote, ensure that you have enough budget in place to complete the project. Remember to add an extra 20% for any unforeseen issues that may occur.

9. Value of the final product – Will it be a good return on investment?

• If at some point you decide to move house, will this renovation increase the value of your home? Ensure you renovate within the parameters of a good return on investment.

10. Contractor – Who?

• Hire a contractor who can work within a reasonable budget. Make sure you check referrals before hiring and signing any agreements. Get recommendations from friends who have renovated before.

11. Schedule

• While it is often impossible to follow a renovation schedule exactly to plan, it is still necessary to have a basic schedule in place with your contractor. Include details such as payment schedules, renovation phases etc. Remember to keep track of any changes that may occur.

12. Hidden Problems

• Expect the unexpected. You can never predict what may occur during a renovation
• An older home may require additional electrical or plumbing upgrades in the kitchen, be prepared for this.

13. Prepare and Pack

• Pack up your kitchen two to three days prior to the renovation. Packing up a kitchen is hard work so make sure you leave yourself enough time.
• Tip: make use of rolling storage cabinets to pack up kitchenware that is frequently used and move to another room for ease of access.
• Keep in mind that the renovation will be noisy and messy. Remember to close-off the area to avoid dust spreading into surrounding rooms.
• Tip: a good trick is to tape the door frames with plastic sheeting and masking tape