5 Considerations Before Starting a Kitchen Renovation Project

Beginning a new renovation or redecorating project can be a daunting task, but also rewarding when the reno is completed. Before jumping headfirst into your next kitchen renovation, take a look at these suggestions to consider on the front end.

Money Talks

The project budget should be your first consideration when thinking about beginning a renovation. Knowing how much money you have to work with, and how much you are realistically willing to spend on the project is essential to deciding on the next steps. Budget consideration should include more than just cabinet paint colors and the type of flooring you want. Your budget should include room for unexpected expenses such water damage from leaking appliances, or removing asbestos if you live in an older home. The project budget should include money for everything from unexpected expenses to flooring to new appliances, and everything in between. Consider doing a walk-through of the room you are renovating when planning out your budget so you can actually see what you need to include.

Layout Your Plan

The layout you want for your new kitchen renovation is a major decision, and can make or break your budget. Changing up a kitchen layout means changing plumbing, moving appliances, and possibly removing walls. If you have a slab foundation, the expenses for changing the layout only increases. So, while it may seem like a good idea to finally move that kitchen sink under the backyard window just like Grandma had hers, your budget may not agree with your plan. Changing your layout may lead to other unexpected expenses. These changes can also affect the expected time period for the project, so if you are aiming for a quick reno start by ruling out changes to the layout.

Update the Out-Dated

Any time a well-respected contractor comes into your home to perform reno work, they will check your electrical box and your plumbing to insure that everything is up to date with current codes, especially if you live in an older home. If out-of-date wiring or panel box is discovered, replacing them will be another expense taken out of your reno budget. Again, this is something to include when determining your initial budget for the project.

Expect the Unexpected

There’s a reason we recommend including unexpected expenses in your budget. No renovation project goes off without at least one hitch, and it’s very important that you plan for this to happen. You never know what will be discovered when walls, flooring, or cabinetry are removed, especially if you live in an older home. Not only should you include room in your budget for unexpected expenses, but you should also have a back-up plan in case a problem arises that exceeds your planned budget.

Make up Your Mind

While change orders are common and nearly inevitable with renovation projects, they can become costly and counterproductive. This is why it’s important to be sure about the decisions you are making for your reno. Do you really love marble, or would granite countertops better suit your needs? Are you sure you’re going to love salmon pink for your cabinets in five years, or should you consider something more neutral? These are questions to seriously consider before coming to your contractor with final decisions.

Renovation projects give you the opportunity to see your home in a totally new way and fall in love with it all over again. They also allow you to increase your home’s value in preparation for a sale. But don’t let the excitement of the renovation overshadow the realities. If you’re beginning a major renovation, it’s worth a little extra to involve an interior designer. The money you save on just one change order will often pay for the expense of having a professional help you with your plan.