If you have decided now is the time to makeover your kitchen, we have some practical advice for you based on our years of experience in the industry. From setting a realistic kitchen renovation budget to planning your kitchen, to choosing the hardware on the cabinets there are hundreds of decisions to be made. Making thoughtful choices prior to the initiation of your kitchen renovation project will save you time and money in the long-run.

KITCHEN RENOVATIONS CHECKLIST:

Set a reasonable budget for your project. It’s important to be realistic and honest with yourself. If you won’t be satisfied with less than the best quality materials your budget needs to reflect that practically every decision you make about your kitchen project will be based on your budget. Remember to include unknowns that may come up as the project moves forward.

Take some time to dream about your project. Talk to your friends about what they like or dislike about their kitchens, read magazines, look at catalogs, collect photos and visit home centers for ideas. When we sit down to plan your kitchen renovation design, we will base our plan on your wish list.

Take your own measurements. Make a rough sketch and take the sketch with you when you browse home centers or look through magazines. The measurements will tell you if you are being realistic. Keep in mind we will take absolutely precise measurements (twice) required for the kitchen renovations, the measurements you take are to help you make initial plans.

Choose any kitchen renovations style that suits your needs. Are you a gourmet cook who spends hours on your feet in the kitchen? Do you have kids and pets, and concerns about durability? Is your microwave your favourite kitchen appliance, or are you more of a gas range with two ovens type of family? Casual eat-in, country style, or minimalist modern. What works with the rest of your home?

Lighting is so important to a successful kitchen renovation. Make note of where you need good lighting. Over a kitchen office space, a baking or prep area? Under-cabinet lighting, or interior cabinet lighting ñ place your lighting in strategic locations. Don’t forget to include lighting ideas to your wish list.

Sinks and faucets are such a basic necessity in a kitchen and we should keep this in mind while planning our kitchen renovations. Sometimes we underestimate the choices out there. Does your wish list have a farmhouse kitchen with a high pot tap, a sprayer, or a touch tap that turns on when your hand or arm makes contact with it? Do you want a stainless steel sink, or a stone apron front? Perhaps you need a smaller sink because you want more counter space. A rule of thumb we recommend: Take your biggest pot or fry pan out and measure it. You need a sink you can fit that pot or pan in.

Kitchen cabinets can cause confusion. Take your time making a decision. Jot down your ideas and preferences and let’s discuss them. There are literally hundreds of trims, finishes, and hardware styles out there. Consider glass fronts, open fronts, and finally kitchen countertops as a final touch.

Kitchen flooring is something to be discussed in relation to durability, cushioning, warmth (underfloor heating), and style. Some products to keep in mind are natural stone, wood, cork, and ceramic.

Electrical and plumbing work may have to be done as well. Does your electrical or plumbing need to be updated or moved to another location in the room? Do you need baking stations, homework stations, or islands with power outlets?

Do you need windows and doors replaced or moved? You may require fabrication and that takes time. Sometimes as much as six weeks. This is something we will discuss as we create, then navigate through your kitchen renovations plan.

Mac Construction & Home Renovation have over 4 years of tips and tricks to share with you. We’d be happy to meet with you to discuss your upcoming projects. Please contact us  or fill in our Quote Form so we can go through your wish list and get you the kitchen you’ve been dreaming of.