There is no better way to change both the look and feel of your home than by renovating. The housing market is booming right now, and demand far exceeds supply, meaning that buying the house of your dreams might not be possible, so why not create it? With a bit of elbow grease and some ingenuity, you can turn your home from drab to fab, eliminating the hassle of moving and creating the living space that you have always wanted.
With so many people choosing to renovate their homes right now, it comes as no surprise that kitchens are one of the most popular choices for a complete overhaul, and for a good reason. They are one of the most highly used places in the home, often serving as a regular gathering spot, and renovating a kitchen can not only improve functionality, it can also increase your home’s overall value.
Of course, despite the benefits, revamping your kitchen can present its own unique challenges. Finding the right contractor can be a challenge and doing it yourself can be tricky. Either way, a kitchen reno can be a stressful and costly adventure. To help reduce the challenge, here are six things to consider before renovating your kitchen:
Making a Budget
One of the most important things you can do before starting any renovation is creating a budget. Renovations can be costly, and the costs can continue to rise if you haven't devised a strict spending plan beforehand. You must do your research, outline your project and determine exactly how much you will spend on each aspect of the reno. Create a detailed list of each aspect or the renovation and determine what your maximum spending allotment will be for each. Don’t forget to include cabinets, appliances, countertops and fixtures. Labor costs should also be included in your budget and this can often account for up to twenty percent of the total allowance. Another twenty percent should also be set aside to handle any unexpected issues, which are sure to pop up, even with the best laid-out plan. Without a carefully detailed budget, you can quickly end up paying out much more than you had expected.
Using Your Space Wisely
Make sure you have a clear idea about what you want your finished space to look like before you start. Take into consideration all of your storage requirements and how you want the room to flow. Also, clearly define how you will be using your kitchen. For example, if you are a chef and will be spending hours cooking, you will want a specifically designed space for this. If you love to entertain and plan on having guests over for dinner parties every week, the layout should reflect this. Get clear about exactly what you want before any renovations begin. Using space planning app can be extremely useful in helping you visualize what your kitchen will look like when the renovations are complete. These programs allow you to easily move items and rearrange your space until you find the perfect layout. This will help to keep you on budget, prevent scope creep and ensure that you get the functional kitchen of your dreams.
Doing Your Research
It can't be stressed enough. Ensure that if you plan on doing the work yourself, you know exactly what needs to be done and how to do it. Watch videos, take seminars, and ask those with experience to make sure you know exactly how to do the job before going into it. This will prevent costly mistakes from happening. If you plan on hiring a professional, ask for references, read reviews and ask to see a portfolio of previous work to ensure that the quality of workmanship and level of experience meets your needs.
Finding Ways to Save Money
If you are looking to update your kitchen on a budget, there are plenty of ways that you can save money. Painting walls and cabinets can completely transform a space and can be done yourself for very little money. Second-hand stores often sell light fixtures and hardware that can refresh an old and outdated kitchen. Also, purchasing scratch and dent appliances can make your kitchen more modern and functional and will cost you a fraction of the price plus, in many cases, the scratches and dents aren't noticeable at all!
Spending Time Decluttering
Before beginning your kitchen reno, be sure to spend some time getting rid of anything that you no longer use. Clean out cupboards, drawers and pantries and either throw out or donate anything that is of no use to you. Get rid of old or expired food, small appliances that haven’t been touched in years and clutter that has accumulated in drawers. Since kitchens are often considered the heart of the home, this is the place where a lot of stuff can accumulate. Cleaning it all up beforehand will make the renovation easier and allow you to see exactly how much space you will need to account for in the future.
Renting a Dumpster
Renting a dumpster is one of the easiest ways to keep your renovation running smoothly, whether you plan on making it a DIY project or plan on hiring a professional. Having your own dumpster makes the job easier and less stressful and also makes cleaning up a breeze. Your space will stay much more organized throughout the renovation, and you can keep clutter and dangerous messes out of the way, allowing you to focus on more important things - like transforming your kitchen!
A kitchen renovation can be a big undertaking, but there’s no doubt that it’s worth it. Not only will it add functionality & enjoyment, it can also increase the value of your home. By spending some time researching your project and providing ample preparation beforehand, you can ensure that your renovation goes smoothly, and when all is said and done, you end up with the kitchen of your dreams.
Whether renovating your kitchen with a contractor or as a DIY project, VaVia is here to help! Our affordable dumpster rentals can be quickly delivered right to your home and, when you're all done, we'll pick it up with absolutely no hassle to you. To learn more about our services or to rent your own VaVia dumpster, contact us today!