Tackling any renovation is a daunting prospect, particularly if you’ve never done one before. There are trades to organise, materials to source, and plenty of planning to be done. And that’s not to mention the budgeting.
Without professional guidance, kitchen renovations can be especially tricky because of the range of services, surfaces, and fittings required to make the space both beautiful and functional. Careful planning is critical because getting things out of order, or not being ready for the next step can quickly blow out both your budget and your timeline. But with so many elements in the mix, how do you know what comes first?
Updating your kitchen in 10 easy steps
While exactly what you will need to do will depend on the scope of your renovation, there is a general process all kitchen renovations should follow. This can be broken down into these ten steps:
- Start with the layout: Before any work starts, you need to think about what you want to achieve from your renovation. As part of this, consider how you live, what currently works and what doesn’t and don’t forget any features you would like included in the final design.
- Choose your fixtures: appliances and materials will affect the design, so it’s important to make the big decisions during the design phase. It’s generally a good idea to order these components early too as they could take a month or more to be delivered.
- Measure the space: Once you’re happy, you can measure up. Most kitchen companies will do this for you, but you can also do this yourself if you’re on a budget or want to save some money.
- Design: Design the layout according to how you use the space and consider what you need to store. While the working triangle no longer applies, it’s important to think about making the layout work without having to travel too far to travel between the sink, dishwasher, fridge, main cooking appliances and working bench space. It’s also important to think about what items you need to store and how the kitchen fits within the overall layout of your home. This is where engaging a professional kitchen designer pays dividends. You can also download this handy kitchen design guide.
- Demolition: With your new kitchen now designed and ordered, you’re free to pull out the old one. Remove everything you are planning to replace and leave the space clear and ready to work.
- Floors, Doors & Windows: Install any doors and windows, plastering, plumbing and electrical: If you’re changing the size, shape, or location of your kitchen, this is the time for the new structural elements to be put in. This includes framing up and installing any new walls, doors, and windows; running the required electrical and plumbing. We also recommend doing flooring first before the kitchen – there are way too many problems leaving it to the end.
- Cabinetry: Once the space is right, your cabinetry can go in. At this stage, the carcasses should be installed first then fit the doors later.
- Benchtop, sink, and tapware: Your benchtop will need to be cut to fit your sink – and possibly your taps so it’s easiest to install them all at the same time.
- Painting and tiling / splashback: Once all of your major elements are in place, you’re ready to paint and tile / install your splashback.
- Lighting, appliances, cabinet doors, and shelving: Your electrician and plumber will need to return towards the end of your project, installing your appliances and lighting and connecting final plumbing once everything else is done. Then, to finish off the space, position your drawers, hang doors on your cabinetry, and install any open shelving.
Want more information?
If you’re thinking about a kitchen renovation but aren’t quite sure where to start, give Smart Kitchen a call. In addition to helping you design your dream space, we can assist you to plan out your whole renovation, making sure everything is in order and runs smoothly. Contact us to speak to one of our friendly team today.