Sieguzi’s Top Ten Kitchen Renovation Tips

by: Robin Siegerman, ARIDO, CKD

When looking to improve the quality of life in their homes, many people consider a kitchen renovation.  To make the most of your experience and avoid costly mistakes, these are my top recommendations to help the process go smoothly.

1. Prepare a written “wish list” of all the things you’d like to incorporate into your new kitchen, even if they seem unrealistic or too costly. 
2. Number the items in order of priority.  Your kitchen designer will then know which things are “must haves” and which things may be left out due to space or budget restrictions.
3. Compile a file or binder of magazine photos with a note on each one so your kitchen designer can easily determine the design direction
4. Plan on the design process taking 4 weeks at the very least for a simple facelift and double that or more for a full renovation.
5. The scope of work will determine how long you are without a functional kitchen.  But plan to be under construction for a couple of months, minimum.
6. Planning to eat out every day of the renovation is both expensive and tiring. Reduce your stress level and set up a temporary “kitchen” in another part of the house close to running water, like the laundry room.  Have an electric kettle and frying pan, toaster oven, and perhaps a hot plate and you’ll at least be able to prepare basic meals a few days a week.  If you’re renovating in the warmer months, plan to BBQ as often as possible.
7. Do NOT start to tear out your old kitchen without having a detailed plan in place of what’s going to replace it!
8. Do NOT attempt a kitchen renovation without proper working drawings.  Errors are costly, time consuming and extremely frustrating for all involved.  Drawings will help avoid potential problems before you begin.
9. Do NOT make changes to the plan in the midst of construction.  The four most expensive words in renovation are: “While we’re at it…”
10. Most importantly, have a realistic financial limit on what you can spend and share that number with your designer BEFORE the design process begins. You’ll complete your renovation sooner and with less conflict if everyone is working toward the same goal.

Posted in: Home