Kitchen Styles - Budgeting and getting started

Where to begin

Ok, now you know your kitchen or bathroom needs remodeling, but you still don’t know where to begin! It may seem like the list of things-to-do is endless, but don’t worry, just follow the steps below and take our advice. You’ll be on your way in no time!

1.      Decide What You Want

• What is the main purpose of remodeling your room? To add extra space, upgrade the kitchen/bathroom, improve security, make changes for health reasons, or just to improve your living space
• What are your options? Is there room to expand into the back/front yard or is there enough room to redesign using the existing floor space?
• What are your priorities? Figure out what you what to change the most, and what can you keep or just update
• Get input from all members of your household – find out their needs and wants
• Consider short-term and long-term implications of your renovation decisions (Will you have more/any children, how long you plan to live in this house, will your choices increase/decrease its resale value?)

2.      Collect Ideas and Information

• Read magazines and books to get an idea of the ‘look’ you want
• Make a clip book of all the pictures and ideas that represent your taste and style
• Watch related television shows and record episodes you particularly like
• Visit home shows and manufacturer/supplier showrooms
• Talk to relatives, friends and co-workers that have renovated. What have they learned, what would they recommend

3.      Determine Your Budget

• Break down your priorities and figure out what you are willing to spend the most money on
• What’s the total amount you are willing to spend?
• How much can/are you willing to borrow? 

CONTROL YOUR BUDGET

The most important part of any remodeling project is making sure you don’t go over your budget. Doing so can lead to settling for unexpected options, disagreements with contractors and worst case, an unfinished room. Follow these steps below to make sure you get the most for your money!

• Make sure you visit a showroom and see exactly what you are buying and check out the quality for yourself.
• It is recommended to have a retailer visit your home before accepting a quote for the design and installation of the room. Once they have completed a survey, you should get a full quote for the project.
• Most deposits don't exceed more than 25% of the total contract value. Try to get a written schedule of payments upfront so there are no misunderstandings along the way.
• It's best to wait until all your goods are delivered before you pay in full. Companies that ask you to make a full payment ahead of delivery have your money – but you don’t have your appliances. 
• Be aware of everything in a written contract before you sign it. Some ‘Terms and Conditions’ have expensive cancellation fines.

REMODELING GUIDE

Most of your remodeling budget will likely go towards the things you just can’t live without such as a sink, dishwasher and refrigerator. Therefore, selecting quality appliances that will give you the most for your money is essential! With the abundance of brands, styles, colors and technologically advanced machines, it’s hard to weed out the good and the bad and pick what’s best for you. Luckily, we put together a few guidelines to make this process much easier!

• Dishwasher – Look for brands with low energy consumption, a delay timer and an economy cycle or half-load button, all which will result in saving water, and saving money.  
• Refrigerator – One feature worth paying for is a new design to prevent frost build-up. By circulating air inside the freezer compartment rather than using a defroster, you can say goodbye to freezer burn! 
• Sink – Materials include stainless steal, which can withstand more abrasions, is hygienic and trendy, and fireclay and ceramic which are more traditional for their solidity and wide-range of colors.
• Oven – Multi-functional ovens may be worth the investment. Traditional cooking and fan assisted cooking and grilling is increasingly popular.  The combination also provides cooks with more options such as browning and thawing.    
• Range – Ranges are either free-standing or built-in. Picking one out depends on the design of your kitchen and the features you want. Worthwhile accessories include a cooker hood, splash back, grill, griddle plates, rotisserie, wok burner and fish-kettle burner. 
• Tap – A cost-efficient option is the three-way or tri-flow taps which takes away the need for bottled water or other purification system. New models also offer dual-flow for hot and cold filtered water.   
• Countertops – Formica and Corian are some of the most common surfacing materials, however new trends such as CaesarStone®, a non-porous heat and chip resistant stone.  
• Flooring – The cost of installing can be as much as the material and harder options such as tile can be tiresome to stand on too long. Softer, more absorbent materials include cork, carpet or vinyl and most of the time, are much cheaper.

MANAGE YOUR PROJECT

DON’T do it yourself. Remodeling a bedroom, dining room or family room is very different than taking on the challenge of a kitchen or bathroom. A specialized designer should be brought in to figure logistics, suggest proper materials and make a functional and cost efficient room that specifically reflects your taste, style and personality. This is NOT a do-it-yourself project!

DO think of resale value. You may be happier than ever in your home from the location to the neighbors, to the town and your property, you may think you’ve settled for good – but don’t be too sure! Sometimes being too ‘unique’ means regrets down the road, so especially for your first remodeling project, we suggest sticking to the basics and put thought into what others would like about your kitchen, as much as you. Someone else might own it one day and you’ll want to make sure you get your moneys worth!

DON’T overspend! Set a budget at the beginning of your project including room for additional charges, and don’t go over that amount - no matter what! Be proactive and figure out what you want during the months leading up to the renovation. If you want more than you can have, make a conscious decision to pick one or the other based on necessity and future projects, if one can or can’t be added down the road. 

DO pick a qualified professional. Choose several designers in your area; meet with each of them and trade ideas and suggestions. Make sure they’re qualified; ask to see past projects and/or a portfolio and discuss your budget.  It’s also a good idea to ask for references and checkout their showroom or store if possible. Pick the designer that satisfies your taste and style most. You should never be persuaded to do anything you don’t like or that’s too high-end for your budget. A good designer will work closely with you until your dream home comes true!