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Things to consider when renovating a kitchen: Follow these steps

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kitchen renovation

A kitchen renovation is not an easy job, which is why it is important to plan ahead as much as possible. Extensive pre-planning can alleviate a lot of the stress and tension that come with such a big job.

You cannot prepare for everything of course, but you can prepare for as much as possible. So, it is important that you create a checklist before starting a kitchen remodel in Los Angeles, Houston, Chicago, or anywhere in America. As for what should be on that checklist, keep reading to find out.

The Renovation Budget

Naturally, you need to allocate money to the renovation project, so the first thing you should think about is what you need and what you want. Of course, your needs come first, this can include anything from more energy-efficient appliances, to more storage. Once you have decided on what you need, you can check if there is anything left over for the indulgences you would like to have but do not really need.

However, you should always set aside at least 10% to 15% of your proposed budget for an emergency fund in case you encounter any unexpected surprises, like water damage or outdated wiring.

The Function of the Kitchen

A kitchen can have different functions depending on the lifestyle of the homeowner. It can be a family oriented kitchen, it can be used primarily for hosting and entertaining, or it can be a working kitchen for avid chefs. The size of the household should also be taken into consideration; if the size of the household is expected to increase, then that should be taken into account when designing the renovation.

Design Considerations

The Size of the Kitchen

This is where the starting point of the kitchen design and the budgetary allotment will start. In terms of design, the kitchen size determines the layout of the various appliances and the amount of storage that is needed. As for budget, homeowners with a smaller kitchen can opt for more expensive design options, like high-end countertops, since they will be using less of it and therefore paying less for it.

The Work Triangle

The work triangle is the space between the sink, refrigerator, and stove, there are different layouts for the triangle, and a renovation should take into consideration the efficiency of the current triangle and whether it can be improved. The most efficient work triangles reduces the number of steps it takes to travel to each point of the triangle. Below are some of the different types of work triangle:

  • Galley Kitchen – This is a walk-through kitchen design with two points of the triangle on one side and the other point on the opposite side. This design—also called a corridor kitchen—is usually found in apartments, so space is limited. Therefore it is important that you make sure that the appliance doors do not block any of the exits and are able to open fully. Counter space also needs to be optimized to make efficient use of the small space.
  • L-Shaped Kitchen – This layout has two points of the triangle along one counter and the other point on the perpendicular counter. An L-shaped kitchen is great for smaller spaces because it frees up a lot of room for dining and/or storage.
  • Island Kitchen – As the name suggests, this kind of kitchen has an island in the middle with one—or sometimes two—parts of the triangle located on it. It is more prevalent in larger homes and is one of the more efficient layouts because of the abundance of counter space and storage.

Storage

Ample storage is necessary no matter the size of the kitchen, if the kitchen is on the petite side, there are still many ways to maximize the limited amount of space available. Here are some of the design ideas to consider when you want to make the most of your kitchen storage:

  • Pull Out Trash Cans – A rollout bin makes the trashcan easier to access while keeping it hidden out of sight.
  • Open Shelves – These are a popular kitchen design trend right now because they increase your storage options, create a welcoming environment, and make the space look bigger and more open.
  • Special Utensil Compartments – Home chefs who use a lot of specialized equipment can have drawers with special compartments designed to hold that equipment. This is very convenient and makes the equipment easier to access.
  • Appliance Garage – An enclosed space usually located in the corner of the countertop designed to store smaller, occasional use appliances like blenders or coffee makers. These garages make those appliances easier to access while freeing up precious counter space.

Don’t Stress About Renovation

In order to start—and finish—your renovation on the right foot, ask yourself the following questions before you start:

  1. What do you need and what do you want?
  2. What do you hate about your current kitchen?
  3. What do you love about your current kitchen?
  4. What is the most important thing about a kitchen?
  5. What style or emotion do you want your kitchen to evoke?

Once you have honestly answered these questions, you are well on your way to transforming your kitchen into the space you have always dreamed of.

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Contributors

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