The kitchen is the heart of most homes. It’s where we gather to share a family meal, and where guests always tend to mingle during a party.
That’s why we take a lot of pride in our kitchen and it’s also why a well-designed, modern kitchen is necessary for higher resale value. Homeowners in the Ottawa area typically see an 80% return on their investment for upscale kitchen renovations. Even if you don’t plan on selling your home anytime soon, knowing this can give homeowners the confidence they need to build the kitchen of their dreams.
A kitchen renovation is usually a major project though. So, how does one start designing their dream kitchen? How do you create the perfect look while ensuring the kitchen’s functionality matches your lifestyle? That’s what this guide explores.
IT ALL BEGINS WITH SOME DAYDREAMING
This is often the fun part of designing your dream kitchen. Online inspiration can help you learn what you like and what you don’t like. You can find new trends and see the latest tech and additions to improve your kitchen’s function.
NOW FIGURE OUT YOUR BUDGET
While you’re compiling your own personal gallery of features for your dream kitchen, you can get started on your budget. This can be the most difficult part of the renovation process. For many homeowners, it’s more than just looking at their current bank balance to see what’s available. Some refinance their home, and others use a line of credit or a HELOC to help bankroll their renovations.
Something many homeowners forget about when they’re budgeting is tear down and removal services. If you’re gutting a kitchen then this is usually an additional expense. Some contractors will charge you for the time it takes to tear down as well as the dumpster rental. However, if you take your time during the removal, most of your old kitchen, including counters, cabinets and appliances) can be donated to Habitat for Humanity. Their ReStore professionals take away old (reusable) kitchens for free.
PRIORITIZE YOUR UPGRADES
Once the total amount available for your renovation is determined, you’ll need to consider how it’ll be spent. When budgeting major changes like this, it can help to start with the floor plan. If, for example, you’d like to move your sink across the room, you’ll need to reroute the plumbing. Moving the stove can be a big electrical project, same with switching to a fridge with an ice maker (this requires both plumbing and electrical).
Sometimes homeowners learn the time and money required for such major changes and feel their budget would be better spent on high-end finishes such as granite counters, or a stunning chandelier. That’s why it’s important to prioritize your list of wants and needs. Knowing the layout of the kitchen is also necessary for planning your cabinets, counters, flooring etc.
MEET WITH YOUR RENOVATION TEAM
Be sure to ask for recommendations and read reviews when choosing your team. Stone Design Concepts is fortunate to work with the most experienced and talented designers in Eastern Ontario. They’re skilled at identifying solutions that will bring your vision to life.
Booking a consultation will get you on the right track, whether you’re looking for a traditional, country, or modern kitchen. The Stone Design Concepts team can also help you decide which natural stone is best for your counters, as well as help you plan for other considerations such as:
Facilitating ventilation and air flow.
Strategically installing electrical outlets.
Creating space for storage as well as a workspace.
Ensuring you have both functional and atmospheric lighting.
A renovation this size can be stressful. Precision and care is needed when planning and when working with high-end materials such as granite or quartz counters. We’d like to invite you to our new showroom at 2878 Sheffield Road, in Ottawa. It’s a great way to see, and be captivated by the slabs of stone… Stone that’s so beautiful it will likely end up inspiring much of your reno; as we mentioned above, the first step to designing your dream kitchen is inspiration.
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