To renovate ones kitchen is not an easy feet and proper planning needs to be done before the actual work starts. Regardless of the project size, many silly mistakes can cause delays and regrettably cost more than originally planned. However, mistakes are totally preventable. Here are key tips to avoid getting burned on a kitchen renovation:
Have a Clear Goal
From the get-go, know what you hope to accomplish with your project. Do you want a better floor plan? Do you need more storage? Or are you tired having to detour around everything? You’ll make better decisions if you can articulate exactly what you want. And, when all is said and done, you’ll know if you met your goal.
Don’t Rush it
Proper planning is vital to a successful project. It goes without saying that everyone would rather have their project done today instead of two weeks from now. However, nothing is more expensive than having to do the same thing twice. When you rush, make hasty decisions, and your wallet will be the first to take the hit.
Hire Kitchen Designer / Company with References
It’s imperative that you ask for at least three references from the professionals you’re considering, even get names and phone numbers of homeowners who will allow them to view the finished job for themselves. The best way to choose a kitchen contractor in South African, is selecting one that is a member for the KSA – Kitchen Specialist Association of South Africa.
Be Realistic the budget and timeline
When you try to spread your budget too thin and set unrealistic deadlines, you’re setting yourself up for disaster. From a budget perspective, you generally get what you pay for. Cheap products and services are, well, cheap. Shoddy quality and inexperienced labor will put your project on the fast track to a frustrating experience. You should give a realistic budget to the design professional. If you add on extras as work progresses, you need to understand that the final price will increase. Kitchens aren’t remodeled in a day; it takes longer than what you see on TV. Make sure your time frame is realistic; add another week or two.
Get it in Writing
Even for small projects, you should have documentation in case something goes wrong. When you agree on the terms and cost, a signed contract makes any disagreement a black-and-white matter. But know that as much as your contractor is locked into the terms, so are you. You have to follow-through on your end and live up to your responsibilities.
Never Cut Corners
If it sounds like it might cause issues, don’t do it! Make sure to keep this in mind throughout your entire project — from choosing appliances, materials and fixtures. Cutting corners may save you time and money in the short term, but think about the problems it might bring in the future.
Temporary Kitchenette
Not setting up a small kitchen or you’ll go broke eating out. Try to find a space where there’s a sink — this could be in a downstairs bathroom or laundry room — and move the existing refrigerator near it, along with a microwave, kettle, toaster and coffee machine.
And lastly… Don’t Wing It
Even small remodeling projects take careful planning. You’ll need to have all the pieces of the puzzle and know if they’re all going to fit together.