So, you have decided to renovate your kitchen. Great! But where do you start?  My advice: start by engaging a designer to help you create and manage a plan that meets your current and future needs.

That advice aside, and assuming your kitchen plans and associated permits are ready to go, I have prepared this diary to demystify the renovation process and give an understanding of what to expect, with a few helpful tips along the way.  It follows a recent kitchen renovation that my company, Designworks Ltd., designed and managed, in conjunction with construction company, I3 and cabinetmakers Mario & Son. While the process seems daunting, the before and after pictures will inspire you to move forward with any projects you may be considering.

It's inevitable that you will feel upset, frustrated and defeated at some point during the renovation. But remember a well-planned and executed project is rewarding both in your enjoyment of the space and your return on investment.

A well-planned and executed  project is rewarding both in  your enjoyment of the space  and your return on investment   

Demolition and Construction 

This is the most exciting part, especially if you are making significant structural changes. If you aren’t part of the workforce, the two to three days of constant noise will drive you mad (think constant jack hammering), so I suggest you have an excuse to get out of the house during the demolition. Use drop sheets to cover furniture in adjacent rooms if you aren’t able to shut off your kitchen as the dust will go everywhere. Construction of new walls isn’t as noisy and messy, and will happen quickly, usually in a day or two.

Any relocation of windows and doors will happen at this point, too. This is the time when nasty surprises will be discovered, such as faulty wiring, mold issues, damaged duct work and many more. Being proactive and decisive at this stage is critical, and having your general contractor prepare a hit list of problems is a great idea to minimise cost and schedule blowouts. Thorough planning, a contingency in your budget of approximately 10 to 15 percent, and an expectation of the worst will prepare you for any eventuation and leave you pleasantly surprised if no issues arise. 

Find a space in your home that won’t be affected by the renovation and set up a makeshift kitchen to see you through the project. This type of renovation is a huge inconvenience and being able to maintain some semblance of normality will keep your sanity in check.  Avoid the urge to eat out every night. Your waistline and wallet will thank you. 

Trades 

Your plumber and electrician will install the electrical and plumbing rough-ins, and it is possible you will be without power and/or water for brief periods. An inspection may be necessary, depending on the extent of the project. Construction will stop until the inspection is complete and the work approved. Having a general contractor on board is invaluable to help smooth the way with permits and inspections.

Tradesmen can now start levelling the floor and putting up plaster board, followed by any new flooring, and finally painting. There are many different trades involved at this point of a project, and this is where your general contractor will prove to be worth his weight in gold – he will make sure the project flows from one trade to the next without interruption, ensuring frustrating delays are avoided, and helping to significantly minimize the intrusion on your daily life.

To avoid delays during your renovation make sure all your tiles and fittings, such as plumbing and light, are on site before the project begins. Something as simple as a two-day delay on delivery of plumbing fittings can have a domino effect on subsequent trades and, ultimately, cause a longer setback. 

Installation 

At this point, it is safe to assume that your patience has been stretched to the limit, and you are sick of the steady stream of tradesmen traipsing through your home. And then your cabinets arrive. All is forgiven and the messy, noisy weeks are a distant memory. Carcasses (the inner workings of cupboards) are installed first, followed by the doors and drawers. Your kitchen is starting to take shape.

Following two to three days of cabinetry installation, your kitchen is ready for a countertop template. Your fabricator will draw a template based on your cabinet layout and walls. Depending on the fabricator’s schedule, you can expect to wait between two days to two weeks until you have a usable counter. It is a good idea to pre-book the template when you have a firm installation date for your cabinetry as this will help speed up the process. Backsplash tiles can be laid once the counter is in place and will likely only take a day.

Insist on your counter top fabricator doing a template prior to fabrication. If they don’t, it is unlikely your counter will fit properly, and very likely you will be unhappy with the finished product. 

Final Details 

Your kitchen is almost finished. There are just a few details left. The plumber will install the faucets and sinks, and connect the dishwasher, while the electrician will install any remaining light/electrical fittings and appliances. You should do a careful walkthrough of the kitchen at this stage and make sure the cabinetmaker takes care of final adjustments to the cabinetry, and the painter touches up areas that need attention following the installations. A good contractor will engage a cleaner for a comprehensive, building-related clean. If you are doing it yourself, take a break and hire a cleaner for your kitchen.   

Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Most tradesmen like what they do and are happy to explain anomalies or things you don’t understand.