Like any home renovation, a kitchen renovation is a big commitment, and you want to ensure you do it right the first time so there is no regret and disappointment.

You want your kitchen to be a space for creation and gathering. A place where you celebrate birthdays, host dinner parties and enjoy your morning cup of coffee. Creating an environment that facilitates all these important elements in our daily lives requires the skills of the right cabinet maker to help bring these things to life.

If you don’t have a clear vision, or you set out to attempt a DIY kitchen renovation, it might go well, but chances are that it might not work out as you had hoped. That’s why you want to engage the help of the right team of cabinetmakers who can help bring your perfect kitchen to life. It will make all the difference – trust us.

In this article, we’ll talk about kitchen renovation do’s and don’ts, so you can walk into your project more confidently and know what to look out for and avoid in your kitchen.

Let’s look at the list of Do’s first.

Do’s

Set a Realistic Budget.

This first step is key to the other steps falling into place. You want to think seriously about what you can afford and what is practical, so you must be realistic.

When you have a budget in mind, you will then be able to determine what alterations to your design you can afford and what fixtures and fittings you can use in your new kitchen.

It’s important to remember that a kitchen renovation isn’t a short-term investment – you’re in it for the long haul. So take the time to consider how value relates to the long-term value of your investment. You don’t want to have to be replacing or fix things regularly because that may end up costing you more over time.

Your budget should consider what is realistic for you and your circumstances, combined with an appreciation of the lifetime value of your investment.

Research

Research, in this case, is a two-pronged approach, so we have broken it down into design research and researching your cabinetmaker for the job.

When you embark on a kitchen renovation, you want to equip yourself with as much information as possible. After all, it’s better to know what you want than have someone tell you what you want – otherwise, you may not get the result you’re looking for.

Take time to learn about kitchens, read blogs (just like this one), visit display rooms and homes, check online and see what you like from all of your research to inform a rough concept that you will be able to achieve.

It goes without saying, but do your online research and look past the top Google ranking! There are a lot of great cabinetmakers out there, but you want to find the right one for your kitchen renovation who meets your expectations.

We recommend digging deeper. Check out a few cabinet makers in your area and others who service a bigger area. Read reviews, look at examples online, and also take the time to contact the ones you have put on the shortlist. Businesses with a positive online presence, good reputation, and friendly service are highly recommended.

If you find they fit all the criteria as a business and have equipped yourself with enough research about design, features and everything you think you need, it’s time to build the kitchen of your dreams.

Now to the don’ts

Don’ts

Ignore the Current Layout

Don’t ignore what you already have, as the existing layout of your kitchen can provide valuable information about what works and what doesn’t. If there are elements you like about your kitchen, bring them to the table when you speak to your cabinetmaker.

When you talk to them, they will advise you about what layout should be kept as there might be structural, plumbing and electrical requirements in the house, which means things need to go in specific places.

If you decide that things need a shakeup, then it’s important to remember that these alterations may significantly impact your budget.

Cut Corners

Cutting corners on materials may save you money but can cost you in the long run. Low-quality materials are more prone to wear and tear over time and may need replacing sooner rather than later, so always think about quality in your kitchen renovation.

If you overlook quality for the price, it can result in additional expenses and disruption to your life. You don’t want disruption after disruption, as it can be costly and inconvenient.

Choose Style Over Function

While it’s important for your kitchen to look good, it’s even more important to function well, so think about what is practical. Sometimes the look of a fancy fixture in your kitchen would look great – until you start using it daily.

Refrain from sacrificing functionality for style, as this can lead to frustration and a kitchen that doesn’t meet your needs.

Always consider the practical aspects of your renovation before making any design decisions. And the best word of advice, keep it simple.

There are lots of do’s and don’ts whenever you embark on any home renovation project, so these would be our recommendations to get started.

When you feel like you have settled on a good kitchen design in your head and found the right cabinetmaker to work with, you’re ready to pull the trigger.

Ready to renovate your kitchen?

You’ve come to the right place if you have weighed up our list of do’s and don’ts and have a good idea of where to take your kitchen renovation. At H&H Cabinets, we have been building kitchens in Melbourne since 1968, so we know our way around kitchen renovation.

We specialise in kitchen renovations, design and installation for kitchens of all kinds, and we will be more than happy to discuss your kitchen renovation plans with you.

Our team of kitchen renovators and showroom staff take great pride in what we do to deliver you a great final product. Our pleasure comes from seeing our customers’ smiles when they walk into their new kitchens and can use their space to complement and enhance their daily lives.