Steps on how to renovate a kitchen.
Over the years, the function and layout of a kitchen has changed. In the 50s, a kitchen was a room where mom made the meals. Fast forward, and today with the changes in home design, the kitchen is often the central gathering place in the home. The change to open concept design has influenced the design of cabinetry. Now more visible from other places in the home, cabinets are more like furniture.
As people spend more time in their homes there is a growing demand to renovate these spaces. Often the largest investment in a renovation other than windows and/or bathrooms, there is much to consider when planning a kitchen renovation.
01. Create a Plan
It’s exciting to get started on a home renovation; particularly a new kitchen. Caution! Don’t get ahead of yourself and purchase new appliances before you have the design and measurements of your new space.
Isle West Construction (IWC) will be able to direct you to a kitchen designer that you can work with that can best help you understand the flow of your space that your lifestyle requires and where the cabinetry will need to be placed to achieve optimum efficiencies. Once you know what the end result will be you can work back from there and identify the steps that need to take place to prepare your space for the renovation.
It’s during this planning stage that you’ll be able to determine the scope of the project. A kitchen renovation can range from a basic refresh to a total gut which can involve tearing down walls and reconfiguring your layout.
02. Prepping the Space
Once you have the plan, you can begin. If you’re looking to do a complete renovation, at this stage, IWC may begin by ripping up old flooring (if it’s being replaced), remove the range hood long out of style and remove all the dated cabinets. If your scope is more cosmetic in nature, you may be simply repairing walls for paints, replacing an old backsplash, or new plumbing fixtures).
At Isle West Construction, we know that many older homes may also contain hazardous materials. Testing for this on-site will help to determine how best to prepare the site while keeping everyone safe. All debris is safely removed from the home.
Many wonder why plumbing and electrical are considered so early in the project? You’ll want to know where the wiring will run or the pipes to avoid costly mistakes of having to go back in and drive through the cabinets.
Will the kitchen sink and dishwasher be relocated? Often in a renovation it is not possible to move the plumbing lines. If they can be relocated, you’ll have more flexibility and redesign options. IWC will help you determine what is possible, the implications and costs associated with any change.
Will new lighting need to be installed? Lighting options are endless. Knowing how you’ll use the space will determine what lighting you’ll want and where to have it installed. Having an electrician to assess your home construction will help in determining where best to place cabinets that will require specialized lighting i.e., built in desk with task lighting or buffet style cabinets with accent lighting, for example.
04. Drywall
Older style homes may have a dropdown or popcorn ceiling. Or, you may decide to remove a wall that will open up the kitchen to the adjoining room. Isle West Construction knows the importance of preparing the renovation area prior to any work being completed as drywall dust can be unrelenting.
Once your space gets a new coat of paint, you’re getting closer to the finish. Your vision is starting to take shape. Likely, you’ve determined your colour scheme during the design phase as you’ve wanted your kitchen cabinets to compliment your wall choice.
If you’ve decided to install new flooring, designers often recommend that your cabinets be installed first for a cleaner look. Ultimately it is up to you and a conversation you’ll want with whomever you choose to do the work before you get to this place in the project.
Your countertops can be measured once your new cabinets are in. You’ll need to have your sink on hand at this time as well. There is usually a two to four week wait once your cabinets are in and your countertops are installed. Materials like laminate require less lead time than granite. It’s important to keep this in mind when deciding what you want.
This is the final step in any new kitchen install once the cabinets and countertops.
Your kitchen is finally ready to be put back together. Part of the coordination service the IWC offers, it organizes the trades to come back to the site for the final installation of outlets, tap and dishwasher, etc.
When to call the pro.
Isle West Construction is locally based in the Cowichan Valley and services Vancouver Island specializing in residential and commercial renovation projects. Together we work with local contractors like kitchen designers, electricians and plumbers to ensure safety and proper completion of your renovation. If permits are required from local municipalities, IWC will obtain and assist in obtaining required documentation.
