Key Steps to Ensure a Smooth and Productive New Kitchen Design Journey
Planning a new kitchen is an exciting part of the building or renovating process. Most people spend a lot of their time at home in and around the kitchen area so getting it right is crucial to having a well-functioning home.
Whether your new kitchen will be replacing an existing one or you are building a new home, the steps for planning are similar. When it comes to designing a kitchen there are a lot of decisions to be made and without help from experienced trades and professionals, the task can seem overwhelming.
There is no doubt you will want your new kitchen to be beautiful but getting help from your cabinet maker or a designer will ensure that the end result is well thought out and helps you and your family truly enjoy using the space multiple times every day.
Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your initial meetings with the person/people you have chosen to design your kitchen.
Scope of work
Before you meet it is a good idea to think about exactly what work you would like to have done.
Will the new kitchen occupy the same footprint as the existing one?
Does any structural work need to take place (e.g. are any walls being knocked down)?
Do you want to change the lighting in the space or the location of the plumbing?
Having a good idea about what works and what doesn’t work in your current kitchen is important to think about before you start designing your new kitchen so those issues can be worked out!
Provide plans
If you have house plans available, have them available at your initial meeting or send them through beforehand.
If you don’t have plans don’t worry, either way your kitchen designer will take their own measurements before anything is finalized.
Work out your budget & timeline
Sharing your budget with those planning the design doesn’t mean they will spend all of it or charge more! It helps them to guide you with choices that will help you to stay within that budget. When they know your budget, they will also be able to advise whether everything you want is feasible within that budget so you can then decide whether there are certain things you’d prefer to spend on and areas where you can save.
Having a list of desired inclusions is a great idea too, if the budget and space allows then your designer can do their best to include all of these. Alternatively, if including all of these sends your project over budget the designer can help you to work out what can be left out without compromising the end result.
Discussing your timeframe helps to establish expectations for both you and the people you are working with. When both sides of the equation are open and honest from the start it leads to realistic timeframes and successful outcomes.
Have examples/images of what you like and don’t like
Once you’ve decided to renovate or build your new kitchen, take the time to notice what you like or don’t like about your existing kitchen and other kitchens that you see.
Ask friends and family who have installed new kitchens what they love about their kitchen or anything they wish they did differently.
Having images ready to show your designer will help them to determine the desired end result so start looking on Instagram, Pinterest, Houzz or any other sites where you might find inspiration! Remember to note down if there are particular features that you like.
The trades & professionals that you work with should be aiming towards getting you the best possible results and are there to guide you on making the right choices to ensure you end up with the best outcome.
Your team should make you feel heard and your kitchen project should be a positive experience so make sure you feel comfortable with your chosen team.
When choosing us at Hill Built Joinery you will discover we’re not just your kitchen design and renovation experts; we’re your partners in creating the heart of your home. Your experience is not just a priority; it’s our passion. We’re committed to guiding you through every step of the journey, from initial concept to the finishing touches. We understand that a kitchen is more than just a room; it’s where memories are created, meals are shared, and dreams come to life.
Our dedicated team promises to do just that. We’re here to ensure your vision becomes a reality, exceeding your expectations at every turn. We believe in the power of collaboration, listening closely to your needs, and working tirelessly to bring your dream kitchen to life. We’ll be there with you through the ups and downs, keeping your project on track and your satisfaction our top priority.
If you want us to be a part of your kitchen renovation journey you can book a FREE ONSITE CONSULT & QUOTE.
“Your experience is extremely important to us. Together, we’ll transform your space into a beautiful, functional, and inspiring kitchen that you and your family will enjoy for years to come.”
