Everything you need to know about starting a kitchen renovation

The top five things you should know about starting a kitchen renovation

So, you’ve decided that your current kitchen is in need of a transformation. But what are the things you need to know before starting a kitchen renovation? And what do you need to spend time thinking about before you make any big decisions. At Davonport, we’re vastly experienced at guiding our clients through the whole process – from that ‘I want a new kitchen’ moment to fitting the final handle. So we’ve pulled a few tips together for the things you’ll need to cover before your get started.

Consider your budget

First, and probably most importantly, work out what you want to spend. This will guide your choices as well as helping your kitchen designer out. A bespoke kitchen, for example, is a significant investment, but the budget will vary from home to home. Making a list of your ‘must haves’ and the things you’re willing to compromise on is helpful. Think about what you want to splash out on, and where you could save money. Our guide to the latest trends might give you some inspiration!

Think about your lifestyle

What does your kitchen mean to you? Is it a hub where family and friends gather? Do you love to entertain? Are you a cook who loves the latest gadgets and dreams of a big prep space or even a pot filler? Do you want a room that’s clean and clutter free, or somewhere you can personalise? Whatever your lifestyle, it’s worth erring on the side of practicality – you don’t want keeping your kitchen clean to be an arduous task, so think about a low-maintenance kitchen. Would you love all your electricals out of sight – or breakfast to have its own area? If you entertain, does a drinks cabinet feature on your wish list? There are so many things to really think about before you nail down the layout!

Layout likes and dislikes

Ask yourself, what doesn’t work in your current kitchen. If your dishwasher is miles from your sink or the children do their homework where you need to prep dinner, now’s the time to make changes. If mealtimes are casual, would stools at an island suit you better than a formal table? Are you lacking storage and yearn for wine fridge? Do you want all appliances out of sight, or dream of all your breakfast clutter being away from the rest of your cooking area? Get your layout right before you make any more decisions – and this includes making choices about where electricals and plumbing will need to go.

The perfect finish

While you can change the colour of your walls or accessories, your cabinets and work tops are likely to live with you for longer. If you have a trend-led idea in mind, think carefully about whether you’ll tire of it as it dates. Will pale doors be a curse with children and pets around? Are you prepared to care for wood worktops, or would a more durable surface be better? Think about how much natural light your room gets, too. Consider whether you want an easy wipe clean sleek cabinet front or love a more detailed look. Classic or contemporary, our range of kitchens can give you food for thought.

 Appliance choices

Your cooker, fridge, freezer and dishwasher are likely to take up a chunk of your budget – so think about where you priorities lie. High-end appliances will enhance the overall feel of a bespoke kitchen. Whether you go for integrated or show them off, take some time to work out what you need, and where they’ll work best in your kitchen. Optional extras like a built-in coffee machine is real treat if you want to embrace the cafecore trend.  While you’re choosing your appliances, you need to think about where your electricals are positioned too. Planning in plugs and lighting right at the start, much like plumbing, will save time, money and headaches further down the line!