Your First Kitchen Renovation: What Every Homeowner Should Know
This image is from our Blue Island Kitchen Project.
Embarking on your first kitchen renovation is both thrilling and daunting. As the hub of most homes, your kitchen deserves special attention. After almost a decade of renovating kitchens in and around Ottawa, we have a good idea of some of the questions people have when thinking about a kitchen remodel.
In this blog, we’re answering the most common questions people have when it comes to a kitchen renovation. If you’re just starting, you might also want to check out our Ultimate Kitchen Renovation Guide!
Do kitchen renovations increase home value?
A kitchen renovation can increase your home’s value by 20%
The kitchen plays a pivotal role in determining your home’s overall value. According to a recent Royal LePage survey, a kitchen renovation is the most worthwhile home improvement project and can potentially increase a property’s value by 20%.
Moreover, homes with modern, functional kitchens tend to sell faster than those with outdated ones. So, not only does a kitchen renovation enhance your living experience, but it also offers a substantial return on investment.
Not all kitchen renovations are created equal, though.
It’s important to note that a well-executed kitchen renovation can increase your home’s value. A poorly slapped up backsplash with some new counters or low-quality cabinetry can give you a quick visual boost for photos, but won’t improve the value of your home. We’ve seen a lot of DIY kitchen renos that had terrible craftsmanship, poor quality cabinets and fixtures, and a bad design aesthetic that was technically “new” and were ultimately an immediate redo. If you’re going to do it, our suggestion is always to do it right.
How much does a kitchen renovation cost?
There are many factors that go into estimating a kitchen accurately, but generally, in the Ottawa area, you can expect to pay between $40,000 - $75,000 or more for a full kitchen remodel. Ultimately, it comes down to what you’re looking for, the size of your kitchen, your finish preferences, if you’re purchasing new appliances, if the footprint is changing, etc.
If you’re looking to replace what’s there and keep the existing footprint, you can expect to pay less. Getting a detailed estimate from a reputable kitchen renovation company is vital to understanding the costs of your vision. A good contractor can explain the costs and help you find potential areas for savings, too!
Creating a kitchen renovation budget is key.
Costs can vary widely for a kitchen renovation, so it’s critical that you establish a budget and work with an experienced contractor who can help you anticipate all your costs, and be sure to have a contingency fund for anything unexpected.
Understanding all your options is extremely helpful in creating your budget and getting clear on your vision. Cabinet and countertop costs can vary widely, and there are TONS of options to choose from, so when you’re chatting with cabinet manufacturers, be sure to compare apples to apples. Understand what’s included and what’s considered an upgrade. Depending on which cabinet suppliers you chat with, it will vary.
How long does a kitchen renovation take?
The duration of a kitchen renovation can vary based on the scope of work. On average, a full-scale kitchen remodel takes about 6-8 weeks. With our expert team, we've streamlined the process to approximately 6 weeks. This includes everything from demolition to installing cabinetry, countertop fabrication, plumbing, electrical, and installing the final fixtures. Communication is key; regular updates ensure you're always in the loop.
The top challenges that cause project delays.
Project delays happen. We’ve found that project delays are usually due to appliances not being available on time, clients not ordering fixtures early enough, or changes to the overall design after the project has started that may require changes to electrical, plumbing, or structural changes.
Where to start?
Knowing where to start with your kitchen remodel is key. It can and should feel exciting! Begin by:
Doing your research: Check out Pinterest, Houzz, magazines, Instagram, etc. for inspo. If you’re struggling here, bringing in a designer to help you bring your vision to life is a great option.
Identify your budget: Determine a clear budget, and as we said above, be sure to set aside a contingency fund for anything unexpected.
Chat with a reputable renovation company: Engage a professional (like us!) to understand feasibility and get expert insights.
Key considerations for renovating your kitchen:
Functionality: Make sure the new layout and features suit your lifestyle.
Lighting: Don’t underestimate the power of great lighting! We love when our clients incorporate layered lighting with ambient, task, and accent lights.
Material quality: Invest in areas that count, anything that needs to stand the test of time or will get a lot of use needs to be made with quality materials. Generally, this would be your cabinetry, flooring, and countertops.
Are kitchen renovations worth it?
Beyond the tangible benefits like increased home value, kitchen renovations enhance your daily living experience. A study by Houzz found that 75% of homeowners feel more inclined to host gatherings post-renovation, and 51% feel healthier and happier in their revamped space.
From our perspective, they’re worth it! Our clients are always beyond thrilled to start using their new kitchens when we wrap up a project.
How to survive a kitchen renovation
A kitchen renovation, while rewarding, can be disruptive. Here are our best survival tips:
Set up a temporary kitchen: Use another part of your home, like the dining room or living room. Think of a camping or tail-gating-style kitchen setup.
Plan simple meals: Think meal kits, pre-made meals (check out Meal Prep Ottawa), sandwiches, salads, etc.
Stay organized: Keep essentials in clear bins for easy access.
Wrapping Up
A kitchen renovation, when done right, can transform your home in such a positive way. With careful planning, informed decisions, and the right partners, your dream kitchen is within reach. If you’re ready to start, we're here to guide you every step of the way and would love to help.