You’ve decided it’s time to say goodbye to your old kitchen, well done!
You are about to increase the value of your most valuable asset and invigorate your family's living space.
I'm constantly asked- So how does it all work? How long does it take? What do I need to do?
This is just a guide to help you as every kitchen renovation is unique and individual. Consult your designer for further advice on your own kitchen renovation.
It’s a bit of a novel, but full of helpful information to help you plan your renovation time line.
Budget.
Having an idea on what you want to spend is a good starting point.
Consider the cost of the kitchen cabinetry with installation, as well as removal of existing kitchen, new appliances, electrician, plumber, splash back or tiler.
Also factor in any building costs if you are removing walls and always consult a qualified licensed builder to inspect if the wall is load bearing.
Are you replacing the floor? This can completely change the time frame and process of your kitchen installation. Check out- Should I do it Before or After Blog!
Your designer can help with this process.
Get Professional Advice
Obtaining a quote and advice from an experienced designer is really important as it can take the stress out of the process of your kitchen renovation.
Having a designer with years of experience that can identify potential issues will help you budget. Its a bit like having a really switched on wedding planner!
If you have an idea of appliances you are wanting to include in your new kitchen, it will make your quotation more accurate as it's easier to place cabinets around your desired appliance sizes.
Expect your quote within 48 hours of your FREE in home consultation along with elevations of your new kitchen.
Buying your Appliances
Appliances can be supplied by the designer on quotation or you may have a favorite brand you wish to use.
If your oven is a year old, why not reinstall it in your new kitchen to save money?
Aim to have any new appliances delivered as soon as possible prior to installation to ensure they arrive in time and not delay your kitchen installation.
Range-hood ducting is often not included in the sale price, so if you are purchasing yourself it pays to check all ducting is included.
Email all specifications of all new appliances you have bought to your designer.
Placing a Deposit on your Kitchen
It is important that all measurements are double checked and color selections are completed.
Your designer will also confirm the kitchen design, appliance placement and specifications so both parties are 100% clear on the final finish.
It’s comforting when you dealing with the same person from quotation through to final inspection.
25% of the quote is the amount of the deposit with a further 25% on delivery and prior to commencement of installation.
Finalizing Trades Quotations
Once you have placed your deposit, the plumber and electrician are notified and will contact you within 72 hours of receiving your information.
They make an appointment to inspect work involved and provide a quotation.
An estimate may be done on quotation by the designer or over the phone by the trades people for a simple disconnect and reconnect of appliances, but for more extensive or additional works, a site inspection is required.
While you have an electrician at your home, you may wish to have that new air conditioner installed or change your home lighting to energy saving LED down-lights.
You are welcome to use your own trades people but the usual team of installers and trades people that work together regularly avoids installation delays and more efficient kitchen renovation.
Empty your Contents and Set up a Temporary Kitchen.
You may be without a kitchen for approximately a week, so having somewhere to prepare food and most importantly, coffee, is a great idea.
Use your laundry area or dust off the BBQ apron. Better still it can time to collect those rain-checks for dinners owed!
It can be so liberating to empty the contents of your existing kitchen and you can use this opportunity to clear out some of those items you haven’t used for years. Savers will love your donations!
Your kitchen contents need to be completely empty for removal.
The fridge is a heavy appliance, so don’t move it, just leave it for the installers to move.
Make space for trades to work.
The installer will be cutting on site and will need to access an outside area.
They will put down drop sheets to protect your floors, right to the door, to reduce mess in your home from so much foot traffic.
Consider your pets during installation.
The trades will be coming in and out from outside, so if Rover or Kitty have a habit of escaping, it might pay the keep them safely locked away or off site for a few days.
Your Kitchen is Delivered and Installed
This can happen in as little as few weeks from order, or a time that suits your busy schedule.
The delivery team will call prior to delivery to give you a widow time for delivery.
They will need to stack to pre-assembled cabinets, doors, panels and benchtops in an area out of the weather, preferable inside near the kitchen space.
On the morning your kitchen is delivered your home is a hype of activity.
It’s a really exciting time.
A specialized team arrives to remove the existing kitchen and prepare the site for your new kitchen.
The electrician and plumber are on site to disconnect and carry out any first fix works.
Rubbish is removed off site or if you have sold your kitchen it is placed in your garage, front yard or collected by the purchaser.
*Please do not advertise your existing kitchen for the buyer to remove as they are not insured to do so and may not have the tools or skills.
You don’t want an unknown, uninsured person causing damage on your home plus there are safety issues of gas, electricity and water to address.
Once everything is cleared out the magic begins.
The installer will take approximately two to five days, depending on size and complexity of your kitchen, to install the cabinetry.
By the end of day two you will be so delighted to see your new kitchen coming together.
The bench top is installed on the last day of installation if you have chosen a Mirostone or Laminate benchtop.
Once the benchtop is installed the plumber and electrician return to reconnect your appliances and services.
All waste is removed from site, including the old kitchen, old appliances, appliance packaging and other associated installation rubbish.
Most of the packaging from your new kitchen is recycled leaving very little to land fill.
A progress payment is requested on delivery prior to commencement of installation and final payment due on the last day of cabinetry installation.
The second fix by trades is usually done the day after completion of cabinetry installation giving time for any silicone used to set.
You will receive a tax invoice prior to delivery with payment arrangements.
Final Touches
Your kitchen is all installed and it’s time for the finishing touches.
The bulk head, which is the gap between the top of the upper cabinets and the ceiling, may be trimmed with cornice and painted if chosen, glass splash backs are measured or the tiler may begin to install the tiled splashback, depending on your choice.
Painting of walls may be done at this stage if not completed before hand.
Think about your small appliances, it’s not a good look plugging in the old plastic kettle in your beautiful new kitchen.
Treat yourself with new tea towels and some greenery for some fresh colour injection.
Once the splashback is installed get your friends around for the grand reveal of your new kitchen.
Any excuse for a get together with friends!
Enjoy and thanks for reading.
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