AyA Renovation Guide – Part #1

Renovating your home? Don’t know where to begin? Let AyA’s New Renovation Guide help you with the process. The guide breaks the process down into 6 steps, from budget, design, to installation while supplying useful information and tips.

STEP#1

Where to begin?

Create a kitchen wish list file. This helps the homeowner communicate clearly their wants and desires to their kitchen designer. Magazine cutouts, printed pictures from the internet, and the rough measurements of the existing space are all key components to the file. Samples of cabinet finishes, counter top materials, flooring, backsplash tiles, paint samples and any materials or images that are an inspiration for the vision will assist in creating a smooth design and renovation process.

STEP#2

Setting the budget

While most homeowners have an idea as to what they would like to spend, it’s important to visit kitchen showrooms and appliance showrooms to determine whether or not the budget is realistic. The cabinet door style,  wood species and finish along with decorative features and interior space saving accessories all contribute to the overall cost. In addition to the cost of the cabinets and appliances, considerations include: contruction costs, plumbing and electrical – both labour and fixtures, flooring, backsplash,  counter tops, paint, window coverings, and furnishings. It’s important to remember that there is a  wide selection of choices in the marketplace which cater to a variety of budgetary requirements.

STEP#3

The Design

When first meeting with the kitchen designer, he or she will tour with the homeowner through the showroom to further narrow down the choices. Typical considerations for the new kitchen include: What height cabinets are most suitable for the space? How are corners to be addressed? – is a pie cut cabinet with a lazy susan or a magic blind corner cabinet more favourable? Is there ample space for an island or a peninsula? Is seating required in the kitchen? What about a computer desk? What type of style is being considered? Is the homeowner a consummate traditionalist, an urban modernist, or somewhere in between? The designer will then put together a proposal which includes the design drawings along with the  quotation getting the client steps closer to their dream kitchen.

Stay tuned for part #2 where we discuss decision time, the installation and how to handle the finishing touches.



AyA Renovation Guide
Part #2