The Step-by-Step Guide to Planning a Kitchen Refurbishment

Is your kitchen looking sad, outdated, or just plain worn? A refurbishment can be a fantastic way to breathe new life into your home. By completely transforming your space, you can create a beautiful and practical area for cooking, dining, and entertaining.

A kitchen refurbishment is a big undertaking, but it doesn't have to be overwhelming. The kitchen experts at DMA Property Solutions have successfully transformed countless kitchens across the South, so we know exactly what it takes to make your project a success. Read on for our step-by-step guide to planning a kitchen refurbishment, from setting your budget to adding the finishing touches!

Step 1: Define Your Goals and Budget

Before you start picking out cabinets and colour schemes, it's important to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve with your kitchen refurbishment - and a realistic budget to back it up.

Think about your dream kitchen. Are you looking for a sleek, modern space fit for a celebrity chef, or a more traditional one? Do you want your kitchen to be fitted with all the bells and whistles, or are you happy with the basics? Once you know your goals, it's time to set a financial plan.

Your budget should factor in:

The results you want to achieve
Your overall finances
Any necessary structural work
Local labour and material costs

Even the best-laid plans can encounter surprises (such as unexpected structural issues), so it’s best to set aside 10-20% of your budget for unforeseen expenses.

If your budget falls short of your dream kitchen, rank features based on importance. This will help you determine what's essential and what can be postponed or adjusted. Achieving a high-end look doesn't always mean breaking the bank, so you can also explore cost-effective alternatives (like those suggested in our guide!).

Step 2: Evaluate Your Current Kitchen Layout

Once you've established your goals and budget, it's time to turn your attention to the layout of your kitchen.

Begin by assessing your current space. Pay close attention to the layout, the flow of traffic, and the functionality of each area. What works well? What doesn't? Are there any specific features that you love or dislike?

Answering these questions will help you identify the strengths and weaknesses of your current kitchen layout. You can then use that information to inform your redesign. For example, if you find that your current layout feels cramped, you might consider a more open design that incorporates features like island seating or a breakfast bar.

Step 3: Plan the New Layout

Now that you've defined your goals and assessed your current layout, you can start planning the new design. There are two key areas to focus on: traffic flow and the work triangle. We've outlined both in more detail below, as well as some example layouts to consider.

Traffic Flow

How easy it is to move around your kitchen can make a huge difference in how safe, convenient, and enjoyable it is to use. You don't want to be bumping into someone else when you're cooking, especially if you're carrying hot dishes around!

Think about the main pathway through your kitchen, usually from the entrance to the dining area or living room. This path tends to see the most traffic, so make sure there's plenty of space around appliances and furniture. You can also use islands or peninsulas to create natural traffic patterns and avoid bottlenecks.

Don’t forget to designate specific areas for cooking, cleaning, and dining. This will make it easier for everyone to work without getting in each other's way. For example, one person can set the table while another cleans up and a third prepares the meal.

Work Triangle

The work triangle is the distance between your stove, sink, and refrigerator. Ideally, they should be within 26 feet of each other to avoid unnecessary steps and delays in cooking.

Decide where you want each of these key appliances to go. If the triangle feels too large, consider rearranging the layout or adding an island to bring the distances closer. You should also make sure the work triangle doesn’t overlap with high-traffic areas to minimise congestion.

Common Kitchen Layouts

Here are a few common kitchen layouts and their advantages:

Galley kitchen: This is a narrow, rectangular layout with appliances on opposite sides. It's efficient for smaller spaces but can feel cramped if not well-planned.
U-shaped kitchen: This layout offers ample counter space and storage, but it can be challenging in smaller kitchens.
L-shaped kitchen: A versatile option that combines elements of the galley and U-shaped layouts. It's suitable for various kitchen sizes.
Island kitchen: An island can provide additional counter space, seating, and storage. However, it can also increase the size of the work triangle.

As an example, a medium-sized L-shaped kitchen can be designed with the stove on one leg of the L near a window, the sink in the corner of the L, and the refrigerator on the other leg near the entrance. This layout allows for easy cleanup and convenient access, with the rest of the space arranged for smooth traffic flow.

Step 4: Consider Plumbing and Electrical Needs

If you’re making major changes to your kitchen layout, you may need to make adjustments to your plumbing and electrical systems:

If you're moving your refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, or other appliances to new locations, you'll need to make sure the plumbing and electrical lines are in the right places to accommodate them. This may involve extending or relocating water supply lines, drain lines, and electrical outlets.
If you're adding a new appliance to your kitchen, you'll need to make sure your plumbing and electrical systems can handle the additional load.
If you're changing the size, shape, or location of your sink or countertops, you may need to adjust the plumbing lines to accommodate the new configuration.
If you're installing new lighting fixtures in your kitchen, you'll need to make sure that the electrical wiring is adequate to support them.
If you're installing a new gas oven, you'll need to have a gas line installed or relocated.

Step 5: Choose a Style

Now comes the fun part: choosing a style that reflects your personal taste and complements the overall design of your home.

Think about the look you want: sleek and minimalist, cosy and rustic, or anything in between! If you’re unsure, you can find endless inspiration on websites like Pinterest or in interior design magazines. Just be sure the style you choose flows well with the adjacent rooms in your home - a traditional cottage living room will look strange next to an ultra-modern kitchen right off the set of Masterchef!

Once you have a general idea, start researching materials and finishes that fit your chosen style, such as natural wood, stainless steel, or marble. You should also look into decorative elements like backsplashes and lighting fixtures that will add character to your kitchen. With your style in mind, you can then select appliances and fixtures that align with your vision as you move forward with the design.

Step 6: Choose Appliances and Fixtures

Once you've finalised the layout and design of your kitchen, it's time to bring it to life with the right appliances and fixtures. Essential elements include:

Large appliances (e.g. refrigerator, oven, hob, dishwasher, etc)
Small appliances (e.g. microwave, toaster, kettle, air fryer, etc)
Counters
Storage, including drawers, cabinets, and pantries
Sink
Backsplash
Lighting fixtures

When making your selections, keep your budget, goals, desired style, and kitchen layout in mind. Here are some tips to guide you:

Think about your cooking style. Do you love to bake, or are you more of a quick-cooker? Choose appliances that align with your culinary habits - for example, if you have a large family, you'll need appliances that can handle heavy usage.
Check the energy efficiency of the models you're considering. While energy-efficient appliances might come with a higher upfront cost, they can save you money in the long run through lower energy bills.
Choose appliances and fixtures that complement your design style, whether modern, traditional, or something else. Pay attention to finishes like stainless steel, black, or white to make sure they blend in with your overall design.
Make sure the appliances and fixtures you choose fit comfortably within your kitchen layout.
If you're on a tight budget, explore refurbished or gently used options. These can be significantly cheaper than new models while still offering excellent performance.

Step 7: Hire Professionals

With a solid plan in place, it’s time to kick off your kitchen transformation by hiring a refurbishment team! They’ll bring your vision to life with their professional expertise and equipment. If you’re still unsure about any of the details (like which appliances to choose), they can also offer guidance and expert recommendations throughout the process.

When selecting a company, look for one with years of experience and strong reviews from local homeowners. This will increase your chances of getting high-quality results and give you greater peace of mind.

Step 8: Add Final Touches and Decor

Once the refurbishment is complete, you can personalise your kitchen with finishing touches and decor like custom artwork and your own dishcloths. The result will be a stunning, practical space that will serve you and your family well for decades to come!

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