Planning to renovate your kitchen? Renovating this room is often a challenge, but this effect rewards adversity – making it even more enjoyable to cook and eat with your loved ones in the new kitchen. How to renovate a kitchen at home step by step?
Kitchen renovation is not only about removing old furniture and installing new ones, but also a difficult job that often requires the help of professional kitchen contractors of Toronto. Regardless of whether it is a kitchen renovation in a private house or in an apartment in an apartment building, it is worth preparing well for it to avoid unnecessary costs, delays and stress.
When should you renovate your kitchen? Which furniture to choose? How to make repairs in stages? What expenses do you need to be prepared for? These are just a few of the questions we answer in our guide.
Kitchen renovation is an important decision that entails certain costs and also brings certain inconveniences. However, there are situations when it is not worth putting off work. When is it time to renovate your home kitchen?
It is worth deciding to renovate your kitchen when:
- using the kitchen is not very convenient,
- kitchen furniture does not look good, it is damaged,
- walls, floor and ceiling are damaged and in need of repair,
- there was a serious malfunction in the installation of the kitchen, for example, water, sewage,
plans to purchase new household appliances.
Most people decide to renovate their kitchen after about 10-20 years from the current one. Repairs also often take place after the purchase of a used apartment or house, where the kitchen is older, not very beautiful and non-functional.
Repair formalities
Under the new building law, no building permit is required to renovate existing buildings. In theory, the work should be presented to the headman or president of the city with poviat rights. In practice, this is usually not done.
Additional formalities during the renovation of the kitchen concern the implementation of new installations and the installation of equipment in it, when they must be reported to the relevant offices, companies.
- The formalities concern, in particular:
- gas assumptions – connect the gas stove to the gas network,
- changing the connection power – necessary when installing an induction cooker.
It is also worth remembering that if you are planning more invasive work, for example, demolition of walls, installation of underfloor heating, reconstruction of an electrical installation, it is worth consulting with a specialist, for example, an architect, an electrician.
Kitchen renovation – minor or general?
Home kitchen renovation can be cosmetic, that is, it can be used to refresh the appearance of the interior, but it can also be general when it is necessary to almost completely update the interior. The amount of repair in this case depends on individual needs, the technical condition of the premises, and also the budget.
Small kitchen renovations are recommended if the kitchen furniture is still in good condition but the walls or floor need to be refurbished. You can also choose it when furniture needs to be replaced or updated, for example by painting the facades or installing a new countertop. The kitchen does not change its current arrangement of furniture and household appliances. Such work does not entail high costs.
General kitchen renovation is the best choice when the whole room looks unimportant, there are difficulties with the operation of installations, equipment, breakdown of furniture that can no longer be repaired. In this case, the costs are higher, but the kitchen can get a completely new look and additional functions that make it even more convenient to use.
How to prepare a kitchen project?
When planning a major overhaul of the kitchen at home, it is worth preparing its design in advance. It is a document containing information about a room, including projections and equipment, and therefore facilitates the planning and execution of renovations.
Kitchen design should include:
- room size,
- doors and windows,
- kitchen furniture,
- equipment,
- installation,
- connection.
You can design a kitchen yourself, but it can also be done by a company that produces furniture to size, or an architect from a design bureau.
It’s not difficult to make a project yourself. You can prepare it on a piece of paper, use special design programs – they are also available for free.
You can get a free kitchen plan when ordering kitchen furniture. Then an employee of the company will prepare it by prior arrangement. The project mainly includes furniture projections. It can also be accompanied by interior visualization.
In the design office, you will have to pay for the project. However, in this case, you can get a detailed plan with visualization, including not only furniture, but also floors, walls, lighting and other elements on request.
The working triangle is the golden rule of kitchen design
When preparing a kitchen design, it is worth considering the principle of the so-called working triangle, which is considered the golden rule when designing a kitchen. It defines the mutual distances between the three main kitchen appliances – refrigerator, sink and stove. Together they should form a triangle.
Working triangle principle in the kitchen:
- the distance between the refrigerator and the sink is 120-210 cm,
- the distance between the sink and the stove is 90-210 cm,
- the distance between the refrigerator and the stove is 120-170 cm.
Using a room that uses the working triangle principle becomes even easier because you don’t have to do so many movements when cooking and cleaning.
Other important rules when decorating a kitchen:
- the refrigerator should not be located near heat sources such as stove, heater, window,
- the gas stove should not be near the window,
- the oven should be placed next to the ventilation system so that there is a fume hood above it – not applicable to hoods with an absorber,
- the sink should be located next to the plumbing riser,
- the dishwasher should be placed as close as possible to the kitchen sink,
- it is worth installing more sockets for connecting devices at the counter.
Most popular kitchen styles
The kitchen can have different styles, so it is worth deciding on the nature of the interior design before starting the renovation. The main factor determining the interior of a kitchen should be taste. Among the most popular styles:
Scandinavian style
The Scandinavian-style kitchen is light and simple, so this decor is perfect for small rooms too. Scandinavian style kitchen furniture is most often white with a wooden or wooden countertop.
Loft style
Differs in pure elegance – the industrial style is dominated by concrete, brick, wood and steel. The colors are muted, gray is popular.
Country style
The kitchen in this style belongs to the traditional rustic interiors, therefore it gives the impression of warmth and comfort. Typical features are traditional wooden furniture with milled facades and glass windows.
Modern style
Simple furniture, often with glossy finishes, with stone or wood countertops. This is a kitchen without unnecessary decorations.
Glamorous style
Modern elegance – a kitchen with simple furnishings complemented by palatial furnishings such as a chandelier, decorative candlesticks, velor upholstered chairs.
Floor and walls in the kitchen
When renovating a kitchen at home requires replacing floors and walls, it is necessary to choose the right materials that will stand out not only in aesthetics, but also in durability and resistance.
Kitchen floors are most often made of ceramic tiles that are easy to keep clean. The range of patterns is very wide, so they can be adapted to any interior style. An alternative is to use PVC flooring, vinyl panels. Laminate and wood paneling can also be placed in the kitchen, but remember that they can warp when exposed to moisture.
The walls in the kitchen are most often finished with gypsum plaster, and in places where they are prone to disturbances – kitchen furniture, stoves, sinks – additional materials are used. This can be a belt made of ceramic tiles, tempered lacobel glass, laminated panels or, in an economical version, washable wallpaper.
Lighting in the kitchen
When renovating a kitchen, it is also worth remembering the lighting layout. A functional kitchen must be equipped with more than one light source, so in addition to a ceiling lamp, it is worth installing additional lighting in it.
The main ceiling light in the kitchen should illuminate the entire interior. In the case of small kitchens, it can also be hung on the table. Downstairs kitchens can be used with ceiling lights and spotlights. In the event that a stretch ceiling is installed in the kitchen, you can make LED light rings in it.
Additional lighting should be placed next to kitchen furniture to illuminate the countertop. These can be LED lamps placed under wall cabinets, or strips – LED strips.
Kitchen renovation in the house: ventilation
When planning a kitchen renovation, you should also pay attention to another important issue – ventilation. The kitchen is a room that needs to be well ventilated. For this, gravitational and mechanical ventilation is used.
Mechanical ventilation in the kitchen in the form of a hood is the most popular option. Ideally, it should be in the form of a hood connected to a ventilation duct. In the event that a gas stove is supposed to be used in the kitchen, there should be a grate in the room – gravity exhaust ventilation.
Ready-made furniture or custom-made furniture?
Furniture is by far the most important element in the kitchen – not only the appearance, but also the functionality of the entire room depends on it. So, let’s take a closer look at the suggestions of various manufacturers to choose the best kitchen furniture that suits your interior and your requirements.
The kitchen can be equipped with:
ready-made kitchen furniture,
kitchen furniture in size.
Each of these options has its own advantages and disadvantages – these buildings differ in accordance with the interior, customization options, delivery time, and cost.
Ready kitchen furniture
Ready-made kitchen furniture is recommended when timing and low cost. In many stores, they can even be ordered immediately, so kitchen repairs at home can be done quickly and efficiently.
Finished furniture is usually offered as modular, i.e. the manufacturer offers various options for furniture within the same series, and the customer can adapt them individually to suit his needs. The collections include free-standing and hanging cabinets and shelves. The kit may include a matching top. You should buy a sink and fittings.
The main disadvantage of finished furniture is the impossibility of individually adjusting it to the dimensions of the interior, which is why it will not always work well in small, non-standard rooms, where every centimeter counts.
Kitchen furniture by size
The second option is custom-made furniture made by a carpentry workshop. This option is very popular today. In this case, the kitchen can be individually tailored to the needs of the customer, not only in appearance, but also in functionality. It is also a very popular solution in small kitchens that are difficult to equip. In the carpentry workshop, custom-made furniture is made from various types of wood-based panels, veneer panels and wood. You can choose the type of countertop and interior furniture. However, you will have to pay more for a custom-made kitchen than for a finished one.
When planning your home kitchen renovation, don’t forget to order custom-made furniture in advance. The waiting period for construction works is usually 1-3 months.
Fashionable solutions in the kitchen: tall buildings and a kitchen island
When planning a kitchen renovation, it is worth considering two arrangement solutions fashionable in this interior – tall buildings and a kitchen island.
Tall buildings are fully built-up kitchen walls, most often reaching up to the ceiling. It goes well with both traditional and modern cuisine. Tall buildings provide a lot of storage space, so it is also recommended for smaller interiors. You can also install an oven and a microwave in the built-in one.
The kitchen island creates additional space for work and storage in the interior. Placed away from walls, often in the center of the kitchen, it can serve as a countertop, dining area, kitchen cabinet. Kitchen islands can be made to order or purchased ready-made. In the kitchen corners, instead of the island, you can make a kitchen peninsula, i.e. a built-in element going to the center of the room – wardrobes with a table top.
Fittings for kitchen furniture
Correctly selected kitchen furniture equipment improves its ergonomics, therefore it becomes easier to use the kitchen. This equipment can be selected for both ready-made and custom-made furniture, while custom-made furniture gives more flexibility to adapt it to the needs of the user.
Types of equipment in kitchen furniture:
- silent and smooth closing systems – used in drawers, cabinets,
- cargo systems – throw away the entire contents of the cabinets,
- drawer systems – organizers that allow you to organize the inside of the drawer,
- carousels and other corner systems – installed in corner cabinets,
- sorting systems – facilitate sorting waste.
- Household appliances in the kitchen – free-standing or built-in?
Household items are also important kitchen equipment, without which it is impossible to store food or prepare food. The choice is wide, so household appliances can be adapted to suit your needs and even the style of your kitchen.
Household appliances in the kitchen:
- fridge,
- plate,
- oven,
- Washer,
- microwave
- Washer,
- hood.
This equipment can be purchased free-standing or built-in. The first option is usually cheaper, and the second is associated with a slightly higher cost, because household appliances must be trimmed with correctly selected facades.
Freestanding household appliances, in addition to the low price, provide more opportunities for arrangement. When you are preparing to move, it is easy to carry. But the built-in appliances are not noticeable – they are aesthetically integrated into the line of kitchen furniture.
Where to buy kitchen equipment?
Kitchen equipment today can be purchased in many stores – they are offered both in popular furniture and DIY stores, and in small stores. When shopping on your own, it is worth remembering about transport, which may require a larger car. Many stores provide a service for the delivery of equipment to the buyer – free or for a fee. Also, sales are conducted in online stores, where you can often find many attractive offers for any wallet. Online you can buy mosaics, kitchen furniture, freestanding and built-in appliances and many other products for the kitchen. The purchased products are delivered directly to the customer, which removes the problem with the organization of transport.
When ordering custom-made furniture, you only need to select materials from the catalog. Their purchase and construction will be handled by a carpentry workshop.
Where to start renovating a kitchen?
In order to start repairing the kitchen at home, it is necessary to properly prepare the room where the work will be carried out. Then it is best to work in a completely empty room, where there is room for all the activities.
Before the actual renovation begins, it will be necessary to remove the old kitchen furniture and appliances from the walls, take out or disassemble the old kitchen furniture, and possibly cut the tiles, tear off the wallpaper when planning the finishing work. If the kitchen equipment is to be reused, it must be properly protected from dirt and damage. It is best to take them to another room so that they do not interfere with the work being done.
Then, based on the previously prepared interior design, you can proceed to the renovation, which will result in the kitchen of your dreams!
Kitchen renovation – step by step
The basis of a high-quality kitchen renovation is competent planning of all work. Their order is very important to implement all this without unnecessary problems. Here is a list of the most important things to do when renovating a kitchen:
1. Installation work
Kitchen renovation should begin with the necessary installation work related to the installation of electricity, water, sewage, gas and ventilation. Thanks to them, you can prepare the interior for the installation of all your equipment.
Installation work includes:
replacement of old electrical cables – new ones must be three- or five-core to connect an induction cooker and other electrical equipment
- stretching new power lines – to new sockets, lighting,
- connection of water supply and sewerage systems – to a dishwasher, washing, refrigerator, requiring connection to the installation,
- gas connection – gas pipes laid from above,
- execution or modification of the ventilation system – gravitational, mechanical for a kitchen hood.
- It is worth remembering that installation work must be carried out by people of appropriate qualifications – an electrician, a gasman. This is a guarantee that they will be performed correctly and that the finished installations and equipment will be safe.
2. Wall decoration
After completing the installation work, you can start decorating the walls. Here the work profile is associated with the type of finishing materials.
First of all, it is necessary to properly prepare the walls – remove old materials from them, fill in the voids, prime the surface so that the materials placed on it are more durable. The most time consuming is the manufacture of plaster, which must be applied to the wall and properly smoothed. However, the effect is very aesthetic, which is why they appear in many kitchens. You can paint them with a variety of paints, such as washable latex paints, so you can easily wipe any stains off the walls.
Wallpaper requires less work – for the kitchen it is worth choosing vinyl, which are resistant to moisture and washing. The choice of patterns is considerable. Today, most often wallpaper is placed on one wall to create an interesting contrasting effect.
Other types of materials can be used to decorate the walls in the kitchen, for example, brick or imitation brick, which is popular primarily in loft-style interiors.
It is also important at this stage to properly trim the plank above the countertop to protect the area from dirt and make it easier to clean. Mainly used are ceramic tiles, glass panels, laminated panels and washable wallpapers.
If the ceiling also requires finishing, the necessary finishing work is carried out – this can be painting the ceiling, installing a stretch ceiling.
If it is necessary to replace the interior doors, it is also worthwhile to carry out work on updating the walls in order to properly fit them into the opening and decoration.
3. Floor laying.
When renovating a bathroom at home requires flooring, this is also a step worth investing in.
For the kitchen, ceramic tiles are most often chosen. Large-format tiles and mosaics are very popular nowadays, including impressive concrete and wood-like tiles with Moroccan oriental patterns that delight in rich detail. Ceramic tiles are placed on adhesives, lightly pressing them to the surface and separating them from each other.
Another option is PVC floors – in this case, the work is not that difficult. The carpet is simply spread on the floor and trimmed accordingly. Best placed on a soundproof base.
Floor panels can also be seen in kitchens. An excellent option is vinyl boards that are resistant to moisture, so they do not warp under its influence. When installing cheaper laminate panels in the kitchen, it is necessary to systematically remove moisture.
In the event that a wooden floor is supposed to be made in the kitchen, it should be laid after all wet work in the room is completed. Excessive moisture can deform the wood. If the floor in the kitchen is uneven, the screed will need to be redone. Materials laid on the floor will have a good foundation.
4. Installation of kitchen furniture.
When the wall, ceiling and floor finishing work is finished, it’s time to install the kitchen furniture.
Installation can be done by yourself or by a third-party company that has built the kitchen to order. It is worth remembering that the more complex the kitchen design, the longer the installation takes. Most often, this is 1-7 days of continuous work with all connected equipment.
Finished kitchen furniture may need to be assembled when sold in bulk. It is also worth allocating more time for this work, since the kitchen usually consists of many elements. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
To build, you need basic tools such as:
- flat and Phillips screwdrivers or screwdriver,
- Hex keys,
- a hammer
- spirit level,
- measure.
Then the furniture is arranged in the room according to the previous project – then the kitchen takes its first shape.
When cabinets and shelves are to be hung on the walls, holes must be made. Then it is worth considering the progress of the electrical installation. If you do not know where the wires are located, use a special detector.
Worktops are placed on standing cabinets, which also need to be properly secured to be stable. The countertops can be additionally trimmed with strips running against the wall to protect the area from dirt and make cleaning easier. Proper installation also requires handles, kitchen furniture handles and interior furniture hardware.
5. Installation of household appliances
Along with the arrangement of furniture, it is necessary to insert kitchen appliances. The work in this area depends on whether the equipment is worth free-standing or built-in. In the second case, fitters of a carpentry company can build in equipment. Household appliances must also be properly aligned and then connected to electrical, plumbing and gas installations in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and standards.
It should be remembered that the connection of gas appliances must be carried out by qualified specialists.
At this stage, the installation of the kitchen sink and fittings is also carried out. The sink can be placed over furniture or placed on a countertop, so a cutout should be made in it.
6. Implementation of lighting.
Correct lighting is also important in the kitchen, so it is necessary to install suitable lighting fixtures during renovations. Usually this work is done last, but if it is planned to install a suspended ceiling with LED eyelets in the kitchen, then it is carried out at the stage of the ceiling construction.
Installation of lighting in the kitchen is carried out under the ceiling, under the cabinets. It is necessary to correctly connect the lighting fixtures to the network. When we do not have the knowledge of this, it is best to entrust the work to an experienced electrician, who will make sure that they are done properly and the entire installation is safe.
7. Final work – cleaning, filling cupboards, finishing.
When almost all the work in the kitchen is done, the final stage begins – cleaning the kitchen, filling the cabinets with equipment, food, decorating the interior to give it individuality. Then it’s worth taking the time to thoroughly clean the kitchen, especially from dust and traces of used finishing materials. The carefully cleaned kitchen is ready for further work.
Filling cabinets and decorating the kitchen, such as hanging pictures on the wall, installing window coverings such as blinds, curtains, curtains, placing tablecloths on the table, will all give the kitchen the final look.
How long does it take to renovate a kitchen?
The term for a kitchen renovation depends on the amount of work performed, so the more difficult it is, the longer it will take to take into account everyday inconveniences. Small kitchen renovations without changing furniture or laborious finishing work can be done from 1 to 5 days. When a major overhaul is being prepared, in this case, they can take up to 1-3 months.
To speed up your kitchen renovation, you should outsource the work to an external team. Thanks to their knowledge and experience, as well as the available equipment, specialists can perform the necessary actions much faster than if they were performed independently. It is also worth remembering that repairing a kitchen at home will take less time when all the work is planned in advance, and furniture and finishing materials are ordered, because their waiting time delays the commissioning of the kitchen.
How much does a kitchen renovation cost?
Thus, the approximate cost of a kitchen renovation is usually between $ 2,000 for the economic option to $ 20,000 for large rooms with the most expensive materials and equipment.
When kitchen renovations become cheaper, it’s worth doing the work yourself. Many of them are simple, so even people who do not have much experience in this area should have no difficulty in implementing them.
What repairs can you do yourself, and what can you put into operation?
Not all kitchen renovations need to be done by an external team. When cheaper repairs are the goal, do it yourself and save on labor costs.
Work you can do yourself:
- chipped tiles,
- tearing wallpaper,
- laying floors,
- preparation of walls,
- production of plaster,
- painting walls,
- assembly of kitchen furniture,
- connection of the selected kitchen appliances.
- Wage-earners.
- performing new installations,
- laying ceramic tiles,
- installation of interior doors,
- assembly of custom-made furniture,
- connecting the stove, dishwasher, lighting.
A lot of useful information about carrying out repair work can now be found on the Internet, for example, in the form of manuals – videos that show how to carry out the necessary work step by step. However, it should be remembered that carrying out repair work in the kitchen yourself may mean an increase in the repair time. However, when this is not a priority, this option is the most economical solution.
How to find a good kitchen remodeling contractor?
When home kitchen renovation needs to be outsourced to an external team, it is very important to find specialists so that all work is done correctly, on time and at an affordable price.
Contractors can be found on the Internet – many companies have their own websites and advertise themselves on classified sites. However, when looking for a good team, you should not consider only the costs, because the main thing is reliability and honesty. The opinions available on the Internet are also helpful. We must not forget to conclude an agreement with a contractor – he protects the interests of the parties and will be useful in case of disputes.
What should you pay special attention to when renovating a kitchen?
When repairing a kitchen, many questions often arise related to its implementation. Some of them:
Which countertop to choose for the kitchen?
Kitchen countertops are a variety of materials to choose from, including laminated board, natural wood, stone such as granite or marble, basalt, granite, syenite or conglomerates. Less common are concrete and glass countertops.
The cheapest option is a laminate kitchen countertop that can imitate wood or stone. Such countertops are resistant to moisture, they are easy to keep clean, but they are not suitable for repair – they remain punctured.
A more expensive option is materials such as natural wood, such as beech or oak, and stone. Remember they need to be soaked for extra protection from moisture and other substances. They also require proper care with special products.
Wood and stone can be repaired in the event of local damage.
Which sink to choose for the kitchen?
The cheapest option is a steel sink.
Stone sinks are more expensive – they are made of conglomerate – These sinks are aesthetically pleasing but can discolor and therefore require proper care.
How can you save money when renovating a kitchen?
You can look for savings on finishing materials, for example, buy them in stocks or choose cheaper options.
Likewise, you can save on household appliances purchased at lower prices. It is best to look for promotions on refrigerators, washing machines, hoods, gas and induction cookers, dishwashers in stores, as well as in online stores.
It is better not to save on furniture – better quality can be used longer without repair.
Can a kitchen floor be made without breaking tiles?
Yes it is possible. Without breaking the tiles, home renovation will be faster and easier. The tiles can be covered with floor panels, PVC floors or other tiles. Remember to properly prepare the surface.
Thus, home kitchen renovation is a big problem. So let’s get ready well, create an interior design and a list of materials and work to be done. The work can be entrusted to a qualified team, but a successful kitchen repair can be done independently at a lower cost.
