Posted on Friday October 28, 2022

Kitchen renovation tips and advice

The kitchen is the heart of any home. It’s where you grab a midnight snack and share meals with friends and family, where the kids do their homework and where you entertain company for a fun night in. Kitchen parties are an Acadian institution to this very day.

You spend a lot of time in the kitchen, so it’s no surprise if you feel like it needs a little facelift from time to time. You might want to install new cabinets, make the layout more functional, replace tired countertops, redecorate and so on. Unfortunately though, kitchen renovations don't come cheap.

Blame the pandemic

COVID lockdowns got a lot of people thinking about kitchen renovations, especially telecommuters. There are a number of factors to consider for a successful renovation and a few simple steps to make sure you’re all set.

The high cost of materials and supply issues may discourage some homeowners. Foresight and patience are the order of the day. Demand is high, so it’s best to be flexible and keep an open mind. Your best bet for a successful renovation is to plan ahead and avoid costly delays.

Careful planning

It’s important to plan carefully and make a budget to avoid unpleasant surprises. Renovation costs are directly related to the scope of the work. Redoing a room like the kitchen can easily set you back tens of thousands of dollars. How much you'll spend depends on the size of the room, the materials you choose, and any changes to the layout you plan to make.

The first step in renovating your kitchen is to think carefully about your household’s needs based on your lifestyle. A couple approaching retirement won’t make the same choices as a young working family with children.

Budget your way to peace of mind!

A detailed budget takes a number of factors into account. Will you need to do plumbing or electrical work? Are you going to change the flooring? Do the existing sinks and faucets need to be replaced? Will the new counters and cabinets work with your existing appliances or do they need to be replaced as well?

Your budget should also include lighting, furniture, painting, and decor. Remember, budgeting is a great way to maintain peace of mind during the renovations.

It’s also likely to indicate that you’ll need to borrow money. There are a range of different options. You can take out a personal loan, use your line of credit, or tack the cost on to your mortgage. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution—it really depends on your financial situation. The advisors at UNI are here to help you understand your options and pick the one that’s right for you.

Pro tip

Don’t hesitate to reach out to professionals for help with the technical and financial aspects of your renovations. It’s usually worth the extra money. For example, a good interior decorator will propose options you may not have considered. Ultimately, that could save you a big chunk of change! Going with neutral colours like grey, white, and beige is a good idea because they tend to withstand wear and tear and stay in style.

Quality vs. short-term savings

Some materials are more robust and better quality than others. Not all contractors are created equal either, so take your time and find one that’s right for you. And make sure they’re not skimping on quality to undercut the competition.

Your kitchen is the busiest room in your home, so it’s worth the investment. Unlike putting in a pool, having an attractive, functional kitchen adds value to your home. Especially if you’re considering selling down the road.

While your kitchen is a construction zone

The renovations will take over your kitchen, so there’s a strong chance you’ll have limited access. That’s why it’s a good idea figure out a place to chow down ahead of time. To avoid spending a fortune on restaurants, set up a temporary kitchen in another part of the house where you can plug in a couple of burners and your toaster and microwave, for example. It’s also a great time to fire up the grill.

Your routine will probably be disrupted, so get prepared with a few tips that will save you a lot of headaches. Remember, it’s only temporary and you’ll soon have a brand new modern kitchen to show for it!

UNI has your back every step of the way, and our advisors are happy to answer any questions you may have!