If you’ve decided to renovate your kitchen, you probably have a lot of Q&A on the subject of kitchen renovation, or you should have! To give you an idea, here are 5 of the top Q&A in regard to kitchen renovations.

Question 1: How do I choose a contractor for my kitchen renovation?

Answer: Very carefully. Horror stories of bad experiences with contractors about, so here are a couple of pointers to look for. Firstly, get a list of contractors in your area. Look online, but don’t overlook the recommendation of family, friends and co-workers. Word of mouth is the best source there is. Interview the contractors, check their qualifications and insurance, ask them for references, and follow up on those references. Make sure they are experienced in kitchen renovations. Be wary of contractors who are reluctant to give you too much information. Once you have quotes or bids from the contractors you have chosen, remember, the cheapest is not necessarily the best option. Negotiate, ask questions, and get settle on a budget and a timeline. Of the top 5 Q&A, this is probably the most important – nothing will ruin your kitchen renovation faster than an incompetent or dishonest contractor.

Question 2: How do I allocate my budget for my kitchen renovation?

Answer: Start with the cost of kitchen cabinets. Studies have shown that kitchen cabinets account for about one half of the cost of the budget of any kitchen renovation. Once you have that issue nailed down, you can look at the others. If you have decided on a budget, stick to it. Make a list of priorities based on how easy it will be to improve on those items down the line. Kitchen cabinets, for instance cost the most, but you also don’t want to skimp on them, because the better quality they are, and the more sturdy their construction, the more durable they will be. They are also a lot of work to replace in future kitchen renovation. Kitchen counters, on the other hand, are very easy to upgrade, so you can settle for something inexpensive for now, and replace them with the ones you really want when you are able to afford them. Budget is important – that’s why it’s mentioned in the top 5 Q&A!

Question 3: How do I choose a theme for my kitchen renovation?

Answer: Look for something that fits your personality, and the décor of your home. Kitchen renovations are expensive, so a timeless theme that will not date easily is always a good idea. When in doubt, stick to neutral colours and a classic design. Avoid outlandish trends unless you are very sure you can live with them, or you will find yourself doing kitchen renovations again sooner than you would like. Of the top 5 Q&A in kitchen renovation, this one comes down the most to your personal taste the most.

Question 4: What is the latest in kitchen design?

Answer: There are a lot of trends in kitchen renovations, but there are a couple that stand out. The first is using your kitchen cabinets to hide appliances – even fridges! From a design perspective, it gives your kitchen a more cosy and natural feel, especially if you and your family spend a lot of time in it. The second trend is lighting – fluorescent lighting is out, layered lighting, and LED’s are in. And a very big trend in kitchen renovations is eco-friendly design – use of sustainable materials, water sparing and energy efficient appliances, and so on.

Question 5: How do I make sure my kitchen renovation goes smoothly?

Answer: Sit down with a pen and paper, before you do anything else, and plan. Decide how much to spend, what you want to achieve, what you use your kitchen for (some families spend most of their time in the kitchen), and anything else that you consider important. And then decide what you are going to do about each issue before you start your kitchen renovations.

With these 5 of the top Q&A answered, you should be on your way to a successful kitchen renovation!