Renovating parts of your home can be a very rewarding process, and when done well can add considerable value to your property.

There are a range of options when it comes to remodelling your home, but if your budget can only stretch to remodelling one room, that room should be the kitchen. It’s estimated that a new kitchen will improve the value of your property by around 6%. It’s also one of the most important rooms for prospective buyers, so it’s worth some serious consideration. 

Here are the top ten things you should think about before you begin your kitchen remodelling. Also, here are our tips on how to remodel your kitchen on a budget  and the do’s and don’ts of kitchen redesign .

Kitchen remodelling is about more than just aesthetics. You can also focus on better utilisation of space, add extra functionality or integrate your kitchen with other areas of your home. Determine exactly what you want to achieve before you start planning your kitchen remodelling project. This will help you to streamline the renovation process and ensure everyone involved is on the same page from the offset.

Before you begin remodelling your kitchen, it’s important to consider your budget against the value of your property. There’s no point in investing $20,000 in a premium new kitchen if your property is only worth $200,000 – you simply won’t get your money back. Equally, if you remodel on a low budget but your property is worth upwards of $500,000, you could end up devaluing your home.

Do your homework and try to arrive at an estimated cost before you go out and start buying stuff. Once you understand exactly how much you are able to invest, and what your return on that investment will be, you can begin designing your dream kitchen.

It’s common for people to leave appliances to the last minute when planning their kitchen remodeling. This may mean you run out of budget or could be faced with unexpected costs, prompting you to opt for lower quality products. It’s important to plan appliances carefully, as going for lower quality could end up costing you more, further down the line.

When looking for appliances, consider:

• Quality and longevity

• Energy efficiency

• Size

• Features and technologies

• Flexibility and ease of use

There’s no hard and fast rule for how much you should spend on new kitchen appliances. The quality and range of appliances you go for will depend on your overall budget. Built-in appliances  are an extremely effective solution. They fit perfectly within the dimensions of your kitchen and give a more seamless, elegant finish. As a general rule, you should leave about 20% of your budget for new appliances. 

Doing it yourself is a more cost-effective approach to kitchen remodelling, but it is not without risk. Therefore it's important to map out exactly what is required before you start your project. Think realistically about how much you can do yourself and what will require a skilled professional such as a kitchen designer or a tradesman. If you want to change your kitchen layout, for instance, you'll need to budget for tradesmen for moving the plumbing or the electrical and gas fittings. It is best not to attempt these yourself and rather to enlist the help of a professional.

According to our research, the most desired kitchens are connected with the dining room and include a central kitchen island. So, if you have the space to open your kitchen out and turn it into the hub of your home, it’s well worth the investment. If you decide to integrate your kitchen into the rest of your dining or living room, consider materials that are aligned with the rest of the space.  

Small details make a big difference. From a backsplash or tiles to the tapware, make sure you consider every element of your new kitchen design. It’s also important to consider the material you choose for things like your kitchen island, breakfast bar or countertops. Materials such as quartz surface (one brand being Caesarstone) is a good option. They are stylish, easy to clean and will stand the test of time.

Neutral colours are always best, especially if you’re planning to put your property on the market soon after renovating. Light-coloured kitchens, especially white kitchen cabinets are high in demand as they appeal to a range of tastes and appear clean and bright, which is a key concern for prospective buyers.

If you’re remodelling your kitchen because you feel like a change, rather than for the purpose of selling, you have more room to get creative. Decide on the overall look you’re going for. Have you always longed for an opulent, Italian style kitchen  or do you prefer something more modern and on-trend? The style you want will dictate the colour scheme. 

For a more sophisticated look, opt for wooden, marble or granite work surfaces. Wooden surfaces add character and charm without breaking the bank. Shop around for the best deals on the market or visit your local timber yard.

A butler’s pantry is high in demand as it hides a multitude of sins. As a general rule, the more storage space you have in your kitchen, the better. This is especially true for those with large families. If you have the space, it’s definitely worth the investment. For those with less space, consider how you can effectively make the most of it. You can also check out our tips on how to design a small kitchen space or how to make your tiny kitchen look big. 

Save space by having built-in appliances that fit seamlessly into your new kitchen design. Good quality built-in appliances should have a sleek, modern appearance while containing the latest technology to make your everyday life easier.

Thoroughly research your choice of appliances such as oven  and cooktop , fridge, dishwasher and microwave. The dimensions of appliances will play a large part in the overall look of your kitchen, especially if you are going for built-in appliances. Ensure all appliances fit perfectly in the space provided to avoid any unsightly gaps. For a seamless finish, consider integrated appliances that compliment your kitchen design.

Ready to renovate but need some extra help choosing the right appliances to fit with your new design? Talk to one of our stockists nearest you for advice and inspiraton.