As cliché as it may be, your home is, in fact, your biggest investment. That is precisely why we are so intentional when it comes to general maintenance and major renovations. That said, if you have been thinking about remodeling your kitchen, you’re in good company. According to an article in newswire.ca, a public relations and earned media software company and services provider, Canada saw a substantial uptick in the number of home renovations being done last year. Homeowners spent as much as 11,000 on their respective projects. Statistical data aside, there are few things you need to consider before you outlay thousands of dollars and endure all of the inconveniences that come with a kitchen renovation, for example.

Budget

Whether your goal is to impress your family and friends or be the envy of your neighborhood, the genesis of your remodeling project should begin with a budget. Knowing how much you have to work with can help you avoid getting in over your head. Here are a few tips to help get you started:

Obviously, this list is not an overarching enumeration of things to be mindful of.  It is, however, a few of things that some homeowners failed to take into consideration before the start of their home renovation.

Research

It’s easy to succumb to our emotions when picking out new cabinets, floor tiles, and appliances. After all, who among us has not been swayed by amazing tile samples and other building materials that seemingly set our hearts ablaze. It is, however, better to make sound, thoughtful decisions when choosing products for your home renovation project. So, when you’re in a home store or showroom, consider doing some comparison shopping, carefully look at prices and be honest with yourself with respect to what you can and, more importantly, cannot afford.

Measuring

It’s always a good idea to be ahead of the curve when it comes to renovating your kitchen. This often means having all of your measurements ready before ever contacting a contractor. Here are some measurements worth taking now:

Counter space should be one of the first measurements you take; you should aim for about 36” of counter space, which makes food preparation a lot easier. The same holds true for appliances; you want to have enough floor space/walkway left to be able to fully utilize the space once the appliances are installed.

Photo by Alair Homes EdmontonSearch kitchen design ideas

Extra Costs

Finally, be prepared for hidden expenses that can quickly drive up costs. Carefully assess your wants versus your needs, allowing good judgment to ultimately prevail. Lastly, choose a quality contractor that is willing to take time to address your concerns, and also, one that provides a written estimate so you that you know upfront how much your renovation will be.

If you live in Edmonton or one of the nearby provinces, you’re encouraged to contact Alair Homes Edmonton, one of the highest rated custom home building franchises in Alberta. We are home renovation experts that won the CHBA – Alberta Award of Excellence in Housing in 2016, an award recognizing us as leaders in the custom home builder segment. We’d love the opportunity to explore your project and provide you with some great ideas about how to accomplish your goals. Contact us to schedule a complimentary consultation.