Kitchen checklist ✔️
After last week’s Blog on Renovation Checklist, you’ve asked for more specific checklists by room. So here’s is one for the kitchen!
The kitchen is the heart of the home and usually where family and friends gather. So creating a stylish and functional room is the end goal!
Budget and Finances
Everything always begins by checking your budget. Gathering as much information for this area. Keep in mind appliances, cabinetry and how much storage you’d need (what kind of items you need for storage e.g. cups, plates, saucepans, food, other bits etc. ), lighting, flooring, wall treatments, worktops and extension work (if needed). Once you’ve gathered this information then it’s time to research companies that cover all these areas.
When hiring an interior designer a lot of this is already known by them, JCavaree Interiors recommends local companies in St Albans, Hertfordshire and offers their trade discount too.
Sharing the information you’ve gathered with these companies will help to give you a better understanding of how much your project may be.
Ask local trades if they could help with an estimate, and state all the information you have gathered. A lot of trades will offer a free quote but make sure to shop around!
As an interior designer, I research materials before purchasing for a client. Remember to buy materials that are highly durable and cost-efficient, this doesn’t mean the cheaper option. Shop locally being based in Hertfordshire we will purchase from trades locally and small businesses!
Finally time! Time is money after all! How long will the renovation take? How long do you have for the renovation? Have you added in time for surprises? ( This is also included with money). When will this section be finished so the next section can start?
Planning permission
Your project may need planning permission if it is part of an extension and if you’re planning on moving drainage and walls.
You can apply for planning permission online through your local council. Here is the one for St Albans Planning Permission. If you have an Architect they can help with this process.
Space Planning
Space planning is the most important step before moving on to the design.
A kitchen is a high-traffic area, having a better understanding of space and where things should be kept will allow us to create a good flow.
Start by understanding the “Work Triangle”, which includes the Oven, Fridge and Sink. It should be no more than 7.9 meters and no less than 3.9 and around 1.2 to 2.4 in between each section although modern-day kitchens have changed, and this rule can be altered. Also, make sure not to block this path with larger items like a tall cabinet or furniture.
Understand areas where you need things stored like spices near the stove or oven.
Understand the work area and eating area. The Working area should be kept away from the eating area to minimise risks that could happen in the kitchen.
This takes me on to my final point, the amount of space you will need for preparing food, eating the food or other activities like school work or your work.
Design
Now that you have a good understanding of how you would like your kitchen to work and what you’ll need in it - work alongside an Interior designer or kitchen design company to help create the perfect layout for you!
Thank you for reading!
I hope you’ve enjoyed today's blog as much as I’ve enjoyed putting it together for you.
Want to know more? or how I could help you with your renovate your kitchen, click “book your free 1-2-1 today” below and choose a time that suits you best to have a chat!
Looking forward to hearing from you!
Take care, and speak soon
Jess x