Speak to anyone who’s recently renovated their kitchen or bathroom and you might just hear the words ‘chaos’ or ‘complete mess’ pop up! Because as exciting as a renovation is, it can also be a seriously stressful time if you don’t plan ahead…
So, what can you do to make the process more peaceful? The key is to prepare way ahead of time. This way you can minimise unexpected hiccups and continue to live alongside your renovation. In this post, we’ll give you four vital planning tips for a smooth, stress-free kitchen or bathroom upgrade.
Create a Budget
One of the first things you need to do, before anything is picked out or ordered, is set a realistic budget for the project. Once you’ve got a figure, work backwards; this will allow you to prioritise what’s most important to you. For example, if you opt to splurge on your dream cabinets, you can save pennies on some of the fittings.
Make sure you research the costs of materials, labour, and any additional expenses. The last thing you want is an unexpected bill derailing your budget and causing stress! Because extra expenses can pop up along the way, it’s always wise to add a buffer to your original budget.
Do Your Renovation Expert Research
When you’ve decided that you’re renovation-ready, it can be tempting to settle for the first bathroom or kitchen fitter who’s available to start straight away! The problem is, settling for a contractor without doing your due diligence could prove a costly and timely mistake.
So, take the time to find someone experienced and reputable. Whilst having a contractor who’s personally recommended is great, these days it’s also easy to check out online reviews. You might want to get multiple quotes and view a few portfolios to check that they align with your budget and vision.
Time to Declutter
Before you can fit a new kitchen or bathroom, you’ll need to totally gut the old one. A lot of people imagine it’ll only take them a few hours to clear the space out. The reality? You need to start the decluttering process way in advance.
So, in the weeks leading up to your renovation, use the time to declutter. Throw out, recycle or donate items you don’t want to bring into in your brand new room. Then, collect everything you’ll need to use during the renovation and find a temporary home for it. The rest? Pack it into labelled boxes and store it safely out of the way!
Make a Renovation Timeline
The truth is, having a whole room out of action – whether it’s the kitchen or the bathroom – will be a least a little disruptive. To set realistic expectations and make plans to carry on life as normal(ish), it’s wise to work with your contractors to establish a detailed renovation timeline.
Consider factors like lead times for materials, the scope of work, and factor in any potential disruptions or delays. Figure out how many days your room will be out-of-use and find an alternative. From using the neighbour’s bathroom to setting up a temporary kitchen area elsewhere, there’s always a way to adapt!
Stress-Free Renovations With Iconic
Here at Iconic, we’re no strangers to the disruption and stress that a kitchen or bathroom renovation can cause! Yet, with twenty years of experience under our belts, we’ve got plenty of tips and tricks to make the experience as smooth and organised as possible.
From the initial measuring all the way through to the kitchen or bathroom fitting, we’ll be there with expert advice to guide you through the process. Whether it’s budget concerns or making a renovation timeline, we’re happy to help you plan ahead so you know exactly what to expect when renovation day comes!
We’d love to chat through your ideas and requirements with you. Get in touch with Iconic Kitchens and Bathrooms today for a free quotation – with no obligation to move ahead with the project!
