Refurbishment and Restore Issue 18 2019 | Page 46

LEFT: Photo: Mia Mortensen © 2018 Houzz
RIGHT: Photo: Angela Flournoy © 2018 Houzz
BELOW: Photo: Paolo Fusco © 2018 Houzz
Things to Consider When
Planning a Kitchen Renovation
The latest Houzz & Home survey found that
more than a quarter of homeowners (29%)
had updated their kitchens in 2018, a room
which consistently features as one of the
top three rooms to renovate. The report also
found that the median spend on kitchen
renovations was £10,000 rising by 11% since
2018. With so many homeowners choosing
to invest in this key room, it’s important to
get it right, so Houzz has brought together
professionals from the site, to share their
expert advice, and help ensure your kitchen
renovations go to plan.
Research, research, research
“Start planning your kitchen several months
before the builders arrive so that you have
plenty of time to do your research,” says
professional on Houzz, Beth Dadswell of
Imperfect Interiors. “Kitchens are one of
the most expensive rooms in the house to
renovate, and the choices of finishes, brands
and electrical products are endless – so
you will need some time to dedicate to this
before work starts.”
“To get the best design on a budget, it is
necessary to do thorough research on every
single item or component,” says Hayley
Tarrington-Robson of Day True. “Compare
prices and, if possible, visit showrooms that
showcase the design you like.”
46 - www.refurbandrestore.co.uk
Find the right pro
It’s vital to also research your kitchen
designer or fitter, advises Michaela
Stansfield of Field & Co Interior Design Ltd.
“The old ‘buy cheap, buy twice’ scenario can
really hit a budget hard if the tradesperson
fails to complete the job and you have to
source a replacement to fix their work,” she
says. “I always suggest getting at least three
quotes from all trades required, be sure to
get an itemised quote so you know exactly
what you are paying for, check references
and where possible view previous work.”
Sites like Houzz can help you with this, with
portfolios and reviews of professionals in
your local area, easily found in the directory.
Create a contingency fund
Michaela recommends putting 10% of your
budget aside as a contingency fund, to allow
for unforeseen expenses. “This way you are
more likely to be able to stay within budget
should hidden costs arise,” she says.
“It’s tempting to spend this at the planning
phase but this safety net is worth its weight
in gold when, part-way through the work,
unforeseen expenses would have blown the
budget,” she continues. “If you do manage to
have it leftover once work is complete you can
always indulge in special finishing touches.”
Be realistic
“People often want an island or at least a
breakfast bar, but it sometimes doesn’t work
in the space,” says professional on Houzz,
Lindsey Durrant of Burlanes Interiors. “Think
about how you’re going to be able to move
around the room. Be realistic about what
will fit. If you’re spending money on a new
kitchen, you don’t want a design you can’t
move around easily or a space that looks
crowded or over-stuffed.”
Houzz is the leading platform for home
renovation and design, providing people with
everything they need to improve their homes
from start to finish. With the largest residential
design database in the world, Houzz is the
easiest way for people to find inspiration, get
advice and hire the professionals they need to
help turn their ideas into reality.
www.houzz.co.uk