Step 1. Set A Budget
It’s important to set a budget that is realistic in terms of what you can afford and what you can expect to achieve. For a kitchen renovation, a common benchmark is somewhere between 10 and 15% of the value of your home. You’ll also want to factor in how long you plan on living in your home –– your budget will likely be lower if you plan on selling in the next few years and higher if you’re putting down roots. Our designer’s job is to achieve your goals and get the best value for your dollar, and having a set budget will help them determine what best suits your needs and lifestyle. The selection of kitchen products is endless, and as a custom cabinet manufacturer, we can design and build anything your heart desires. The sky’s the limit! Just tell us how high your sky happens to go.
Step 2. Collect Photos
Look through design magazines and websites and collect photos of what appeals to you in regard to layout, colours, cabinetry, counter tops, storage solutions, etc. Houzz.com is a fantastic online resource for design ideas, and you can check out Sébo’s page while you’re there! On our own website, our Gallery and Products sections can also help you narrow down some options. Creating a portfolio will help your designer understand the look you are hoping to achieve and he or she will be able to advise you on whether or not all your wishes can be met within the practical and budgetary considerations of your particular project.
Step 3. Make A List Of Your “Wants”
Think about the main features you’d like to see in your kitchen (i.e. types of appliances; drawers for pots and pans versus doors and shelves; pull-outs and pantries; appliance garages; built-in entertainment equipment such as TVs and audio devices; islands with or without seating; amount of counter space; storage aids such as spice drawers; recycling bins and garbage receptacles; countertop material such as laminate, quartz, granite, etc.).
Step 4. Make A List Of Your Dislikes
Itemize the things that are lacking or inefficient or that you really dislike in your present space. Do you have a poor layout? Does the fridge open the wrong way? Is the sink too big or too small? Is there adequate light? Not enough storage space? Lack of organization within cupboards?
Step 5. Assess Your Lifestyle
Recognize the needs of your family. Whether you have young children, teenagers, an empty nest, special needs, or in-laws living with you, your individual situation will likely impact the design of your kitchen and/or the materials you choose. With our huge selection of products, you’re sure to find something to suit your family’s needs and wants.
Step 6. Research Your Appliances
Before the design process begins, it’s important to think about your appliances. Will you be using your existing appliances or replacing them? Will the range be freestanding, slide-in, or a cook-top/wall-oven combination? Electric or gas? Over-sized, apartment-sized or standard size? Do you have a specific range hood in mind? Will your microwave be built-in or freestanding? Will there be a wine fridge, a built-in coffee machine or any other auxiliary appliances that need to be incorporated into the design? When making these decisions, you can count on your designer to advise you on the optimal solutions for your space.
In Summary
A kitchen renovation can be overwhelming at times. However, by following these steps and having realistic expectations with regard to your budget and the scale of the project, you’ll be sure to set off on the right foot, making the whole process that much smoother and more enjoyable.
Sébo has designers on staff to help you with all aspects of your kitchen renovation. We also take on full-scope construction and renovation projects alongside our endorsed contractors and in-house project coordinator. We offer very competitive prices for turnkey projects and we can oversee the work from beginning to end.
Whatever your project, you can always trust Sébo to do the job right.