The kitchen is the heart of your home, so it’s no surprise that you’re thinking about giving this space an upgrade!
Whether you are doing a house or condo kitchen renovation, this is not a weekend project. Renovating your kitchen takes careful planning and the expertise of a professional contractor.
So before you go ahead with your kitchen renovation, check out Ridgeline Improvement’s Ultimate Guide to Kitchen Renovations:
How Much Does a Kitchen Reno Cost?
The cost of renovating a kitchen can vary depending on where you are located and the extent of the renovation.
For example, a midrange kitchen reno can cost around $65,000, while a total overhaul may run you around $140,000. An average kitchen remodel can range from $12,000 to $35,000, while a smaller project can cost as little as $4,000.
Again, the cost is based on many factors, but speaking to an experienced contractor can help you determine an estimate so you can properly plan and budget by looking at the scope of the project and the cost of materials.
While kitchen renovations may seem pricey, they can actually add significant value to your home!
Kitchen renovations can result in a higher ROI (Return on Investment) for your home, so it may be worth it to invest money into a remodel so that you can yield a return when you sell your home.
Prepping Your Home for the Renovation
Once you have decided that it’s time to renovate your kitchen, don’t grab the sledgehammer just yet! In order to bring your dream kitchen to life, you need to properly prepare your home for the renovation.
Here are some steps you should take to get started:
Consult with a Contractor
While you may be handy with a hammer, contractors are trained and experienced in planning and executing renovations from start to finish.
A professional contractor can also lay out a timeline so that you know how long the project will take.
Consider the Current Layout
Take a look at your kitchen’s layout and think about how you can maximize the space as well as suit your wants and needs.
For example, you may want a kitchen island, but will this be functional in the space? Are you happy with where the sink is located? Does your kitchen need more natural light?
Knowing how your design will fit into the current layout is going to determine the scope of the renovation project. For instance, extending the room to accommodate that kitchen island is going to require more work.
It’s also important to accept limitations when it comes to the current layout and space. There may be changes in your kitchen that you simply cannot make.
Apply for Necessary Permits
If you want to extend your property to expand your kitchen, you may need permits to do so.
A professional contractor can take care of this step for you. They know what permits are required and how to apply for them.
Create a Budget
Before you give your kitchen renovation contractor the go-ahead, you need to plan out your budget to ensure that you can afford the project.
This is why getting an estimate from a contractor is important. It will allow you to organize the necessary funds to create the kitchen of your dreams!
Overall, you should plan for 60% of the budget to go toward cabinetry, with the remainder set aside for new countertops and appliances.
Kitchen Cabinets
Addressing your kitchen cabinets during your kitchen renovation is perhaps the number one way to make a drastic change in your home.
But with so many kitchen renovation ideas when it comes to cabinets, what style will you choose?
The first thing you need to think about is functionality and appearance. Do you want cabinets solely for storage, or do you want to display items as well?
Second, do you want your kitchen cabinets to complement the overall design of your home or have their own design?
Lastly, you have to consider the kitchen cabinet style, color, and material. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Sleek and handleless designs
- Bold colors for a trendier look
- Bifold doors to create a breakfast or coffee cupboard
- Shallow cupboard to maximize space
- Curved design elements to soften the look of your kitchen
- Open cupboards for easy access
- Shaker-style cabinets for a classic and timeless look
The possibilities are endless!
Kitchen Flooring
The next element of your kitchen reno you need to consider is flooring. Should you use the same flooring throughout your home or install something unique in your kitchen?
Having the same type of flooring throughout your home creates an open space and aesthetic unity between rooms.
However, some flooring materials suitable for living spaces will not work well in kitchens.
For instance, hardwood floors may not stand up to spills and humidity in your kitchen. However, materials such as laminate and vinyl are designed to be durable against moisture and other damage.
To give you an idea of excellent flooring options for kitchens, check out these ideas:
- Laminate: Laminate floors are an affordable option for your kitchen and come in a variety of styles and colors, including wood grains that mimic hardwood floors.
- Vinyl: Vinyl is a synthetic flooring option that can look like wood, ceramic, or stone. It is also affordable and easy to maintain.
- Ceramic Tile: Ceramic tiles are perfect for high-traffic and moisture-prone areas, such as your kitchen. You can find ceramic tiles in a variety of designs and looks!
Kitchen Countertops
Another major part of most kitchen renovations in Edmonton is countertops. The two most popular materials used nowadays are granite and marble.
There are notable differences between the two but both are great choices for your kitchen renovation!
Granite has a flecked look versus the veined appearance of marble. However, because both are natural materials, you can expect variations in their colors and patterns.
Overall, granite is less expensive than marble and the cost of each can vary based on the complexity of the installation job.
Both materials are strong, durable, and resistant to heat, but granite is a harder stone and less prone to scratches, chips, and stains.
Marble and granite countertops both fit beautifully into any kitchen renovation plan and can significantly upgrade the look and feel of this space!
Kitchen Lighting
Because the kitchen is the busiest area of your home, it’s important to choose kitchen lighting that is both decorative and functional.
When you are planning your kitchen renovation, think about where you need more light compared to the size and position of your cabinets and counters.
Here are some aspects of kitchen lighting design you should take into consideration:
Lighting Styles
There are many different kitchen lighting styles you can choose from, whether you want to create a cohesive design or have unique lighting that stands out.
Traditional lighting has decorative features such as etched or carved details and complements wood-toned surfaces.
Transitional lighting is more subtle and simple and matches well with kitchen designs that feature mixed styles.
Contemporary lighting is also simply designed with surfaces such as stainless steel, chrome, and glass surfaces. They often integrate LED lights.
Types of Kitchen Lighting
There are three types of kitchen lighting that are ideal for different areas of your kitchen:
- Ambient Lighting: Ambient or general lighting provides soft light to create a calming effect.
- Task Lighting: Task lighting should be installed to illuminate specific areas of your kitchen, such as where you prepare and cook food and eat.
- Accent Lighting: Accent lighting is decorative and can be used to highlight display items and furnishings.
Light Fixtures
Lastly, let’s look at the different types of light fixtures you can incorporate into your kitchen renovation ideas:
- Pendants
- Recessed Downlights
- Spotlights
- Track Lights
- Cabinet Lights
Choosing the right light fixture will provide your kitchen with indoor lighting that is both practical and stylish!
Adding an Island to Your Kitchen
Kitchen islands are a perfect way to add counter space and storage to your kitchen. They can also be outfitted with appliances such as a cooktop and sink or extended to add more seating to the area.
When it comes to adding an island to your kitchen, size is key. Your kitchen island should have enough surface space to provide functionality with enough room to move around your kitchen.
Sometimes, it’s not feasible to have an island included in your kitchen renovation ideas, but you can always opt for a rolling cart if the space is small and want more space.
There are different kitchen island designs to choose from, including working islands that function as a countertop with an open design or storage islands that allow you to store dishes, cookbooks, etc.
You can include a prep and wash island that features a sink, allowing you to maximize your counter space or a dining island with an overhanging counter for casual eating.
Is It Time to Change Your Appliances?
In the excitement of planning your kitchen renovation, you may be tempted to toss your current appliances in favor of shiny new ones.
However, you should consider the current state of your appliances in order to alleviate your renovation budget.
Kitchen appliances should last at least 10 years, so if your stove, fridge, and dishwasher still have lots of life left in them, consider leaving them and designing your kitchen around their appearance.
Ultimately, you can follow the 50/50 rule that states if your appliance is more than halfway through its lifespan and will cost you half as much to repair or replace, go ahead and replace it.
If you decide to change your appliances as part of your kitchen reno, keep in mind your kitchen space so you don’t purchase appliances that don’t fit.
You can also use new appliances as a focal point in your kitchen design! For a trendier look, think retro stoves and glass door refrigerators.
2022 Kitchen Design Trends
So what does 2022 have in store for kitchen renovations in Edmonton?
If you’re not sure where to start with your kitchen renovation design, here are some top trends worth considering:
- Multi-Use Kitchens: You can create a home hub in your kitchen by including desk space and additional storage.
- Ceiling High Cabinets: If you’re installing new cabinets, why not extend them all the way to the ceiling? Tall cabinets will elongate the vertical space of your kitchen and provide more functional storage.
- Colored Cabinets: More people are staying away from white cabinets and opting for colors such as bold reds or soft greys.
- Tiles Cabinet Interiors: Tile is no longer a utilitarian material and is now being used in kitchen design. Consider covering the back of open or display cabinets with decorative tile.
- Mixed Metals: Just because your appliances are stainless steel doesn’t mean your cabinet hardware has to match! Mix it up by adding metal handles such as copper and polished nickel.
- Glazed Tile Backsplashes: Similar to subway tiles, glazed tiles have a shiny and slick look that complements any kitchen design.
No matter what is trending this year or the next, finding your kitchen style is all about what inspires you and what will work best for your home!
Finding the Right Contractor
When it comes to kitchen renovations in Edmonton, you need to find the right contractor for the job!
From condo to house kitchen renovations, we have to skills and know-how to guarantee you’ll have the kitchen of your dreams.
We can guide you through the entire process, from choosing the perfect materials for your kitchen to creating a welcoming and functional space.
What are you waiting for?
Get in touch with us today for more information, or click here to get started with your free quote.
