Things To Keep In Mind For Your Kitchen Renovation

A new or renovated kitchen is a great way to spice up your life!

Planning the style and layout are the exciting parts, then it’s time to get down to the nitty gritty. In our experience, customers start to get in a pickle when they realise how much else there is to consider.

Save yourself frustration by keeping these things in mind for your renovated kitchen.

Sinks

Kitchen sinks can be a real statement piece. It’s easy to get excited when you see how many options are out there. The colours, materials and designs are impressive. But we encourage you to take a step back and think function first, then style. A large rectangular pan won’t fit in a small round sink. Head over to our blog How to find the perfect sink for your kitchen for an easy rundown on what to consider.

You might also like our Kitchen Sinks & Tapware Buying Guide . It’s overflowing with inspiration!

Tapware

There are literally thousands of different taps to choose from with different styles, features and finishes. Know what’s available, and keep in mind that you will see and use the kitchen tap a lot. You’ll want to get this right!

Other things you might consider include:

• The brand or manufacturer. Many of our customers prefer Australian-made products.

• Warranty. Is quality and reliability important to you? Some brands offer lifetime warranties on kitchen tapware.

• Water efficiency. A 5 or 6-star WELS rating is the benchmark for tapware.

Again, let us refer you to our Kitchen Sinks & Tapware Buying Guide.

Plan Ahead For Accessories

These days sinks can be served with sides. You don’t have to get sink accessories, but now is still the time to think about whether you might want them eventually. Some high-end products come with accessories like chopping boards and strainers. Others have accessories as optional extras.

Know what’s out there and decide what you want now because it might influence your decision about your sink and your bench space.

Our current range of kitchen accessories includes bowl protectors, chopping boards, colanders, drainer trays and drainer mats.

Waste Plugs

While waste plugs might be included in your sink purchase, it’s worth knowing there are other options available. Check first that it’s included. Then think about whether you want a waste plug that matches your sink or your tapware.

Waste Disposers

You could also consider whether you want a waste disposer. Composting isn’t an option for some people, so a waste disposal unit might be an idea. Keep in mind that some councils are introducing food waste collection services.

Water Filters

If there is room in the budget for added extras, a water filter could be what makes your kitchen a cut above the rest. You can get everything from a simple filter for your ambient tap water, to a standalone filter tap that delivers chilled, boiling and sparkling water at the press of a button.

Ongoing cost is one of the most important things to keep in mind for filters. Some require annual servicing. You’ll also have to replace cartridges regularly, and your CO2 canister if you choose a filter tap with sparkling water.

Once again, we have a handy Water Filter Products Buying Guide .

Kitchen Appliances

Appliances work harder in your kitchen than you do. Sorry, don’t take that personally. You need to choose wisely now so your kitchen not only looks great but performs well too.

Keep in mind that upgrading or repositioning appliances could require pipe rerouting – especially if you’re upgrading to a fridge with a water or ice dispenser. Also, having your dishwasher too far from your plumbing connections could put a strain on its filter.

When choosing a rangehood, ducted rangehoods are considered the best. If this is important to you, it may mean changing the location of your stove so the exhaust can be directed out. You also have the option of integrated or downdraft exhaust. These are very contemporary, but they can take up lots of space beneath your stove and may only work if the exhaust can be directed through your floor.

If you’re changing from a gas or electric cooktop to induction, keep in mind that you may also need to budget for replacing your pots and pans. Whereas if you’re changing from electric to gas, the price of gas may see a rise as it loses favour to renewable energy sources.

Also keep in mind that not all appliances are built to last. Check your warranties and do your research by reading online reviews about the appliances you’re considering.

What Else Needs A Facelift?

If you’re upgrading your kitchen, the surrounding areas of your house might look a little tired. You may want to consider a fresh coat of paint, new lights and fans, and new flooring (particularly if you’re changing the layout of your kitchen).

Home And Contents Insurance

This might be stepping outside our lane a little, but we hear all the stories from all our customers. Renovating might affect your home and contents insurance. Speak to your insurer before you start throwing your sledgehammer.

Ask Our Team For Advice

With so much to consider before building or renovating your kitchen, it’s essential to get the right advice from all the relevant professionals. Be upfront with your designer, cabinetmaker, builder, electrician and plumber. Make sure they know all your thoughts and plans because they’re the ones to tell you what will work, what won’t work, and how much it will cost.

When it comes to choosing a kitchen sink, tapware, accessories, water filters and appliances, we are the experts to turn to. Browse thousands of kitchen products online or go one step better and see them on display in one of our 100+ Tradelink showrooms around the country. Our showroom consultants will be keen to help you cook up a storm with your kitchen plans.