Where should I start with a kitchen renovation?
Start with how you use your kitchen, then identify the changes that would make the biggest difference. A clear list of priorities is more useful at the beginning than a complete set of finish selections.
Walk through making a meal, unloading groceries and putting dishes away. Note awkward corners, limited preparation space, missing storage or places where people cross paths. Separate essential changes from ideas you would consider if the scope allows.
Collect a few photos of your existing kitchen and examples of styles you like. Explain what you like about each example: the layout, the light, the material or the feeling. Our inspiration notebook can help you find a starting point.
What affects the cost of a kitchen renovation?
Kitchen renovation cost depends on the scope of work, the existing space, cabinetry, countertops, appliance choices and installation requirements. A written estimate for your own kitchen is more useful than a single price applied to every home.
- Layout: keeping or moving the sink, cooking area and appliances changes the work to discuss.
- Cabinetry: the quantity, layout, storage features, doors and hardware all affect the specification.
- Surfaces: compare the selected material, measurements, edge details, openings and installation.
- Existing conditions: ask how concealed damage or unexpected work would be assessed and approved.
- Scope boundaries: confirm who supplies appliances, removes debris and completes each part of the work.
Ask for an itemized scope, exclusions, allowances, applicable taxes and payment terms. Discuss how changes will be priced and approved before proceeding. This website does not publish fixed renovation prices.
How long does a kitchen renovation take?
The timeline depends on design decisions, material availability, the work required and site conditions. Confirm a project-specific schedule that distinguishes planning and ordering from the period when work happens in your home.
Ask when selections need to be final, which items must arrive before work starts and how a delay would affect the next step. Discuss the expected interruption to cooking, water and appliance use, and how you will receive schedule updates.
Before agreeing on a start date, talk about access and any building requirements that apply to your property. If you live in a strata property, ask your strata contact about its renovation approval process and access rules. Requirements should be checked for the specific building and proposed work.
Can I renovate without changing the kitchen layout?
An existing layout can be the starting point when its arrangement works for you. Whether it can be retained depends on the kitchen’s condition, appliance dimensions and the changes you want to make.
Bring the parts of your current layout that you want to keep into the conversation early. Consider door and drawer clearance, access around an island, preparation space and everyday storage. Rough measurements can support the discussion; they are not a substitute for site measurements before ordering.
How should I compare cabinets and countertops?
Compare materials by daily use, care requirements and the details of the proposed product, as well as appearance. Review samples together under the light in your kitchen before settling on a combination.
For cabinetry, discuss how doors, drawers and storage fit your routine. For countertops, ask about maintenance, seams, edge profiles, sink openings and how the surface will be supported. Request care information for the actual products being considered instead of assuming that similar-looking finishes perform the same way.
Explore our cabinetry and storage and countertop and finish services to shape your questions.
What should I prepare before contacting you?
You do not need a finished design. A short brief covering your home, priorities and timing gives the first conversation a useful direction.
- Your neighbourhood and property type.
- What is not working in the existing kitchen.
- The changes you consider essential.
- Photos, rough dimensions and a few inspiration references, if available.
- A budget range you are comfortable discussing.
- Your preferred timing and any constraints on access.
Use the contact page to organize your thoughts or call 1 (844) 822-2211. Review the renovation approach for the details to confirm before work begins.