A well-designed kitchen will give you enjoyment and efficient work space for years, even decades and can even add value to your home. Kitchen renovations can involve a significant investment, so you want to make sure you do it right.

To ensure your kitchen renovation project runs smoothly, the Ontario Real Estate Association and your local Realtor offer the following tips and advice.

Begin by visiting building suppliers, retail outlets and kitchen show rooms to find out what's available and get an idea of prices. Kitchen renovations go beyond cabinetry and appliances so talk with a professional renovation contractor in the early stages of planning to get a clear sense of the full scope of the work involved.

Before you choose a contractor, spend some time determining what you want your kitchen renovation to accomplish. For example, do you need more storage and work space, a new updated look, better traffic flow or a quiet, bright morning breakfast spot? Think about what bothers you about your existing kitchen. Often, renovators will ask you to describe your daily routine to determine the best design solutions to achieve your objectives, in and around the kitchen area.

Consider hiring a kitchen designer to help you see beyond what you have in your kitchen and what the possibilities are. Kitchen design has evolved a great deal in the past 10 to 15 years and designers can provide lots of ideas and suggest things you may never have considered. Keep in mind that once you start a renovation, there’s no turning back. Your life is disrupted and any unexpected problems will lead to higher costs and delays in finishing the project. That’s why careful planning is so important.

The designer will probably start by helping you to assess your existing space. Older kitchens are often poorly laid out, with wasted space in corner cabinets, inefficient shelving and small counters with inadequate work space. You may be able to gain the space you want from a more efficient layout or run cupboards to the ceiling for storing seldom-used items. Designers can also suggest things like bigger windows or glass doors to the outside to help brighten and open up the area. If it’s more space you desire, you might be able to relocate a small bathroom or closet to another area of the home, or move a wall in a rarely used dining room.

As for costing the renovation work, much will depend on the condition of the existing structure, the extent of the work to be done and local labour and material prices. Costs of finishes and fixtures vary widely so creating a good budget checklist is important before you start. Some of the items you should include on your checklist are: design changes, structural considerations, fixtures and appliances, moisture damage and deteriorated finishes, floor and wall finishes, plumbing and electrical problems, heating and ventilation, permit, inspection and waste disposal costs.

Typically, a complete kitchen renovation involves preparing the room, installing the cabinets and completing the job - tiles, floor cover, trim, under-cabinet lights and so on. During the first stage, your kitchen is dismantled and structural work - such as stripping and moving walls, installing windows and doors, drywalling, and flooring - is done. Electrical work may entail new wires, split receptacles and separate circuits for each appliance to conform with building codes. Your electrical panel may need upgrading as well.

Changing your kitchen layout may also mean moving the plumbing. Your renovator may suggest replacing old or corroded supply pipes to ensure good water pressure. The amount of time it takes to complete your kitchen renovation will depend on the scale of the project. A complete kitchen renovation typically takes about three to four weeks, but longer if you are adding space or doing extensive renovations in adjoining areas. Your renovator may be able to help you set up temporary kitchen facilities elsewhere in the house.

You will be using your new kitchen every single day for years to come. This is your opportunity to do it right, so take your time. Do your homework, and consult with professional renovators and kitchen designers. Be sure to get samples from suppliers (e.g., cabinets, counters, faucets, tiles, flooring) before you buy anything and look at them together to make sure that everything is matched and coordinated for the look you want.

This article is provided by the Orangeville & District Real Estate Board for the benefit of consumers in the real estate market.