Easy do-it-yourself kitchen renovations

The kitchen is one of the most used rooms in the home, especially during the colder seasons when many foods and drinks are prepared to ward off the cold. Also, the style of the kitchen has changed drastically over the years. Even more significant is how we are now using the space for cooking. This has forced us to review how we think about the designs and functions of our kitchen.

Kitchen renovations don’t necessarily have to take a lot of time or cost a lot. If you don’t have the time or budget to do a complete renovation, from the kitchen floor to the ceiling, you can avoid all that unnecessary work. There are plenty of cheap and easy things you could do yourself.

Before you start your DIY kitchen remodel, you may want to think about the following aspects:

What is your vision of the kitchen?

The main objective of a practical kitchen design has traditionally focused on the design of the work triangle. This was typically where the stove (oven), sink, and refrigerator formed the three points of a triangle.

Although the triangle principle still works, those days when the kitchen was hidden in the back of your house are long gone. Today, open-plan living layouts mean that the kitchen is more likely to be the focal point of the home where family members converge.

Before you begin your renovation, give some serious consideration to the key features you have in the kitchen. Also consider the key activities you would be involved in while in the kitchen, what appliances you use and how they are used.

Carry out your research

Reputable home and lifestyle magazines will provide you with great inspirational ideas for kitchen remodeling. Also, when shopping for products and items for your renovation project, check out the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) website as it offers practical advice on the quality and prices of many household products.

Schedule renewal correctly

Regardless of how large or small your renovation project is, it is essential that you plan well in advance and dedicate yourself to completing the renovation work. This not only ensures that the work actually gets done, but also that the desired results are achieved based on your initial vision.

Before starting your project, please confirm with your local authorities whether such renovation may require specific approvals or permits in accordance with Australian Building Code requirements.

Seek professional help when needed

When designing or renovating any part of your home, you will be required to comply with various government regulations. Key among these is the Australian Standard/New Zealand Standard 4386 on the erection of domestic kitchens.

Some of the items you are renovating may need to meet specific government requirements. For this reason, you may need the professional assistance of an electrician for wiring or a plumber for kitchen sink plumbing.

Be patient and wise

Home renovations can be time consuming, so it’s essential that you stay patient, focused, and faithful to your kitchen vision.

In the renovation process, if you are replacing some old kitchen products with new ones, you can opt for more sustainable options. For example, when you install items like faucet timers and energy efficient lighting, you will greatly reduce the amount of water used and also lower your energy bills, respectively.