Top tips for a top kitchen remodel
‘‘ Pay for good cabinetry, hinges and inserts.’’ Yvette Jay
Thinking about a new kitchen and wondering where you should prioritise your spending? No matter what your budget is – modest or magnificent – there are some areas where you should not compromise.
Whangaparaoa-based kitchen designer Sarah Quinlan says people are often more prepared to spend money on looks. ‘‘So, they will cut corners on the quality and longevity of their cupboards, which is foolish.’’
Quinlan says it’s best to prioritise your spending from the ground up. ‘‘You can always replace a laminate benchtop after a couple of years, but you can’t do that if the cabinets have already fallen apart.’’
If you have good quality carcasses (the inside bits), you can always upgrade your cupboard doors and drawer fronts when funds allow it. If you do have a reasonable budget, spend money on horizontal surfaces – such as a high-end benchtop – and on feature tapware. If funds are tight, buy inexpensive versions now, replace them later.
Auckland-based interior designer Yvette Jay advises to invest in the best you can afford for your kitchen’s working components.
RECYCLE WHERE YOU CAN If you’re renovating and looking to save money, there is some merit in trying to repurpose and upcycle. Wyn-Harris says it is often possible to reuse cabinetry, which can be refreshed with new paint.
He says there is huge money to be saved in not shifting the position of key appliances and plumbing. ‘‘Don’t shift things around if you don’t have to.’’ OTHER KEY TIPS * Do your research and talk to the professionals before you start.
* Every family uses a kitchen differently, so design is never a one-size-fits-all approach.
* Avoid garish colours if a resale is likely. Keep it classic and neutral to appeal to widest market.
* Don’t skimp on storage. Your kitchen has to work well, and it has to be pleasurable to work in.
* Don’t over capitalise. It’s unlikely you will get every dollar back when you sell if the kitchen is ultra expensive and the house is modest.
* If you are buying a new appliance, don’t forget to check the decibel rating – the higher the decibels, the greater the noise.