The Dream - It is said
that the kitchen is the heart of every home. A gathering place, a sharing
place, a place used every day to nourish body and soul. It’s not surprising
then that kitchens need updating. Newer and more efficient appliances, newer
materials, and expanding families are some of the reasons Toronto homeowners
dream of new kitchens.
The Decision - According
to the editors at moneysence.ca, a modern
kitchen renovation adds value to your home. In fact, they suggest you can
recover as much as two-thirds of your renovation costs in increased home value.
The Caution - The custom
designed kitchen – If you’ve been inspired by the craze that is HGTV (Home
& Garden Television), be reminded that all you see on TV is not as it
seems. The redesigned floor plans and custom designed kitchens on TV are true,
but the renovation times and the budgets are not necessarily correct (as they
are compressed for TV). Home Remodeling in Toronto usually takes more time than TV shows would
indicate.
The Plan - Start with a floor
plan redesign. You’ll need a tape measure, some paper and a pencil.
You can also use software once you have measured. Begin by drawing the floor plan
of your existing kitchen. Then measure the floor, cabinets, counters, walls and
even the ceiling. Mark the measurements on your floor plan. When you’re
satisfied you have an accurate floor plan, you can begin. Examine the plan and
make a list of the changes you want to make; patio doors, wainscoting, coffered
ceilings, chair rails, new cabinets, maybe an island, new appliances, a pantry,
new wall coverings, tiles, and backsplashes – the list goes on.
TIP: with a good copy of your existing floor plan, and a list of
the changes you dream of, you’re ready to approach any of the renovation
companies in Toronto. They’ll create a custom
floor plan and cost estimate to make your dream kitchen a reality.
The Contractor – Toronto
home renovators who offer kitchen remodeling or kitchen designer services are
usually insured and bonded; many are members of the Greater Toronto Builders Association,
so it’s safe to let them in your home. Ask for a written estimate and agree on
the total renovation time. Remember, these are only estimates; the contractor
will discuss any changes with you as they occur.
The Possibilities– From
traditional, to open concept kitchen renovations, the possibilities are
endless. Using professional custom kitchen designers allows co-ordination of the project with the rest of the home. Many contractors
offer design services allowing you greater cost control.
The Next Big Thing–
You’ve seen it, heard about it, maybe even wanted one for some time, and now
you can have one: an outdoor kitchen. Think of it as the professional grade,
well above even a built-in BBQ, with year-round possibilities, backyard
kitchens are very vogue. Make your backyard the envy of the neighbourhood using
custom backyard kitchen designs. It’s the next big
thing for outdoor decor, so before it hits all the magazines, start your new
project today!
