Kitchen renovations: 5 rules before you begin

Renovating your kitchen can be both great fun and highly rewarding, but what should you consider before you get started? While there are no real hard and fast rules, these five basic tips will help to ensure that the job goes off smoothly and you are satisfied with the results. Remember, there's a good chance that you'll be living with the results for a long time to come, so it's a good idea to focus on what you really want.

Kitchen renovations rule 1: Plan and measure

It's vital to plan out exactly what you'll need, and where you'll obtain it from (and ensure that it's in stock), before you begin renovating. The sudden discovery that the oven you want will take another week to get in stock when the family can't even access the kitchen to boil water isn't the best situation to find yourself in.

The real work of kitchen renovation begins long before the physical work, with a careful, well considered and practical design that everybody's happy with. Measure all spaces very carefully before commencing work.

Kitchen renovations rule 2: Cost it out

Always have a rough idea of what your eventual cost will be (including what each item will cost). Include small items such as nails, grout, and any new tools you will require if working to a tight budget.
In the excitement of the project it's easy to get sidetracked and it's quite common to overspend. Given this, it's crucial to have a final cost in mind - one that considers all possibilities before you begin. Unless it's completely unavoidable, stick to your budget, particularly if it's small.

Kitchen renovations rule 3: Compare, compare, compare

Don't buy or commit to buying until you have compared at least two or three options. This may sound tedious, but a ring around before you set out will narrow down the possibilities. When calling, ask about range, availability, prices, and delivery costs.
It's always possible to pursue a better deal on price; suggest a 'package deal' if you purchase several larger items from one place.

Kitchen renovations rule 4: Decide on a colour scheme

With work already underway, it's sometimes easy to have second thoughts and want to switch colour scheme. Unless you initially opted for really garish shades in a moment of madness, don't - choose a basic colour scheme and stick to it. Light colours and natural wood tend to make a room appear larger.
Choose a basic colour combination (black, white and silver, for example, is classically stylish and generally safe). Choose all your fittings and decorations from these colours. You may wish to add some accents in a colour, which can effectively highlight the main scheme.

Kitchen renovations rule 5: DIY or contractor?

Consider the scope of the job you are undertaking (as well as your own DIY skills). If it's largely cosmetic; some tiling, a new bench top and oven, a repaint, you may wish to take on the job yourself. If it requires restructuring of walls, reinforcing or rebuilding of cupboards, etc, you may need a contractor to take over the reins for these more complex jobs.

Choose kitchen contractors carefully (word of mouth is sometimes the best way to find a reliable one). You may also wish to outline some basic household expectations (for example, if smoking is allowed in the house or not). Ultimately it's your kitchen - so do some planning, decide what you want and let your creative side run free.