Kitchen renovation in Singapore is one of the most significant investments homeowners can make. Not only does it transform the heart of your home into a source of pride, but it also offers substantial returns on investment. Imagine a complete kitchen renovation with a national median cost of $68,000 recouping roughly 59 percent of its initial project cost at resale. That’s a solid return on investment!
However, the excitement doesn’t stop there. According to a recent survey, homeowners gave their newly renovated kitchens a “joy score” of 10 out of 10, reflecting their immense satisfaction and contentment. But here’s the catch: achieving a stylish and functional kitchen renovation can be daunting without expert guidance.
That’s where Exqsite Interior, a leading interior design and renovation service provider in Singapore, comes into play. Our comprehensive and affordable services ensure that your kitchen renovation is not only stylish and functional but also cost-effective. With Exqsite Interior, you can turn your dream kitchen into reality without breaking the bank.
In this article, we’ll share seven expert tips and tricks to beef up your kitchen renovation with style, ensuring you get the best value for your investment. Let’s dive in!
Follow these seven strategies from our expert interior designers to help you earn a decent return on your kitchen renovation:
Plan, Plan, Plan
Planning your kitchen renovation should take more time than the actual construction. If you plan well, the amount of time you’re inconvenienced by construction mayhem will be minimized, and you’re more likely to stay on budget.
Tips for Effective Planning:
- Study Your Current Kitchen:
- Measure entryways to avoid buying oversized appliances that won’t fit through the door.
- Create a detailed drawing of your kitchen, including measurements for entryways, walkways, counters, and heights.
- Measure entryways to avoid buying oversized appliances that won’t fit through the door.
- Consider Traffic Patterns:
- Work paths should be at least 42 inches wide, and 48 inches for households with multiple cooks.
- Ergonomics:
- Include features like pull-out shelves in base cabinets, adjustable counter heights, and wall ovens to make the kitchen accessible and enjoyable to work in.
- Plan for the Unforeseeable:
- Even with meticulous planning, expect the unexpected. Build in some slack time for completing the renovation. For example, if you need it done by Thanksgiving, aim for completion by Halloween.
- Choose All Appliances and Materials Before Starting:
- This allows contractors to give more accurate bids and reduces the risk of delays due to backorders.
- Seek Professional Help:
- A professional designer can enhance your kitchen remodel by making style decisions, anticipating potential issues, and scheduling contractors. Fees typically range from $50 to $150 per hour or 5% to 15% of the total project cost.
Kitchen Renovation Cost: Get Real About Appliances
When designing your new kitchen, it’s easy to get carried away with high-end appliances. However, consider whether a commercial-grade range or luxury-brand refrigerator fits your culinary needs or lifestyle. Focus on the overall design and functionality of the kitchen, rather than the appliances alone.
Tips for Cost-Effective Appliance Selection:
- Invest in long-term features like kitchen cabinets and flooring that add value.
- Choose reliable products with good reviews and ratings.
When renovating your kitchen, it’s crucial to prioritize the overall design and functionality rather than just focusing on high-end appliances. Here’s an example to illustrate this point:
Example: Designing a Functional and Well-Organized Kitchen
Scenario:
You’re planning a kitchen renovation and are considering whether to invest in a high-end commercial-grade range and luxury-brand refrigerator or focus on improving the overall layout and functionality of the space.
Prioritize Layout and Functionality:
- Optimized Workflow:
- Triangle Layout: Arrange the sink, stove, and refrigerator in a triangle to ensure an efficient workflow. This minimizes the distance between key areas, making cooking and cleaning more streamlined.
- Counter Space: Ensure ample counter space on either side of the stove and sink for prep work and cleaning.
- Storage Solutions:
- Cabinet Organization: Install deep drawers for pots and pans, pull-out shelves in base cabinets, and vertical dividers for baking sheets. Utilize upper cabinets that extend to the ceiling for extra storage.
- Pantry: Incorporate a pantry with adjustable shelves to store dry goods and small appliances.
- Ergonomics:
- Adjustable Heights: Include features like adjustable counter heights or a pull-out cutting board at a comfortable height for different tasks.
- Easy Access: Install pull-out shelves and lazy Susans in corner cabinets to make items more accessible.
- Lighting:
- Task Lighting: Under-cabinet lighting illuminates work surfaces, making it easier to chop, cook, and clean.
- Ambient Lighting: Incorporate ceiling-mounted fixtures and dimmable lights to create a warm, inviting atmosphere.
- Quality Materials:
- Durable Countertops: Choose solid-surface or quartz countertops that are easy to clean and maintain.
- Flooring: Install durable, easy-to-clean flooring like porcelain tile or luxury vinyl plank that can withstand spills and heavy foot traffic.
Example Kitchen Design:
- Layout: U-shaped kitchen with an island in the center.
- Storage: Custom cabinetry with pull-out shelves, deep drawers, and a floor-to-ceiling pantry.
- Lighting: Combination of recessed ceiling lights, under-cabinet task lighting, and pendant lights over the island.
- Materials: Quartz countertops, porcelain tile flooring, and stainless steel sink.
- Appliances: Mid-range, reliable brands that suit your cooking needs, such as a four-burner range, a spacious refrigerator, and a quiet dishwasher.
By focusing on the overall design and functionality of the kitchen, you create a space that is not only beautiful but also highly practical and enjoyable to use. This approach ensures that your investment enhances the kitchen’s usability and adds value to your home.
Keep the Same Footprint
Changing the location of plumbing pipes and electrical outlets, as well as tearing down walls, will increase the cost of a renovation. Keep appliances, water fixtures, and walls in the same place if possible. This will save money on demolition and reconstruction and reduce dust and debris.
Don’t Underestimate the Power of Lighting
Lighting can significantly enhance your kitchen’s look and functionality. It can make the space look bigger and brighter and help you work safely and efficiently.
Types of Lighting:
- Task Lighting:
- Essential for workspaces like countertops. Under-cabinet lighting eliminates shadows, while pendant lights are great for islands. Recessed and track lights work well over sinks and prep areas.
- Ambient Lighting:
- Provides overall illumination with fixtures like flush-mounted ceiling lights, wall sconces, and track lights. Include dimmer switches to adjust light levels and mood.
Be Quality-Conscious
Functionality and durability should be the main considerations during a kitchen renovation. Avoid low-quality discounts and opt for products that require low maintenance and have long warranty periods. For example, solid-surface countertops might be more expensive, but with proper care, they will last a long time.
Add Storage, Not Space
Storage will never go out of style. Here are a few suggestions to maximize storage without adding space:
- Install Kitchen Cabinets That Reach the Ceiling:
- They provide significant storage space for seasonal items and eliminate the need to dust cabinet tops.
- Use Small Storage Units:
- Utilize disused wall spaces and inside cabinet doors for small storage units. Hang stock pots and large skillets on a ceiling-mounted rack and aprons, brooms, and mops on the backs of closet doors.
Communicate Clearly With Your Interior Designers
Maintaining a positive working relationship with your project manager or construction crew is critical to keeping on budget.
Communication Tips:
- Visit the Project During Working Hours:
- Your presence demonstrates your commitment to excellence.
- Create a Communication Schedule:
- Install a bulletin board on-site for daily updates. Ensure subs and team leaders have your email address and phone number.
- Establish Home Rules:
- Discuss rules regarding smoking, noise levels, toilet facilities, and parking to maintain order during the renovation.
These strategies ensure a smoother, more efficient kitchen renovation process that stays on budget and meets your expectations.
Exqsite: Your Trusted Interior Designer in Singapore
Are you planning a kitchen renovation for your BTO flat or looking to upgrade your existing space? Look no further than Exqsite! With over 20 years of experience and a HDB-licensed kitchen renovation contractor, Exqsite is your go-to solution for all your interior design needs.
Why Choose Exqsite?
Experience and Credentials:
- Over 20 years of experience in the interior design industry.
- Licensed HDB kitchen renovation contractor.
- Accredited by ACS Registrars and awarded the bizSafe star for our commitment to safety and quality.
Homeowner-Centric Approach: At Exqsite, we prioritize our homeowners’ needs and requirements. Our team is dedicated to providing creative and effective solutions tailored to your unique preferences. We ensure a seamless renovation experience by:
- Listening to Your Needs: We gather detailed feedback to understand your vision.
- Close Monitoring: Our team closely inspects and monitors the renovation process to ensure top-notch quality.
- Effective Communication: We keep you informed at every step, providing peace of mind throughout the project.
Achieve Your Dream Kitchen: Don’t wait any longer to transform your kitchen. Discuss your new kitchen renovation interior design with our expert interior designers at Exqsite today and bring your dream kitchen to life.
Contact us now to start your journey towards a beautifully renovated kitchen that perfectly fits your lifestyle!
