The kitchen and bathroom are the two rooms that most influence what it’s like to live in the house. They are used every day, they are highly functional, and they are often the first rooms guests see. Therefore, it’s understandable that when the time comes to renovate, it comes with great excitement. However, getting planning correct before the first tile is set or cabinet ordered makes an impact greater than most assume.
Here’s what should be considered before work begins.
Get Specific About What You Actually Need
The initial question to ask is simple: what is not working right now? Sounds easy. However, many renovations begin with a mood board before anyone sits down and identifies what is wrong. Is there not enough bench space in the kitchen? Is the bathroom so poorly laid out that maneuvering in the morning is tricky? Does the storage leave too much to be desired?
Determining the practical issues upfront gives a project direction. Thereafter, making design choices makes more sense as they’re addressing actual problems instead of going for a specific aesthetic.
Understand What It Could Realistically Become
Every space has limitations. Plumbing, electric work, load bearing walls, and positioning of windows determine what’s possible on a budget. One of the best ways for someone to help themselves early on is to have a conversation with a builder or designer about what’s changeable and what’s not without too much financial overhead.
For example, moving a toilet or moving a sink sounds easy, but when it comes to plumbing costs, they can get steep. Understanding this beforehand allows the plan to have a realistic foundation from the beginning which makes everything thereafter go more smoothly.
Consider Materials Before You Commit
This is where many renovations go awry—the decision making process with materials is made in haste and regretted later. Surfaces will take a beating in kitchens and bathrooms. Surfaces withstand moisture, heat, cleaning supplies, and daily wear, which means durability matters as much as appearance.
This is where spending a bit of time researching pays off. For flooring and wall surfaces especially, the choice of tile has a huge impact on both the look and the longevity of the space. Many homeowners have found that terrazzo tiles strike a good balance between visual appeal and practicality. The material is dense, relatively easy to maintain, and it brings a sense of texture and warmth that plain porcelain sometimes lacks. It works well in both kitchens and bathrooms, which is part of why it has been showing up in so many renovations lately.
Outside tiles, consider benchtop materials, cabinetry finishes, and tapware. All of these need to last through years of wear—not just through one day observations.
Provide a Budget With Some Room for Variances
Budgeting for renovations feels more straight forward than it is when costs start coming in. The general advice is to apply a contingency percentage onto whatever feels comfortable because once walls are opened up and bad plumbing is exposed, unexpected costs will come up.
That being said, having a defined budget from the beginning doesn’t restrict renovations—if anything, it simplifies decision making. When there’s a number to work within, figuring out where to spend more and where to cut back becomes easier. For example, splurging on quality tiles and taps while keeping cabinetry simple makes sense. As does investing in waterproofing and more understated finishes.
It’s important to understand that compromise is possible, as long as it doesn’t get halfway through the project and then the budget runs out.
Plan Layouts Based on Actual Use
Kitchens particularly benefit from layouts based on actual workflows. The classic triangle of fridge-sink-cooktop exists for an aesthetic reason; it reflects how people actually move while cooking. Not following suit results in beautiful kitchens that people hate using.
In bathrooms, ask similar questions: where does one stand while getting ready? Is there enough room for a shower door to open without hitting the vanity? Is there enough power points in play? These minor details seem minute during planning but are glaringly obvious in daily use.
Don’t Rush Decision Making
Experienced renovators advise time when making these types of decisions because it’s the rushed ones that people regret. Tile selections, cabinetry colors, handles, lighting fixtures—all require some consideration.
Ordering samples and seeing them in place at different times of day or sitting on the decision for a couple days before locking it in is worthwhile. Showrooms are incredibly helpful in this process. There’s a better scale, texture and visual appeal in person than any screen can show anyone, so if there’s opportunity to bring existing space photos for guidance along with potential material choices, all the better.
Consider How It’ll End
A renovation is more than just how it ends; it’s also about how it gets there. Understanding which trades work when and for how long at each stage of renovation helps avoid disappointment and keeps stress levels low.
Having a defined brief to share among tradespeople with an understood timeframe goes a long way to create a good interpersonal relationship throughout the experience from beginning to end. The pre-planning that occurs before work begins sets everyone up for success along the way.
Kitchens and bathrooms are worth doing right. With adequate planning they can become the best part of any home.
