How to Have a Successful Calgary Kitchen Renovation

The kitchen is truly the heart of your home. Unless you've just built or moved into a home with your dream kitchen already completed, it's likely the space could use a little work to make it your dream space. Perhaps you've lived in your home for a while and are ready to update the space to be more functional and beautiful. Or, maybe you moved into a new build and the room is a little too cookie-cutter for your style or needs. There are many reasons to start a kitchen renovation in Calgary.

Renovating your kitchen is a big job and it’s sometimes difficult to get started—much less finish. Even beginning the planning process can feel a bit overwhelming if you've never done it before—not to mention, spending time mapping out a realistic budget so you don't accidentally go overboard. You also need to consider which materials, fixtures and appliances will suit your home best. Is stainless steel really right for you? Should you paint in bright, happy colours? Or do neutrals have a better return on investment?

Don’t worry. With the right team, proper organization and expert knowledge, your kitchen renovation in Calgary will be an enjoyable project that gives you fantastic results. When embarking on such a big home improvement project, it's important to hire the right Calgary handyman experts to make sure the job gets done right the first time. That's where the team at Mr. Handyman of Calgary South steps in.

Not only have we put together a helpful list of kitchen renovation ideas to get you started and to provide guidance, but we're also the experts when it comes to providing a range of home improvement, repair and installation services. Our team of hardworking service technicians are all highly experienced and trained—there is no project too big or too small for our team to handle.

Use these kitchen renovation ideas to nail your Calgary kitchen renovation. Your new space will be the envy of your friends and family, and we guarantee you'll actually be excited to cook dinner—for a change.

1. Consider Your Budget

When it comes to any renovation project, remodeling costs can really stack up if you haven't put some thought into your budget. We believe beautiful Calgary kitchen renovation plans can be created for any budget. Whether you need to completely overhaul the space to achieve your dream room, or want to make a few small changes to reinvigorate the space, we can help. What's important is that you settle on a budget that works for you.

Then, take a good hard look at your space. Changes like modifying the floor plan will increase the overall project cost—especially if you need to knock down drywall or add new walls. But making changes to the current room can have just as much impact and be more budget friendly.

It's also helpful to know how most of your budget costs will break down. As a rule of thumb, it's always wise to prepare for the worst when it comes to renovating. Even with an expert team in your corner, such as the pros at Mr. Handyman of Calgary South, unexpected costs can stack up. So, make sure you save at least 20% of your total budget right off the top for an emergency fund. If you wind up not needing it, great! You can save the extra cash for a rainy day fund, or splurge on luxury purchases toward the end of the renovation.

Secondly, be aware that your next biggest costs will be for labour and materials. Take time to research and map out the cost of materials for countertops, backsplashes, plumbing and lighting fixtures, paint and appliances. This will give you a good idea of how much you need to save.

When it comes to labour, choose a handyman that offers transparent, upfront, hourly pricing—like we do. That way you'll always know what to expect on your final bill, and won't be hit with any surprise costs or hidden fees.

2. Research Ideas

Research is key to nailing your Calgary kitchen renovation. Once you've established a realistic budget, made a list of the changes you want to make and taken time to research how much different materials might cost you, it's time to do even more research. You likely already have a vision of your dream kitchen in mind, but the clearer idea you have of what you want, the easier it will be to keep you and your family on the same page—and to communicate your unique vision with your contractor. Research will help your Calgary kitchen renovation stay on track and ensure you get the aesthetic you were looking for. You may even surprise yourself along the way by finding new ideas.

It's best to compile concrete images that you can share with your contractor. This will be much easier than trying to verbally communicate your ideas. There are a number of ways you can create a mood or vision board to keep your remodel on track.

Where to Find Ideas for Your Calgary Kitchen Design:

• Print-off photos you find online and save them in a folder
• Cut-out images that inspire you from your favorite remodeling magazine and make a mood board
• Look at photos on Pinterest and make a Pinterest board of styles you like
• Create Instagram saves of photos you like

3. Fresh Coat of Paint

One of the easiest ways to transform any space is with a new paint colour. Whether you're completely changing the space or want to freshen it up a bit, newly painted walls are the way to go. While you can hire a professional painter to do this for you, it's also an easy DIY project. This is your opportunity to put your own stamp on your kitchen renovation in Calgary, AB!

Our Pro Painting Tips:

• If you're thinking of selling within the next five years, you should use neutral tones to make it easier to sell your home. Neutral tones help prospective buyers imagine their own belongings in your home. Good colours are grey, beige and eggshell.
• Incorporate colour using a feature wall, perhaps the wall adjacent to your kitchen table. Depending on your personal style, you could use wallpaper on the feature wall for added depth and visual interest.
• Don't forget your trim! Painting trim and crown moulding helps tie the space together. If you're on a budget, even just painting your trim will make a big impact in the room.
• Use the colour wheel to match complementary tones. For example, colours like green and orange pair nicely together because they sit next to each other on the colour wheel. These are complementary tones.

4. Reface, Paint or Refinish Your Kitchen Cabinets

Your cabinets take up the majority of the real estate in the space, so updating your current cabinetry can completely transform the room without breaking the bank. If the cabinets' interiors are in good condition, you can avoid replacing them—while still updating their appearance.

Refinishing

If your cabinet doors are solid wood, then you could refinish them, so they look good as new. While a bit time-consuming, this otherwise simple process involves removing the doors, sanding them down, covering them in a stain of your choice and following-up with a coat of varnish. You could easily change pine cupboards into a stunning cherry or cozy walnut with a fresh coat of stain.

Painting

If your cabinets aren't wood (or even if they are), then painting is a great option to give them a new lease on life. A range of cabinet materials can be painted—including wood, engineered wood, metal and even vinyl. While neutrals are always a safe option, you can also experiment with colour if you're planning on staying in your home for a while.

Cabinet Refacing:

Permitting the cabinets' interiors are still in good condition, refacing involves swapping out all your cabinet doors and replacing hardware like drawer pulls. It's a great option if you want to replace synthetic doors with wood or custom doors, or if painting and staining is not your style. You can usually buy pre-made cabinet doors and other replacement parts at your local hardware store.

Custom Cabinets:

While this option is a higher investment, custom cabinets give you the freedom to create your ideal storage space. If you’ve got specific storage problems, such as fitting cupboards into an oddly shaped space, we’ve got a custom solution. Many of our skilled technicians are also master carpenters, and we can bring your unique vision to life!

5. Update Your Kitchen Backsplash

When considering your kitchen renovation in Calgary, tiling probably comes to mind. Indeed, the focal point in many kitchen renovation plans is the backsplash. It's a part of the space that gets a lot of use, so it tends to become a bit worn-out over time. Also, tile trends change over time, so the backsplash you had five years ago might look outdated today. By updating the backsplash, you can completely transform your space's aesthetic.

When it comes to tile, the options are nearly endless! While porcelain and ceramic offer the most diverse range of styles and colours, why not treat yourself to a touch of luxury with glass tile? Or, perhaps you want a sleek and modern look. Then why not consider installing subway tiles with a dark grout? The darker the grout, the more easily stains and dirt are hidden—helping to maintain the integrity of your backsplash.

6. Consider Light Fixtures

Lighting is one of the most important—and overlooked—aspects of a Calgary kitchen renovation plan. Even a beautifully renovated room will look dim and outdated if it's not adequately illuminated. In fact, lighting is key to achieving a warm and cozy ambience. The secret to properly lighting most rooms, as any interior designer will tell you, is to layer three kinds of lighting:

• Ambient Lighting: The main light source, this usually takes the form of an overhead lamp or chandelier.
• Accent Lighting: Layered to soften overhead lighting, an example could be lights under your cabinets or a nearby lamp.
• Task Lighting: This illuminates an area dedicated to a specific task. For instance, the light above your stove is task lighting, as it helps you see while cooking.

7. Replace Outdated Appliances

Nothing dates a kitchen like old, dingy appliances. Unless your dishwasher has broken or you know you want to get rid of all the 1990s appliances in your space for more updated options, it can be tricky to know when you actually need to replace appliances. Typically, if your appliances are more than 10 or 15 years old, it's time for a change. Not only will your fridge or dishwasher break down as it ages, but there are so many improvements on modern stainless steel appliances that can make your life a lot easier—especially if you love to cook. For instance, most modern ovens have warming drawers that are essential for proofing bread.

8. Invest in Quality

Finishing touches make all the difference during a Calgary kitchen renovation—and it's easy to tell quality fixtures from low-cost options. To elevate your space consider investing in a high-quality kitchen faucet, or a stunning cast-iron stove to really bring your kitchen to the next level. Splurging on luxury details in a living space also boosts the overall resale value of your home, and will help you recoup renovation costs when it comes time to sell.

Nail Your Calgary Kitchen Renovation with Help from Our Handyman Pros!

Whether you're planning a massive overhaul or a minor Calgary kitchen renovation, Mr. Handyman of Calgary South has got it covered. Our skillful technicians have years of experience completing a wide range of projects—from building custom cabinets to installing new tile backsplashes. We offer a wide range of Calgary handyman services for all kinds of kitchen remodels.

Not only are we recognized for our superior workmanship, but also for our dedication to customer service. We've helped countless homeowners bring their dream kitchens to life throughout the Calgary area.

To book an appointment today, we invite you to call our friendly office staff. We’re happy to help with all your Calgary renovations.