10 Essential Questions to Ask
Before Starting Your Kitchen Renovation
Renovating your kitchen is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. Between choosing materials, setting a budget, and finding the right contractor, there are a lot of decisions that can make or break the project.
Before you dive in, here are ten key questions every homeowner should ask to make the process smoother and the results more satisfying.
1. What’s my budget, and where should I leave wiggleroom?
Setting a budget is the first step. But don’t forget to leave about 10–20% for unexpected costs, like plumbing upgrades, electrical work, or permit fees. Hidden expenses can sneak up quickly, so building in a cushion will save you stress later.
1. What’s my budget, and where should I leave wiggleroom?
Setting a budget is the first step. But don’t forget to leave about 10–20% for unexpected costs, like plumbing upgrades, electrical work, or permit fees. Hidden expenses can sneak up quickly, so building in a cushion will save you stress later.
2. How do I balance function with style?
A kitchen should look beautiful, but it also needs to work for your daily routine. Think about your “work triangle” - the flow between the sink, stove, and fridge - and make sure it’s practical before diving into finishes and décor.
2. How do I balance function with style?
A kitchen should look beautiful, but it also needs to work for your daily routine. Think about your “work triangle” - the flow between the sink, stove, and fridge - and make sure it’s practical before diving into finishes and décor.
3. Do I need to change the layout or just update finishes?
Not every renovation requires tearing down walls. Sometimes all you need is a refresh. Updating your cabinet fronts in on-trend Formica colours or adding sleek plywood panels from can instantly modernise your space without the cost of a full remodel.
3. Do I need to change the layout or just update finishes?
Not every renovation requires tearing down walls. Sometimes all you need is a refresh. Updating your cabinet fronts in on-trend Formica colours or adding sleek plywood panels from can instantly modernise your space without the cost of a full remodel.
4. What materials are best for durability?
From countertops to flooring, the choices can be overwhelming. Granite, quartz, butcher block, and laminate all have pros and cons. For cabinetry, consider plywood - a sustainable, hardwearing material that resists warping and offers timeless style. It’s a key material we use at Made in Ply because it balances strength with design flexibility.
4. What materials are best for durability?
From countertops to flooring, the choices can be overwhelming. Granite, quartz, butcher block, and laminate all have pros and cons. For cabinetry, consider plywood - a sustainable, hardwearing material that resists warping and offers timeless style. It’s a key material we use at Made in Ply because it balances strength with design flexibility.
5. How much storage is enough?
Kitchens are clutter magnets. Plan for deep drawers, pull-out shelves, and clever pantry
solutions. Made in Ply can create custom-made larders, wine racks, and smart storage designs to fit your lifestyle and maximise every inch of space.
5. How much storage is enough?
Kitchens are clutter magnets. Plan for deep drawers, pull-out shelves, and clever pantry
solutions. Made in Ply can create custom-made larders, wine racks, and smart storage designs to fit your lifestyle and maximise every inch of space.
6. Which appliances should I invest in?
You don’t need top-of-the-line everything. Splurge where it counts. For example, if you’re an avid cook, a quality range might be worth it. If you rarely bake, a standard oven will do. Prioritise based on your habits, not just trends.
6. Which appliances should I invest in?
You don’t need top-of-the-line everything. Splurge where it counts. For example, if you’re an avid cook, a quality range might be worth it. If you rarely bake, a standard oven will do. Prioritise based on your habits, not just trends.
7. What’s the right lighting plan?
Lighting can make or break a kitchen. Layer your lighting with:
- Task lighting (under-cabinet lights for food prep)
- Ambient lighting (recessed or ceiling fixtures for overall brightness)
- Accent lighting (pendants or sconces for style and mood)
7. What’s the right lighting plan?
Lighting can make or break a kitchen. Layer your lighting with:
- Task lighting (under-cabinet lights for food prep)
- Ambient lighting (recessed or ceiling fixtures for overall brightness)
- Accent lighting (pendants or sconces for style and mood)
8. How long will the renovation really take?
Most homeowners underestimate timelines. Even small renovations can take weeks, and major remodels may last months. Have a plan for how you’ll live without a kitchen. Think meal prep, takeout, or setting up a temporary cooking space.
8. How long will the renovation really take?
Most homeowners underestimate timelines. Even small renovations can take weeks, and major remodels may last months. Have a plan for how you’ll live without a kitchen. Think meal prep, takeout, or setting up a temporary cooking space.
9. Do I need permits?
Any work involving plumbing, electrical, or structural changes likely requires permits. Skipping them can lead to fines or problems when selling your home. A good contractor will guide you through the permitting process.
9. Do I need permits?
Any work involving plumbing, electrical, or structural changes likely requires permits. Skipping them can lead to fines or problems when selling your home. A good contractor will guide you through the permitting process.
10. How do I choose the right contractor?
The right contractor can make or break your renovation. Ask for references, read reviews, and look closely at their portfolio. Be wary of vague contracts - make sure everything is spelt out in writing, from timelines to materials.
10. How do I choose the right contractor?
The right contractor can make or break your renovation. Ask for references, read reviews, and look closely at their portfolio. Be wary of vague contracts - make sure everything is spelt out in writing, from timelines to materials.
And remember...
A kitchen renovation is a big investment, but asking the right questions up front helps you avoid costly mistakes and stress. Whether you’re updating finishes or doing a full remodel, thoughtful planning will make all the difference.
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re looking for modern design, durable materials, and custom-made storage, explore how Made in Ply can help bring your dream kitchen to life. We offer a design service so you can tap into the architectural brain of founder Daniel Lobato to help guide you on the best design for your space and style.
