To ensure you’ve got the perfect spot to brew a coffee in the morning- It’s time to find a contractor who knows better than to rely on low building compliance standards, seeing thousands across Melbourne complaining about building defects….
A small investment of your time with the right contractor can make a big difference to your kitchens end result. Whether you’re a secret Masterchef or a microwave magician- Your meeting will enhance workflow, space, cost, quality, storage and above all- Design, right from the start. You want somebody who is happy to stamp their ‘brand’ on your new kitchen and reach for the highest standards and so that when it comes to the big picture? Your dream kitchen is captured.
Knowing all of your options
Relax your Pinterest addiction and get into some real showrooms. Melbourne has some of the best, so use your time
with the interior decorator to nail down the research process and decide what you will look for. From floor-plans to paint strips, it can easily become overwhelming, and a good contractor will be able to make sure that things come together in the most pinteresty way possible. Designers can make you realize the ‘fun’ in ‘functionality’. They can suggest ways to bring in extra light, air- Or add
lights, windows or tiles when you might not even realize that all things are possible. Their input should save you a great time of difficulty when it comes to the big picture and eliminate the stress of styling them together until picture perfect. Family, friends and romance can be enhanced with architectural details that will re-invigorate your space after a little remodeling. Perhaps you’ve even brainstormed a few of these yourself!
Modern Kitchens
What does the expression “it’s modern” really mean?
In Australia- The standard is likely to be a combination of caesarstone or marble against glossy whites, matte greys, blacks or solid timber with a preference for handle-free designs. With a classic and timeless appeal, it can suit almost any kind of home ranging from character to contemporary styles. It is known for being a range of elements that present the most neutral and smooth impression possible.
Modern favourites are born from the graveyard of contemporary trends. Things like Subway tiles that started out fresh and became so repetitive, they are now considered to be a ‘modern classic’ and are ongoing for the era. Given that most modern kitchens might have a flavor of country, industrial, rustic or any other style, it’s sleek, neutral, clear, smooth-polished and versatile appeal will make it seem more modern than any other well-known style.
So long as the style isn’t too contemporary, and leans towards clean lines with a timeless approach. Plainer than country, plainer than contemporary- Too plain to be industrial, you have a tick of approval (it’s just plain modern.)
Modern surfaces will integrate well with light-filled rooms with large windows, outdoors and indoors and with plenty of down-lights or pendants that make it harmonious within the polished, clean and neutral interior.
Contemporary Kitchens
Contemporary kitchens first often catch your eye as the backdrop in a movie. They are the sort of kitchens that you wish you had in real life. But you do have to wonder, does anybody really ever have kitchens that trendy? That ingenius? And if you did, could you pull it off ?
The most popular contemporary trend this year has been organics- Especially those with leather pull handles or circular wood door features- But they are still often neutral in nature with natural stone countertops taking the cake.
Cutting-edge technology lends an entrance to cutting-edge design that can really show-off the key design motifs of the time. Great contemporary kitchens are aligned with art or architecture movements that compliment a smooth surface and bold colors
or textures.
Contemporary kitchens aren’t afraid of unbalanced shapes or proportions – Like an oversized pendant light and a square surface that’s enriched with architectural flair. Making a statement such as an edgy colour-block design or circular handles is credible- So long as it’s fresh. Your designer can take the unknown out of the process and meet contemporary at a point where the experimental evolves into a trend
Industrial Kitchens
Industrial kitchens can work within a range of settings that are reminiscent of conversions such as barns or lofts- But can also be
adapted for more straight-forward properties. They were designed to reproduce the commercial style kitchens of professional chefs.
Well-known with exposed brick or factory style appliances- The industrial kitchen favors exposure of water pipes, gas lines and electrical conduits. It can also have some rustic, modern or country flavors depending on the blend of materials that you choose. Recycled wood and windows are best left exposed.
Country Kitchens
Country kitchens are cleaner and more polished than ever- But can still inspire a city-slicker to whisk cream or roll dough. Heavy decorative features such as French Provincial cabinetry are still popular within their niche- But it’s more likely that modern buyers will choose from a refined mix of cream, black, timbers and caesarstone benches that make the mix just enough to fit into a contemporary style home.
Stained timber cabinets or solid wood countertops are one option- Rustic elements can also make a feature too. Natural exposed elements create a homely feel. It can also have a personality with colored cabinetry and large farmhouse sinks that have traditional or contemporary tapware. Really, no matter what ‘era’ it your country kitchen is from, or how rustic and farmhouse you choose to go- It has a high level of liveability with freedom to place your fruits, vegetables and all kinds of items openly on the counter.
From coastal cottages to suburban family homes, all of these kitchen styles can be adapted to suit any kind of
property with the right talent for design.
Building and Installation : What really happens?
Demolition
Smashing cabinets, whacking walls and coughing through the dust- Isn’t exactly ideal when it comes to safety and efficiency. Old building fabrics will need to cleared and emptied into a large dumpster before work begins, which can expose
anybody to risks.
Your free time might be intruded upon by the banging or drills in the other area of the house, but surely better to be sipping tea, reading a magazine or simply going to work? Leave the dust, nails, debris and grime to the experienced contractors who get along with this everyday and not as a mountainous task to struggle with.
Where to cook?
You’ll have to organize yourself- Now that you are without a kitchen. Unless you plan to arrange alternative accommodation, you’re going to have to get creative while it’s being done. You might have a fridge, microwave, outdoor grill and maybe a few other plug-in cooking appliances. You will be without the stove and the oven OR a great deal of bench space. This is perhaps the most difficult part of the process- Not only do you have to wait in anticipation for your fantastic new kitchen, but you have to cook less in the meantime. You can use plug-in appliances such as the slow cooker, toasties and plenty of freezer friendly meals that you premade in preparation. Don’t forget to make a space for the coffee machine!
Bob the Builder’s job
Here’s a list of stuff that you could get done cheap or D.I.Y but, do you really want to?
Sanding, marking lines for measurements, checking them, unloading heavy orders, ensuring that wall
fabric, debris and cabinetry is disposed of. Getting all the right tools to use throughout the process; screwdrivers, rubber mallets, drills, nails, split level, filler and a range of things that can and do add-up…
Building out the cabinetry- Aligning, positioning and ensuring each placement is level and screwed in.
Layout of plumbing and electrical on cabinet backs, using the layout lines on the wall as reference points, USING BAND-AIDS AND GETTING ON WITH IT- Then drill and saw out the openings. Setting ‘Peninsula’ cabinets? – Plumbing, wiring, HVAC….….Walls and ceilings…. Lighting. Doors and windows, what else? APPLIANCES – Electrical and countertops.
BUT WAIT! THERE’S STILL MORE!! Okay. Aside from being friendly to your dog…What else is there to expect from a contractor that’s updating a your home? …. Best check out the next few sections to be on the safe side!
What’s included in your kitchen renovation contract?
Communication is key to a successful project, and sometimes that can mean getting clear about the legal side of things too. By keeping a detailed record of what’s been agreed upon by you and your contractor, you will have piece of mind should anything not go to plan. It should include each step of the project and the estimated completion times. Even though you get along really well and you trust them, even though you might be their best friend by now.
What is your process for any changes?
Just as it’s easy to forget an ingredient in a baking recipe, you might not account for everything within the initial design process or run into changes. Most of these should be budgeted for as a contingency before you get started- Or, recredited to you through refund of other elements that aren’t used. That said, you totally need a record kept so that if you’d like to make a change? You know how the expense or refund is going to occur.
What are your payment terms?
Nothing might stir a disagreement quite like payment terms that aren’t agreed upon properly! Most contractors will usually ask for a deposit of up to 30-50% of the total budget. And, before the kitchen is finished you should wait and test it out to see that it is all working well and the style is to standard before you distribute the remaining amount.
Do you provide itemized pricing?
There’s lots of different steps to providing the perfect kitchen. So, it’s good to see a break down of the costs- And also to check that your contractor has quoted you correctly. What does an itemized list include? A break down of each item including: labour, demolition, materials, electrical, plumbing, permits, and more….This will assist to avoid any unexpected errors during the project.
Who will be working at the site?
Your contractor will not be the only person working on site; in fact, they may not do any of the physical labor. It is very common for a contractor to be responsible for supervising and coordinating multiple projects and job sites as well as yours. If you are worried about security- Get a list of all personnel’s names and IDs at the property and sort out which area’s you
might lock-up.
Ask your contractor for a list of subcontractors they are using. What kind of working hours and equipment can you expect? You might need to ensure that if they use heavy equipment that it doesn’t damage other areas of your house such as the hardwood floorboards.
Conclusion
People are quick to offer their recommendations and family and friends can offer some great help, but when it comes to your home, the first priority is the value, as a no.1 asset- And that means a business first approach is best.
The majority of people start by doing a search online. Across Houzz, Google and Yellow Pages- You’ve surely collated a bunch. But are they the best for you? Tailored to your needs, the pick of the crop? You’ve probably also look at some of their before and after photo’s and business ratings.
Cross-referencing services across sites from Yelp to Facebook and +Google can take a-lot of time. We’ve already done the hard work for you. Ensuring that you get a licensed and insured professional with a high-level for customer services style and serviceability that works within your area, your budget and to your requirements at the click of a button.
We can definitely assist you and ensure you have a sample of the best lining up at your door for quotes. Make sure you get it right the first time!
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