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If you are one of the many people living in a condo in this city, and you’re considering renovations to your kitchen, here are some of the things to knowbefore you begin. As one of the most used areas in your condo, making changes to your kitchen, whether large or small, may seem daunting. At Keystone Ridge Developments, we specialize in condo renovations in Toronto. Whether you’ve purchased a new condo and want to put your own touches on it, you need to update your kitchen for resale value, or you just want a change, Keystone can help. Read on to be fully prepared for planning your condo kitchen renovation. What's The Difference In Condo Kitchen Vs. House Kitchen Renovations? While condo kitchen renovation comes with several challenges that a house kitchen renovation may not, one of the benefits is that renovation costs are often based on square footage, which in a condo will be lower. Renovating in a condo means that you aren’t always able to make the changes exactly as you would like, as you’re required to follow the regulations set out by your condo board. You also need to consider, and to notify, your neighbours, with whom you share a wall. You may be limited by the amount of additional space you use for your kitchen renovation, and by the location of the plumbing. When renovating in a small space, try to use lighter, neutral colours – beige or white tones – to give your small space the feeling of a larger one. Work with professionals who specialize in renovation for small spaces, who will know how to deal with condo boards and who will help you to understand what you can and can’t do in your condo. Here at Keystone Ridge Developments, we’re experienced condo renovators who will lead you through the process. Planning Your Condo Kitchen Renovation While renovating a small space can be more cost efficient than it would be for a house, a kitchen renovation can still run well into the thousands. Even if you choose the DIY condo renovations route, new appliances, counter tops and top end features don’t come cheap. If you are on a smaller budget, consider changing the paint colours of the cabinets, for example, rather than the cabinets themselves. If you have had your eye on a fancy new stove or a larger refrigerator, look for appliance sales or buy from a factory clearance centre. Why Should You Do A Condo Kitchen Renovation? Perhaps you have just purchased a new condo and want to put your stamp on it, starting with the kitchen. Perhaps you love to cook and to entertain, and you find that your kitchen is just not working for you. Your kitchen may be outdated, whether it’s something wrong with the layout, or old appliances that are running up your energy bills. If you plan to sell your unit, a kitchen renovation will make it much more appealing to new buyers. A small space needs to be efficient – is your kitchen doing all that it could to maximize the amount of space you have? Do you find yourself needing more storage solutions as you have grown into your condo? The first step is to make a renovation checklist. Planning Your Condo Kitchen Renovation Checklist Before you jump into renovations, sort out your budget, your timeline and prepare for any issues that may arise. Use the following guidelines to prepare a kitchen renovation checklist. 1. First, Determine Your Budget Creating a budget will help you to determine which type of appliances, if any, you need to purchase, and whether you are looking to spend a few thousand dollars or over fifty thousand dollars. There is quite a difference! Setting a budget must be your first step before you embark on creating your dream kitchen. 2. Decide On Wants Vs. Needs Ask yourself why you wish to renovate and what are the most essential items missing from what you already have. Create a list of needs vs. wants, so that you can cut from the wants column if you need to bring the budget down. 3. Plan Out Your Condo Kitchen Renovation Timeline Set aside anywhere from four to eight weeks for your renovation to take place, but know that renovations can sometimes go on for months. During the renovation, plan where to cook your meals, where to store your food (especially if replacing the refrigerator), and any accommodations you may need to organize while the contractors are working in your space. 4. Put Together A Proper Design Plan Working with an architect or a designer is a good way to get a kitchen of your dreams that will work with the lifestyle you live. If you cook often, maybe you want to reorganize your space and add professional equipment to make the flow work better for you. You may want to design a space that is user friendly for children if you have them. If you don’t use your kitchen very much, consider a simple design that incorporates easy appliances such as a toaster oven and microwave. 5. Be Prepared For Setbacks Kitchen design costs can add up quickly, so it is important prepare and to refine your plan as you need to. Timelines can run behind, especially when dealing with condo boards or custom built materials. Work with a company who can manage the setbacks for you so that you don’t have to. Call Keystone Ridge Developments Today For the smoothest renovation experience, hire a company who has proven ability to coordinate and manage condo renovations. Contact Keystone Ridge Developments with your questions, or to book a consultation today.