Step by Step Kitchen Renovations
(Easy Installation) FurnitureMaster.ca has years of experience working on home renovations. This guide will help you to understand the process and assist you in making informed decisions along the way. Please note that projects may vary so please consider this to be a general guideline. Step One: Planning and Design This is the most important step in the successful creation of your new space. To help you realize your vision we offer a complimentary initial consultation with one of our qualified interior designers, followed by the first set of drawings and quote. Due to the nature our business those drawings may not be retained by the client, until after an agreement is signed and deposit given. During the initial planning stage your designer will have considered all aspects of your project such as:
Floor Plan
Cabinet and appliance layout
Design styles and details
Budget Expectations
Additional interior design services may be obtained through the interior designer at their discretion.
Floor Plans Once an idea has been achieved you will begin to visualize what the renovation will involve. Moving or removing walls, establishing new entry ways, windows or even accommodating the possibility of an open concept are all important decisions to understand and feel comfortable with before contracts are signed. In the majority of cases, permits will have to be taken out to accomplish the work that is proposed. Whether the floor plan is a simple adjustment such as removing bulkheads to allow for your cabinetry to reach a standard ceiling height or a relocation of the entire space, it is quite obvious that this is a necessary part of the design and layout process to allow for you to achieve your desired results. Cabinet and Appliance Layout It is very important to achieve a layout that is functional and suits the requirements of you and your family's lifestyle needs. With the vast array of products at hand, specifically designed to suit or be customized to your needs, a properly designed and conceptualized layout will give you, the investor, years of enjoyment. There is a lot more to laying out your cabinetry than achieving a 'working triangle'. Design Styles and Details As mentioned above, this is an ongoing process. It is something that you have already put a lot of thought into and you will have a good idea of your final expectations for the project. Cabinetry and items pertaining to your cabinetry, first and foremost will always be the most important focus in the beginning stages. Cabinetry also has the longest lead time for renovation materials and in most cases run anywhere from 4-6 weeks before delivery. One's cabinetry choice can be inspired by floor or countertop material, a simple porcelain tile or a Grandmother's teacup. These inspirations and decisions are what will drive the budget and timeline. While you are finding inspiration for your new kitchen or home renovation, here are some things to keep in mind: Cabinet door style and colour Countertop material, style and colour. It's great to research which material would be best for your lifestyle and budget! Flooring material, colour, style. This is another one that will require some research to find the best fit. Tile Backsplash, colour, style, grout etc. Paint colours Plumbing fixtures Lighting fixtures Appliances
Step Two: Estimates and Contracts Now that the designer has created plans for your new kitchen, bathroom, or other renovation you are ready to receive comprehensive quotes for your project. Consider a qualified contractor to navigate you through the construction process for sub-trade co-ordination and permits. As Easy Installations works side by side with FurnitureMaster.ca Construction on a variety of our projects, and the FurnitureMaster.ca team understands the Ikea products that will be used in your renovation, we're happy to suggest FurnitureMaster.ca for the contracting and construction portion of your renovation. Step Three: Demolition When beginning a new renovation a major part of the process is to remove existing materials that are not part of the new plans that the designer has created for you. This could mean a full gutting of the interior space down to the studs, or simply removing the existing cabinetry. Step Four: Framing (Where Required) Now that demolition has been completed, it is time to put into place the new walls and structural elements. These new walls, support beams, and posts will form the basic structure of your new space. Step Five: Electrical, plumbing and Venting After the completion of the required demolition and framing, it is time to have the electrical, plumbing and ventilation done. The Electrician and Plumber will often have to open up walls and flooring to do their work. This will damage existing drywall and flooring. Most often the exposed plumbing and wiring have to be left exposed for a period of time to allow for inspection. While waiting for the inspections, the venting can be put in place to allow for outside venting of your new range hood. Step Six: Wall Patching Now that the plumbing, electrical and venting have been done, it is time to start patching things up. The first day will consist of 'Boarding' and the first application of the taping and mud. This process usually takes the better part of a week as it takes one day each time you apply a coat of mud. In a standard situation, three coats of mud are needed. This is a messy process so please ensure you have removed all items from the surrounding area. Step Seven: Flooring There are two common, acceptable approaches to the step of floor installation. We recommend consulting your flooring expert, as the installation type is often dictated by the warranty. First option is to run flooring wall to wall, the second option is to Install cabinetry first, and flooring after, in this case the kick panels/cabinetry material will be used to seal the gap. Some say that there are more advantages to the second option, specifically the cost. In the renovation industry a construction expert may say that with option 2 the benefit of this method is in the case that you do experience a water issue, the cabinetry does not have to be removed to repair damage to the flooring. Step Eight: Cabinetry The Easy Installations office will schedule a tentative date for your Cabinet Install ahead of time, and inform you if this date changes. Your pre-assembled IKEA cabinet frames and material needed for installation will be delivered a day or so before the installation date. Your second payment is due upon delivery of the cabinets. For the first few days of cabinet installation it is the installers main goal to prepare your base cabinets for countertop templation and installation. Over the course of your installation the installer will put in all of the drawers, door hardware, soft closing features, end panels and the door handles. This is not all completed within the first week. As there are many components to a kitchen renovation the installer may leave some parts of the project to be completed after the countertop, backsplash, flooring, painting etc is finished. Step Nine: Countertops
You will need to confirm and purchase your countertop before the cabinet installation begins. From there, our office will tentatively schedule a countertop templation approximately a week after your cabinet installation begins. If you have chosen to organize your own countertops our office will communicate with you about scheduling and confirm when the cabinets are ready to be templated. Countertop timelines depend on the product chosen and industry demand, your designer will discuss the timelines associated with different materials. Step Ten: Backsplash The backsplash tile is always installed after your countertops. The backsplash can be one of those ongoing design decisions, and there is always the consideration of the product availability, or ordering product in. In the event of an ongoing decision communicate with your contractor as time lines are of high importance in accommodating trades and schedules. Step Eleven: Final Paint At this point in the process, it is now safe to apply the final coat of paint. Cabinetry and trim work will be masked where required and the final coat of paint applied. Step Twelve: Finish Electrical, Plumbing and Ventilation The Electrician will need to be scheduled to complete the final electrical parts of your project. They will install plugs and switches, wall plates for the switches and plugs, and any electrical fixtures as provided by you (the client). Any hardwired appliances will also be installed at this time. The Plumber will also be installing the sink(s), fixtures (taps) and dishwasher. Step Thirteen: Final Walkthrough Once the project has been completed one of our Project Managers will make a visit to your job site to do a Quality Check and ensure you are satisfied with your finished renovation! Most Important Step: Enjoy your new space!