What Should Brooklyn Kitchen Renovation Plans Include Before Work Begins?

Most people do not just decide to renovate their kitchen overnight. It can be due to small issues that build up such as a cabinet door that won’t close properly, an insufficient amount of counter space or the lighting making your dinners look gray. Once you’ve had these issues for a few years your Brooklyn kitchen renovation suddenly becomes less of a luxury and more of an essential. While Brooklyn kitchens can be tricky due to the narrow brownstone designs, the rules of the co-op boards and the surprises from older walls, there are many people who have done a stunning renovation. Some even wanted a designer kitchen. This is simply a kitchen designed to suit how you live. This is where the best renovations come from, understanding that you want to design the room rather than just solve issues. Spend a week observing how you use your kitchen. Where do you stand while cooking? Where do you put your shopping? Where do people gather while guests are over? These small observations will help you to make decisions throughout your Brooklyn kitchen renovation. Simply write them down on your phone and add to the list. If you have notes to refer to when talking to your contractor it can save you hours of conversation.

Setting a Budget That Holds Up

While no one loves talking about money, it is essential. When setting a realistic budget for your Brooklyn kitchen renovation you need to consider all the costs. Permits, demolition, plumbing, electrical, delivery and clean up will all add up. Many people forget that older buildings often require new wiring or piping. So it’s a good idea to leave a 15% buffer in your budget. If you’re aiming for a designer kitchen it’s important to be realistic about your spending. While high-end faucets and hardware are expensive, designer kitchens often look better with bespoke cabinetry, a feature countertop and great lighting. Consider what your top 3 priorities are and stick to them. A designer kitchen is all about a few key features. Everything else can be flexible. It’s also a good idea to ask for detailed quotes from your contractors. A general price won’t tell you much but having a breakdown will let you know where the money is going. Comparing the quotes will help too. If two prices seem very different ask questions. Usually it’s because they have assumed different materials. By getting this sorted early your Brooklyn kitchen renovation won’t cost much more than expected.

Layout

Sometimes a kitchen can look beautiful but just be terrible to cook in. Getting the layout right in your Brooklyn kitchen renovation will determine whether you’ll love your new kitchen for the next 20 years. While the traditional work triangle (stove, sink, fridge) still works, modern families often use their kitchens in different ways. Someone may be working at the island, another may be emptying the dishwasher and someone else may want a glass of water. With a good layout everyone will have space. Even in smaller Brooklyn apartments every inch matters. By moving your fridge to the end of your run, changing your swinging door to a pocket door and replacing your chunky table with a slim counter your kitchen can completely transform. A designer kitchen doesn’t need to be huge, just ensure there is enough space to move around, a place to stand by your stove and storage that works for you. Try taping your layout to the floor and walk through your pretend dinner. You’ll quickly spot any issues within 10 minutes that you could not have seen on paper. Fixing your layout by moving the tape is much cheaper than moving a pipe.

Materials

Materials can be exciting but also where most mistakes happen. Samples can look very different in your home at 7pm than they do in the showroom. Always take samples home and look at them in the morning and evening. Think about how you cook. If you chop, simmer and spill a lot you’ll want a forgiving surface. Quartz is great for resisting stains. Natural stone adds character but requires sealing. Butcher block adds a warm feel but needs care. Cabinets should be given the most thought. Solid wood with quality joints will last much longer than thin particle board. After a couple of humid summers you will notice the difference. Designer kitchens often use a restricted colour palette. Maybe two main colours and one metallic colour. This gives it a planned feel. Flooring should be durable and easy to clean. Once your Brooklyn kitchen renovation is complete with the right materials your kitchen will look great for years.

Lighting, Storage & Things You Don’t Think About

When asking people who have completed a Brooklyn kitchen renovation what they would have done differently lighting often comes up. Lighting is never enough with just one light. With a good layout you should have three types of lighting. Overhead lighting to light the whole room, task lighting under your cabinets to see what you’re chopping and softer lighting to create a nice ambience. Dimmers are cheap but make a huge difference. Storage should be considered. Deep drawers are great for pots rather than lower cabinets. You can see everything in one go. Adding a spice rack drawer, baking tray slot and hidden bin will also reduce clutter. Outlets should be placed where you will actually use them. The island and backsplash area. Little details like this really make your kitchen look like a designer kitchen. They show you’ve thought about how you’ll use it everyday. They won’t add much to your project total if you think about them early on but can be painful and expensive to add later. Make a list of all your appliances and where they should go and give this to your designer.

Choosing the Right People

Even with the best plans in the world if your people aren’t right your project will fail. Look for someone who has experience working in Brooklyn buildings. They will understand how to get permits, follow building regulations, book elevators and work in small stairwells. Ask to see examples of completed work and speak to previous clients if possible. Ask how quickly they can answer your questions while getting your quotes. This rarely gets better once work starts. A good Brooklyn kitchen renovation will have clear stages. Design & ordering, demolition, rough in, inspections, fitting and finishing touches. Ask for a written timeline. There will be small delays. Deliveries and inspections can be late. Be prepared to be without your kitchen for a few weeks. Set up a small coffee area and microwave in another room. Have paper plates to hand. You will be eating takeaways! Keep in contact with your project lead. Just one check in per week. When a decision needs to be made make it quickly. Waiting will cause delays. If you want a designer kitchen at the end be patient.

Conclusion

With careful planning your kitchen project will be rewarding. Observe how you use your kitchen, set a budget with a bit of a buffer, test your layout, choose materials that fit your lifestyle, plan your lighting & storage and choose a team who know the local buildings. At TimberLux we treat every Brooklyn kitchen renovation as an opportunity to create a space for one household. Whether you want a small refresh or a designer kitchen careful planning will keep you calm and give you a great result. Take your time, ask lots of questions and enjoy your first meal in your new room!

FAQ

How long does a Brooklyn kitchen renovation typically take?

Most complete projects can take between 6-12 weeks once materials are delivered. Custom cabinetry may take a few extra weeks.

Do I need permits in Brooklyn?

Usually yes if you are changing plumbing, electrical or walls. Your contractor should sort this for you. They will let you know what approvals are required.

Can I have a designer kitchen in a small home?

Absolutely! With clever planning, storage and a restricted palette your small apartment can have a stunning designer kitchen.

Can I stay in my home during the renovation?

Many people do. However you will not have access to your kitchen for weeks. Setting up a temporary cooking area will help.

How can I keep costs down?

Know what your top priorities are, ask for detailed quotes and don’t change your mind once you’ve started ordering.