renovating a kitchen

What to know before renovating your kitchen

By: Stacy Lee Kong, Laa van de Geyn
Published Date:
Modified Date: Mar. 30, 2026

3 Minute Read

If you’re like us, you spend a lot of time in your kitchen—it’s where meals come together, conversations happen, and daily life unfolds. So when the heart of your home starts to feel outdated, cramped, or inefficient, taking on a renovation can feel like a natural next step.

Whether you’re dreaming of a full gut job or planning small upgrades to improve how the space functions, a kitchen reno is a major investment of both time and money, and one that comes with plenty of decisions along the way.

No matter how big or small the job, kitchen renovations can quickly become overwhelming without a clear plan. From choosing appliances and lighting to avoiding costly mistakes and overly trendy choices, knowing what to prioritize can help your reno stay on track and deliver long‑term value. Here are some key dos and don’ts to keep in mind before you get started.

Buy your appliances first

"The size of your appliances will directly impact the measurements of your layout," says Toronto designer Leigh. When designing her own reno, she picked a fridge that required customized panels to match her cabinetry. 

But when she went to buy it two months later, the fridge had been discontinued, sending her on the search for a new model that ended up costing $2,000 more than her original choice.

Appliances often have long lead times and specific clearance requirements, so locking them in early can help avoid costly last‑minute changes to your cabinetry and layout.
 

Plan lighting beforehand

You should decide your lighting scheme before the renovation starts. "If new wiring is needed for your lighting layout, it's much easier to contract an electrician during the reno phase when the drywall is opened up, so backsplash switches and outlets can be added before the cabinet install and tiling," says Allaire Perrault.

This kind of planning also allows you to layer lighting —task, ambient, and accent—so the kitchen functions well from morning coffee to evening entertaining.
 

Don't be frugal when it comes to your faucet

renovating a kitchen

Make it a focal point. "With your entire reno budget considered, why skimp on spending an additional $100 or so when that small amount of extra money, in the grand scheme of things, can elevate the look of the entire space."

Because the faucet is one of the most frequently used features in a kitchen, investing in quality also pays off in durability, ease of use, and long‑term satisfaction.
 

Upgrade your fixtures to maximize organization

Who likes messy, disorganized counters? Do yourself a favour and bump the budget up a bit to include things like hidden-away storage for small appliances that aren't often used. (We're looking at you, bread machine.)

Interior drawer organizers, pull‑out pantries, and appliance garages can make a kitchen feel larger and more efficient without increasing its footprint.
 

Avoid being sucked into home-reno fads

“It’s easy to fall head over heels for the latest tile and countertop trends, but I always say, ‘Don’t overinvest in a trendy, big-ticket kitchen item that you think you could grow tired of within the next 10 years,’” says Allaire Perrault. These are generally items that aren’t cheap to replace, so err on the conservative side if you know your tastes are likely to change. 

Instead, she suggests adding personality through cabinet hardware or paint colours, which can be updated more easily and affordably over time.
 

Donate your old kitchen

"Avoid the urge to swing a sledgehammer. Take care during the removal process and donate your cabinets to a charitable centre that will reuse them. You get a tax receipt for the donation, and you save the items from ending up in a landfill."

It’s a more sustainable approach that benefits both your community and the environment, and can potentially offset some renovation costs.
 

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