Can you have your dream kitchen by Christmas?

Imagine it’s October, stores are starting to put up decorations, things are beginning to feel festive! With only a few weeks left until Christmas, you’re starting to think about all the time you’ll be spending in the kitchen with friends and family. The next thing you know, you find yourself daydreaming about how lovely it would be to have a new kitchen by Christmas, but is it realistic to start planning a renovation so late in the year?

Unfortunately, it would take nothing short of a miracle to turn your kitchen dreams into a reality if you’re only thinking about it in October. And even if you do manage to find a kitchen contractor that can do it, be careful that your kitchen dreams don’t turn into a nightmare before Christmas.  

The reality is that many people hope to have their joinery projects completed before the end of the year, and from October through December, most kitchen companies have their factories running at near capacity. Industry supply chains are winding up their operations for the annual industry shutdown with final orders for materials no later than the last week of November. Meaning that even if someone is physically capable of building your kitchen, they may very well not be able to get the supplies they need to do so.

5 Steps To Planning a Stress-Free Kitchen Renovation

Whether you would like a new kitchen for Christmas or any other time of the year, following the steps below will ensure that your renovation is a stress-free experience.  Planning well in advance is always the best policy.  Know how much you would like to spend and research potential designers and contractors before starting.

So, if you want a new kitchen by Christmas, follow the steps below. Although, it’ll have to be for Christmas 2022. 

1. Think Christmas in July

Start planning your renovation at least five months before your desired completion date, set a budget, and find the right contractor.

1.1 Gather your ideas and define your style

Prepare a vision board to share with the person designing your kitchen. If you’re unsure how to describe your style, using a Kitchen Style Finder and Planner can help you determine what kind of kitchen may work best for you and help you to communicate this with your contractor.

1.2 Set a budget

Knowing how much you are willing or able to spend will be very important, but remember that there may be unforeseen expenses, so plan for that too.

1.3 Find the right designer/contractor

• ask for personal recommendations (whether it be through family and friends or on a public forum); 

• visit several different showrooms where you can see the actual work each company produces (do not be afraid to ask questions about the materials that they use and their craftsmanship); 

• make sure that you get to see a portfolio for each contractor (visit the company’s website and social media pages to gauge the scope of their work or request a catalogue/portfolio). 

2. Get ahead in August

Put your plan into action, get quotes, and consult with a designer.

2.1 Request, assess and compare quotes

Get quotes from all the contractors you are considering and compare them to ensure that you get the best deal. Cheap doesn’t always equate to a good deal, and expensive doesn’t always mean good quality! Know what you have been quoted for; if you are unsure, then ask. Remember that initial quotes are often general and that your final material selection will determine the actual cost. 

2.2 Consult with designers/contractors

Set up meetings with designers/contractors to discuss the quotes you have received. Make a final decision on which designer/contractor you are going to use and stick to it. Arrive prepared with a basic floor plan and an idea of the materials you would prefer.  

2.3 Refine the design

Start refining your project by working with the designer and comparing available fittings and finishes to achieve your desired result.

3. Set up for success in September

Set a date for the installation, and sign off on the design and materials.

3.1 Set a date

Talk to your contractor about the installation. Securing a date in advance will ensure that your project is a top priority before a factory reaches its capacity.

3.2 Select your final fittings and finishes

Avoid disappointment by locking down your choices and ordering materials in advance. Many materials are imported and may not be readily available, so securing the materials in advance is advisable. 

3.4 Sign off on the design

Once you are happy with the layout, sign off on the design and pay your deposit to secure the materials needed to create the kitchen of your dreams.

4. Organise in October

Appoint a project manager to organise your renovation. Some kitchen companies will be willing to do this for you, so be sure to check with your designer/contractor whether this is something that they will do.

4.1 Order

Ordering materials, fittings and appliances should happen around a month or two before your kitchen installation.

4.2 Coordinate

Check that any plumbers, electricians and other contractors that will be needed are available to work around one another most effectively. 

5. Fit in November, finish in December

Your project should be nearing completion, with installation planned to take place now.

5.1 Manufacturing and installation

Installation should start to take place during November. Leave enough time for any snags to be identified and rectified before the annual industry shutdown period in December. 

5.2 Fitting and finishing

The average kitchen should not take more than a few days to install and complete; however, snags may take a little longer to resolve as additional materials may be required.

5.3 Finishing touches

Once your kitchen installation is complete, add any finishing touches, such as decorative light fittings, artwork and countertop appliances, to finish the look.

Yes, You can have your dream kitchen for Christmas… but not in 2021

If you want a new kitchen by Christmas, you will have to start planning for it at least four months in advance to ensure that your project goes off without a hitch. Turn-around times do vary throughout the year, with a trend to faster turn-around times at mid-year. Now that you have the inside scoop, you will be able to plan a stress-free renovation at any time of the year. Just remember that planning in advance is always the smoothest path to getting what you want when you want it!