Kitchen makeovers have become increasingly popular in recent years as Aussie homeowners seek to maximise their property’s value and enjoy an up-to-date, Instagram worthy kitchen for less.
Whether your kitchen is looking a little tired and worn or it’s sporting the full 80’s kit and caboodle – complete with pale pink cabinets – a kitchen overhaul could be just what the doctor ordered, but is a kitchen makeover or a custom kitchen renovation the best option for you? While both have their advantages, it ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget.
In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of both options, so you can make an informed decision about which one is right for you. From cost considerations to design flexibility, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make the right choice for your home and lifestyle. So, whether you’re dreaming of a complete kitchen remodel or just a few upgrades, read on to find out which option is best for you.
What is a Kitchen Makeover vs a Kitchen Renovation?
While kitchen makeovers (sometimes called kitchen facelifts) typically involve cosmetic changes such as replacing cabinet doors and countertops and installing new backsplashes and hardware, kitchen renovations go beyond beautifying and updating. Renovations give you a completely new custom kitchen and often involve more extensive changes like opening up walls to create an open-plan space, adding and re-configuring cabinetry to change the layout and functionality or even expanding the entire kitchen’s footprint.
In a nutshell, kitchen renovations focus on both cosmetic appeal and improving functionality and maximizing the efficiency of the kitchen, while kitchen makeovers primarily aim to enhance the kitchen’s visual appeal for an up-to-date look and feel.
What can you achieve with a kitchen makeover?
- Preserves existing layout
- Focuses on cosmetic improvements
- Cost-effective option
- Fast completion (possibly days)
- Can add some limited functional changes, where it fits within the existing structure and footprint
- Keeps existing plumbing and electrical elements in same locations
What can you achieve with a kitchen renovation?
- Creates custom layout
- Focuses on functional and cosmetic improvements
- Higher cost vs makeover
- Takes longer vs makeover (usually weeks)
- Can add major new functionality like expanding the footprint, adding kitchen island or a butlers pantry
- Can move plumbing and electrical elements to fit any custom configuration
Are Kitchen Makeovers Worth it?
Both kitchen makeovers and renovations offer their own unique benefits. A cosmetic makeover can quickly and affordably give your kitchen a fresh new look, making it more visually appealing and potentially increasing its resale value. On the other hand, a renovation allows you to address any functional issues or inefficiencies in your kitchen, creating a space that is better suited to your needs and lifestyle. Additionally, a renovation can also provide an opportunity to incorporate modern appliances, energy-efficient features, and improved storage solutions for a more organized home.
Do all kitchen companies do kitchen makeovers?
Perhaps surprisingly to many first-time kitchen renovators, many kitchen companies in Sydney don’t do (or don’t like to do) smaller-scale kitchen updates that entail updating only portions of your kitchen. Depending on how their business is geared they either won’t take on a kitchen makeover project or will steer you towards a larger scale renovation. So if you decide a makeover is what you want, it’s important to look for a kitchen renovations company that are geared towards and welcome this type of renovation project.
In case you’re wondering, yes, Waratah Kitchens love a kitchen facelift challenge! In fact if you read our reviews you’ll notice it is a big part of what we are known for and specialise in. You can read more about our kitchen makeovers service here. That said, let’s look at whether a kitchen makeover is the right choice for you…
Many kitchen companies in Sydney don’t do (or don’t like to do) smaller-scale kitchen updates that entail updating only portions of your kitchen.
Benefits of a Kitchen Makeover – take the test
If you find yourself Googling the kind of questions listed below, you’re probably going to find a kitchen makeover would be the right fit for your kitchen transformation:
How can I Modernise my kitchen cheaply?
How do I give my kitchen a facelift?
How can I update my kitchen without replacing cabinets?
How can I update my existing kitchen?
How can I make my outdated kitchen look better?
Sound like you? Read on to find out more about the benefits of this option…
Benefit #1: Kitchen Makeovers Are a Cost-Effective Option
If you’re wondering “how do you renovate a kitchen for cheap?,” hands-down a kitchen makeover should be your first port of call. Kitchen makeovers can be a super cost-effective option compared to a full renovation. This is because it typically involves updating the appearance of your kitchen without making major structural changes. This normally includes adding new cabinet doors and hardware, replacing benchtops, and updating appliances and fixtures – giving your kitchen a fresh new look without breaking the bank. Additionally, a kitchen makeover can be completed in a shorter amount of time compared to a full renovation, allowing you to enjoy your updated space sooner.
Kitchen makeovers can be a super cost-effective option compared to a full renovation...because it typically involves updating the appearance of your kitchen without making major structural changes.
Benefit #2: Faster Completion Time and Minimal Disruption to Your Daily Life
No one looks forward to their kitchen being a construction zone for weeks on end. With a kitchen makeover, because you are keeping a lot of the framework of your existing kitchen rather than pulling everything out and starting from scratch, it is a much faster process than a custom kitchen renovation. Not only does this mean you can skip the major demolition, but because you keep most of the structure, there’s also no need to move plumbing and electrical either. All this means, if you’re working with a reputable kitchen company you could be enjoying your beautiful new kitchen in as little as days, rather than weeks.
Benefit #3: Kitchen Makeovers Create a Fresh Look and Feel Without the Need for Extensive Construction
If you’re happy with the existing footprint and layout of your kitchen and your current cabinets are still in good structural condition and less than 20 years old, you can opt to keep most of the cabinetry intact and simply re-face them with new doors and handles. Given that the cabinetry in a kitchen typically is the most expensive part of a kitchen renovation, this can mean huge savings and a whole lot less construction and disruption to your life. An added bonus of this is that a kitchen makeover can be a more environmentally friendly option as it typically generates less waste compared to a full renovation.
Benefit #4: Increases the value of the home for potential resale in the future
A modern and updated kitchen is often a major selling point for buyers, as it is one of the most important rooms in a home. By investing in updating your kitchen now, you can potentially attract more interested buyers and potentially increase the resale value of your home. Furthermore, an updated kitchen can also make your home more appealing to potential renters if you are considering renting out your property in the future.
Benefits of a Custom Kitchen Renovation
Benefit #1: A Kitchen Renovation Allows a Complete Transformation and Customization
Whether you want to create a modern, sleek look or a cozy, traditional atmosphere, a custom kitchen renovation allows you to design the space according to your personal style and preferences. Want an ornate French provincial kitchen with a giant marble island? Tick. Want a super sleek minimalist modern masterpiece? Tick. Want to completely change the shape, size and layout? Tick. Additionally, an updated kitchen can greatly improve functionality and efficiency. With new appliances, ample storage solutions, and an optimized layout, cooking and meal preparation become easier and more enjoyable.
Benefit #2: A Custom Kitchen Renovation Allows You to Enhance the Functionality and Layout of the Kitchen
If you’ve ever found yourself wishing you could knock down some walls and open up your under-sized kitchen to create a light-filled, open-plan space or found yourself browsing Pinterest drooling over butlers pantry’s and oversized kitchen islands, you might consider a custom kitchen renovation over a kitchen makeover. Whether you need more counter space for meal prepping, want to expand the kitchen or want to move the kitchen sink and prep areas so you can keep an eye on the kids while you cook dinner, a custom renovation ensures that every aspect of your kitchen is tailored to your unique style and tastes and can also include major changes to the footprint and layout.
a custom renovation ensures that every aspect of your kitchen is tailored to your unique style and tastes
- Get the exact style you want
- Improve flow and function
- Add new features such as a kitchen island or butler's pantry
- Move the sink so you can watch the kids while you prep
- Expand the footprint of the kitchen
- Remove walls to create an open plan space
- Conceal your appliances with custom cabinetry
Benefit #3: Increases the Value of the Home for Potential Resale in the Future
Like a kitchen makeover a custom renovated kitchen can enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of your home, creating a more inviting and modern space for you and your family to enjoy whilst adding major appeal to homebuyers. Updating your kitchen allows you to choose high-quality materials and modern appliances, which can attract potential buyers and make your home stand out in the market. By upgrading your kitchen with energy-efficient features and smart technology, you can also save on utility bills and create a more sustainable living space, adding to the overall value of your home.
When deciding whether to invest in a kitchen makeover versus a full custom kitchen renovation, with resale value in mind, you’ll want to consider the kind of return on investment you’ll be able to realise with your property. Depending on buyer expectations in your area, you may be over capitalising by putting in a full custom kitchen. For example a smaller “starter home” which will appeal to budget conscious first home buyers or to investors looking to rent the property out is unlikely to recoup the value of a top end custom kitchen reno. Even if the potential buyers absolutely love the kitchen, there is only so much they will be willing to pay for the property. Then again, in more expensive properties a custom kitchen can pay massive dividends in resale value.
Consider the kind of return on investment you’ll be able to realise with your property. Depending on buyer expectations in your area, you may be over capitalising by putting in a full custom kitchen.
Summing Up... Factors to Consider when deciding on a kitchen makeover vs kitchen renovation
Budget constraints and financial implications
Your budget and the potential return on your investment are important factors to consider when planning a kitchen renovation. It is essential to set a realistic budget and determine how much you are willing to invest in the project. Additionally, you should also consider the potential financial implications, such as the return on investment and the impact on your home’s resale value.
Scope of work and desired level of change
Before you decide whether to get a kitchen makeover or a kitchen renovation, consider the extent of the change you want, whether it’s a complete overhaul or just minor updates. Consider how much disruption you are willing to tolerate during the renovation process and how it aligns with your desired level of change. Additionally, think about any specific features or design elements you want to incorporate into your new kitchen to ensure they are included in the scope of work.
Current condition and layout of the kitchen
Condition and layout of your existing kitchen is another crucial aspect to evaluate. Assess the functionality and flow of your current kitchen layout, taking note of any limitations or areas that could be improved. Consider factors such as storage space, countertop area, and the overall efficiency of the space. This assessment will help you determine if a simple update or a complete reconfiguration is necessary to achieve your desired kitchen layout and functionality. The current condition and layout of the kitchen will also play a significant role in determining the scope of the renovation. Assess any structural issues, such as outdated plumbing or electrical systems, that may need to be addressed. Additionally, consider the functionality and flow of the space and whether any changes to the layout are necessary to improve efficiency and usability.
So summing up, both kitchen makeovers and renovations offer numerous benefits. A kitchen makeover can provide a fresh and updated look to the space without the need for extensive construction or major changes to the layout. It can be a cost-effective option for those looking to breathe new life into their kitchen. On the other hand, a custom kitchen renovation allows for more significant changes and improvements, addressing any structural issues and maximizing functionality. It provides an opportunity to create a customized and efficient kitchen that meets your specific needs and preferences. It’s important to carefully evaluate your needs and goals before making a decision which is a smart decision for your family and your home.
Simply send us a few details and tell us a bit about your project and we’ll get back to you to organise a complimentary design consultation and quote to help you get the ball rolling.
