Kitchens are the heart of the home, and renovating them can be a great way to add value to your home while simultaneously improving the functionality and aesthetic appeal of the space. Whether you are looking to completely overhaul and remodel your kitchen or make a few reno style updates, renovating your kitchen on the North Shore is an investment in yourself that you won’t regret.

The proof’s in the pudding. You can review the 2021 Canadian Real Estate cost vs value report here.

Here are some tips and ideas for renovating your kitchen if you happen to live in our lovely and rainy North Vancouver and West Vancouver communities.

1. Plan ahead: Before you start tearing down walls and ripping out cabinets, it’s important to have a clear plan in place. Consider your budget, timeline, and goals for the renovation. Are you looking to create more storage space? Do you hate the look of your kitchen? Is your kitchen difficult to keep clean? Do you want to upgrade your appliances? Do you want to change the layout of your kitchen? Answering these questions will help you prioritize your renovation and create a plan that meets your needs. Consider the little things too, like in cabinet storage and modern amenities that you wish you had!

1. Choose a style: When you’re choosing a style to go with for your new kitchen, the place to start is with the style of your whole home – as it is now. Most homes in North and West Van boast a transitional style, a west coast modernist, or a mid century modern style. remember: your renovation is for you, not for someone else

1. Don’t follow trends: You don’t want to go with what’s trendy, you want your new kitchen to compliment your home and give the impression that the new reno fits in perfectly. You should also consult with a professional designer to help you create a cohesive look that suits your taste and needs. Takeaways: Let your home lead you and your needs. Lean toward timeless style, not trends.

1. Upgrade your appliances: Upgrading your appliances can make a huge difference in the functionality and look of your kitchen. Look for appliances that are energy-efficient, easy to us, and offer the features you need, such as a large capacity oven, a high-powered range hood, or a built-in hidden microwave.

1. Consider storage: One of the biggest complaints homeowners have about their kitchens is a lack of storage space. When renovating your kitchen, consider adding additional cabinets, pull-out shelves, or pantry space to help keep your kitchen organized and clutter-free. Things like dedicated spice racks can be a life saver.

1. Add lighting: Lighting can make a big difference in the look and feel of your kitchen. Consider adding under-cabinet lighting, pendant lights, or a chandelier to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

1. Choose quality materials: When renovating your kitchen, it’s important to choose high-quality materials that will stand up to daily wear and tear. Choose durable countertops, cabinets, and flooring that will last for years to come.

1. Find out which type of permit you need:  A professional can help you with everything from design to installation, and will help you navigate the tricky permit process across the districts and cities of the North Shore. Here’s the rule of thumb for a kitchen renovation permits – If you’re taking everything back to the studs or changing the location of plumbing aspects, you’ll need a full building permit, a plumbing permit, and an electrical permit. If you’re keeping the basic layout, leaving the drywall on and keeping the plumbing and electrical in the same general area, then all you’ll need is an electrical permit and a plumbing permit. What’s the difference? Building permits take a few months to get while the municipality reviews all the aspects. Plumbing and electrical permits are known as “trade” permits are pulled by the subtrade. Trade permits only take a few days to get.

1. Consider working with a design-build contractor: A design-build contractor is more of a full service approach to renovating and remodeling. Not only can they do the messy work of rebuilding your kitchen, they can bring in a budget conscious designer as part of their offering, to make sure the entire process goes smoothly from start to finish.

Renovating your kitchen in North Van or West Van can be a great way to add value to your property while creating a beautiful and functional space. By planning ahead, choosing the right style, and working with a professional, you can create the kitchen of your dreams. Ready to start planning out your reno? Download this free checklist