Anyone who owns or buys an older house or apartment will sooner or later think about remodeling their kitchen. Kitchen furniture lasts 25 to 40 years, kitchen appliances 10 to 20 years. In addition, kitchens in older homes are often smaller than usual today, technically outdated and impractically furnished. A kitchen renovation improves the quality of living and thus the quality of life and increases the value of the property in the long term. We explain how you can remodel your kitchen without losing your nerve.
Most homeowners remodel their kitchens because they are getting on in years. Before you plan your kitchen renovation, you should think about what you want to achieve with the renovation:
Of course, one goal does not exclude the other goals. You can also achieve all three goals. The most important thing at this stage is to be clear about what is particularly important to you. The kitchen planning and therefore the cost of your new kitchen will depend on this.
The costs depend on your requirements. In our article "Kitchen Renovation: How Much Does Your New Kitchen Cost?", you can find out, among other things, how much a simple kitchen, a standard kitchen, a high class kitchen and a luxury kitchen cost.
Once you know what is important to you, you can gather ideas for your kitchen. For example, from friends, at kitchen exhibitions or in magazines. Take photos of kitchens that you like so that you can show your kitchen designer what you are looking for.
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As soon as you have gathered enough inspiration, you should talk to a kitchen builder about your ideas. He knows what is possible, makes possible what seems impossible at first glance and advises you. For example, about worktops, carcasses, cabinets, drawers or base units and ovens, steam extractors, dishwashers, glass ceramic hobs or refrigerators with freezer compartments. He will also recommend space-optimizing kitchen designs (kitchen units, two-line kitchens, L-shaped kitchens, U-shaped kitchens, G-shaped kitchens or kitchen units with islands), draw all plans and manage the remodel.
The connections have a significant influence on kitchen planning. If a water or electricity connection is in the "wrong" place, you will need to have a new pipe installed. This is time-consuming and costly. You or the kitchen fitter should therefore base your conversion plans on the connections. Before starting the conversion work, make sure you have the electricity and water connections checked by an electrician or plumbing technician. If something doesn't work, it will be more complicated and expensive to repair once the conversion work is complete.
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A sugo that has been simmering on the stove for hours tastes heavenly. However, the kitchen must be well ventilated, otherwise the whole house or apartment will smell of spaghetti bolognese for days. Especially if the kitchen is open or integrated into the living room. Then one window is often no longer enough. That's why you shouldn't skimp on the extractor hood. Exhaust air makes more sense than recirculated air. Firstly, the degree of purification is higher because the kitchen fumes are blown directly outside, and secondly, the extractor hood is quieter because there is no activated charcoal filter to obstruct the air flow.
Even the smallest kitchen has space if it is well planned. First think about which appliances you need (must have) and which are not essential (nice to have). And use the space wisely. For example, optimize the arrangement and layout of cupboards and drawers, think about the space under the sink, hang wall shelves or install tall larder units for crockery. A lot of storage space is lost in corners, which you can make use of with a swivel cabinet. An experienced kitchen builder knows many ways of optimally furnishing your kitchen.
Adapt the kitchen to your needs. Align the height of the worktop and hobs to your height, install household appliances at chest height and arrange the kitchen units sensibly. A sink with a base unit next to the dishwasher or a cupboard element with a worktop next to the stove have proven their worth in most households. The height of the worktop, the arrangement of the built-in appliances and the distances between kitchen areas such as the worktop, sink or hob have a direct influence on ergonomics. Your kitchen designer knows more.
Splashes of fat are as much a part of cooking as guanciale in a good carbonara sauce. That's why easy-care and hygienic materials should be used in the kitchen.
In our article "Kitchen Plan: Step by Step to Your Dream Kitchen", you can read more about the choice of materials for the kitchen fronts, worktop, back panels and kitchen floor.
Kitchen appliances have a lifespan of 10 years (dishwashers, refrigerators, microwaves and steam cookers) to 15 years (ovens and freezers). When replacing appliances, pay attention to the energy efficiency class: the scale ranges from A (very efficient) to B, C, D, E and F to G (wasteful). New kitchen appliances are more energy efficient and use less electricity and water. However, before you replace an appliance, you should consider whether it makes more sense to repair it. The decision depends on the answers to these questions:
In "Repair or Replace Household Appliances?" we have defined a rule of thumb for each appliance category as to when a repair and when a replacement makes more sense:
A kitchen costs several thousand to tens of thousands of francs, depending on your requirements, and is a long-term investment for 25 to 40 years. It is therefore worthwhile not saving in the wrong place and investing a little more in your dream kitchen or in new kitchen appliances. For example, it is better to sacrifice a function in the oven or dishwasher than quality or energy efficiency. Cheap appliances or materials are only cheaper at first glance and usually wear out more quickly. In most cases, the additional investment pays off when the full costs are calculated.
Light can be used to change the atmosphere with little effort. Energy-efficient LED lights that emit little heat and last a long time are best suited for the kitchen. For example, as a ceiling light, recessed spotlight, pendant light or under-cabinet light. Pay attention to the color temperature: at the workplace, the light should be daylight white (4,000 Kelvin), at the dining table warm white (2,700 to 3,000 Kelvin). If you integrate the lights into a smart home system, you can adjust the light to suit your mood. It is important that the work surface is well lit and shadow-free.
The cost depends on your requirements. The price spectrum ranges from a few thousand francs for a simple one-line kitchen without appliances to a six-figure sum for a professional kitchen with all the trimmings. The kitchen appliances and materials have the greatest influence on the costs. Natural stone such as granite, limestone or quartzite costs more than wood or plastic, energy-efficient appliances are more expensive, but reduce electricity and water consumption and save money. There are also useful extras such as steam cookers, warming drawers or a wine storage cabinet.
All prices are indicative only (as of 2023) so that you can estimate the costs. If you would like an exact quote, please ask our certified kitchen builders in your region.
