The kitchen is the most used room in a home and the one people ask about most. A good kitchen renovation begins not with choosing units but with the layout plan. Every decision left unmade before the strip-out comes back as extra cost during the work.
Where does a kitchen renovation start?
- Needs list: how many people use it, how much storage is needed, which appliances?
- Layout: L-shaped, U-shaped, straight or island; the sink–hob–fridge triangle.
- Measurement and drawing: walls, windows and service outlets are measured; the unit plan is drawn.
- Appliance selection: oven, hob, extractor and dishwasher models must be settled before units are made.
- Material decisions: carcass and door, worktop, tiling, lighting.
What is the work triangle?
The sum of the three distances between sink, hob and fridge should fall within a certain range for the kitchen to work efficiently. Distances that are too long make cooking tiring; too short and the kitchen feels cramped. The position of these three points also determines the services plan.
Why service points must be settled before strip-out
- Water: the sink and dishwasher positions set the clean and waste water lines
- Electrics: dedicated circuits for the oven, hob, dishwasher and fridge; sockets above the worktop
- Gas: the hob position sets the gas line; changes require an authorised installer
- Extractor: the duct route to the chimney or external wall must be planned
These points are drawn from the unit plan; if the unit plan changes, the services change too. Hence the order: unit design first, then services, then production. For more see made-to-measure furniture.
The correct order
- Strip-out (units, worktop, tiling where needed)
- Plumbing and electrical lines
- Plaster repairs and screed if required
- Wall and floor tiling (or parquet)
- Paint
- Unit installation
- Worktop measurement, production and fitting
- Sink, tap and appliance installation
- Splashback (tile or glass) and silicone
- Cleaning and handover
The worktop is measured after the units are installed, so extra time must be allowed for its production.
Worktop materials compared
| Material | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Quartz | Stain and scratch resistant, wide colour range | Cost |
| Granite | Heat and impact resistant, natural | Porous types need maintenance |
| Marble | Beautiful, natural veining | Sensitive to acid and staining |
| Laminate | Economical, fast | Weak against heat and impact |
| Compact laminate | Slim, durable | Limited colour choice |
Unit materials and hardware
Melamine chipboard carcasses with lacquered or veneered MDF doors is the common choice; moisture-resistant board should be used under the sink and around the dishwasher. Soft-close hinges, full-extension drawer runners and corner mechanisms define daily use — the quotation should state the brand and type.
Lighting and ventilation
LED lighting above the worktop provides task light; general lighting comes from the ceiling. Extractor capacity should suit the size of the kitchen and the type of hob; ducted models are more effective than recirculating ones.
What determines the cost?
Kitchen size, whether services are renewed, unit material and hardware grade, worktop material, built-in appliances and the tiling or flooring decision.
Demgirişim plans kitchen renovations including plumbing, furniture and tiling, and submits the unit design for written approval before the services stage.
Frequently asked questions
Do the services have to change in a kitchen refit?
If the layout stays the same, existing lines can often be kept after inspection. If the sink, hob or dishwasher moves, the pipework has to be re-run.
Which worktop material is most durable?
Quartz and granite stand out for scratch, heat and stain resistance; marble is beautiful but sensitive to acids; laminate is economical but less resistant to heat and impact.
How long does a kitchen renovation take?
Replacing only units and the worktop is quicker; a full renewal including services and tiling takes longer. Unit production time is usually what drives the schedule.
The initial consultation and written quote for Custom Furniture are free within Istanbul. Scope, duration and cost are confirmed after the consultation.