Kitchen renovation based on a design project: is it worth paying extra?

The kitchen is one of the most difficult rooms to renovate. Utilities, appliances, furniture, lighting — everything must come together perfectly. That is why more and more apartment owners in Tbilisi and Batumi are considering renovating their kitchens according to a design project. But are the additional costs justified? Let’s take a look at the practicalities.

Why renovating a kitchen without a design plan often ends up being more expensive

At first glance, it seems that a design plan is an unnecessary expense. But in reality, not having a plan almost always leads to budget overruns.

Typical problems without a plan:

• sockets end up behind cabinets,
• appliances don’t fit,
• the kitchen looks cramped and impractical,
• renovations after furniture installation,
• unnecessary spending on materials.

In Georgia, where kitchens in new buildings are often small (6—9 m²), mistakes in planning are especially critical.

What does a kitchen design project include?

A kitchen design project is not just “pretty pictures.” It usually includes:

1. a floor plan of the room,
2. 2—3 layout options,
3. furniture and appliance placement,
4. electrical and lighting diagrams,
5. selection of materials and colors,
6. visualizations (3D),
7. working drawings for builders.

This is especially important for Tbilisi and Batumi due to the differences in the layouts of old buildings and new constructions.

How much does it cost to renovate a kitchen according to a design project in Georgia

Prices for design and renovation:

• kitchen design project: from $40 to $80/m²;
• kitchen renovation without a project: from $250/m²;
• kitchen renovation with a design project: from $280 to $320/m²;
• author’s supervision: from $300 per project.

Important: renovation with a design project is 10—15 % more expensive at the start, but in 70 % of cases it allows you to avoid rework and save money in the end.

Average kitchen renovation time:

• without a design: 6—10 weeks;
• with a design: 4—7 weeks.

A design allows you to agree on all decisions in advance and avoid stopping the renovation due to “sudden” issues.

Real‐life cases from Tbilisi and Batumi

Case 1. Apartment in Saburtalo, Tbilisi

Kitchen 8 m², new building. The project succeeded in:

1. fitting in a dishwasher and washing machine;
2. avoiding moving the risers;
3. reducing the furniture budget by 12 %.

Case 2. Apartment in Batumi

Kitchen‐living room 14 m². Without a project, the customer planned to remodel after installing the kitchen. The project helped:

1. correctly zone the space;
2. calculate lighting in advance;
3. rent out the property two weeks earlier.

When a design project is really necessary

A project is mandatory if:

• the kitchen is less than 9 m²,
• built‐in appliances are planned,
• the renovation is turnkey,
• the apartment is for rent or resale,
• the budget is limited and control is important.

You can do without a project if:

• the kitchen is standard and large,
• standard furniture is used,
• there are no complex engineering solutions.

Common mistakes when renovating a kitchen without a plan

• Incorrect height of the work surface.
• Insufficient number of electrical outlets.
• Poor lighting in the work area.
• Furniture that does not match the actual dimensions.
• Excessive use of tiles and materials.

How to choose a designer or company in Georgia

Pay attention to:

1. real kitchens that have been implemented in Tbilisi or Batumi;
2. understanding of local suppliers and materials;
3. ability to work with small kitchens;
4. availability of working drawings, not just visuals.

Mini-tip: a good designer asks more questions than offers “beautiful ideas.”

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Renovating a kitchen according to a design project is not a luxury, but a tool for controlling your budget, deadlines, and results. In the Georgian market, a project often helps you save money rather than overpay. This is especially true if the kitchen is small or the renovation is done on a turnkey basis.