6 Reasons to Remodel Your Kitchen

Maybe you’ve just purchased a new home and were planning to make the kitchen your own right from the start. Or maybe you’ve been living with a kitchen for a long time that is in desperate need of updating. In either case, here are some things to consider before remodeling your kitchen that can help to solidify your decision to move closer to the kitchen you’ve always dreamed of.

Let’s face it, if you cook and eat three meals a day, the kitchen is the room where you spend the most time. And since you spend so much time there, it's important to have a kitchen that you love, both aesthetically and functionally. It’s the place where your guests will congregate and is often the place where you socialize and enjoy moments of deep conversation, joy and laughter. We've put together 6 things to consider before remodeling your kitchen.

1.      Functionality and Convenience

Are you having these issues in your kitchen?

• Your work area is too cramped

• You have to close one door to open another

• Your countertop is too small

• You don’t have enough space in your cabinets

• Your work area is too dark

• You don’t have a pantry

If the answer is yes to any of these areas, there is definitely room for improvement! And don’t forget about the kitchen triangle rule: your sink, refrigerator and stove are your three main work areas and should ideally be no less than 4’ and no more than 9’ apart from each other to create that ideal kitchen workflow.

These are just some examples of issues in your kitchen that could be improved so that your kitchen functions better for your needs.

2.      Deteriorating Materials

Over time, materials can deteriorate and lead to expensive repairs down the road, if not addressed. For example, leaky faucets can damage walls and flooring and lead to mold which can be unhealthy and expensive to remediate. Dents in cabinets, scratches on countertops, cracks in tile and rips in vinyl flooring can be an eyesore and take away from the enjoyment you deserve while in your kitchen!  

3.      Change in Lifestyle

Your current kitchen may not be functional for your current season of life. For example, you now have children in school who need a place to do homework. Or your children are older, and you want to entertain more and need more counter space. Or maybe you are retiring and will be spending more time at home which means more time in the kitchen. Whatever the case, a kitchen remodel is a chance to adapt your kitchen to meet your current needs.

Some things to think about:

• An island for gathering in the center of the room

• More room for entertaining

• A beverage or coffee bar

• An eat-in kitchen vs. countertop overhang with bar stools

• Appliance upgrades: double ovens, refrigerators, microwaves, dishwashers, etc.

• Cabinets and pantry storage

4.      Personality and Style

Sometimes you want to update your kitchen because you simply want it to look good and that makes you happy. If you cringe every time you enter your kitchen, it may be time to consider a change. Customizing colors and finishings to your personality and style can make your kitchen your happy go-to place.

Remodeling your kitchen can be as involved as adding exterior walls, removing interior walls, painting, installing new floors and adding new cabinets.  Or it can be as simple as changing the style of elements such as:

• Backsplash

• Countertops

• Hood

• Hardware

• Lighting

• Plumbing fixtures

It just makes sense to renovate the room you'll spend the most time in to reflect your personal style and preferences!

5.      Increases Home Value

Updating your kitchen will increase the value of your home and can attract the attention of buyers when the time comes to sell. Homes with updated kitchens sell faster as the kitchen is often the most important room for potential buyers. Think of remodeling your kitchen as an investment in the future. New cabinets, flooring, countertops, lighting, appliances and fixtures can improve the resale value of your home.

6.      Reduction of Energy Costs

Most of us don’t realize how much energy our older appliances are utilizing. Replacing your appliances with new energy efficient models can reduce your energy usage significantly. Not to mention that repairs on older appliances can be costly and parts difficult to find.

LED light bulbs along with more natural lighting options and water-saving fixtures are growing in popularity and provide more ways to save energy costs and the environment at the same time. Making your kitchen eco-friendlier can help reduce your energy costs by 20-40 percent!

We hope we’ve given you some helpful things to consider before remodeling your kitchen.

Note: Getting your contractor involved early on will help you to keep your kitchen remodel project within your desired budget. A reputable local home improvement contractor will guide you through the process from start to finish. Contact us today to help you get started!

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