Kitchen Remodeling can transform a room and enhance your home’s value. It can range from a cosmetic refresh to what Ariana Lovato describes as “a complete gut renovation” that may involve tearing down walls and reconfiguring the space.
A successful remodel requires careful planning. Whether hiring contractors or DIYing, be prepared for dust and disruption for weeks or months.
The layout is an important part of kitchen design that ties form and function together. Whether your space is tiny and cramped or large and open, a well-planned layout will improve efficiency and maximize functionality. When choosing a design, consider factors like ergonomics, storage, and natural light.
While the initial phase of a kitchen remodel may involve tearing out the old cabinets and countertops, the rebuilding is where your new layout comes to life. Once the walls and flooring are installed, you can start building your cabinets, making room for appliances, and adding extra features. Make sure your cabinetry designer has left room for an oven or dishwasher, and don’t forget to build in a power outlet or plumbing for your sink. It’s also a good idea to have the electrical wired and hooked up before the countertop goes in, as this can help reduce installation time.
An island can provide a lot of extra counter space, but you’ll also need to consider seating for your family and guests. A breakfast bar is a great option for this, and you can add some personality to it by painting the seats a fun color. A contrasting countertop or cabinet color can also add some extra flair to your kitchen.
A well-planned kitchen layout will help ensure that your new space is easy to work in. It’s important that you stick with the original plan throughout the remodeling process. The more changes you request, the more time it will take to finish, and this can increase your overall costs. A skilled kitchen remodeling contractor can help you value engineer your project and make decisions that will keep the overall cost down.
Another factor that can impact the final cost of your kitchen remodel is scope creep. This occurs when homeowners request extra features, upgrades, or changes to their designs throughout the remodeling process. This can result in increased project duration, frustration, and quality issues. A kitchen remodeling professional can help you avoid scope creep by keeping the lines of communication clear with everyone involved.
Storage
When you’re remodeling your kitchen, it’s not uncommon to run into unexpected costs. The best way to avoid this is by saving up money ahead of time or securing a loan to cover the expenses. If you’re taking funds from savings or a personal line of credit, consider the impact on your overall financial picture and how much time you’ll have to rebuild those resources.
If you plan on selling your home in the future, it’s important to carefully consider your goals and determine what will increase resale value. Depending on the scope of your remodel and the amount you invest, you may recoup 50% to 76% of your costs upon sale. A quality kitchen is one of the most valuable home upgrades and will appeal to a wide range of potential buyers.
During the planning phase, it’s essential to understand how your kitchen will function once complete and make informed decisions about the layout, materials and lighting. If you’re unsure about how to proceed, consult with renovation experts to create a realistic scope of work that will achieve your goals within your budget.
A kitchen upgrade can take weeks or months to complete and involves multiple contractors, including plumbers and electricians. It’s not a project for most weekend warriors but, with careful planning and a team of experts, you can often do a significant amount of the work yourself to cut expenses.
Before you get started, clear out your cabinets and drawers. Sort items into piles of keep, donate, sell or hand-me-down and assess whether you really need each item to function properly. Getting rid of unnecessary clutter can help you save space and streamline your workflow.
You might decide to install custom cabinets to meet your specific needs, or opt for a more cost-effective stock cabinetry solution. Stock cabinets are readily available in a broad spectrum of finishes and are often cheaper than custom options.
It’s also possible to add new kitchen appliances as part of a remodel. Choosing ENERGY STAR models will reduce your energy bills and environmental impact, and rebates sometimes offset initial installation costs.
Appliances
For the ultimate kitchen upgrade, new appliances can turn a drab room into a chef’s ideal workspace. The choices are endless, from sleek stainless steel to black and white. Considering your current kitchen color scheme, style preference and budget, pick a set of appliances that work well with the room. For example, matching appliances with cabinets will make them look like they belong together, while high-end models with extra features can add to a kitchen’s functionality.
Kitchen remodeling is one of the most popular home renovation projects. It can include anything from a new backsplash to expanding the space and adding a breakfast bar. This project is usually best left to professionals, as it requires extensive planning and design. It also requires significant time and money, so it’s important to understand what the project entails before hiring contractors or making any decisions.
The most comprehensive remodels involve a complete overhaul of the entire space, including the structure and plumbing, along with new countertops, cabinets, flooring, sinks and appliances. This is the most expensive option, but it can yield a higher return on investment than other renovations. Professionals can help you plan the layout, create a visual timeline and make sure the remodel is done correctly.
A full-bore kitchen remodel typically takes longer than other renovations, and you may need to relocate during construction or make alternative cooking arrangements. However, a major kitchen remodel will likely increase your home’s resale value and is an excellent way to add a wow factor.
A kitchen remodel can also include small improvements, such as refinishing or replacing floors, updating lighting and painting walls. This is a great way to make your kitchen more functional without spending too much money. However, it’s best to hire a professional for this type of job, as he or she can help ensure that the changes will not only be functional, but that they will look great as well.
Lighting
When it comes to kitchen remodeling, there are a lot of options. But it’s important to consider what your goals are for the space and what kind of impact each change will have on the overall design.
You’ll want to focus on layout, materials fin,ishes, and appliances, but also think about lighting. It can have a huge effect on the look of the space and can add both functionality and beauty.
Bright light is great for cooking, but after you’re done and it’s time to relax, you’ll want a warmer, more ambient look. That’s where recessed lights, pendant lights and under-cabinet lighting come in. They’re easy to install and provide a subtle way to bring some mood into the room.
For task lighting, look for fixtures with clear glass shades to let in more natural light. That’ll help the kitchen feel bigger and brighter while providing enough light to see what you’re doing. Pendants can be hung at different heights to add character and create a more customized look. They work well in spaces with double height ceilings where they can hang at a lower level and illuminate more of the workspace below.
Under-cabinet lights are a great option for illuminating the back of cabinets, letting you see what’s inside and getting rid of any dark spots that might be hiding dust or food particles. Some under-cabinet lights are even motion-sensor so you can set them to turn on and off automatically.
Finally, for more accent lighting, sconces can be a nice touch. They’re not only a stylish way to add lighting but can be a nice focal point that draws the eye when people enter the kitchen. They’re a great way to highlight certain features, like a stunning backsplash or a decorative piece that stands out.
A full kitchen remodel can be quite an involved project that might involve relocating gas lines, dropping walls, moving plumbing and rewiring electrical. It’s a big project that will require professional services from designers, architects, general contractors and plumbers to ensure it’s handled safely and correctly.
