If you’re looking to upgrade your kitchen, keep in mind that simple refreshes can have a better return on investment than major remodels. According to reports, minor kitchen remodels can recoup 72 percent of their costs.
This is the time to address any structural issues like a poor floor plan or outdated fixtures and appliances.
The first step in a kitchen remodel is to remove the old kitchen. This is usually a large job, and it’s not something that homeowners can handle on their own. It’s usually best to hire a professional. Professionals can complete the project much faster than homeowners, and they’re also better equipped for difficult demo jobs, like removing load-bearing walls. They also know how to work around electrical and plumbing, which can save homeowners a lot of time and money.
Kitchen remodeling is often a messy job, and it’s important to protect items you want to keep. That means covering floors and relocating appliances before starting demolition. It’s also important to turn off the electricity, water, and gas before starting to avoid damage. Depending on the size of your kitchen, you may need to create a temporary cooking space somewhere else in the house.
If you plan to reuse any parts of the kitchen, it’s important to plan ahead. Some companies can recycle or donate materials, which can help you save money on the cost of a new kitchen. In addition, donating or recycling can be good for the environment and for your local community. You’ll need to carefully dismantle the parts of your kitchen that you plan to reuse, which takes more time than standard demo.
During this time, it’s also helpful to plan your new kitchen layout and figure out the best way to organize the space. You should consider things like the location of your appliances, where you’ll place your sink, and what kind of storage solutions you’ll need.
The best way to get your kitchen remodel done quickly and efficiently is to use a design-build firm. This type of company handles all aspects of the renovation, from design to construction and beyond. They can provide you with a timeline and eliminate any unforeseen delays throughout the process. They can even help you secure permits and comply with board regulations for a co-op or condo remodel. They can also offer procurement advantages through multiple vendors, which can save you money.
Design
The design of your kitchen is a key element to consider when planning your kitchen remodel. There are a variety of factors to consider including the floorplan, materials, color, and storage solutions. Bold and vibrant colors can add energy to a kitchen, but should be used sparingly as too many can overwhelm the eye. A monochromatic color scheme that uses varying shades of the same color can create a more cohesive look.
Incorporate as much storage space as possible. This will help keep the space uncluttered and allow you to easily locate utensils and cookware. Consider using drawers rather than standard shelves, especially in lower base cabinets as they offer more function and organization.
A time-tested design concept, the work triangle connects three primary kitchen items – the sink, refrigerator, and stove (or cooktop). The distance between these areas should be no more than 4 feet and no less than 9 feet to ensure efficient movement within the kitchen.
Unless you plan on staying in your home for a long time, try not to over-customize the kitchen as it may limit its appeal to future homeowners. Stick with popular styles and features so that the kitchen can be adapted to a wider range of tastes.
Materials
A kitchen remodel provides an opportunity to choose new materials for your counters, sink and faucet. This is the time to get creative and put your stamp on one of the most important rooms in your home. It’s also an opportunity to upgrade to new energy-efficient appliances that will reduce your utility bills.
Upgrading your appliances not only gives your kitchen a more modern look, but it can make cooking easier and safer. Older appliances can be fire hazards, and they often use outdated technology that can be a shock or electric hazard.
Remodeling your kitchen is an excellent way to increase the value of your home. Studies have shown that homeowners receive generous returns on their investment when they remodel their kitchens. This is because modernized kitchens are an attractive selling point for potential buyers. In addition, a well-planned kitchen remodeling project can help you accommodate special needs of elderly or disabled family members. This can be done by seamlessly integrating stylish accessible features into your kitchen design. These include lowering cabinets and varying countertop heights.
Installation
If your current kitchen isn’t functional or appealing, a remodel can breathe new life into it. From creating more storage space to adding a backsplash, you can transform your home’s centerpiece. And it’s not only a way to improve your daily quality of life, you can also increase your home’s resale value.
But, it’s important to understand that a kitchen remodel isn’t easy. It’s a project that requires careful planning and budgeting. It will involve tearing down the existing kitchen, replacing plumbing and electric and drywalling. It’s also a time-consuming process that can be disruptive to your family and lifestyle.
A kitchen remodeling project can also be expensive if it’s not managed properly. Hiring a general contractor to do the work can be pricey, but you can save money by doing some of the work yourself.
For example, you can handle demolition and the replacement of plumbing and electrical, if you have the skills and tools. You can also save by choosing less-expensive materials and hiring an independent contractor for more labor-intensive tasks like laying tile or installing countertops.
During your kitchen remodeling, you should also consider any safety issues that may arise during the project. For example, you should reroute any outlets that are too close to water sources or consider a GFCI outlet to protect against electrical shocks. You can also use this opportunity to update old appliances with more energy efficient models.
A full-kitchen remodel can cost up to 100K, but you can minimize costs by choosing a simpler renovation. Cosmetic updates can be cheaper and include updating hardware, refinishing cabinets or smart storage solutions. However, it’s essential to set a realistic budget and stick to it.