BENEFITS OF KITCHEN RENOVATION
Renovating your home can not only make it more pleasant to live in, but can also help increase your home value. However, certain home improvements will provide a higher ROI (return on investment) than others. For a high ROI, you can’t go wrong with a kitchen renovation.
The following are seven benefits that you’ll get from a kitchen renovation:
Improve function – There are several things that you can do in your kitchen renovation to improve its overall function. For example, adding more cabinets or extending your existing cabinets to the ceiling can help provide more storage space. Or if you want to go even further, knocking down the wall between the kitchen and living space can allow you to add more counter space. Simply upgrading some of your kitchen appliances or lighting fixtures can help make the kitchen more functional as well.
Reduce energy costs – Upgrade your older kitchen appliances to more energy-efficient models to reduce the amount of energy your kitchen uses. Look for refrigerators and dishwashers that have the Energy Star label, which signifies that they meet or exceed the energy efficiency standards set by the EPA (environmental protection agency). Replacing traditional lighting fixtures with LED models can be a great way to reduce your long-term energy use as well.
Improve sustainability – Upgrading your kitchen appliances to more energy efficient models will help make your kitchen more eco-friendly, but it’s not the only thing you can do to create a more sustainable kitchen environment. Install low-flow water faucets to reduce your water use and consider materials that are sustainable – such as bamboo, salvaged wood or recycled materials – for your countertops, cabinets and flooring.
Update the look – If your kitchen’s visual design is trapped in the 1970’s or 1980’s, then it could probably use a visual update. You can change the entire appearance of your kitchen by simply re-painting the walls and cabinets, and by upgrading all of your cabinet hardware. Of course, you can go the extra mile and install new cabinets, new countertops and new floors as well.
Increase comfort – A kitchen renovation can improve comfort in a number of ways; for example, better ventilation can help reduce the odors and heat that cooking in the kitchen produces. Installing a kitchen island that provides seating space can be a great way to add an additional dining area to your home. Adding larger windows can help bring in more sunlight.
Improve safety – Upgrade outdated kitchen appliances to avoid injuries caused by improper function. You can also implement universal design, such as by installing a wall oven, to help prevent injuries caused by physical overexertion.
Improve home value – Depending on the extent of your kitchen renovation, you could recoup as much 70 percent of your kitchen renovation costs. Not to mention that a newly renovated kitchen often attracts homebuyers if you’re looking to sell.
KITCHEN REMODELING: AN OVERVIEW
Remodeling your kitchen is not an easy task. Here are some things to consider when deciding whether or not to do a kitchen remodel.
Hiring a general contractor to manage the kitchen remodel has several benefits. While it may seem expensive, think of the time, knowledge and professionalism a contractor brings to the table. If you have the courage to do the remodel yourself, be sure to educate yourself on the entire process and develop a good plan. Either way, take into consideration that you will have to live without a kitchen for several weeks but the finished product is worth the wait!
things to consider before you begin the kitchen remodeling process:
1. Speak to someone who has been through the process already. Find out what they learned and ask them if they had to do it over again, what they would change. Many people find that by making a list of needs and wants, helps prioritize the must haves and the would be nice to have. This also helps determine what you can and can’t afford. Ask yourself what is working in your current kitchen and what definitely needs to change. Are you finding yourself wishing you had a double oven? Do you lack counter space? Establish a prioritized list of things you would like in your new kitchen, ranked according to their importance. It’s helpful to distinguish between those elements you absolutely need and those you simply want.
2. Logistics and Expenses Kitchen remodel projects involve a lot of work and just like you see on those reality shows, things may happen unexpectedly that can cost you more money. If you hire a contractor to do the job, a lot of the work may be handled by subcontractors. That means that you could have strangers in and out of your house through the entire process. Contractors will give you an estimate as far as how long the project will take but be flexible. Some unexpected challenges may arise that are out of their control. If you do the job yourself to help save money, ensure you have your plan in place and that you have fully educated yourself on the process. A new kitchen could potentially have rewards further down the road. If you decide to sell your real estate, your newly remodeled kitchen might help increase the overall value. But, don’t expect a full return on your investment. Your dream kitchen may not be the next person’s dream kitchen. Also, ask yourself, how long do you plan on being in your home. If you have a 2-5 year plan, then maybe a surface-level kitchen remodel is all you need.
3. Prepare yourself that it may not be a completely seamless process Again, talk to some professionals and get some help with planning, design and overall management. Professionals can help you decide whether or not to spend the money on top of the line wood cabinets and Italian marble floors or, work within your budget and recommend porcelain floor tiles. They can also help you decide if you need commercial grade appliances or if quality consumer grade stovetop will do just the same.
Everything You Need to Know About Kitchen Remodels
A kitchen remodel can completely transform your home. The kitchen is the heart of your home; it’s where days start and finish, where everyone in your home gathers (even if it’s on the run) and where lots of memories are made. Your kitchen is also one of the few spaces in your home that needs to be functional for every family member. Finding a balance while figuring out how you will remodel your kitchen — between the styles and preferences you love, functionality, and budget can be a difficult task.
We’re here to walk you through kitchen remodels so you don’t have to go at it alone. From budgeting your kitchen remodel to choices on everything from cabinets to flooring, there are a lot of decisions to make!
Budget & Investment
The first question most homeowners have before starting the kitchen remodel process is; “How much is a kitchen remodel?”. The cost of your kitchen remodel will vary greatly depending on the type of upgrade you are planning on — basic updates, mid-range upgrades, and total renovation/high-end upgrades.
Kitchen Remodel — Basic/Low-Cost Upgrades
Leave the cabinet boxes in place and replace or paint the front of your cabinets. You’ll also want to replace all of the hardware. Scroll down to learn all about your cabinet choices!
Replace cooktop/oven range and refrigerator with new energy-efficient models.
Replace laminate countertops; install midpriced sink and faucet.
Repaint trim, and walls.
Consider extra one extra feature or two that will make your kitchen more functional — this could be something like an above-the-stovetop faucet or pull-out spice racks.
Mid-Range Kitchen Remodel Upgrades
Semi-custom wood cabinets.
Added or upgraded kitchen island.
Replace laminate countertops with granite, marble, or stone.
Double-tub stainless-steel sink with new automatic faucet.
Energy-efficient range, ventilation system, built-in microwave, dishwasher, garbage disposal, and custom lighting.
Add new flooring.
Finish with painted walls, trim, and ceiling.
Ways to Save on Your Kitchen Renovation
The average national cost to update a 200-square-foot kitchen, including installing new flooring, semi-custom wood cabinets and standard appliances, is roughly $62,000, according to Remodeling magazine, which tracks the cost of home improvement projects annually. Adding luxuries like stone countertops, a built-in refrigerator, a commercial-grade cooktop, designer faucets and top-of-the-line custom cabinets can bring the cost to about $123,000, on average.
BRING OUT THE PAINT “A bold color and modern hardware can breathe new life into old, ordinary cabinetry,” said “The dark-blue glossy paint added a sophisticated pop to what had been a drab and dated wood kitchen,” said
REFACE THE CABINETS For cabinet fronts made of material that cannot be painted or stained, consider refacing, also known as resurfacing, which involves keeping the existing cabinet framework and replacing all the doors, drawer fronts and side panels with new ones.
She also added rollout shelves and a new range hood. “Then we painted the center open wall a charcoal gray, to add depth and contrast, and got some great Boffi linear pendants over the island, which changed the whole tone of the kitchen,”
Another way to reduce the cost of cabinetry is to use particleboard where no one will see it. “A lot of people think they have to have all-plywood kitchen cabinetry, and they don’t,” said
THINGS TO FOCUS ON FOR KITCHEN REMODELS
Renovating or remodeling a kitchen is exciting, but can be overwhelming. There are a lot of decisions to be made. From lighting to flooring, cabinet color to knob style, every element of your kitchen remodel comes together to create a beautiful space to share with friends and family. Planning is essential for a successful kitchen to remodel and for first-time renovators that are some tips and tricks we recommend abiding by to reduce stress.
Find Your Flow
A productive and streamlined workflow is essential for any functional kitchen. Many novice kitchen remodelers fail to consider the efficiency of the space. There may be times where there are a lot of bodies moving around your kitchen performing multiple tasks simultaneously. You want to make sure that you optimize the space you have. The refrigerator, stove, and sink should be positioned in a fashion which allows for easy access from one to another. Spacing these appliances out into triangle design will allow for an effective workflow. A kitchen island can also take advantage of unused space and provide extra counter space and storage.
Details, Details, Details
The organization is key in a well-managed kitchen. Ask your Cabinet Discounters staff for built in organizational aids such as drawer and cabinet inserts and dividers. A good organization system can save you stress on a daily basis. Every knife, spice, and Tupperware should have its place in your new kitchen.
Do Not Budge On Your Budget
Before you begin your kitchen remodel to make a list of what you must have in your kitchen. Stick to this list and stick to your budget. It can be easy to get sidetracked by extra bells and whistles and suddenly your remodel cost has doubled.
Design Around Appliances
Pick your appliances first. It is much easier to design your custom cabinetry and countertops around the appliances you want. Appliances can not be resized, counter tops can. Pick out your dream appliances, but be sure to save 1/3 your budget for cabinets.