Have you been looking around your kitchen as of late thinking that it is less than functional? Does it feel like it no longer meets your needs or wants? Maybe it is a lack of space, perhaps it just isn’t very modern, then again, maybe the layout no longer works for you and your family. Let’s face it, the kitchen is often the most-used room in the entire house, which means it also takes quite a beating. What may have started out as your dream kitchen years ago doesn’t always stay that way.
It’s for these reasons that kitchen remodels are among one of the most popular projects that homeowners take on. In fact, statistics show that the only other remodel project that is beating kitchen renovations is bathroom renovations.
Of course, knowing all this and being aware of the statistics is only half the battle. Making that decision to go ahead with your kitchen renovation isn’t always simple. These projects tend to be quite costly. They often balloon and end up being more than you anticipated in terms of timeline and budget, require knowledge and experience to get professional results, and can be very time-consuming. If you’re on the fence as to whether or not to proceed with a major kitchen remodel, here’s a look at some of the reasons why you may want to go ahead with it. As well there are a variety of tips you can use to help ensure everything goes smoothly.
Make Your Kitchen Functional for Your Needs
One of the most popular reasons that homeowners decide to go ahead with a kitchen remodel is the fact it can improve the functionality of the kitchen. Just because the existing kitchen layout may work for some, doesn’t mean it works for you, your needs, and the needs of your other family members.
Sometimes people need more prep space, they need a large area for a table and chairs, they would prefer to get rid of the table and chairs and opt for an island with seating instead, maybe they want bigger appliances, the list goes on and on. If your kitchen was just the standard builder-design then there’s a good chance it is lacking in functionality. The one-size fits all approach doesn’t really work with kitchens.
Increase the Square Footage
Another big reason that homeowners will undertake a kitchen remodel project is to increase the square footage of the kitchen. When you first move in you may assume that the kitchen will provide you with enough space, but over time, the opposite can prove to be true.
You can increase the square footage by re-working your current layout, taking space from adjoining rooms, or if permits and laws allow, you may be able to build an addition on your home that gives you the space you’re after.
Improve the Value of Your Home
If you’re interested in increasing the value of your home for investment purposes, or for resale purposes, then remodeling the kitchen is a great way to go about it. According to a blog on Prostar Home, you can expect to get as much as 70% of the costs back when you remodel your kitchen. Now this, of course, depends on the finishes and materials you use, as well as the workmanship. What this means is that it offers a pretty good return on investment. You can click here for more info.
Cut Back on Energy Costs
For those who have a kitchen with appliances and light fixtures that are more than 10 years old, then you can bet you are spending a lot more on energy costs than is necessary. Older appliances are nowhere near as energy efficient as today’s current models. You’ll be able to use less energy to power them, less water to run them (in terms of a dishwasher), and just make the entire room a whole lot greener.
Besides switching out appliances, it’s also wise to change all your lightbulbs to energy efficient LED models, and use low-flow faucets for the sink. Obviously, there is will be an investment you’ll need to make purchasing all these new items, but the savings you’ll enjoy on your energy and water bills will help to offset that cost.
Enjoy a More Modern Design
Then there is the simple aesthetics of a brand-new remodeled kitchen. This alone can act as a big enough benefit. It can be hard to resist a kitchen with all the latest gadgets, shiny new materials, gorgeous custom cabinetry, and flooring that actually works with the space. Just by remodeling the kitchen, your entire house can end up feeling more modern.
Keep These Tips in Mind
So now that you’ve made the decision to go ahead with a kitchen remodel, you obviously want to be sure that you are happy with the results. There is a large time and money commitment involved in kitchen remodels, so using these invaluable tips will make sure you are satisfied.
- The first tip is to start with a plan. Going in blind and making decisions as you go about layout, design, materials, etc., is bound to lead to disaster. It can mean a lack of flow in the kitchen, an unclear design concept, and you can go way over in budget and time.
- The next tip is to set a firm budget that you stick to. Renovation costs can balloon out of control if you aren’t strict about the spending.
- Setup a timeline that you can follow, listing what needs to be done, in what order, and how long each step should take. Obviously, you will need to have some flexibility as things are bound to pop up.
- Give thought to your materials and make sure you are picking items that not only meet your design needs but your lifestyle needs in terms of maintenance moving forward.
- Lastly, you may want to use a contractor to do the job. While it may seem like the more expensive option, in the end, it can ensure you stay on budget, get a smart design, and get it done within a reasonable amount of time.
Enjoy Your New Kitchen
Now all that is left for you to do is settle in and enjoy your brand-new kitchen.
