Janet Cook
The kitchen is the heart of the home and a popular choice for remodeling. Is it time to show yours some love? Some people choose to do a kitchen remodel when they first buy a home or when it’s about 10 to 20 years old, or do minor updates along the way. The main goals are that it facilitates your lifestyle, is efficient, has ample storage, and that it reflects your style and looks current. Depending on your goals and budget, here’s how you can plan a kitchen renovation that works for you:
Complete Renovation
The most extensive kitchen remodel involves removing all the old cabinets, appliances, and flooring for a blank slate. How you plan to use the kitchen determines the layout of your kitchen and its flow with the home to make it more functional for your family. Having an island with seating is becoming standard, so it may even include relocating the kitchen or taking some adjacent space! Your designer will smartly allocate your budget, advising you where you can save and where to splurge to get the kitchen of your dreams.
Major Update
When cabinets and counters look worn-out or dated, counters are cluttered, and/or appliances need to be replaced, it is time for new. This kitchen remodeling project is about replacing those items but not moving the locations of the sink, dishwasher, stove, or refrigerator. Not needing to reroute plumbing or redo flooring is a savings that extends the remodeling budget.
Minor Update
If the cabinets themselves are in good condition but look worn, you may want to reface them and add new hardware. If your cabinets do not go to the ceiling, or if there is a soffit that can be removed, you may want to replace the uppers for the added storage and have a two-tone kitchen (or have them painted to be the same). Tip: It is not recommended to just change the countertop now with the intent of doing the cabinets later—the countertop will most likely be damaged while being removed to replace cabinets, so it is best to do at the same time.
No matter what level of kitchen remodeling you do, remember to consider if lighting needs to be improved so there is ample task lighting as well as ambient. A well designed kitchen is a good investment to make. It can increase the value of your home so you can recoup your costs when it is time to sell from an average of 52% to 94%, depending on the extent of the project and the appeal to future buyers. More importantly, though, if your kitchen functions well day-to-day and you’re enjoying more home-cooked meals and it looks great, that’s priceless!
Happy Home Remodeling and Happy St. Valentine’s Day!
Janet Cook, Certified Health Coach and Aging in Place Specialist, President of Cook Remodeling (celebrating 46 years), invites you to check out their blog for inspiring photos and more articles.