Kitchen

Considerations Before Remodeling Your Kitchen

Remodeling a kitchen can be an exciting venture.  The thought of cooking meals and spending time with friends and family in a brand new glorious space is enough to make anyone giddy.  The planning and dreaming is the best part, thinking of all of the possibilities.  Then, reality slowly sets in when it’s time to make real decisions.  Just keep your eye on the prize and even though the remodeling process may not be fun or glamourous, the end product will be worth it.  When making plans, here are some important considerations.

Budget

To be realistic in your planning, you really need to establish a budget for your kitchen remodel.  This magical number will give you the yes or no to many of the important questions below.  Once you establish this number, stick to it.  Granite countertops and high-end appliances may be tempting, but if it’s not in your budget, have the strength to say no.

Layout

When embarking on a remodel, it is a good time to consider if you are happy with the layout of your kitchen.  Do you wish your kitchen was more open?  There are many benefits to an open concept kitchen.  If you are replacing everything anyway, now is that time to take down that wall and open up space for more light and easier opportunities for entertaining.

Appliances

If your budget allows for it, go for new appliances.  Old appliances will look out of place in a newly remodeled kitchen, plus it’s probably time for an upgrade anyway.  Consider purchasing energy star certified appliances to go easy on the environment and save yourself some money on operating costs in the process.

Paint or Replace Cabinets

Many people are deciding to paint their cabinets instead of doing a full replacement.  If your cabinets are solid but could use an update, it could be worth looking into having your cabinets painted.  This option is much cheaper and still gives you the new look that you seek.  However, if your cabinets are of poor quality or have suffered damage over the years, better look at replacing them.

Countertops

The list of materials available for countertops grows every day, it seems.  A few of the most popular materials for countertops include granite, wood, stainless steel, engineered stone, soapstone, glass concrete, tile, and laminate.  Each type of countertop comes with its own pros and cons and its own price tag.

Flooring

Just as with countertops, there are nearly endless possibilities for flooring in a kitchen remodel.  If you are opting to open up your kitchen to make it an open concept design, it may make sense to continue the other flooring that you have in your home, unless it’s carpet.  It’s best to leave the carpet out of the kitchen. Other choices include tile, laminate, hardwood, and vinyl.

Lighting

Lighting is important in the kitchen.  It’s mighty helpful to be able to see your ingredients and measurements when cooking.  Great lighting can also make or break a social gathering.  Consider adding dimmable lights to create the ambiance you want.  Also think about adding pendant lights above an island, going for recessed lighting in the ceiling, and also look into under cabinet lighting.

Plumbing and Electrical

Don’t forget about the bones of your kitchen.  When opting for a remodel, this would be a great time to update these systems.  If you would like to switch from an electric stove to a gas stove, now is the time to have the gas line added to the kitchen.  GFCI outlets are also very important in the kitchen to keep everyone safe.  If these haven’t been installed, a remodel is the time to look into it, as this is a matter of code and important for electrical safety.

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