KITCHEN REMODELING
What you should know before you start renovating your kitchen
By Omneya Nabil
From hurried breakfasts that kick-start your day to leisurely dinners that bring family and friends together, your kitchen is where the countless moments that shape your life are made. It’s where recipes come to life, and stories are shared over simmering pots and sizzling pans.
But beyond its functional role, your kitchen is a sanctuary of comfort and connection. Recognizing its importance in your daily life makes the prospect of remodeling it all the more significant, as you’re not just reimagining a space. You’re enhancing the very essence of your home.
Renovating your kitchen can be an exciting project. As you imagine a beautiful, aesthetic kitchen with gleaming counters and ample storage, remember that there’s a lot of thought, consideration, planning, and effort that goes into remodeling your kitchen. In this guide, we’ll help you navigate the journey of renovating your kitchen and equip you with everything you need to know.
7 signs it’s time to consider remodeling your kitchen
Unlike appliances that come with a warranty, kitchens don’t have a predetermined expiration date. Yet, they do provide us with subtle cues that it might be time for a change. So, if you’re wondering whether it’s time for a kitchen remodel, look out for one or more of the following signs:
1. Your kitchen has an outdated design
Does your kitchen look like it’s stuck in a time warp? Does it have old-fashioned appliances, faded colors, and a style that doesn’t match your current preferences or the style of the rest of your home? If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, it’s probably a sign that your kitchen is outdated and needs renovation.
2. There’s minimal storage and prep space
Is your kitchen cluttered with utensils? Do you have inadequate storage and counter space? Do you find yourself constantly rearranging things just to prepare a meal? This can be frustrating, and you may be solving the problem at the time, but you’ll need a kitchen revamp for a long-term solution.
3. There are visible signs of wear and tear
It’s normal for kitchens to show signs of wear and tear with time, from cracked tiles to peeling countertops and worn-out cabinets. This not only compromises the visual appeal of your kitchen, but it also affects its functionality. Once you start seeing these signs, it’s definitely time for a kitchen renovation.
4. Your kitchen doesn’t fit your lifestyle
Our lifestyles are always changing, and so it’s only natural that our kitchens need to change too. You might change your eating habits, start cooking, or decide to entertain guests — which means you’ll be using your kitchen more often and, hence, need a kitchen revamp.
5. Your kitchen has a poor layout
Whether it’s a cramped workspace, inconvenient placement of appliances, or awkward traffic flow, a poor layout can make your cooking experience frustrating and impractical. If this is your experience, a kitchen renovation can help.
6. You’re considering selling your home
Are you considering selling your house within the next 1-2 years? If you are, renovating your kitchen can significantly increase its market value. Kitchens are a major focus for potential home buyers, and a well-designed kitchen can be a strong selling point. To know more about the value of homes with revamped kitchens, speak to your realtor.
7. Just because you want to!
Sometimes the only reason to renovate your kitchen is because you want to — and that’s OK. Your kitchen is a space where you spend considerable time, whether cooking alone, eating with family, or entertaining friends, so you need to feel comfortable in it. It should also reflect your style and preferences. So, go ahead and renovate your kitchen if you feel like it.
The benefits of renovating your kitchen
Remodeling your kitchen offers a lot of practical and experiential benefits that include:
1. Improved functionality
Imagine moving from your prepping workspace to your stove to your sink efficiently, with your utensils and ingredients at your fingertips. By renovating your kitchen, you can improve overall functionality by optimizing the layout, storage, and flow of movement. And most importantly, you’ll end up saving time and enjoying cooking.
2. Reduced energy costs
When you renovate your kitchen, you have the chance to upgrade your appliances to those with the Energy Star label. Those appliances consume less energy and, consequently, you can save on your monthly electric bill.
3. Increased home value
Renovating your kitchen is more than an expense. It’s an investment. A house with an updated, modern kitchen is more appealing to potential buyers, and you can expect to recoup around 70-80% of the remodeling cost when you decide to sell your home. This means that not only do you get to enjoy a new kitchen, but you also set yourself up for a good profit.
4. It allows you to actually enjoy your kitchen
Imagine having a kitchen perfectly suited to your culinary passions – whether you’re an avid baker or a quick-and-easy meal enthusiast. The simple act of renovating your kitchen will turn this space into an extension of you. This emotional connection will turn daily cooking from a chore to a creative and satisfying experience.
6 popular kitchen layouts
There’s more to designing the perfect kitchen than choosing tile colors and cabinets. It’s about choosing the right layout that maximizes the use of your space. Here are the 6 most popular layouts to help you choose one for your next kitchen renovation.
One-Wall Kitchens
A one-wall kitchen, also known as a single-wall kitchen, is a compact layout with all the essential kitchen elements aligned along a single wall — from the appliances and preparation area to the storage. This layout is often found in smaller homes, studios, and apartments, where maximizing space is important.
Galley Kitchens
Also called a walk-through kitchen, the galley kitchen is popular in small spaces and comprises two parallel single walls with a galley in between. It provides a compact and streamlined workspace where the cooking area, preparation zone, and sink are conveniently within reach.
L-Shape Kitchens
The L-shaped kitchen features countertops or cabinets along two adjacent walls, forming an “L” configuration. This layout organizes the cooking, preparation, and washing areas conveniently. Meanwhile, the open end of the L shape creates an inviting dining or socializing space. L-shaped layouts are good for medium to large kitchen spaces.
Horseshoe/U-Shape Kitchens
The Horseshoe or U-shape kitchen layout is characterized by countertops or cabinets placed along three walls, forming a U-shaped configuration. While this layout offers a lot of workspace and storage, it needs larger kitchen spaces to avoid overcrowding.
Island Kitchens
The island kitchen layout introduces a central focal point as a freestanding countertop, typically positioned within a larger kitchen space and complementing other layouts such as the L-shape or U-shape. You can use the island layout for additional workspace or as a hub for meal preparation, dining, and social interactions.
G-Shape Kitchens
The G-Shape kitchen layout is an extension of the U-shape design, where an additional peninsula or partial fourth wall is added to form a “G” configuration. The extra peninsula often serves as a convenient breakfast bar, extra prep area, or seating area. If you have a larger kitchen space, this is probably a good layout to go for.
What it costs to remodel a kitchen
The national average for a kitchen remodel is $27,000, which includes materials, fixtures, and labors. But, similar to many home improvement projects, the expenses associated with renovating your kitchen can vary based on several factors.
These include the extent of changes you’re planning, the materials and finishes you choose, structural modifications, and labor costs.
Just as a custom-tailored outfit differs in price from an off-the-rack piece, the uniqueness of your project contributes to its overall cost. So, whether you’re aiming for a minor refresh or a complete transformation, understanding that these factors will influence your budget can help you make informed decisions that align with your vision and financial capacity.
While your kitchen remodeling budget can be as low as $4,500 and as high as $60,000+, the final cost will depend on the following factors:
The desired layout
The extent of changes to your kitchen’s layout, whether minor adjustments or complete reconfigurations, will significantly impact the overall cost. Minor adjustments like relocating appliances or adding an island are less expensive than more substantial transformations like moving walls or altering plumbing and electrical systems. Structural changes will often involve more work, which will increase your budget.
The size of the kitchen
The size of your kitchen directly affects the number of materials required and the amount of labor needed. A larger kitchen typically demands more flooring, cabinetry, countertops, and potentially more extensive painting, wiring, and plumbing work. Consequently, the larger the kitchen, the more expensive it is to renovate.
The type of cabinets, countertops, and flooring
Premium materials like solid wood cabinets, quartz countertops, and hardwood flooring are more expensive than their more affordable counterparts. And so, the cabinets, countertops, and flooring you choose will significantly influence your budget.
Replacing and/or adding appliances
Replacing or adding new appliances can consume a substantial part of your budget. The cost can vary depending on the type, brand, and features of the appliances you select. High-end or professional-grade appliances, such as commercial-style ranges or smart refrigerators, come with premium price tags that can be expensive.
Adding automation
Integrating automation and smart technology can enhance the functionality and convenience of your kitchen. Think smart lighting, touchless faucets, and connected appliances. Although they can be expensive and require higher upfront investments, they offer more energy efficiency in the long run.
Contractor labor fees
Experienced professionals often charge higher fees for their skills and track records. Moreover, more complex projects, such as reconfiguring the kitchen layout or handling complicated electrical or plumbing work, require specialized expertise, which increases labor expenses.
The 6 basic steps of a kitchen remodel
Remodeling a kitchen is a bit like creating a recipe from scratch – no single set of steps fits everyone. It’s all about what you want and need, combined with the skills of the remodeling experts you choose.
Think of it as a journey where you start with your vision for the kitchen you’ve always wanted and then work closely with the remodeling company to make that vision real.
They help you choose the right materials, decide what changes to make, and plan the time and money it will take. As they start working, they use their experience to ensure everything comes together smoothly, even if unexpected things happen.
Ultimately, your kitchen turns into something unique, blending your dreams with their professional touch.
However, here’s a basic guideline we’ve put together to help you plan your next kitchen remodel:
Step 1: Assess your needs vs desires
We all dream of big kitchens, large workspaces, new appliances, and lots of storage, but can we afford all of this? The first thing you need to do is create a list of things you really want and things you’d like to have. This will help when you’re figuring out how much everything will cost. It’s also a good idea to find pictures of kitchens you like and show them to your remodeling company and contractor for inspiration. Sometimes they can also help you find alternatives to expensive options.
Step 2: Determine how much you can afford
Set a realistic budget for your kitchen renovation. Now that you know the cost of your must-haves and nice-to-haves, you’ll have some sort of idea of what you’re looking at. But remember that there are other expenses such as materials, labor, permits and other unexpected costs, so it’s always wise to do some more research and allocate a buffer of 10-20% for unforeseen expenses.
Step 3: Research and hire a contractor
Now it’s time to find a good contractor. The best way to find one is by asking family and friends or searching online and reading reviews. Request estimates from multiple contractors, and don’t make your decision solely based on price; sometimes, the cheapest or most expensive isn’t the best option. The most important factors you need to consider are quality, track record, and reputation.
Step 4: Finalize your plan
In this step, your remodeling company will walk you through your kitchen renovation process. They will measure your kitchen space and guide you in choosing colors, materials, and finishes. This is where you turn your ideas into a real plan for the remodel. And you’ll have a better understanding of what your kitchen is going to look like.
Step 5: Construction time
Now it’s time for construction to start, and this is when the actual work begins. The duration of this step depends on how much you’re changing. If you’re mostly updating the appearance, it won’t take as long as if you’re making major layout changes. It’s an exciting phase as your new kitchen starts to come to life.
Step 6: All done!
Once the work is done, take a step back and gaze at your new kitchen. But then check everything carefully and make sure you ask your contractor any questions you might have. If everything looks perfect, enjoy your freshly renovated kitchen, and feel proud of what you’ve accomplished!
Bonus: During your kitchen remodel, don’t forget these 5 important tips
Choosing the layout is the most important part of kitchen remodeling. So, take the time to carefully consider the layout of your new kitchen, assess the existing space and determine what changes need to be made. Don’t just consider the aesthetics of your future kitchen. Be practical and take your time to consider factors such as workflow, accessibility, and functionality.
But before you start knocking down walls to open your kitchen to other areas, it’s important to understand that not all walls can be removed easily. Some walls hold up the structure and should not be taken down without proper consideration. On the other hand, not all structural walls are off-limits – some can be removed with careful planning.
Additionally, you might think that the sink, stove, and fridge must stay in their original spots, but this isn’t always true. While moving plumbing and ventilation can be costly, it’s worth considering if it enhances the overall layout and functionality of the kitchen.
2. Be practical with your flooring
We know that style is important, but if you have kids or family members with mobility needs, your priorities need to change, and practicality must take precedence over aesthetics. So, if you have children who frequently drop and spill things, avoid difficult-to-clean floors.
And if you have family members with limited mobility, choose slip-resistant flooring. Balancing functionality and style will be your go-to strategy when choosing your kitchen flooring.
3. Don’t skimp on the lighting
Good kitchen lighting isn’t a nice-to-have. It’s a necessity. So, please don’t skimp on it. Although lighting enhances the overall ambiance and makes the space appealing, it actually enhances the safety and functionality of your kitchen.
Use a combination of different lights to achieve good lighting in your kitchen. For example, use under-cabinet lights to illuminate your workspace areas and add a pendant light to lighten up your entire kitchen space and add a decorative touch.
4. Pay attention to the details
It’s easy to get caught up in the big picture and overlook the small details when you’re renovating your kitchen. You’ll probably be overwhelmed with a lot of tasks and decisions to make. But it’s the little details that can make all the difference.
Speak to your designer or contractor and consider adding new features to your kitchen, such as a pull-out spice rack, a hidden trash bin, or a built-in charging station.
5. Don’t forget to make alternative meal plans
Remodeling your kitchen can take weeks (or even months). So, what will you do without a functional kitchen to ensure you and your family are well-fed? Here are a few options to consider:
- Set up a makeshift kitchen (in the basement or a spare room).
- Dine out or order takeout from nearby restaurants.
- Cook outdoors (grill on a barbecue or use a portable stovetop burner).
- Coordinate with family and friends to plan meals or take turns hosting dinner.
Conclusion
Kitchen remodeling doesn’t have to be a difficult task. With proper planning and following the tips in this guide, you’ll be on your way to creating the kitchen of your dreams.
Remember that your kitchen reflects your style and needs, and this remodeling journey is a chance to tailor it to perfection. By understanding the layouts, benefits, costs, and steps, you can confidently navigate the process.