What to Consider When Remodeling
Some Things to Think About Before Remodeling Your Kitchen
The kitchen has earned the title "the heart of the home" for a reason! Your kitchen is where you prep your meals and bond with your family. But today, it's so much more. In fact, every homeowner uses their kitchen in their own unique way.
Some homeowner's love entertaining and feeding guests. Others place a premium on having a space to mingle with family and friends while preparing a meal. For some, it's the hub where they catch up with family and plan the day, or it's the place where the kids park themselves when they get home from school to catch up, have a snack, and start their homework.
Suppose you're considering remodeling or updating your kitchen. In that case, there are some considerations and questions you should ask and answer before you begin. Kitchen remodeling is an exciting and complex project that, at the very least, is challenging, and can even become overwhelming if you're not prepared. However, take the time to identify your wants and define your needs. Your kitchen remodeling project can go from overwhelming to a fun, enjoyable, and successful experience.
If you're on the fence, but are unsure where to go next, here are some considerations that can help you create a space that you'll love spending time in every day!
Ask Yourself: How Will I Use The Space?
Are you a gourmet chef, enthusiastic amateur, or someone who still hasn't mastered mac and cheese? Your cooking ability will determine some of your choices. For example, if you mostly bring home takeout or microwave leftovers, you probably don't need a 6-burner Viking range.
Suppose you have a large family and gather for Sunday dinners and holiday celebrations. In that case, you might want to have space for a large dining table, or a Butler's Pantry might be necessary for staging and serving. If your kids like to do their homework in the kitchen while you're preparing dinner, an island breakfast bar might be just the ticket!
Make sure, first and foremost, that your personal functional needs are incorporated into your new kitchen design! Having clear goals can help you make decisions and as you reach the limits of your budget, choose the options that will best support your goals and needs.
Focus on the Layout
Work with your design-build professional to help you with the kitchen layout and remodeling plan. Your contractor will look at your space and figure out how much clearance you need for appliances. They can also help you visualize amenities like islands, walkways, flow, and other spacial-related decisions.
Understanding how you'll use the space can help you make sure the layout works with your needs.
You'll also want to make sure that your space is efficient. For example, have a well defined and functional kitchen triangle. Ensure that the three main work areas in your kitchen – the refrigerator, sink, and stove are accessible. This can help you to maximize your efficiency in the kitchen.
What Do You Need To Meet Your Families Needs?
If you have a big family, you might want to include a double refrigerator. If you entertain frequently, you may want a double wall oven. Finding space for extra appliances might make life easier if you buy many groceries and cook large amounts of food. If your family is smaller, then you might not need a double refrigerator. Some new kitchen design trends include several smaller refrigerators, like a beverage center and a small snack fridge. That's the beauty of a kitchen remodeling, you can design your space to meet your specific needs!
Learn the cost of a kitchen remodel
Practical or Trendy?
You might fall in love with a current trend, like the modern farmhouse trend that is everywhere lately. While it's essential to make stylistic design choices, be aware you'll be living with them for a while, so be wary of going too trendy with your choices. (Remember those avocado appliances in the 70s?)
If you plan on living in the house for the next five years or more, what's currently trendy, might be completely outdated when you're ready to sell. Make choices that will stand the test of time.
Practical choices include things like storage. Make sure you have enough storage. Consider a dedicated space like a Butler's Pantry for appliances, serving dishes, platters, silverware, and items that may not get daily use.
Work with your contractor and make sure you discuss storage. Get creative with your solutions and turn unused space into functional, innovative, and stylish storage spaces.
Setting Your Budget: Cost vs. Value
Finally, a significant factor to consider is, of course, your budget. Every element of a kitchen remodel (of any remodel actually) comes with a cost. Cabinets, appliances, countertops—every piece comes at a variety of price points. So how do you decide when it's worth it to splurge for a high-quality item, and where do you look for savings?
Ask yourself these questions:
• Will the investment improve your everyday life?
• Will it solve a pet peeve?
• Will the addition of this element make your house feel like a home?
• Will the purchase add value to your home?
In each of these cases, you might decide that the feature's cost adds enough value to make it worth the expense. For example, a chef's kitchen may offer more features for cooking large meals. Or, your quartz countertop might improve your kitchen's look, making it easier to sell in the future.
Framing your choices in terms of your lifestyle and experience in the kitchen, or from the standpoint of adding to the resale value of your home, can help you decide what's worth the extra money. Of course, your budget will be the final determining factor as to the amenities you can afford. A design-build professional can help you allocate your budget, enabling you to know where to splurge and save.
The Bottom Line...
Suppose you plan carefully, set goals, assess your needs, be intentional about your choices, and stick to a reasonable budget. In that case, you'll never regret a kitchen remodel! Use these tips to help you get the ball rolling! As with any remodeling, work with a professional who has experience with kitchen remodeling. They will understand the process, explain your options, and work to maximize your budget so you'll end up with the kitchen of your dreams!
If you live in the West Central Alabama area, and you're planning a bathroom or kitchen remodeling project, give the design experts at Toulmin Kitchen & Bath a call at (205) 366-0807. Our design professionals can help you determine what you will need to create your dream kitchen to meet your needs now and into the future! Call today and arrange a free no-obligation consultation to discuss your project.
