When Does A Home Remodeling Project Make Sense?

Would a kitchen upgrade provide a happier space for your family to gather at the beginning and end of every day? Could you finally trade out that cramped master bathroom for a spa-like retreat where you can unwind after a hectic workweek? If you answered yes to either of these questions, it may be time to consider remodeling your home.

The Highlands Project

This Highlands neighborhood kitchen remodel was designed for a local artist. The cathedral ceilings allowed the installation of tall frameless full access European cabinets.  Polarstone marble look quartz countertops reduce maintenance, and lighting over the sink is a Visual Comfort & Co. lighting fixture. The Shaker-style doors have a slightly different inside edge, adding custom detail to this kitchen.

Thinking About A Remodel? Timing is Everything

Many homeowners decide to renovate their homes when floors, appliances, cabinets, or countertops become worn or dated. But there are many other reasons, more important than cosmetic, why a home needs to be remodeled. So how do you know when a home renovation makes sense for your family?

You should consider remodeling your home if:

  • You’ve owned your home longer than five years and don’t plan on moving any time soon

  • You're in the right neighborhood, where property values increase, and a remodel could increase the resell value of your home

  • Your home’s dysfunctional or worn-out spaces are impeding your family’s routine and lifestyle

  • Your home has experienced some sort of major damage and needs to be repaired

Renovate To Meet Your Family’s Needs

A lot can change in five years—families grow (or shrink!), and your needs change. Chances are your kitchen may have adequately served the needs of your party of four for many years. But now that your children are married and you have grandchildren, you find yourself needing a larger kitchen so everyone can gather in the same room for special occasions. Maybe you love to cook but lack functional counter space to prepare meals for your family and friends. Or, perhaps updated cabinets, a walk-in pantry, and a dedicated mudroom space are all you need to fall in love again with the home your kids grew up in. Any project that will make your home more comfortable or functional for your family is considered a wise investment. Just think of a home renovation as your chance to make your family’s wishes a reality.

Remodel To Increase The Value Of Your Home

Are there specific remodeling projects that make the most sense after you’ve lived in your home for five or more years? Yes. And the same renovations will likely give you the most return on your investment—we’re talking about upgrades to your kitchen and bathrooms. When done right, renovating is one of the best ways to strategically improve the value of your home. And that means more money in your pocket when you decide to eventually sell. If your house is in a neighborhood where property values are on the rise, updating your kitchen and bathrooms is a smart investment that could pay off big in the long run. Remember, an updated and functional kitchen can be a strong selling point to prospective home buyers. An added bonus? The return on kitchen remodels can typically range from 63% to 82%. Bottom line—buyers will be interested in updated kitchens compared to outdated ones, and this will help you sell your home faster and at a higher price. 

Here are some classic upgrades to consider when mulling over a kitchen remodel:

  • Reconfiguring your kitchen to become a more open and functional space

  • Updating the cabinetry to something that’s not so trendy but more classic

  • Installing new countertops and a large, updated sink

  • Replacing cabinet hardware and light fixtures throughout the kitchen 

Quartz CountertopsNatural marble countertops often have problems with etching and stains. To solve this problem, Polarstone Quartz was used to achieve a marble look without the maintenance or problems of real marble.

Natural marble countertops often have problems with etching and stains. To solve this problem, Polarstone Quartz was used to achieve a marble look without the maintenance or problems of real marble.

Why Should You Consider A Remodel Project? 

If rooms in your home aren’t functioning properly, or if your home has encountered some sort of major damage, don’t reface…REPLACE. Band-aid fixes are not proper solutions, especially if you want to see a return on your investment down the road. A properly planned and carefully executed remodel project can turn a space into something worthwhile, functional, and valuable. 

A proper remodel project should:

  • Create a functional space that works well for your family and addresses all of your needs

  • Increase the value of your home and your potential listing price if you are moving soon after a remodel

Put simply, quick fixes and temporary solutions only set you up to spend more money down the road. Financially, it makes better sense to invest in a quality remodel project the first time. That way, you’re not faced with spending more money to fix shoddy repairs in just a few short years.

GE Monogram RangeThe kitchen appliances are a GE Monogram 48" range, a GE Monogram refrigerator, and a Bosch dishwasher. A Daltile 4" X 12" white chevron pattern tile backsplash is above the range.

The kitchen appliances are a GE Monogram 48" range, a GE Monogram refrigerator, and a Bosch dishwasher. A Daltile 4" X 12" white chevron pattern tile backsplash is above the range.

How Much Does A Kitchen or Bathroom Remodel Cost? 


If you live in West Central Alabama and are interested in remodeling your kitchen or bathrooms, one of the very first questions you likely have is, “What does a home remodel cost?” The truth is many factors can determine the cost of a remodel project including, the size of your space, the materials used, and the type of work that is being performed

You will likely want to remodel with the goal of increasing the value of your home. In which case, using mid-grade materials, finishes, and appliances will make the most sense. If you’re planning to live in your home for five years or more, high-end materials and luxury finishes might even be in the cards.


To help you plan your kitchen remodel and to get a general idea of what your investment might look like, check out our Toulmin Kitchen & Bath pricing guide. The Toulmin Kitchen & Bath design team is here to walk you through all of your options. Give us a call at (205) 579-9744.

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Before and After | Modern Spanish Revival Kitchen Remodel | Downtown Tuscaloosa