The kitchen is the heart of the home. It is where you spend your time preparing food for the whole family and where you pack lunch boxes for school or work. This is exactly why the time has come to give it a little makeover. So, what costs the most in a Kitchen Remodel?
According to kitchen remodeling Seattle – Home Care Contractors, a kitchen remodel is one of the best decisions you can make to upgrade the functionality and the decor of your cooking space.
From updating appliances and reimagining layouts to incorporating modern design elements, a well-thought-out kitchen remodel timeline can guide you through the process.
It only makes sense to think about the cost and whether or not it’s worth a remodel, but you shouldn’t let these thoughts discourage you. Such a change in your kitchen will only bring long-term benefits. Below you’ll see exactly what a kitchen remodel consists of when it’s time for one and its highest costs to help you make the best decision for you and your home.
What Does a Kitchen Remodel Mean?
What distinguishes a kitchen remodel from a kitchen renovation is that the layout and function might undergo some changes, resulting in a much more significant transformation. This process can imply removing or adding an island, expanding the layout into an open-space kitchen, or adding windows for more natural light.
Even if kitchen remodeling is more expensive than a renovation, it is a decision worth taking in the long run since many older properties need to be renovated to meet contemporary standards. This will increase the property’s value, enhance functionality, and make the most of the available space.
If you are determined to upgrade your kitchen, you should consider the three different scales of remodeling: minor, midrange, and major. These three types differ in the scope of the changes but also by how expensive each of them is. But to better understand them, let’s break them down.
1. Minor Kitchen Remodel
An ideal option for new homeowners or those on a budget, minor kitchen remodels are usually the easiest and least expensive since it’s primarily cosmetic work and can be DIY projects. The current kitchen layout, size, and design suffer no changes, making it an excellent choice for those looking for affordable kitchen options. Surfaces are the only thing that change. Some examples of minor kitchen remodeling are painting walls, replacing the lighting, fixing the plumbing system, changing the hardware, replacing the flooring, or adding new appliances.
2. Midrange Kitchen Remodel
Moving on to a more challenging level, midrange kitchen remodels usually require the assistance of a professional since it does not cover only the aesthetic aspect. It frequently entails installing new flooring, counters, sinks, and custom cabinetry in addition to replacing all of the kitchen’s major surfaces. New features might be added, such as an island or more cabinets. Of course, important appliances will be updated frequently with models that save space or energy.
3. Major Kitchen Remodel
Finally, the most complex and expensive kind of kitchen design job is a major remodel. Remodeling an upscale kitchen often entails expanding the room, creating a new and superior floor plan, and moving wiring, gas lines, or plumbing. Almost everything is altered or replaced, usually with the finest materials, finishes, appliances, and highly customized proportions and shapes.
When Should You Remodel Your Kitchen?
If lately, you have found yourself feeling a sense of boredom towards spending time in your kitchen or that the general functionality of the space is outdated, then those are surefire signs that it is time for a change. Of course, there are plenty of reasons why someone may consider that it is time to make a change in their kitchen, but the three main reasons are the following:
1. The Need for More Space
When your family welcomes new members or when you love hosting dinner parties for your friends, a small kitchen can quickly become cramped and cluttered. Clutter can have negative effects on our mood and well-being. In this situation, layout remodeling is the best solution to accommodate your lifestyle.
2. Old Appliances
Dysfunctional plumbing, bad lighting, and a clogged sink are all examples of appliances that are past their lifespan, and by remodeling, you can get rid of all the stress when it comes to using the kitchen.
3. Aesthetics
Sometimes, there is not a practical reason to start remodeling your kitchen. Occasionally, people feel like the look of their kitchen is outdated and no longer reflects their style.
What is the Most Expensive Part of a Kitchen Remodel?
Typically, the most expensive component of a kitchen redesign is the cabinets. Sometimes even a simple makeover can cost up to $15,000 or more. Kitchen cabinets can account for anywhere between 20% and 40% of the total cost of a makeover. Even if that is a sizable sum, remember that cabinetry is crucial to your kitchen’s functionality. Therefore, you shouldn’t hesitate to spend money on upscale cabinet hardware since it will benefit you in the long run.
Is it Worth Remodeling Your Kitchen?
Whether you intend to sell your current home or live there for the rest of your life, a modest kitchen redesign will be more cost-effective than a lavish one. It has been proven that redesigning your kitchen before selling it can allow you to recover between 54% and 77% of your costs, depending on the materials you use and the scope of your job.
What Not to do in a Kitchen Remodel
In the end, remodeling a kitchen is often a good decision, in the long run, no matter the future decisions you make regarding your home. But how useful is a kitchen remodel if it is done poorly? To avoid that outcome, here is a list of mistakes you should avoid during a kitchen remodel:
- Not making a plan beforehand and making impulsive design changes
- Not using the full potential of the space
- Choosing form over functionality
- Oversizing or under sizing the islands
- Overwhelming a small kitchen
- Overlook the importance of storage
- Working with unqualified or poorly-reviewed home contractors
Conclusion
A kitchen remodel is one of the best decisions you can make to upgrade functionality and decor of your cooking space. There are three different scales of remodeling: minor, midrange, and major. Even if kitchen remodeling is more expensive than a renovation, it is worth taking in the long run.
Remodeling an upscale kitchen often entails expanding the room, creating a new and superior floor plan, and moving wiring, gas lines, or plumbing. Almost everything is altered or replaced, usually with the finest materials, finishes, appliances, and highly customized proportions and shapes.
