Is it time for change in your kitchen? Some kitchens may require a full remodel to meet the needs of the homeowners. Others can be improved with a fresh paint color or by adding a few new features such as a countertop or backsplash. What are your needs?
We thought we’d share the top five reasons homeowners decide to remodel a kitchen:
When the fixtures and appliances in your kitchen are over 25 years old it may be time to remodel. Cabinets and countertops can become damaged with use and age. You may be noticing that drawers no longer close properly, finishes are deteriorating, shelves and doors may have become warped or a counter is scratched, stained or chipped.
Appliances have also changed significantly over the past two decades. There are many options and today’s appliances must meet energy saving standards. Small appliances such as mixers, Keurig coffeemakers and electric kettles are now “must-haves” for many kitchens as are cellphones, tablets and computers that may require additional outlets.
If your kitchen has an old fluorescent light in the middle of the ceiling, it may be dim and difficult to work in the space. Options for home lighting have dramatically improved. LED, halogen and compact fluorescent bulbs are replacing energy inefficient incandescent bulbs that are being phased out.
Does your kitchen have an inefficient floor plan? This is often the case in older homes or in kitchens where “improvements” that no longer make sense were made to accommodate appliances or to add storage.
Changing appliances may also require changes in a floor plan. Kitchen appliances should be positioned to enable you to work efficiently. The sink, cooktop/range-vent, and refrigerator should be placed in a convenient configuration such as a “kitchen triangle” with work aisles and door swings factored into the design.
Is your kitchen becoming cluttered or is it difficult to access base cabinets or upper cupboards? When homeowners talk to us about remodeling a kitchen they almost always want to create more functional storage by installing pullout shelving, organizers, Lazy Susans or deep storage drawers. They also discuss reconfiguring cabinets to improve storage or may want to add a pantry.
An organized kitchen is essential for people who enjoy cooking. Cooks want to have utensils at hand; storage for pots, pans and bakeware; an adequate area for food prep; and organized storage for oils, vinegars and spices.
Other features they specify often include two ovens, two sinks, a commercial cooktop or range and other optional appliances such as warming drawers, convection ovens, icemakers and beverage and wine refrigerators.
Traffic flow and seating are also important considerations for family use of the kitchen and for entertaining. Some of the kitchen remodels we’ve built for homeowners involve removing a wall between a kitchen and an infrequently used dining room to open up the space.
Kitchen updates are popular projects and can greatly improve a home. Updates may involve painting or refinishing existing cabinets; painting walls; replacing counters, sinks and flooring; changing a backsplash; installing new appliances; adding trim; installing new window treatments; and replacing dated light fixtures.