For most people, the kitchen is the heart of the home where kids do homework, meals are prepared, and priceless moments are shared. But if your kitchen’s tired look or inefficient layout isn’t working it may be time for a kitchen remodel.
Deciding whether or not a kitchen remodeling project is worth the investment can be hard. There are a lot of kitchen design options and layouts to choose from, and you’ll need to find a reputable contractor to do the work. Here’s how to weigh the pros and cons of a kitchen remodel to ensure that it’s the right decision for you.
Pros of a Kitchen Remodeling Project
If you’re already living in your forever home, it’s probably worth it to upgrade your kitchen since you’ll be able to reap the benefits for many years. Here are some other pros of doing a kitchen remodel:
Improve kitchen functionality
Today’s kitchen must accommodate a busier lifestyle than ever before. If you have an older home, the kitchen’s cramped layout may not provide you with the functionality, storage and accessibility that your growing family so desperately needs. A new kitchen design will address those concerns, making sure the heart of your home provides the perfect setting for family-centered activities.
Whether your kitchen is big or small, L-shaped, U-shaped or something in-between, there are several creative ways to make it more functional. Sometimes just a few tweaks to your original layout can make a huge difference! Examples of this might include: creating more storage in the kitchen island, adding windows, building a pantry and swapping oversized appliances with counter-depth versions.
Replace a dated kitchen design
If your kitchen is a constant reminder of the 1970s—and not in a good way—we get it. Who wants to be greeted by avocado-colored appliances and faded laminate countertops first thing in the morning? Having a kitchen stuck in the past is one of the most common reasons for remodeling. A kitchen makeover could create a more contemporary ambiance that still blends with the rest of the home.
Alternately, you could look to contrast your other spaces with something totally unique. We seen both directions executed flawlessly, and it’s typically a matter of personal preference.
For many homeowners, the best part of kitchen remodeling is choosing the new design. Looking at tile, countertop slabs and faucets is exciting! There’s so many beautiful options to choose from, and a good designer will help you navigate them all.
You can aim for a completely new kitchen or you can pick and choose which areas need an update:
- Cabinets
- Countertops
- Stainless steel appliances
- Task lighting
- Tile backsplash
- Painted walls
- Flooring
- Functional faucet
- Open shelving
After a while, you’ll wonder how you ever lived on a That 70s Show set.
Add modern kitchen conveniences
From energy-efficient smart appliances to eco-friendly cabinets, a kitchen remodel allows you to take advantage of today’s modern conveniences and good design.
Many quality appliances will have a longer lifespan, as well as lower utility costs over the long-run. Raw materials (flooring, tile, cabinets, etc) can be sourced sustainably and with new certifications that ensure the most eco-friendly products on the market. With such a large investment, it’s nice to know your money is going to a company that has solid values.
In addition to sustainability, your kitchen remodel can also take advantage of ever-evolving technology. Smart refrigerators and touchless faucets can make your kitchen comfortable and effortless. Microwaves now come in drawer form, and dual-temperature wine refrigerators are commonplace. Whatever upgrades you desire, there’s a host of options for the tech-savvy homeowner to consider during kitchen remodeling.
Increase resale value
As long as you don’t go overboard with custom finishes, a kitchen remodel has the highest return-on-investment of any room in your home. If you remodel your kitchen to match or exceed others in your neighborhood you should recoup your investment. In some neighborhoods, a remodeled kitchen could significantly add value to the home when it comes time to sell since a significant portion of buyers are looking for move-in ready places. Sometimes a kitchen refresh, like painting cabinets or installing new countertops, could go a long way.
Cons of Doing a Kitchen Remodel
A kitchen is the most complex, and therefore most expensive to remodel, room in a home. If you’re planning to move within the next few years, or unable to temporarily relocate, a kitchen remodel may not be worth it.
It’s a big investment
New appliances, cabinets, flooring and countertops can quickly add up to tens of thousands of dollars. Plus permit, labor, and subcontractor costs too. It’s a big investment. Semi-custom to luxury kitchens can easily top $100,000 in Seattle. That’s a lot to spend, and a lot of moving pieces to coordinate, if you’re planning on selling anytime soon. Perhaps another less-expensive home improvement project, like a bathroom remodel, could increase your home value level just as much? You’ll have to research other homes in your neighborhood to understand what the competition offers.
There are also ways to upgrade your kitchen’s aesthetics without totally changing its design, like painting/re-staining the cabinets, or installing a new sink, or refinishing the floors. These DIY or low-cost options could make your home more livable, and sellable, without a full kitchen remodel.
It’s disruptive
Your kitchen is not only one of the most used rooms in your home, you rely upon it for daily meals. While kitchen remodeling, you’ll have-to make other arrangements for meals—ordering take-out, eating out at restaurants, and/or visiting family and friends. Often, contractors will ask that you move out entirely to help speed up the process and make your experience more enjoyable. In that case, you’ll need to find temporary housing for the duration of the remodel, which can mean an additional expense and a change of routine for your family.
Finding a good kitchen contractor near you
Unless you’ve remodeled before or know someone who has, you’ll need to search for a local kitchen remodeler. Typically this means scouring online reviews on Google, Houzz or Yelp for someone who fits your style and budget. Finding a reputable contractor can sometimes be challenging so you should do plenty of research, ask for references, get estimates and make sure you’re absolutely comfortable with your decision. If you choose a newbie contractor or luxury firm, the remodel could end up costing you more in the end.
Remodeling your Seattle kitchen cahttps://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/mrmbeforeafter/n provide you with many years of enjoyment and increase your home’s value if and when it’s time to sell. At Model Remodel we are design-build contractors with a track record of transforming outdated kitchens into highly functional, luxurious spaces with our conception-to-completion kitchen remodeling solutions. View some of our before-and-after kitchen transformations below or visit us on Instagram.
To get started bringing your dream kitchen to life, tell us about your kitchen renovation objectives now.
