Kitchen Renovation is a large project that requires professional design and architecture services, permits, and licensed contractors. It will also have strangers working in your home and causing disruption for weeks or even months.
When homeowners are constantly piling groceries on the refrigerator or losing cooking tools in cluttered drawers, it’s a sign that storage needs to be addressed. Adding in or reconfiguring storage space can significantly impact overall kitchen renovation costs.
Cabinets, or cupboards, are one of the most important aspects of any kitchen. They can help create a beautiful, inviting aesthetic while offering plenty of storage space for your food and cooking supplies. Cabinets are available in a wide variety of styles, materials and finishes to suit any home design. Some cabinets are freestanding, while others are built in to a wall.
It’s important to choose the right cabinets for your renovation project. The wrong material can make your room look dated, while the wrong style may not fit in with your existing décor. Additionally, if you’re planning on selling your house in the future, it’s important to consider the resale value of your cabinets. If they’re outdated or damaged, potential buyers may be turned off by them.
Another factor to consider when choosing your cabinets is durability. Different types of wood and finishes are more durable than others. For example, natural wood cabinets are durable and will hold up to water better than painted cabinets. It’s also a good idea to choose low-maintenance materials during your kitchen renovation. For instance, lacquer-finished cabinets wipe clean easily, while luxury vinyl plank flooring is easy to maintain with just a daily sweep.
It’s also a good idea to replace cabinets that are old, worn or damaged. Cracked or chipped countertops, peeling paint and warped, sagging or bowed cabinets can all negatively impact the overall look of your kitchen. If your cabinets are showing signs of water damage, such as swelling, warping or bubbled veneer, it’s likely more cost-effective to replace them rather than try to rework them.
Countertops
Countertops are the most visible part of your kitchen, so they can make a big impact on your home’s overall look. They’re also a major kitchen work surface, able to support the weight of heavy pots and pans as well as sharp knives.
They’re also a major focal point in the kitchen, and they come in a range of styles to suit your personal design aesthetic. Granite countertops are a popular choice for homeowners, and they’re available in an array of colors and patterns to accommodate the needs of almost any kitchen. They’re also a durable option that resists damage and stays looking new.
Cracked and eroded countertop surfaces aren’t just a visual blemish, but they can also pose safety risks as the edges can become sharp and dangerous. It’s a good idea to replace your countertop when it’s damaged, rather than waiting for the cracks to get worse.
Other reasons to replace your countertop include wanting a more modern or minimalist look, and needing a material that’s easy to clean and stain resistant. Concrete countertops may sound industrial and unappetizing, but they’re actually a sturdy option that can be finished with appealing colors and textures, and it’s a great way to add a unique touch to your kitchen.
Marble is another durable natural stone that can stand up to the heat of hot pans and stains, and it’s available in many different colors. Quartz Lawrenceville is another durable choice, and it comes in a variety of color options and looks. It’s also an affordable option for those balancing budget with style. And of course, wood counters can be a warm and inviting option for a kitchen, offering warmth both visually and tactilely.
Flooring
A major design decision that can be influenced by many factors is flooring. Choosing an appropriate type and style will have a significant impact on your kitchen, from the overall aesthetic to how easy it is to clean and maintain. Hardwood floors are a classic option for kitchens, but consider tile and engineered woods if you don’t want to spring for solid wood. In addition, playing with floor patterns can add a unique touch to your kitchen.
Unless you’re a DIY-er, this is one of the steps that should be left to a professional. It’s not only time-consuming, but a mistake could have serious consequences for your home and even your health. Turning off the water and power, wearing protective gear and following safety precautions should be a top priority.
Once the rough-ins have passed inspection, it’s time to hang the drywall. This is typically a straightforward step, but it can take weeks if there are unforeseen issues. It’s also a good idea to hire a home inspector to make sure everything is up to code.
If you’re undergoing a minor renovation, it might be worth hiring a designer to help reimagine the space. A professional kitchen remodeler can offer expert guidance on everything from layout to color and finish selection. Their services can cost anywhere from 10-20% of your construction budget, depending on the level of service and complexity of the project. They can also recommend the best products and materials based on your goals and style preferences. For example, a backsplash may not be an essential update for a cosmetic refresh, but it could be an important factor when deciding between custom cabinetry and a granite countertop.
Appliances
The kitchen is one of the most important parts of our house and hence it needs to be kept clean, tidy, and updated on a regular basis. It’s a multi-purpose area where cooking is done and even family members sit and discuss their day-to-day activities. Moreover, the kitchen has various appliances which become less efficient and obsolete after a period of time. Hence, kitchen renovation is essential to make the appliances more proficient and useful.
A modern and trendy kitchen looks attractive and also provides a comfortable working environment. Moreover, a well-organized and beautiful kitchen enhances the overall look of the house and increases its value. Besides, it is beneficial for our health as we tend to eat healthier food in a nice and pleasant atmosphere.
During kitchen renovation, we often replace or add new appliances. Typically, we upgrade the refrigerators, stoves and ovens, as well as installing new cabinets, countertops and flooring. We also add features like islands and additional storage areas. Additionally, we may also choose to install energy-saving appliances.
When choosing new appliances for your home, it is important to consider the size of your space and how you will use the kitchen. If you have a small space, you can opt for smaller or slimmer appliances. On the other hand, if you have a large space, you can select larger or more luxurious appliances.
It’s important to consider appliances early on in the process, as cabinetry and all other surfaces are designed around them. It’s also helpful to know if you will be adding or replacing current appliances before starting the remodel so that you can plan accordingly. For instance, if you’re planning to add a dishwasher, you’ll need to ensure the new one is the right size for your space.
Lighting
It’s easy to focus on cabinets, countertops and appliances when planning a kitchen renovation, but the right lighting can transform the space. As food preparation areas double as living/gathering spaces, “using lighting to create ambiance is more important than ever,” says interior designer Jenn Feldman.
Layered lighting, which includes recessed and accent fixtures, is a key element of a well-designed kitchen. Dimmers allow homeowners to control the intensity of the lights for different purposes and moods, and LED technology offers an array of energy-efficient options that save money over time.
Pendant lights are popular in kitchens, and there are many different styles to choose from. Some are decorative and some are functional, but they all help illuminate a kitchen without taking up too much visual space.
Under-cabinet lighting is another great option for illuminating work surfaces. This type of fixture can be hardwired to a switch or dimmer, or it can be plug-in (which is great for temporary uses such as parties).
Shed light on art: “As homeowners use their kitchens as living/gathering spaces, canvases, framed photographs and other pieces are being used, and lighting is critical,” Whitehead says. He recommends recessed, adjustable fixtures that can be matched to the size of the artwork for maximum effect.
Shed light on architectural features: “Lighting can highlight unique or interesting architectural details in the home, and we often install recessed, directional lights to do this,” Whitehead says. For instance, a ceiling-mounted light that casts a soft glow around a fireplace mantel is a lovely way to highlight the feature while also providing task lighting for cooking.
