Whether your goal is to sell your home or you’re in search of a brand-new update, remodeling your kitchen is one of the best ways to increase the value of your property.
A new kitchen can make your entire home feel fresh, and there are plenty of incredible upgrades you can make that will enhance its look and functionality.
Read on to learn more about how to remodel your kitchen so that it’s on-trend for 2020 and beyond.
Prepare Your Budget
Remodeling a kitchen is a huge undertaking.
Unlike other rooms such as bedrooms or the living room, a kitchen requires a lot more than just a fresh coat of paint or new flooring.
Think about what you really want to do before you dive into your remodel.
Whether it’s new countertops and cabinets, a new sink and faucet, or flooring, it’s crucial to find out the general cost before you begin.
The cost to remodel a kitchen can vary depending on the size, how complex the job is, and what finishes you choose.
Get an idea of the costs for each item so you have a better snapshot of what you can expect to pay.
Ideally, you should add another 10 to 20 percent to your budget to cover for any overages.
If you’re planning to hire a contractor, you should get at least three solid estimates before you make a decision.
The materials you choose will have one of the biggest impacts on the cost.
For example, what you use for your kitchen sink, counters, and cabinets can range from average to high-end.
Each item will come with its own price points, and they can vary wildly.
Come up with a set budget before you even start the process of remodeling.
This will serve as a guide in terms of the finishes you choose, the people you hire, and the intensity of your remodel project.
Decide What’s Most Important When Remodeling Your Kitchen
Maybe you’re tired of those old vinyl floors, or maybe you’re ready to upgrade from laminate to granite.
Whatever you choose, it’s good to prioritize each component of your kitchen in order of importance.
If your appliances are on the fritz, that will likely take precedent over some fancy new hardwood cabinets.
Think about how your kitchen is currently functioning and what you can do to improve it.
A new sink and faucet are simple upgrades that can make cooking and doing dishes easier.
Update your pantry and include new shelving and organizational accessories if clutter is a concern.
If you’re not planning on remodeling your kitchen all at once, use your priority list and check each item off as you go.
This will make it easier to stick to your budget, and you can always make slow, incremental changes if you have the cash.
You can also consider doing a few upgrades DIY. Remove, sand, and paint your cabinets to give the entire kitchen a fresh look.
Even something as simple as swapping old hardware for a trendy new metal can transform the look of the room.
For many homeowners, the countertops are the biggest and most important update.
If you’re tired of laminate, look at your options for new countertop materials so you can weigh the cost and the pros and cons of each.
What About Layout?
If your current kitchen design feels cramped, you may want to consider changing the whole layout entirely.
A new island in the center of the room gives you a place to prep food, eat breakfast, and entertain.
Updating the layout may cost you more, especially if you need to knock down a wall or two.
Draw out your current layout and sketch a few different ideas to get a better idea of how complex the remodel will be.
When you update the layout, try to keep the stove, refrigerator, and sink close together.
This layout will make it easier to cook and clean since everything will be nearby and you can eliminate extra steps.
You’ll also want to ensure that you have ample counter space.
There should always be at least 18 to 24 inches on either side of your sink, and around 36 inches of extra counter space for food prep.
When installing new appliances, be sure that there’s plenty of room to open the doors without hitting the cabinets on the opposite side.
You should also consider the “flow” of your kitchen so you have the space you need to walk around.
If you’re not sure how to plan a layout, a qualified contractor can help you.
Sit down with a pro and talk about your remodel goals and what you want to achieve when it comes to cooking (and possibly eating) in your new kitchen.
Think About Finishes
From flooring to counters, there are endless options when it comes to remodeling your kitchen.
Make sure your new floors are waterproof so they don’t get damaged from spills and messes.
Durability is of the utmost importance for any kitchen finish.
Solid surface countertops look gorgeous but make sure you choose a material that’s low maintenance, like quartz.
Granite is also beautiful but it requires regular re-sealing to protect it.
Cabinets come in a wide range of materials, colors, and styles.
The real key to a beautiful and functional kitchen cabinet upgrade is storage.
Choose cabinets that go to the ceiling with extra shelves so you have plenty of space for cookware and dishes.
Your sink should also be made of a material that will last and look beautiful for years to come. Stainless steel and enamel are just two options that are available.
Modern kitchen sinks also come in a range of sizes and configurations.
When it comes to color, you can choose something neutral or go bold with more dramatic hues.
Cabinets, floors, and counters come in a myriad of colors like white, gray, or even primary shades like blue.
If you’re planning to remodel your kitchen in order to sell your home, stick with soft, neutral shades.
Not every potential buyer will love your affection for dramatic color, so it’s best to stay with softer tones like grays, whites, and browns.
Don’t Forget the Details
Remodeling your kitchen involves a lot more than just picking out new finishes and colors.
Most likely, you’ll also need to make some changes to plumbing and electrical, too.
If you have issues with water pressure or you have a leaky faucet, new plumbing might be required.
If you want to switch your stove from electric to gas, you’ll also need to pay for a new gas line installation.
An old fridge without an icemaker may require a new water line if you’re upgrading to something new.
Consider every aspect of your remodel, especially the functionality of every major component like appliances and water use.
A modern, updated kitchen will probably include things with a lot more bells and whistles, too.
You’ll likely need an electrical upgrade to accommodate things like high-tech appliances or new kitchen lighting that uses a dimmer switch.
Sit down with your contractor and be specific about your new kitchen goals.
The more you communicate, the easier it will be when it’s time to work on your project.
Even things like new wiring for your garbage disposal should be on the table.
Write out a thorough list of every detail that includes possible electrical and plumbing updates before you begin the remodeling process.
Important Considerations
While you’re shopping for new floors, cabinets, and counters, there are a few key things to keep in mind when it comes to your kitchen.
Consider these qualities so you get a beautiful cooking space that lasts:
- Choose durable, waterproof flooring that’s easy to clean and maintain.
- Check for countertop materials that won’t crack or break if you drop something on them. Counters that don’t require sealing will be easier to maintain, too.
- Think about ways you can save money through DIY projects, such as repainting your old cabinets a new color.
- Make sure your remodel is functional by installing new cabinet drawers for pots, more shelving in your pantry, and a bigger sink with a spray faucet.
- Add interest to your kitchen with beautiful new lighting and a fun tile backsplash. Both of these projects can typically be done DIY.
- Always talk to at least three reputable contractors and get estimates from each before you make a decision.
Always consider durability and functionality when remodeling your kitchen.
Once you have those things handled, you can have fun picking out your favorite colors and styles.
Give Your Kitchen a Refresh
A brand-new kitchen can make your entire home look and feel fresh.
When remodeling your kitchen, always keep value and your budget at top of mind.
Once you have the vision in place, you can start the process of remodeling for a beautiful new space you’ll love.
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