A kitchen remodel can make your entire home more enticing, especially if you are planning to sell your home in the near future. Not only does it make your home more attractive to buyers, a kitchen remodel improves your kitchen’s efficiency which can benefit you as well. However, a kitchen remodel can be extremely complex and there is not a one-size-fits-all approach to any kitchen renovation. These tips can help you avoid mistakes that could cause you to end up hating your kitchen remodel.
A Budget is Your Friend
The first thing to do during any remodeling project is to create a budget. If you plan to completely renovate your kitchen, the cost can be as much as 10 to 15 percent of your home’s value. Although this seems like a very high amount to spend on a remodeling project, you want to be sure the improvements you make stay in line with the value of your home. You may be able to complete the renovation under budget, especially if you plan to do some of the work yourself, but you don’t want to skimp on the costs. You also don’t want to overspend as it may be difficult to recover those costs. It is important to factor in surprises during the renovation as well, especially if you have an older home. Plumbing and electric in your home may have issues or the contractor could find some structural problems that need to be addressed. When preparing your budget, allow for additional expenses should a problem arise during the project.
Consider the Size of Your Family Members
Do your small children often help you cook dinner? Are you a family of bakers who enjoy creating delicious treats together? Is your 6’2” husband a gourmet cook? Keep all of this in mind when you design your new kitchen. Manufacturers recommend hoods and exhaust fans be placed 30 inches above the cook surface. If your husband is over 6-feet tall, this means the hood is directly in his line of sight. Instead, mount the hood slightly higher. It will work just as well and your husband will not be bent over trying to see as he cooks. Install a section of cabinet that is slightly lower than the others so that children can have their own workspace to “help” you. You can also install pull-out stools that allow small children to access the counter during dinner preparation.
Good Lighting is Critical
Too often, we overlook the importance of lighting in the kitchen. The best method is to layer the lighting so that your surfaces get ambient, task and mood lighting. Recessed ceiling fixtures are a good option and provide a balance of overall light. If you have a dining area or island in your kitchen, consider installing pendant lighting. Under counter lighting is a popular choice but you may need to use diffusers if you have high-gloss counters, like polished granite or marble. Make sure the switches are convenient and use dimmers to adjust the lighting according to the time of day.
Keep Reality in Mind
Even if you have a flair for the unique, those pink and purple wall tiles will not be as attractive a year from now. Lime green appliances may have a funky look today, but how soon will you grow tired of them? Even if you aren’t planning on selling any time soon, circumstances can change. You don’t want to alienate buyers who may not have your eclectic taste. The same is true for features other than colors or appliances. The bay window you saw online that overlooks a forest or lake may not be as stunning if it overlooks your neighbor’s backyard or a street with cars passing by all day. A giant commercial-grade refrigerator isn’t the best choice if you have a small galley-style kitchen. A chef-worthy stove could overwhelm the room and make it look crowded.
There are many other kitchen features that you need to watch, such as making sure you have plenty of counterspace and that a newly installed island does not block traffic. If you need help with your kitchen renovation, contact us today by phone or by completing the simple online form. We can help you throughout the project to be sure you create a kitchen you will love for years to come.
