The kitchen is where most people spend a significant amount of time. Kitchen Remodeling Tacoma WA is a great way to optimize the layout and upgrade to professional cooking appliances. A major kitchen remodels can take months and requires a general contractor to manage subcontractors and designers. This type of home renovation isn’t for the DIYer and may limit your future resale audience.
The kitchen is one of the most popular targets for home remodeling projects. It’s easy to see why – it is the heart of the home and offers a variety of creative, thoughtful design options to suit almost any style or budget. But kitchen remodeling is more than just an opportunity to make a personal statement; it’s also an opportunity to add a great deal of value to your home.
Whether your goals for the remodel are aesthetic or functional, it’s important to consider both the possibilities and their costs before starting. A good kitchen designer or contractor can help you narrow down your goals to those that fit within your budget. They can also show you how to achieve a symbiotic relationship between the layout and design of your kitchen, creating a space that is both beautiful and efficient.
Some of the key elements to consider in this regard include storage and counter space, traffic patterns and workflow, room relationships, lighting, ventilation, and general flow. In addition, it’s important to decide how many people will regularly use the kitchen and what their needs and expectations will be. For example, seating in the kitchen is a very personal choice; it can range from banquette and breakfast nook seating to island or peninsula countertop seating or high-top tables with bar-stool seating.
Another area that is often overlooked is lighting, which plays a role in both the design and functionality of your kitchen. While you’ll want a pleasing level of ambient light throughout, it’s also necessary to have adequate task lighting in the areas where you’ll spend most of your time.
Lastly, ventilation is critical to keep your kitchen comfortable, free of odors and fumes, and safe from hazardous cooking smoke. It’s important to discuss the various options for ventilation with your remodeler and be sure that it will work well with your overall kitchen layout and design.
Kitchen remodels can do more than reorganize the layout of your cabinets and add new appliances. They can also bring in an updated style that reflects your design preferences and personal aesthetic. From glossy backsplashes in a bright color to eye-catching drawer handles and sink faucets, these updates help transform your cooking and dining area into a stylish centerpiece of your home.
The right color palette can also make a significant impact on your kitchen’s look and feel. A cool blue can enliven classic cabinetry or add depth to an open concept room. Designer Nicole Dohmen of Atelier ND used this hue to anchor this modern kitchen, balancing it with earthy tones in the countertops and backsplash zellige tiles.
If your current kitchen is overcrowded and cluttered, a kitchen remodeling project may give you the opportunity to rethink its floor plan and install new storage solutions. For example, you might install a specialized knife drawer that keeps blades out of reach and safe from children’s curious hands. Adding an extra shelf above your refrigerator can free up space for cookbooks, serveware and drinkware. Or you might install open shelves for a sleek, modern alternative to upper cabinetry.
Depending on the extent of your remodel, it might be time to bring in a general contractor to start planning your kitchen’s layout and structural changes. Many GCs will offer suggestions and possibly even plans as part of their bid. But even if you’re leaving the design to the pros, jotting down a few basic questions can help clarify your vision and make sure it’s something that will work for years to come.
A well-planned kitchen should be able to handle all of your daily tasks without feeling overworked or cluttered. This means keeping breakfast foods and dishes near the kitchen table, storing utensils near your stovetop and placing pots and pans within easy reach of your sink. It also helps to have dedicated storage for items you use regularly. For example, storing plastic wrap and foil near your workspace can save you from searching for them in a messy drawer or in the back of a cupboard.
The kitchen is one of the most used rooms in a home, so it’s important to use durable materials. It’s also a good idea to incorporate sustainable practices into your remodel, like buying long-lasting cookware and using energy efficient appliances. Consider a separate cabinet to store reusable containers and kitchen supplies, and add a recycling bin for paper and plastics. You should also invest in GFCI outlets throughout the room, especially near water sources.
While kitchen trends change, the most important aspect of any remodeling project is functionality. Consider how you will use the space before you start planning. If you decide to renovate, work with your contractor to create a plan that will maximize functionality.
Whether your project is minor or major, it’s important to choose the right cabinets for your kitchen. You can make an informed decision by visiting kitchen showrooms and taking home samples. Look for styles that are classic, functional, and durable. For example, the current trend is for clean lines and simple styles that are easy to maintain.
It’s essential to understand the financial implications of your kitchen renovation project before you start. Most contractors will estimate material costs and then add on a percentage for labor. This is known as a “cost-plus” method and is standard practice in the construction industry. However, according to Old House Web, homeowners can reduce remodeling costs by performing some tasks themselves. For instance, a homeowner who is handy with tools can take care of demolition and trash removal to save on labor costs.
A full kitchen remodel usually includes expanding the space, which requires reworking the floorplan and tearing down walls. This project typically has a higher price tag than a refresh or cosmetic update, but it can dramatically increase your living and entertaining space.
A full remodel can include adding a breakfast area, combining two smaller kitchens into one larger space, or turning a dining room into the main cooking and eating area of the house. During the expansion process, homeowners can also address other efficiency issues in their home. Adding insulation, addressing ductwork, and installing new windows can all increase energy efficiency. An energy audit can help you identify major efficiency investments that make sense to complete during a kitchen remodel.
When considering a kitchen remodel, it is important to evaluate how much the project will add to your home’s resale value. While kitchen remodeling projects tend to increase a home’s value, the amount of the cost that is recouped will vary depending on where you live and the type of renovation you choose.
According to Remodeling magazine’s 2017-2018 Cost vs. Value Report, midrange minor kitchen remodels (new countertops, appliances, and cabinet fronts) cost an average of $20,000 and provide a return on investment of 72%. Major kitchen remodels, which include new cabinets, sinks, and flooring, cost an average of $76,800 and have a return on investment of 57%. The value of a kitchen remodel can also vary based on the layout and quality of materials used.
While aesthetics are a major consideration, it is important to make sure that your kitchen remodel is functional. For example, if your home has a cramped space, consider expanding the room with an addition or rearranging the floorplan. You can also add storage by adding a pantry or installing a wine cellar.
Lastly, you can add value by making the kitchen more energy-efficient. For example, you can install solar-powered water heaters or upgrade to a smart thermostat. These upgrades will not only help you save money on utility bills but can also be a selling point for potential buyers.
Aside from the monetary benefits of a kitchen remodel, it can improve the overall health and safety of your family. Cracked kitchen walls and leaking faucets can lead to dangerous conditions, while outdated electrical wiring can pose a fire risk. These issues can be costly to repair and can decrease the value of your home.
Whether you want to update your kitchen’s look or improve its function, it is worth the investment. A well-functioning kitchen will make your home more comfortable and enjoyable, and it can add significant value when you decide to sell it.
