Renovating a kitchen can improve the overall function of a home. It also adds value to the property. Adding or reworking storage solutions is another common kitchen remodel goal. This could include converting open shelves to drawers in lower base cabinets or installing custom pantry organizers.
Gaining more space often drives homeowners to knock down walls. However, knowing which walls are load-bearing before tearing them down is important.
The design phase involves creating a rough plan for the kitchen. This helps determine how far apart cabinets will be, where a kitchen island will go, and other logistical details. It will also help potential contractors to provide accurate estimates for the project.
It’s important to think of your motivations and goals during this stage – what do you want from your remodel? Your answers will guide the rest of your renovation.
The planning process is an opportunity to set non-negotiable goals and establish a budget for your kitchen renovation. This includes determining what you’ll keep and what you’ll replace, says interior designer Ariana Lovato. It’s also a time to decide what scope, or extent, the renovation will take on — it could be a simple cosmetic refresh or something more extensive such as a “total gut” down to the studs. This will influence how much your renovation costs and how long the process takes.
Layout
When planning your kitchen remodel it’s important to think about the layout. You want to make sure there is enough room for movement around the kitchen and the correct flow between appliances. During this phase, you’ll determine things like how far apart cabinets will be spaced, if an island will fit and other logistical details. This will help you when determining what type of materials and finishes to use. It will also give potential contractors an idea of the scope of work and make it easier to get quotes for your project.
If you’re looking to freshen up your kitchen without a major overhaul, an affordable option is a remove and replace remodeling project. This type of kitchen remodeling includes things like a fresh coat of paint, new cabinet hardware and upgraded countertops or flooring. It also involves replacing existing appliances and a sink, if necessary. This type of remodeling typically costs less than a complete renovation and is much simpler to execute.
Appliances
Changing out kitchen appliances is one of the most common kitchen remodel upgrades. But it’s also one of the most important. New appliances can improve the overall look of a kitchen and may increase the resale value of your home.
Appliance trends come and go, but the basic large appliances that are essential to every kitchen remain. This includes refrigerators, dishwashers, ovens and cooktops. However, many homeowners choose to customize their remodels by adding extra large appliances that make cooking easier and faster.
If you want to add a custom item, talk to your local repair man to ensure they can fix it and that it will work with your existing kitchen. It’s also important to avoid over-customizing your kitchen to ensure that you appeal to a wide range of home buyers in the future if you plan on selling your house.
Countertops
Countertops are one of the most important elements in a kitchen. They need to function well, of course, but they also need to be beautiful and complement the style of your space.
Plastic laminate, or Formica, is a budget-friendly option that comes in a huge selection of colors and patterns. If you want to upgrade, a high-performance product like Dekton offers a stunning range of organic textures and neutral hues.
Tile is another versatile option. Ceramic, porcelain, and stone tiles are available in large sizes that reduce the number of seams, making for a more sleek and tidy look. Natural stone is a premium option with a wide variety of options including granite, quartzite, marble, travertine, and slate. Some are porous and require regular sealing to prevent staining.
If you’re interested in a more industrial or rustic aesthetic, consider concrete countertops. These durable surfaces can be coated in a resin to match your style.
Cabinets
Cabinets make up a significant percentage of total kitchen remodeling costs. They’re the skeleton of your kitchen, so choosing them wisely is critical to a successful remodel.
Cabinet doors and drawer fronts come in a range of finishes, including solid wood, wood veneer, laminate and paint. Durability and cost are important considerations, but style preferences are also a factor. For example, stainless steel is more durable than painted wood but might not look as good in your kitchen.
Special cabinets add functionality and visual interest to your kitchen. These include corner cabinets, upper storage cabinets with shelves and tall pantry cabinets.
Flooring
The flooring is often the focal point of a kitchen. Designers can use a variety of colors, materials and patterns to complement or contrast other design elements in the room.
In many kitchen remodels, flooring is installed before the cabinets. This creates a uniform look throughout the space and allows the installer to ensure that all the cabinets are set at the correct height. It also makes it easier to install other finishes, such as backsplash tile and wall paint.
The disadvantage of installing flooring before the cabinets is that it can be difficult to add molding around the edges and other details if you decide to change your cabinet layout in the future. It may also be more expensive because the floor must be cut to fit the specific cabinet configuration. Adding flooring under large appliances like refrigerators and dishwashers can help stabilize them and prevent them from shifting over time.
Lighting
A well-lit kitchen is essential for both functionality and design. Upgrading your lighting options is a low-risk project that can be completed quickly and will elevate the look of your home.
Layered lighting has become a popular technique for modern kitchen remodels. By playing with combinations of light fixtures, shadows, and colors, you can highlight the features that make your kitchen unique.
Choose energy-efficient LED lights, which are dimmable and cool to the touch, as they are ideal for kitchen use. They also last a long time and can save you on your energy bill over the years.
As the kitchen is often used as a gathering space, you may want to feature artwork on the walls. Shed light on these items using recessed, adjustable fixtures. This helps ensure that the art is properly illuminated and makes a positive visual impact on your guests. Additionally, directing lighting at countertops and cooking areas can help prevent injuries due to poor visibility.
Plumbing
A kitchen remodel requires a lot of plumbing and electrical work. This is why it is recommended that you hire professionals to handle this work. It is not a job that is easy for anyone to learn on the fly, and it can be dangerous if not done correctly.
If your renovation includes moving fixtures or changing the layout of your kitchen, you may need to install new water and drain lines. This can require rerouting existing pipes or installing new ones. It is also a good opportunity to upgrade old galvanized steel pipes with modern copper or PEX tubing.
If your renovation project is large, you will likely need to apply for a building and plumbing permit. This will add some time to the completion of your project. Once the permits have been issued, the construction can begin. During this phase, it is important to protect the rest of your home from dust and debris.
Electrical
A major kitchen remodel often includes new electrical work. This is because walls are coming down, framing is changing and old wiring may need to be replaced. If this is the case, your electrician will remove the old wire, disconnect it from the box and then run a new, modern wire to the same location.
In addition to a new circuit for lighting, your contractor will probably add additional outlets. This is because kitchens are a high-use area and they need more outlets than most other rooms. Most kitchens also require a GFCI outlet because they are often near water sources.
Another specialized consideration is the need to upgrade your home’s circuit breakers. This is because older homes often weren’t built with the electricity demands of modern appliances in mind. In many cases, this means rewiring the entire kitchen.
