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How Kitchen Remodeling Can Enhance the Look and Feel of Your Home
Your kitchen is a central gathering place for friends and family. It should be a comfortable and inviting space that reflects your personal style.
Kitchen remodeling projects range from a cosmetic refresh to a complete gut, which requires tearing down walls and reconfiguring the layout. The planning stage is the best time to establish what Lovato calls your scope, or extent of the remodel. Contact J&R Construction now!
Cabinets are one of the most expensive elements of a kitchen remodeling project. But they’re also a big part of the room’s aesthetic. A new set of cabinets can dramatically change the look and feel of your kitchen.
It’s important to plan carefully and consider your options for the type of cabinets you want. Start by looking for inspiration online and in magazines. You can then print out photos and create a kitchen mood board to show to contractors and cabinet designers.
If you’re considering a major cabinet revamp, start by making sure you have enough money in your budget to cover the cost. Renovation projects rarely go exactly as planned, and unexpected expenses can quickly add up. Putting aside 20% of your total remodel cost for unplanned expenses will help prevent you from going over your budget.
While a full kitchen remodel requires professional help from a licensed home remodeling contractor or kitchen designer, there are some tasks that you can do on your own to save money. For example, you can paint walls, put in a backsplash and replace cabinet handles and pulls. However, you should leave the more complex remodeling work to a professional.
Kitchen cabinet designers can help you select the best materials, colors and styles for your cabinets. They can also provide a design and layout that will fit your space. They can even show you how to use cabinet organization systems like lazy susans to make the most of your space.
A few extra inches in cabinet depth can make a huge difference in how much storage you have. There are a few ways to make your cabinets deeper, such as extending the front of the cabinet or asking builders to sink it into the wall.
Adding under-cabinet lighting is an easy way to give your kitchen a high-end upgrade. It can create a sultry, modern or cozy distant impression depending on the color of the light. Cini recommends using LED lights, as they consume less energy and last longer than traditional bulbs.
You can also incorporate green kitchen features into your remodeling plans. For example, you can dedicate a cabinet to storing reusable plastic containers, bags and paper. You can also buy a compost bin and invest in energy-efficient appliances.
Countertops
Countertops are one of the most visible components in a kitchen. They also provide a blank canvas for homeowners to create an aesthetic that is uniquely their own. Luckily, there are a wide variety of countertop materials, colors and textures to suit every style and budget.
Granite is a top choice for kitchen countertops due to its durability and timeless beauty. Its color options range from light to dark and can be matched with almost any cabinet finish. Another popular choice is quartz, which is available in an array of looks and can be customized to mimic the look of marble or granite with a durable, low-maintenance surface. Wood is another option that brings warmth and character to the kitchen. It can be stained to achieve a specific color or left natural for a more rustic appearance. If you are looking for a durable, eco-friendly option, recycled aluminum countertops can be custom-designed to fit the sink and backsplash for a seamless, modern design.
For a more budget-friendly option, laminate countertops offer the flexibility to choose from an endless amount of designs, making them an easy match for almost any home. Unlike other countertop materials, laminate countertops don’t require as much maintenance and can be replaced if they become damaged. For a quick DIY kitchen upgrade, epoxy resin is an affordable and versatile material that can be applied to existing countertops to improve their appearance. This option can be mixed in a variety of colors and styles to create a unique look, from faux marble to rustic oak.
In the case of more extensive countertop replacement, homeowners can opt for a countertop cover or resurfacing technique like painting or refinishing. Both of these options can revitalize the appearance of outdated countertops without the need for expensive demolition and installation. Peel-and-stick makeovers and contact paper transformations allow individuals to easily overlay their existing countertops with a fresh new surface that matches their preferred aesthetic.
When choosing a countertop, it is important to take into account the type of lighting in the room. For example, recessed ceiling fixtures can be installed to bring in more ambient lighting while pendant lights can be added over an island to highlight the countertop and backsplash. It’s also crucial to consider the lighting in your entire space when designing a kitchen remodel. For example, soft white bulbs can bring a warm, golden glow to the kitchen while daylight bulbs will reflect off of cabinets and countertops and appear brighter.
Flooring
The kitchen is the hub of a home and often hosts family gatherings. Remodeling your kitchen can give it a fresh new look that can boost aesthetics and functionality. Kitchen remodeling projects can also increase the resale value of your house.
A full-scale kitchen renovation involves replacing all major surfaces, like flooring, countertops and cabinets, along with installing new fixtures and appliances. This typically includes upgrading to energy-efficient or space-saving models, which can save you money in the long run. It can also add features that can appeal to a broader buyer base, like an island or breakfast nook.
These major kitchen remodels usually require professional design and construction services, which can add to the cost. If you are trying to stay within a certain budget, it’s a good idea to set aside 20% of the total project costs for unplanned expenses. Renovations rarely go exactly according to plan, so you may end up needing extra materials or hiring additional help for unforeseen circumstances.
Choosing the right materials and finishes for your kitchen can make or break its overall look. For example, a trendy gray backsplash can instantly update your kitchen with minimal financial investment, while a new faucet can have a significant impact on the overall kitchen aesthetic. Incorporating eco-friendly or sustainable materials in your kitchen can also improve your home’s value, while reducing energy and water consumption.
One of the biggest challenges with kitchen remodeling is working around existing plumbing. If you’re changing your floorplan, you may need to move or relocate the sink, dishwasher and stove, which can be costly and complicated. To avoid this, it’s a good idea to draw up plans for your kitchen remodeling before beginning work. This will allow you to determine if the changes you want to make are practical and cost-effective before starting any renovations.
Despite the potential costs, remodeling your kitchen is still an excellent way to upgrade your home’s appearance and function. With benefits that range from improved energy efficiency to a higher return on investment, this is one of the most popular home improvement projects.
Lighting
A kitchen that’s properly layered with ambient, task and accent lighting makes the space feel bright and inviting, even after dark. And while changing light fixtures may seem like a minor update, it can have big implications for the overall look and feel of the room.
Depending on the color of your fixture, its finish and other features, it can impact how light is dispersed throughout the room. Choosing a fixture that’s energy-efficient can generate ongoing cost savings, as well.
Surface-mounted fixtures, such as ceiling-mounted sconces and pendants, can provide the right amount of ambient light to keep the room feeling open and airy. Recessed lights, which are a popular trend in modern kitchens, also add a subtle yet effective ambient light layer. However, if you’re working with a tight budget, adding LED strip lights to the under-cabinet areas can create a similar effect for a more affordable price point.
Lighting plays an important role in the kitchen because it illuminates critical work spaces, making it easier to read recipes and safely prepare food. It’s also an opportunity to add style to the room, with fixtures ranging from decorative chandeliers to sleek, contemporary flush-mounted wall-mounted lights.
The type of lighting needed for a kitchen will vary based on the size of the room, its layout and other factors. For example, the amount of natural daylight that enters through windows, doors and skylights should be factored in to the total lighting plan. Electric lighting can complement or replace natural sunlight, but it’s important to ensure that there’s enough light for essential work tasks at all times of day.
Accent lighting, also known as feature lighting, adds visual interest to the space by highlighting design elements. This can include everything from a decorative hood fan or wine rack to architectural details, such as a vaulted ceiling or stone fireplace. Adjustable fittings are preferred for this type of lighting, allowing you to focus the light exactly where you need it.
Whether you want to make your kitchen more functional or improve its aesthetics, the team at MyHome Design + Remodeling can help. We have the experience and expertise to bring your vision to life, including recommending the right lighting solutions for your home’s unique needs. Schedule your free virtual design consult today!
Things to Keep in Mind Before You Start a Kitchen Remodeling Project
A well-renovated kitchen boosts a home’s value and livability. It also makes for a more pleasant cooking experience, and can make it easier to entertain guests.
The first step is determining your goals for the remodel. Whether you’re simply upgrading worn surfaces and materials, adding new features to enhance livability or increasing your resale potential, your motivation will guide the rest of your project.
If you’re tired of tripping over old linoleum flooring or struggling to make room for all those baby bottles, it may be time to consider a kitchen home improvement project. A kitchen remodel can give you the functional space you need while adding value to your property. But before you jump in feet first, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Start by developing a realistic budget for your project. This should include a breakdown of all the costs, including materials and labor. Having an idea of what your project will cost can help you avoid any surprises down the road, and ensure that the renovation is completed to your satisfaction.
Once you have your budget in place, it’s important to stick to it. If you overspend on a big ticket item, it could impact the rest of the project. It’s also important to set a timeline for the project. This will give your contractors a deadline and help to keep the renovation on schedule.
It’s also a good idea to think about how you will use your kitchen during the remodel, and plan accordingly. It’s likely that you will not have access to your kitchen during the demolition and build phase of the project, so be prepared to eat out or prepare meals in another part of the house. If you’re planning on purchasing new appliances, be sure to order them well in advance. Oftentimes, they take a long time to arrive, and you don’t want to be stuck without an oven while the renovation is underway.
Unless you’re going for a complete gut renovation, it’s best to stay within the kitchen’s current footprint. Moving plumbing lines or electrical wiring is a major expense that can quickly add up. It’s also a good idea to leave the existing sink and dishwasher in their original locations, since this is where they are best positioned for functionality.
It’s a good idea to have a general contractor handle the construction aspect of your kitchen remodel. They will be able to recommend subcontractors for any specialty work needed, and will know how long certain tasks should take based on their experience with similar projects. However, if you have construction experience, it can be more cost effective to act as your own general contractor and manage the project yourself.
Designing
As one of the most frequently performed home renovations, redoing the kitchen offers a wealth of possibilities. These include enlarging the room, reconfiguring the layout, or upgrading the appliances and fixtures. The first step in the process is to determine the scope of work. This will give you a clear idea of what to expect when meeting with designers and contractors, and what kind of budget you need to get the job done right.
The kitchen is a gathering place for family and friends, so it’s important to design it with sociability in mind. Comfortable seating, a large table surface area, and an open layout with a kitchen island are all great ways to encourage comradery. A glamorous kitchen will also have plenty of light, which can make any space feel bigger.
A good way to start your kitchen remodel design is by brainstorming what you want the space to look like. You can draw your own floorplan, or consult with a designer or contractor to help you visualize the finished product. A big part of this step is deciding what materials you want to use, and how you want the design to flow.
One of the most common mistakes homeowners make when remodeling their kitchens is choosing a color scheme that’s too dark. Dark colors shrink a room and can make it feel closed-in and unwelcoming. White or off-white finishes open up a space and make it feel more welcoming. A good design will also incorporate plenty of lighting, including task and under-cabinet options.
There are a lot of different types of counter-tops, cabinets, and flooring, so it’s important to weigh your options carefully before making a decision. Consider durability, cost, and maintenance in addition to aesthetics when comparing your options.
When you’re ready to start shopping for supplies, consider a design-build firm that combines professional kitchen remodeling services with interior design. This can streamline the process and save you time and money. It also means you’ll be working with the same company from the start of your kitchen remodel to the finish line, which can help keep your project on track and within budget.
Budgeting
It’s important to know how your kitchen remodel budget will break down so that you can avoid the costly surprises that often pop up on renovation projects. Labor costs typically eat up 20 to 35 percent of your overall project cost, and cabinets can eat up another big chunk. To combat these unexpected expenses, experts recommend setting aside 20 percent of your renovation costs for surprise discoveries. These could include water damage or electric that isn’t up to code.
It may help to make a list of your must-haves and want-to-haves, so that you can prioritize each item. It’s not worth sacrificing the functionality of your kitchen by skimping on appliances, for instance, and you should also resist the temptation to go overboard on luxury items. Instead, save money by choosing cheaper materials and fixtures for the elements that matter most, such as a new sink or dishwasher, and splurge on something like a built-in wine fridge or warming drawer when your budget allows it.
Once you’ve made a plan and budget, stick to it as much as possible. It’s easy to get tempted by “that would be so cool if we added…” as the project unfolds, but that’s how kitchen remodeling projects get out of control. Adding extras will quickly inflate your budget and can derail the entire project.
To keep your kitchen remodeling budget in check, consider hiring an owner/operator contractor rather than a general contractor. These independent contractors have lower overhead and don’t charge a commission for their services, so they can offer you more competitive rates. They also have a network of subcontractors they work with regularly and will negotiate discounts on your behalf. If you’re able to handle some of the remodeling yourself, that will also cut your costs significantly. For example, you can save on demolition fees by handling the task yourself, and you can save money on kitchen supplies by shopping around for better deals. Another way to keep your costs down is to find out if there are any local discounts or rebates on appliances, kitchen fixtures and other items you need.
Choosing a Contractor
The kitchen is the heart of the home, and its transformation into a gorgeous space not only adds value to your property but also boosts household comfort and functionality. But before your kitchen remodel vision becomes a reality, you need to find the right contractor to bring it to life. This pivotal decision will have a significant impact on your contentment with the finished product and the returns you receive on your investment.
Start your search by asking friends, family, and coworkers for referrals. They may be able to provide insights into the contractor’s reliability, work ethic, and professionalism that you won’t be able to find online. Once you’ve compiled a list of potential contractors, begin evaluating them by checking their licensing and insurance. You can also assess their experience and expertise by reviewing their portfolio of previous kitchen remodeling projects. Look for before-and-after pictures to gauge the quality of their work and style compatibility with your vision.
You should also ask potential contractors about the timeline of their projects. It’s important to have a clear understanding of how long your kitchen will be out of commission and how much time you should expect for the research and planning, demolition, construction, and finishing touches. Be wary of any contractors who cannot give you specific time frames or of those who promise a timeline that seems unrealistically fast.
Reputable kitchen remodelers will be able to explain their processes and provide you with a realistic projection of how long your project will take. They should be able to tell you how much of their team will work on your project as well as any subcontractors they plan to use. You should always request the names and contact information of anyone they plan to use, and Google them just as you did for the primary contractors in your search.
Lastly, you should ask potential contractors about their project management strategies. This includes how they will keep you updated on progress, any issues that arise during the remodel, and how they will handle change orders. It is important to understand that unforeseen challenges will almost certainly come up during any project, and you should choose a contractor who has a solid process for keeping you in the loop and communicating with you throughout these hiccups.