Everyone has heard the saying, “There’s no place like home,” and understands that it brings about a sense of peace and tranquility that is safe from the dangers of the world around us. But as much as home may be the place you want to retire to, you may just look around and think a change is needed, like a kitchen remodel.
A remodel is often seen as a way to make the old new again, thus bringing a little more life to an area of your home that has perhaps lost a bit of its shine. Kitchens are undoubtedly places where most of our lives come together. We’re talking about the places where homework is done, report cards are read, teachers’ letters home are discussed, and important decisions are made together. Our refrigerators take a beating from kids and adults alike, and depending on how much your cabinets get handled, you may be seeing some dirty cabinet doors that need an update.
All told, your kitchen takes a beating, so it goes without saying that starting a kitchen remodeling project seems like the most logical thing to do. That is, of course, if you know a thing or two about remodeling any room. There is no such thing as a ‘routine’ project. Of course, your favorite DIY show goes out of its way to make everyone feel like they can handle just about anything that takes a little effort. Kitchen remodeling, however, is an entirely different ballpark.
However, if you still feel like your kitchen is in need of a major makeover, here are a few things to keep in mind:
Must have a budget – It is imperative to know how much you are going to spend from the beginning. This will keep your project as financially honest as possible.
Think about functionality before you start – You may get caught up in the fun and excitement of choosing new and interesting things to install in your kitchen, but have you thought about where your dishes will be stored?
Consider keeping your current design – The more you physically change the layout of your kitchen, the more time and money you will invest in your remodel.
Changes with gas and plumbing? Be careful – If you’re thinking of taking care of gas lines or changing the current location of your sink and dishwasher, you’ll likely need building permits from the city and will require hiring licensed people to do the work. Once again, that’s time and money you’re wasting.
resale value – You may not be actively thinking about selling your home, but you should think about how your kitchen remodel will affect your home’s resale value in the future. What appeals to you and your family may not be anyone else’s cup of tea, and that could mean a house that stays on the market longer than it should.
Kitchen remodeling projects are no joke, and the purpose of conveying information about their potential dangers is for your sanity. New and shiny is exciting and wonderful, but is it all really necessary? You may find that keeping things the way they are and making smaller changes can be easier. But if you still feel like you want to go down the remodeling route, be sure to connect with trusted local tradesmen who can steer you in the right direction and get the job done right the first time.