The kitchen is the heart of the home and remodeling it will undoubtedly change everyone’s lives. This is the space used to prepare a hearty meal or to engage in conversations with the family.
A kitchen remodel is one of the most expensive and disruptive home renovation tasks you can undertake. You shouldn’t engage in a remodel unless you have a compelling cause to do so.
If you are wondering when to remodel your kitchen, here are signs to look out for:
The Kitchen Is Hard To Clean
Kitchens can get messy and you may find that your kitchen still looks dirty or smells bad no matter how much cleaning you do. This will be the best time to do a kitchen remodel to fix the issue.
The kitchen surfaces are important and should be easy to clean. When they wear out they can start to trap dirt and food particles which will make them look dirty and could be causing bad odors.
Your kitchen should be the cleanest room in the house; a space that is safe for food preparation. Having a kitchen that looks dirty can make you unmotivated to cook and clean, making your life much worse.
Putting in new kitchen cabinets, floors, backsplashes, and countertops that have impermeable finishes will make cleaning your kitchen so much easier.
The Kitchen Lacks Storage and Prep Space
Every kitchen needs to have enough space to store food and appliances and prep for meals. Older kitchens do not have modern storage options and lack the countertop space that new designs possess.
Renovating older kitchens include refinishing the cupboard, and cabinet doors or resurfacing a countertop. This type of remodeling will improve the look of the kitchen but does nothing to make using the kitchen easier.
It is time to remodel your kitchen if the space feels crowded, or cluttered or if you can’t seem to find a space to fit big pots or small appliances.
The Kitchen Design Isn’t Functional
The “kitchen work triangle” is a classic design technique used to increase kitchen functionality. The work triangle has 3 points, the oven, stove, sink, and fridge. These components should be evenly spaced apart to create an effortless workflow.
Another great way to create a functional kitchen is to go for modern kitchen ideas such as an open-concept kitchen. The open floor plan will connect the kitchen to the rest of the living areas.
The Kitchen Tiles Are Cracked Or Broken
If you have many cracked or broken tiles in your kitchen, then it’s best to replace them. Once these broken tiles are replaced, they will breathe new life into your kitchen.
Many homeowners delay having a kitchen remodel because tile replacement is one of the messiest and most tedious tasks. Additionally, there are less invasive choices like resurfacing if you want the tile replacement to be less disruptive.
The Old Kitchen Appliances Increase Your Electric Bill
Older appliances can consume a lot of energy, costing you money each month on your utility bills. If you suspect that your appliances could be a drain on your budget, you can replace your old appliances with new energy-efficient models that will save money in the long run and are also better for the environment.
You can replace your kitchen appliances without renovating your kitchen, but most people like to replace all appliances at once to maintain a consistent look. It is time to consider a kitchen remodel especially if there’s a chance you’ll be changing the layout.
The Breakers Keep On Tripping
It’s time to start thinking about remodeling your kitchen if your entire kitchen goes dark every time you use the microwave or blender. Your wiring is unable to handle the amount of power you are utilizing, which is why your breakers keep on tripping.
A professional will be able to tell you exactly how bad your wiring problem is. If there is a problem with the wiring during a remodel the wiring will have to be redone, which means tearing out the walls and putting in new wiring.
The Kitchen Has Poor Lighting
Proper lighting in the kitchen should not be an afterthought. Every kitchen needs highly functional task lighting. Most times a kitchen lighting problem may not be solved by simply installing a new light fixture which means you will be looking at a big job that will come down to a kitchen remodel.
Adding more light sources will require that you open up the walls, which provides a good opportunity to update your kitchen while you are at it. Some unique kitchen remodel ideas to improve the aesthetic of your kitchen include;
• Task lighting. It shines on the task at hand. It is a bright light that focuses on the area where you’re working on. An example is a pendant light over the sink or a strip lighting under the kitchen cabinets.
• Ambient lighting. It illuminates the entire room with soft light. It is provided by any type of ceiling fixture and allows you to move about but not perform close work.
• Decorative lighting. It is used for decoration more than for lighting purposes like a crystal chandelier.
• Accent lighting. It shows off special features. This type of lighting shines on a particular design element like a piece of artwork.
Your Needs Have Changed
You may find that the kitchen you loved at first no longer meets your needs. Adding a family member to your home might make your kitchen feel too small. Or if the children have gone off to college a smaller kitchen might fit you better.
Family size and lifestyle are important factors when determining your kitchen needs. You also probably entertain a lot or you prefer eating at your kitchen island instead of a dining table. It is time to remodel your kitchen if your needs have changed.
You Want a New Kitchen Look
The second most popular reason homeowners choose to remodel their kitchens is because they cannot stand their old kitchens. If you have remodeled other parts of your home leaving out the kitchen, you will find that it may no longer flow with the rest of your design.
An experienced design-build remodeler can show you how to make each area of your home flow seamlessly.
You’re Going to Sell Your House
The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in a house. It may be time to renovate your kitchen if you plan to sell your home. Homebuyers will pay more for new appliances and countertops.
It is also important to take a step back and look at your kitchen through the eyes of a potential buyer.
A kitchen remodel might be worth the investment if it means you can sell your home for more money.
A kitchen designer or real estate agent can help you figure out if your kitchen remodel ideas will make financial sense for you.
You Plan To Stay In Your Home For Many Years
You will have more years to enjoy your newly renovated kitchen and a longer time to pay for it if you decide to remodel it sooner rather than later.
If you wait another year, it is safe to assume that the cost of the job may easily double because the cost of renovating also keeps rising.
Making your dream kitchen today is a wise investment that you will cherish for many years.
Conclusion
A kitchen remodel will do more than increase the value of your home but doesn’t have to be time-consuming or even expensive. Every kitchen is unique, and every homeowner has their preferences.
Talk to a designer to help you determine if it’s time to remodel your kitchen. They will provide you with kitchen ideas that fit within your budget to give you a kitchen that meets your needs and fits your style.
Cheers.