According to the Joint Center for Housing Centers of Harvard University (JCHS), home improvement project spending increased from $328 billion in 2019 to $472 billion in 2022, with an estimated 2024 spending of $485 billion. Home improvement budgets have also increased over the last few years. According to the 2022 U.S. Houzz and Home Study, homeowners’ median spending increased 20% from $15,000 in 2020 to $18,000 in 2021. Kitchen renovations are the most popular upgrade and account for the highest budget, according to Houzz as well.
Are you considering a kitchen remodel? In this blog post, we want to share 5 things to consider before starting a remodel project…
Because they are the epicenter of our daily lives, kitchens are one of the most popular choices for remodeling projects in the home – and given the amount of time most people spend in them each day, it’s easy to see why! Not only is it prime real estate in the home, but remodeling a kitchen will always add value to the home– up to an estimated 30 percent! This is probably more than any other single-room remodel.
But a kitchen remodel is a major project to tackle – even if it’s small. You’ll need to plan and budget and be mindful of things like space, light fixtures, new cabinetry, etc.
Here’s 5 things to consider before you begin your kitchen remodel:
- Why are you remodeling your kitchen? The first thing you want to ask yourself is “why?” Why is remodeling your kitchen important and what are you hoping to accomplish:
– Are you looking to add resale value?
– Upgrade worn-out surfaces and materials?
– Improve the livability of the space and/or floor plan?
– Or do you need new appliances, updated electrical, or more plumbing?
Make sure you can clearly define your goals and answer these questions before contacting a team like Inks Installations to help you estimate the project. Do you have a budget or cap on what you would like to spend? Typically, people remodel for three primary reasons:
- Updating fixtures and surfaces: Many homeowners think that a complete renovation is necessary to update a dated kitchen; when in reality, a light refresh can easily do the trick.
- Improving the kitchen floor plan: If your need for a kitchen remodel is more than just cosmetic, you may want to look into layout changes.
- Return on investment: If you’re thinking of selling your home in the near future, a kitchen remodel might be just the thing you need to get the best return on your investment.
- There will be a lot of choices, so choose wisely. You’re going to have to make a lot of choices and by the end of your remodel, you may feel “choice-fatigued.” Our team can help you make deliberate choices, especially before you start your remodel. Meaning we will help you review, plan and choose things carefully to maximize your budget and timeline to get your desired outcome. This includes things like appliances, countertops, lighting, cabinetry, sinks, faucets, etc.
- Be smart with added storage. We’ve never heard someone say “this kitchen has too much storage!” Incorporate your storage goals into your design as you plan the project. Especially if you change the layout. This is a great opportunity to add in or reconfigure storage. Look to incorporate drawers instead of shelves because drawers are more functional storage space than basic shelves. In lower base cabinets, add drawers to help with organization so you can see things better. Work in other unique storage options like:
- Pull-out pan racks
- Baskets
- trash containers
- Hidden appliance cabinets
- Hidden fridge.
Check out our latest kitchen remodel we did to help hide the fridge! INSERT PIC
- Shop and budget for appliances early. Appliances are a big-ticket item to the remodel, taking up a good chunk of the budget and floor space. Check out all the dimensions on your appliances before you design the kitchen and before you order them. Be sure to leave some room for doors to open and close, as well as room for ventilation behind, above, and around things like the fridge. Venting is also important for cooktops, ranges, and ovens. Don’t forget to incorporate a vent either via a decorative and functional range hood, or a downdraft vent. Our team can help with venting if there isn’t an existing vent system or if you need to relocate it. Also, upgrading appliances are more energy efficient every year. Look for the Energy Star symbol or similar notations of efficiency for potential tax credits, energy savings, or if you need to have an electrician upgrade your circuit to accommodate new appliances.
- Can you live comfortably in the remodel? A kitchen remodel is a major undertaking and can make you feel upside down in a place you usually feel most comfortable– your home. So, you should factor this into your decision on whether to remain in your home during the remodel or move out temporarily. Consider things like you most likely won’t be able to cook, run water, clean dishes, and store food normally during your remodel. From start to finish, a remodel can take two to four months or more! If you choose to stay in the home, be prepared to wash dishes in your bathroom sink or tub, store food in an alternate refrigerator or space, and to deal with all the dust, debris, noise, inconvenience, and stress that come from living in a construction zone. Our team will map out a plan and timetable to better understand how you can live or manage your life during the remodeling process.
Ink’s Installations provides quality kitchen remodeling services. From basic updates to full-scale remodeling projects, our team of experienced professionals will help you create the kitchen of your dreams! Get started today.
