If your kitchen doesn’t meet your needs or looks outdated, you may want to consider a full remodel. This includes removing walls, altering the layout, and upgrading appliances to energy-efficient models.
Before you begin, establish a clear project scope and budget with your contractor. This will help avoid surprises down the road. Contact Kitchen Remodel Tacoma now!
Cabinets are the foundation of any kitchen. They’re a major investment and deciding between builder-grade or custom options can significantly affect your remodel budget.
When choosing cabinets, consider your kitchen size and the scope of your design. For example, a large kitchen with many storage areas will require more base cabinets and upper cabinets than a smaller space with minimal shelving. Additionally, higher quality cabinets may be more expensive than less-expensive alternatives, but they’re worth the added expense in terms of durability and aesthetics.
The material your cabinets are made from is another factor that can impact cost. Laminate and MDF are cheaper options, while solid wood cabinets are typically in the higher price range. Oak, character maple, and hickory are among the most durable materials.
Other details like drawer dividers can help maximize storage space and accommodate items with a wide-range of dimensions. For instance, vertical dividers are ideal for storing cutting boards, baking pans, and platters. They can also hold deep pots and pans with narrow lids.
Aside from cabinetry, other key considerations include backsplash and lighting. Installing a bold, patterned backsplash is an excellent way to add visual interest. Alternatively, a sleek marble countertop or natural stone slab is an elegant way to transform your kitchen’s aesthetic. Moreover, under-cabinet and recessed lighting are essential for proper functionality.
When deciding on a backsplash, be sure to choose one that reflects the style of your home. For example, if you live in Temecula’s vineyard communities of Chardonnay Hills or French Valley, a backsplash that mimics local scenery can make your kitchen feel more authentic. Likewise, a modern or rustic chandelier can be the perfect finishing touch to your kitchen.
Countertops
The countertops are the kitchen’s focal point and can be the biggest influence on your design choices. They must not only be functional, but they must also match the cabinets and flooring to create a consistent look in your new kitchen. In addition, countertops play an important role in protecting your walls from splashes and spills that could stain or damage them.
Countertops come in many different materials, ranging from natural stone to durable manufactured options. Some are more heat-resistant than others, which is critical for cooking spaces. Others offer a more modern look and feel and can even be resurfaced to remove scratches or stains.
Choosing the right countertop material for your kitchen will depend on both your budget and the look you’re going for. For example, natural granite is a popular option for its beauty and durability. However, it can be expensive and requires regular resealing to maintain its appearance.
Quartz, which is both durable and attractive, comes in a variety of styles to match many different kitchen designs. Its nonporous surface resists stains and does not require resealing like granite. However, it can be more vulnerable to heat damage, so you will need to use trivets or hot pads on your quartz countertops.
Another great option for a modern kitchen is tile countertops, which are inexpensive and available in a wide range of shapes, sizes and colors. You can even find tiles that mimic the look of a natural stone, which gives you plenty of design options. The main downside of tile countertops is that the grout lines can be difficult to keep clean. However, you can minimize this issue by installing the backsplash first and letting it set before starting on your countertops.
Appliances
The appliances you choose have a significant impact on your kitchen’s functionality. They should be carefully considered in your kitchen remodel design and purchasing process. Factors such as energy efficiency, quality, size and capacity, warranty, and style will all influence your selection of large kitchen appliances (refrigerators, ovens, and dishwashers) and smaller appliance choices (like coffee makers and crock pots).
The newest and highest-quality kitchen appliances can add value to your home, so it’s important to plan the replacement of your existing appliances in conjunction with your remodeling project to ensure that you are getting the best products available to meet your needs. In many cases, it will be more cost effective to upgrade your kitchen appliances during a remodel than to replace them outright.
During a remodel, you may decide to move the location of appliances or fixtures, which will increase your overall cost. Changing the layout of your kitchen will require opening walls and reconfiguring electrical wiring, plumbing, water, and gas lines.
It’s a good idea to install your new cabinets before buying your appliances, as the dimensions of the cabinetry will help you ensure that your appliances fit. Likewise, you should wait until your countertops are installed to purchase your backsplash and lighting fixtures.
Flooring
The kitchen’s flooring plays a significant role in its overall aesthetic. Choosing from a wide range of materials from ceramic tiles to reclaimed wood in the style of Chip and Joanna Gaines can add a touch of personality to the space.
However, as you might expect, higher-end flooring will cost more than the more basic options. Other factors that affect the price of your kitchen remodel include the type and quality of cabinets, counters, appliances, and labor rates.
A major remodel that includes changing the kitchen layout and replacing everything from cabinets to appliances will typically cost between $50,000 and $75,000. A minor remodel costs less than $10,000.
It’s important to choose a basic design that appeals to most people so that you can attract the highest number of potential buyers when it comes time to sell your home. According to home builder insiders, you can get anywhere from 50% to 76% of your kitchen remodeling investment back when you resell your property.
The best way to stay within your budget is to opt for affordable countertop materials like butcher block or laminate, low-cost cabinetry, a fresh coat of paint, and other money-saving tricks. Investing in smart or energy-efficient appliances is another great way to maximize your ROI. If you’re looking for an even greater bang for your buck, consider a home equity line of credit, or HELOC. These lines of credit are secured by your home and offer a low interest rate. They’re also ideal for financing large, lump-sum expenses. If used wisely, a HELOC can help you keep your project on track without overspending or putting yourself in debt. However, it’s still essential to create a sound repayment plan to avoid costly penalties and interest charges.
Lighting
You may have a lot on your plate during your kitchen remodel, but it’s important to dedicate time to the details. This includes researching and discussing lighting options with your team. Light fixtures aren’t just for function—they can also set the tone of your new space, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
The defining characteristics of your kitchen’s lighting design are based on your goals for the project. Defining these goals early on will help guide your decision-making throughout the process.
If your goal is to create a brighter kitchen, consider adding more natural light sources. This can be accomplished by installing larger windows or skylights, as well as adding mirrors to reflect light around the room.
For task lighting, pendants and recessed lights can be used to illuminate countertops or islands during food prep or clean-up. Undercabinet LED strip lighting offers a unique blend of both functionality and style, while sconces and uplighting can be used to highlight special artwork or architectural details.
Many homeowners are now using their kitchen as more of a gathering space, and this trend is reflected in the way homes are lit. We’re seeing more and more framed photos, paintings and canvases on walls in kitchens, and recessed adjustable fixtures are an easy way to showcase these pieces. In addition, dimmer switches can be added to your lighting plan to control brightness and create the perfect ambiance for any occasion. This is a great way to personalize your kitchen and add character!