The goal of kitchen remodeling can range from a cosmetic refresh to a “total gut,” which typically requires tearing down walls and reconfiguring the layout. During the planning stage, determine what your objectives are and what your budget will be for the project.
Storage is often a priority for kitchen remodels, whether it’s more cabinets, shelving units or walk-in pantries. Contact Tacoma Kitchen Remodeling now!
Cabinetry is a big part of any kitchen, and upgrading it during a remodel can have a significant impact on your space. However, it’s also a high-dollar and time-consuming project. There are a number of ways to give your cabinets a facelift without replacing them completely, though. From adding trim and molding to painting the interior of your cabinets, here are some simple ways to make them look new again.
A fresh coat of paint is one of the easiest and most affordable upgrades you can do to your cabinets. It’s important to use a paint that’s designed for cabinetry, so it will hold up and clean up well.
Another option for updating your cabinets is to add a pop of color with a stain or glaze. This will bring out the wood grain of your existing cabinets and can create a more modern or farmhouse-style kitchen.
You can also change up your door style. Framed or frameless doors are both available, and there are a number of different styles to choose from, including raised panels, shaker, mullion, and slab. The style you choose will have a major impact on your kitchen’s overall aesthetic, so take some time to browse options and find the best match for your home.
It’s also a good idea to update your hardware during a kitchen remodel. Old knobs and handles can make your cabinets look dated, so you’ll want to switch them out for something more modern or stylish. You can even switch to a different material, like brass or bronze.
Another easy way to change the appearance of your cabinets is by moving or removing upper cabinets, or changing their layout. This can help open up your space and make it feel more airy and open.
If you’re looking for a more drastic change, you can always replace your cabinet doors. Cabinet refacing is a more expensive and time-consuming project than simply repainting or staining your cabinets, but it will have a major impact on the look of your space. If you’re ready to take on this project, be sure to get quotes from multiple pros and compare prices before making any final decisions.
Appliances
The appliances like the stove, dishwasher and refrigerator make up a good portion of the kitchen remodeling budget. It’s a good idea to pick out the appliances BEFORE your remodel starts, so you have an idea of what will work with your new cabinets and countertops. It will also help your contractor to build around them and keep them in mind when they’re designing your new kitchen.
Upgrading your appliances to modern models will also save you money. They’re more energy-efficient, with some even incorporating smart features. These can help you monitor and control your appliances from afar, with some even using voice command for convenience.
Aside from their cost-saving benefits, upgrading to new appliances will give your kitchen a fresh new look and feel. You’ll be able to find appliance models that perfectly complement the style of your existing cabinetry and counters. New appliances come in a variety of finishes, from traditional to contemporary, so you can choose the ones that suit your style.
The sink is another essential piece of kitchen equipment. Choosing the right style and material will dramatically affect how your kitchen looks and functions. A quality sink is a focal point of any kitchen, so it’s important to take time to test out different options before making a decision.
Adding extra storage space to your kitchen is a simple way to make the room more functional. You can purchase kitchen cabinets with built-in drawers for utensils and cooking supplies, or install an appliance garage in your wall that has flip-up doors for gadgets like blenders and coffee makers.
New light fixtures are another easy and affordable way to transform your kitchen. You’ll be able to find task lights that fit your style, and you can also add a dining area chandelier for an elegant touch.
Upgrading your electrical system during kitchen remodeling will increase safety and security. You’ll be able to add dedicated circuits for specific appliances, and these will prevent overloading. You can also install GFCI outlets, which will help prevent injuries from electrical shock. These are essential upgrades for kitchens, as they’re required by the National Electrical Code.
Flooring
One of the best ways to upgrade your kitchen is with new flooring. It creates a clean and finished look and can dramatically change the appearance of your entire room. A good remodeling professional will be able to guide you to the best flooring material for your home and your lifestyle. Hardwood floors are popular, as they are beautiful and durable. They must be treated properly to withstand the moisture and temperature changes in the kitchen. Bamboo floors are a great alternative to hardwood and can be stained any color. They are more resilient to moisture and can withstand dropped dishes without damage.
When considering your floor choice, you should consider the resale value of your house and how you use your kitchen. Is your kitchen a gathering place for family and friends or is it mainly for cooking? You should also think about your budget and how long you plan on staying in your home.
A kitchen remodel can be a very disruptive time in your home. Depending on your renovation goals, you may need to temporarily remove all your furniture and appliances. Then there are the electrical and plumbing issues to work around. It is a good idea to have a contractor on hand to help with these issues and to ensure that the work is done correctly and safely.
The flooring material you choose should be compatible with the cabinets and appliances you plan on keeping. It is a good idea to order more flooring than you need so that you have some extra pieces on hand in case you need to replace damaged areas of the floor. It is best to install the floors before installing any major appliance, cabinets or countertops. This will reduce the risk of moisture seeping into your cabinetry and cause mold and wood rot.
If you are planning on changing your countertops, you should take into consideration the cost of new appliances and the amount of labor it will take to remove and reinstall the old ones. Countertops are a major component of the kitchen and can have an impact on your resale value. Natural stone products like granite and quartzite are high-end options but come with a premium price tag. Ceramic tile, quartz slabs and concrete are lower-cost alternatives but may not be as durable or resistant to heat, water and stains.
Walls
When it comes to kitchen remodels, your walls are a blank canvas. You can use them to express your style, from a bold color to textured wallpaper. You can also add a backsplash to protect your countertops from water, grease and other substances that may stain them.
Installing a backsplash can be one of the most expensive upgrades you’ll make during your kitchen remodel, but it’s an excellent investment because it prevents damage to your counters from spills and splashes. Plus, it adds a nice aesthetic element to the space. The best time to paint walls is before installing the cabinets or backsplash, because this reduces labor costs and ensures a clean line where the wall meets the countertop.
After you’ve settled on your vision for the space and determined your budget, it’s time to start planning the project. This is when you’ll work with a contractor to determine what Ariana Lovato, owner of Honeycomb Design in Shell Beach, CA, calls “scope.” Scope can range from a quick cosmetic refresh to what might be considered a full-scale renovation that involves tearing down walls and changing the layout of the room.
During this stage, you’ll also decide on what kind of plumbing fixtures you want to install. This is referred to in the industry as a rough-in, because nice, finished fixtures are installed later. Depending on your scope, you may need to replace the existing plumbing in the kitchen or relocate it, which is a project that should be done by a professional.
If you’re working on an open floor plan, removing a wall will allow natural light to flow more freely through the room. It will also give the kitchen a more open feel and help it blend into adjacent living spaces, which is a popular kitchen design trend. Before you begin demolition, your contractor will check if the wall is load-bearing.
If it is, it will need to be supported with additional bracing, and you’ll probably need a permit from the city. In addition, it’s important to take safety precautions (like turning off the water and electricity before starting work) and to wear proper safety gear.