3 Things You Need to Know Before Tackling a Kitchen Renovation Project
You might know someone who has just finished a kitchen renovation and you just love everything about their new kitchen; so much so, that you are now considering undertaking your own kitchen renovation. While a new kitchen is generally considered a good investment when it comes to home improvements, there is quite a lot that is involved in renovating a kitchen, and it is important for you to be aware of the key kitchen remodel basics before your start the project.
The kitchen is commonly referred to as the heart of the home, which is a fitting description because people spend a lot of time in the kitchen. The kitchen is used for functional purposes such as baking and cooking, as well as for entertaining, having a wine with a friend and sometimes just hanging out. That is why it is important to many people to have a kitchen that is well-designed and one that is a true reflection of their lifestyle. But, before you start the project and eventually get to that point where you begin enjoying the benefits of a well-executed kitchen, it is necessary to know the following kitchen remodeling basics.
1. It’s Costly
One of the most important considerations before making the decision to renovate your kitchen is your budget. Because kitchen renovations are generally very pricey, asking yourself whether you can really afford the project is a very wise thing to do to. You want to avoid a situation where you need to compromise on your ‘must have list’ or the desired functionality and aesthetics of your kitchen are not achieved because you ran out of funds.
On average, a mid-range kitchen will cost you about $35000 whilst an upmarket renovation will cost you as much as $50000 or more. There are various things that take up a large part of the costs, including joinery, hardware, appliances, ventilation, and installation. Joinery and appliances generally cost the most.
2. What is the Main Purpose of the Kitchen?
Although the kitchen is where most people spend their time preparing meals for their loved ones or for guests (in the case of those who entertain a lot), not everyone uses their kitchen for such purposes. Some people barely use their kitchens, so to them functionality is not a major factor when it comes to a kitchen renovation. They are more concerned about the aesthetics factor. But if you really spend a lot of time in the kitchen, functionality, comfort, and aesthetics are important factors to consider. So, before you start that remodeling project ask yourself who is going to make use of the kitchen and for what purpose? The answers to these questions will assist you to make the appropriate renovation decisions and where best to direct your budget.
3. Function is More Important Than Aesthetics
Even if you don’t plan on using the kitchen a lot, it is always best to have a kitchen that is functional and comfortable, in addition to being stylish. This is because you don’t know whether your circumstances might change in the future. You may decide to start a family and find yourself using that kitchen a lot, or you may decide to put your home on the market and realize that people want a kitchen that is not only beautiful, but also functional.
On the other hand, if you are someone who loves cooking and you use your kitchen a lot, it is important to opt for a kitchen design that is practical. A particular kitchen design may look good in a magazine, but the design might not be suited for you; it will probably work for someone who travels a lot and barely uses their kitchen. As such, focus more on aspects of kitchen design like layout, storage, lighting, and ventilation before aspects such as color.
While some people make the decision to renovate their kitchen because they have plans to sell their home, there are others who do it simply because they want a better functioning and or looking kitchen; one that is on-trend, more modern or even classy. For those considering putting their house on the market, a kitchen remodel is one of the best ways to increase the value of a home, and to attract more buyers. Whatever the reason is for renovating your kitchen, make sure that you consider these three kitchen fundamentals, budget, purpose, and aesthetics.