The kitchen is often the center of the home, so if it’s not functioning the way you need it to, that can have a serious effect on how much you and your family enjoy it. But a renovation can be a big undertaking, so how to do you know when to remodel your kitchen? Here are 5 telltale signs your kitchen is due for a makeover.
1. You’ve outgrown the space
This is usually the first sign it’s time to remodel your kitchen, and it can come in many forms.
Bad flow. If you find yourself constantly running back and forth between the stove, the fridge, the sink, the trash, and other key elements of your kitchen, this is an indication that the flow is not set up properly. A well-designed kitchen will have all of these items within easy reach so you can prep, cook, and clean up with ease. If being in your kitchen has you feeling like you’re working out at the gym, then you may have a flow issue.
Lack of prep space. No matter your level of expertise, every cook needs enough counter space to prepare meals. No one likes having to resort to chopping or prepping food on the dining room table for example, then carrying it back over to the stove to cook. Insufficient counter space is a key indicator your kitchen may be ripe for a remodel.
Lack of storage space. If you find your cabinets are bursting and you’ve run out of room to store your pots, pans, and other kitchen items, you’re not alone. This is another major reason for kitchen remodels. Especially for those who have been in their homes for several years and have accumulated more and more kitchen equipment over the years.
2. Outdated or damaged cabinetry
Cabinets make up a large portion of your physical and visual kitchen space. If they’re damaged or just look worn out, that can affect the whole mood of the space.
The kitchen cabinets of today are much different than they were just a few years ago. Advances in technology have made them more durable, more functional, and more customizable. Stop settling for those faded, dark wood cabinets that creak and slam shut or those peeling cabinets that are suffering from water damage.
Now you can get quality cabinets with features like soft close and water resistant guarantees, even if you’re on a tight budget.
3. Old or deteriorating countertops
Along with cabinets, countertops are another highly visual element of your kitchen. Not only do you want them to look good, you also need them to be functional. This is especially true if you do a lot of cooking and entertaining.
Fortunately, you have a lot of countertop options. From natural stone materials like granite or marble to other products like quartz, Thinscape, Dekton, and more, chances are you’ll be able to find a material and style that meets your needs and aesthetic. And if you’re working with a designer on your kitchen remodel, they can advise on which may work best with other elements of your space like the cabinets and backsplash.
4. Badly worn flooring
If your flooring has signs of a lot of wear and tear, it may be time to replace it. If that’s the case, it could be the ideal time to consider a full remodel. Switching out your kitchen flooring can have a dramatic effect on the rest of the space. For example, if you go from a dark floor to a lighter one, it may clash with your existing kitchen. Since the floor is such an integral part of your kitchen, ensuring it complements the rest of the space is important.
Here, you have a lot of options as well. Whether you prefer something more traditional like hardwoods or engineered wood, or a product that’s a bit more daring like bamboo or even cork, you have a bevy of materials to choose from.
5. You simply can’t stand your kitchen anymore
Sometimes it doesn’t come down to a specific feature or amenity. Rather, you just know your kitchen needs to be redone. Maybe the cozy layout makes you wince every time you try to cook with more than one person in the kitchen at a time. Or perhaps you find yourself squinting whenever you try to read a recipe due to poor lighting. Or maybe you just feel embarrassed inviting friends over. Whatever the reason, if you simply can’t stand to be in your kitchen, that’s a strong sign it needs a remodel.
If this is you, now’s your chance to transform your kitchen from top to bottom into the space of your dreams. That doesn’t mean it needs to be expensive. You can totally make over your kitchen with quality materials and products without breaking the bank. Our advice: start thinking about your budget, what your must-haves are, and what your timeline is, then begin looking for a remodeling partner who you feel comfortable with.
Are you thinking about a kitchen remodel and aren’t sure where to start? We’d love to discuss your project. Simply schedule a conversation with us!