Types of Kitchen Remodels

Since there are so many different motivations to do a kitchen remodel in the first place, it makes sense that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. Rather, most kitchen remodels fit into one of four categories, each of which accomplishes different goals. Here are the more frequent types of kitchen remodels we complete in Portland.

Cosmetic Refresh 

The least invasive and lowest cost option for a kitchen remodel is a cosmetic refresh. The primary focus of this type of remodel is to update the visual appearance of the kitchen. Some cosmetic updates can also improve the functionality of your kitchen, such as upgrading from laminate to quartz countertops, which are more durable and easier to clean. 

The defining characteristic of a cosmetic refresh kitchen remodel is that it involves only finish material changes. In other words, the remodel is entirely surface-level. There are no major changes to the structure, utilities, or placement of appliances or cabinetry. 

A few common features you might see in a cosmetic refresh include:

• Re-painted or re-stained cabinetry
• Updated countertops
• New flooring
• Backsplash
• Plumbing fixtures
• Cabinet handles

Pull-and-Replace

When your kitchen needs more than just a light touch-up but less than a full overhaul, a pull-and-replace kitchen remodel is the way to go. In a pull-and-replace, everything in the kitchen is removed and a new replacement is installed in its place. 

As with a cosmetic refresh, there are no major structural or utility changes to the kitchen in a pull-and-replace remodel.  However, unlike a cosmetic refresh, the entire previous kitchen gets removed in a pull-and-replace. From flooring to cabinets and kitchen faucets to refrigerators, you get an entirely new kitchen.

One of the main benefits of a pull-and-replace kitchen remodel is that it spares the homeowner the expensive process of moving plumbing or electrical hookups. As long as every new item goes back where its outdated counterpart was, there’s no need to extensively re-pipe or re-wire anything. With the cost of trades continuing to increase, this helps keep a kitchen remodel affordable. 

In a pull-and-replace remodel, you can expect to see:

• New cabinetry & hardware
• Updated appliances & fixtures
• New flooring
• Updated backsplash
• Lighting fixtures

Full Custom

When a kitchen has serious design flaws or doesn’t meet the lifestyle needs of the homeowner, a full custom kitchen remodel is often the best solution. Full custom kitchens free you from having to work within the constraints of your old kitchen’s layout. Whether you need more cooking space or want to rearrange the floor plan, a custom kitchen remodel offers the most amount of design freedom. 

A full custom remodel is often the best way to design a kitchen that serves your needs. The tradeoff is that the design is often limited by the homeowner’s budget. Moving appliances, cabinetry, plumbing, or electrical costs a lot of money because it requires specialized skills. If you want to remove a wall to expand your kitchen or create an open floor plan, that involves structural changes to your home, which costs even more. 

As a general rule of thumb, the more you change the original design of your kitchen, the more your remodel will cost. A custom kitchen remodel may include:

• Full re-design of kitchen layout
• Major structural changes
• Custom cabinetry
• New appliances
• New flooring
• Updated backsplash
• New lighting fixtures

Kitchen Addition

Sometimes, the available space in your home doesn’t quite accommodate the size you want your kitchen to be. The solution to this problem is sometimes to add more space. Although it might technically fall under the “full-custom” definition, kitchen additions often deserve to be put in their own category. 

In a kitchen addition, you’re not only re-designing your entire kitchen but also adding square footage to your home. It’s essentially like having two remodels happening in the same place at the same time.  The process of incorporating an addition into a kitchen remodel’s design presents several challenges. Such a major change to the home’s structure requires extensive design work and permitting. This in turn requires more professional skills and more labor during construction.

Kitchen additions are a great option for families who love their current home but have outgrown it in some ways. When you need more space to cook for the whole family, but don’t want to cannibalize a living room to achieve that goal, it may be best to do a kitchen addition. 

Keep in mind that a kitchen addition is more expensive than a typical kitchen remodel. However, also adds square footage to your home, which is a surefire way to increase its value.  

Ready to Explore Your Kitchen Remodeling Options?

Now that you understand the key benefits of remodeling your kitchen, you might be wondering what type of remodel is right for your home.

Continue to Top 10 Kitchen Remodel Questions →

Or if you’re ready to discuss your project with our design team, schedule a consultation today →