When you think about the size, scope, and cost of home renovation projects, you might happily come to the conclusion that, at least for the major ones, they’ll only need to be done once. That may be true for some spaces in your home, but in those that see a great deal of traffic and use on a daily basis, like your kitchen, it’s not unreasonable to have to shell out for a makeover several times over the years. To be fair, kitchen remodelling projects will likely never occur in consecutive years, but you may want to prepare yourself for the need to update your kitchen every decade or so. With that said, here’s a list of some of the telltale signs that will dictate whether your project will be a remodel or a more substantive renovation.
Your Kitchen is Dated
If you can no longer stomach the look of your kitchen, chances are good that it’s probably outdated. If that is the case, you’re in good company – falling out of fashion is the number one reason most homeowners choose to renovate their kitchen. Updating an outdated kitchen provides homeowners the chance to include some of the mainstays typically found in many contemporary kitchens such as a designated coffee area, island seating, and increased storage capacity. Modern kitchens also feature less clutter, clean lines, and neutral color palettes, all of which can be addressed during a remodel. Updating outdated kitchen will also help you get more money for the house if you ever decide to sell it, says Limestone Properties.
Financially, Nothing is Stopping You
All things being equal, who wouldn’t love to update their kitchen as often as the mood strikes them? Unfortunately, renovations and upgrades are not cheap – tackling these types of projects requires either a sizable disposable income or months of saving. Having said that, if you’ve got the money in the bank and the need or desire to make a change so that the space is more to your liking and more functional, now could be the right time to get the project underway.
Functionally, It’s Not Getting the Job Done
Remember that everything changes with time and the same holds true for your kitchen. There was a time when it worked well based on your needs, but those too will change over the years. Perhaps your kitchen worked just fine for you and your spouse when you bought your home, but it no longer holds up when you add kids to the mix. If your kitchen seems to be the unofficial gathering space in your home, perhaps you’d like to add an area for your kids to do their homework while you make dinner, or maybe you’d like to remove a wall so you can keep an eye on them while they’re in the family room. The point is that everything from a growing family to diminishing mobility can change how well your kitchen functions. Re-examining your needs and finding your kitchen lacking could be the catalyst you need to update your kitchen.
Your Existing Kitchen is Damaged
We’ve already stated that kitchens are busy places so it stands to reason that the spaces that see the most use will see the most damage and wear and tear. Floor tiles can break beneath the heavy foot traffic that crosses over them, drawers and cupboards may no longer pull and slide the way they’re supposed to, and a leak beneath the sink could cause a great deal of water damage if it goes unaddressed. Though it is perfectly reasonable to repair or replace these things as they occur, depending on the extent of the damage it might make sense to consider a more complete renovation project. Under normal circumstances, it can be difficult to decide when the time is right to begin work in your kitchen. If, however, the damage is serious enough, the decision is often made for you.
Kitchen is Worn Down
Stains, wear and tear, and age can combine to give your kitchen a worn down appearance that no amount of scrubbing and scouring can resolve. Even in the cleanest of kitchens, age can discolor tiles and grout giving the impression that it isn’t as clean as it could be. If this sounds like your kitchen, it could be time to remodel. Choose materials that are marketed for their longevity, like a high-quality resin or stone countertop. With proper maintenance, these surfaces can last for years without showing their age.
You Need New Appliances
Depending on the brand and the quality of the materials used, different appliances can have widely varying lifespans. If two or more of your kitchen’s appliances are reaching their age of maturity, it might be a good time to take a step back and see what else could stand to be updated in your kitchen. Remember that many refrigerators and stoves are built using smart technology, so in addition to having brand new appliances, you’ll be able to take advantage of all of the modern conveniences they offer. Something else to consider is that even if your current appliances work just fine, opting for new ones could save you money due to much improved energy efficiency.
There are many reasons to undertake a kitchen remodel project but it may be difficult to determine when is the best time to get the job done. By keeping an eye on the telltale signs outlined above, you can anticipate a remodel long before it becomes a necessity thereby making the process much simpler and stress-free.
