Specialties of a Successful Kitchen Remodel

Scrolling social media, pinning kitchen design ideas, or walking by home improvement stores are great ways to get your remodel wheels spinning. However, a successful kitchen remodel requires many different specialties.

Kitchen Remodel

A well-executed kitchen remodel increases your home’s resale value. However, you must have a clear vision, goals, and budget for the project.

Cabinets are one of the most expensive components of a kitchen remodel and a key element of its overall design. They are typically a mix of upper and lower cabinets that wrap around appliances like refrigerators. They may be stacked or hung on the wall or from a base. Adding cabinets to your kitchen can significantly increase its storage capacity. They can also be used to add an element of elegance and style. Even simple cosmetic accents like new hardware, crown molding on the top and a repaint can dramatically improve a cabinet’s look.

Depending on the manufacturer, cabinetry is usually constructed of solid wood or engineered materials such as plywood and MDF (medium density fiberboard). Cabinets with solid wood doors are more expensive than those made from veneer over MDF. They are typically glued with dovetail joints or other industrial methods for strength. Solid wood cabinets are more durable than MDF or particle board but can warp if exposed to steam, water or other liquids.

The quality of the cabinetry will directly affect its price. Entry-level cabinetry uses less expensive materials. These include particle board, MDF covered with foil-faced molded wood or plastic laminate. It also includes lower-quality hardware (pulls, hinges and glides).

Many homeowners opt for a hybrid solution that combines stock cabinets with custom modifications. This allows for a wide range of styles, sizes and specialty features at a more cost-effective rate than a fully-custom kitchen.

A kitchen remodel can increase your home’s value, as well as make it easier and more convenient to use. According to the 2022 Remodeling Cost vs Value report, a mid-range kitchen remodel will return about 30.7% of its cost.

Other home improvement projects that can increase your home’s value include a bathroom remodel, replacing an outdated bathtub or shower with a luxurious freestanding tub, installing a new fireplace and adding solar panels. The return on investment for a new bathroom will depend on the size and scope of the remodel, as well as your local market. Compared to other renovations, bathroom remodels have the highest ROI.

Countertops

When it comes to kitchen upgrades, counters are often the focal point. While focusing on aesthetics, it is important to remember that new countertops must complement the rest of the room to provide maximum value. For this reason, a kitchen remodel should include matching cabinets to ensure the counters blend seamlessly with the design scheme.

One popular countertop option is marble, which provides a timeless look that many buyers are drawn to. Quartz is another choice that provides a modern aesthetic and offers durability. Its non-porous surface also makes it resistant to stains, and the colors available offer homeowners plenty of design options.

Other materials like limestone, soapstone, and slate are also becoming more commonplace. Each stone has its own unique features that create a distinct appearance. However, they all share in that they are heat-resistant and durable, making them a good choice for those who cook often.

If you are looking to add a pop of color to your kitchen, try copper or zinc countertops. These materials can bring a rustic or industrial feel to the space. In addition, they are easy to clean and durable. These materials may be a more expensive choice, but they can add a substantial amount of value to your home when compared to other options.

Another way to boost your kitchen’s function is to add a waste bin directly into the counters. This simple addition can make it easier and faster to throw away trash and can save floor space in a small kitchen. This is a great option for anyone who wants to minimize their impact on the environment.

Choosing the right counters is an important decision that will affect your kitchen’s functionality and style. Choosing neutral or natural colors is typically the best option for those who want to appeal to the most number of potential buyers.

If you are thinking about installing new countertops, be sure to consult a real estate agent to see how much the project can increase your home’s value. They can advise you on what types of counters are most popular in your area, and which ones would look best in your home.

Flooring

The floor in your kitchen is one of the most important elements in your remodel. There are many different flooring options available to suit your aesthetic taste and needs. You can choose from hardwoods such as white oak, black cherry, and hickory to create an elegant look, or you can go for something more durable and practical like tile or luxury vinyl (LVT).

Depending on your budget, you may also want to experiment with different patterns or designs in your floor. For example, you could opt for a herringbone pattern that can make your kitchen feel more modern. You can also add a splash of color by choosing a stain on your cabinets that complements your new floor.

In terms of sturdiness, your kitchen floor needs to be hard-wearing as it’s a work space that’s used constantly by people in the household. You should also consider how easy it is to keep clean, as a high level of maintenance will keep your floors looking their best for as long as possible. Wood is a popular choice, but you might also consider stone or even a wood-effect porcelain tile.

When it comes to the best order of events for kitchen renovations, Chip Wade recommends that you put down your flooring first 90% of the time. This gives you a fresh playing field and is better for the longevity of your remodel. This will be particularly beneficial if you decide to change your cabinetry at any point in the future as the floors under the cabinets will match up with that layout.

Regardless of the type of remodel that you choose, you should always remember that you’re doing this to improve your home. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of a remodel, but it’s important to focus on what’s going to increase your home’s value. This means that if you aren’t going to get a return on your investment, you should reconsider the work that you’re having done.

Lighting

When designing your new kitchen, it’s important to keep in mind that lighting can make or break the space’s overall look and feel. From the type of light fixture to the color scheme, your choices can impact how bright your kitchen is. For example, darker colors and finishes can absorb light and make the room feel smaller, while lighter color schemes and reflective surfaces can open up a small space and make it feel bigger.

The best kitchens have multiple layers of lighting to illuminate the entire room. Ambient light creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere that makes family and friends feel at home. It can also highlight artwork and other decorative elements. Task lighting illuminates work spaces, like countertops where you prepare food or inside cabinets so you can see what’s stored in the shelves. Accent lighting adds a finishing touch by highlighting unique architectural features or a collection of dishes on the counter.

One way to bring natural light into your kitchen is with skylights, which can be a beautiful addition to any kitchen. However, it’s important to consider the direction of your sunlight in the morning and afternoon, as this will affect how much daylight your kitchen gets throughout the day. Another option for bringing natural light into your kitchen is to install light-sensing artificial lights, which adjust their intensity based on how much sunshine is available in the room.

When choosing the right light fixtures for your kitchen, the options are limitless. To help you narrow down your selection, start by looking for a light source with a high CRI (Color Rendering Index) to ensure that the colors of your kitchen are true. Then, choose a style that complements your home’s décor, whether you want to go with classic recessed lights or a more contemporary look with a high light rail on the ceiling. Finally, don’t forget about under-cabinet lighting, which can be an essential part of your kitchen’s design by performing multiple roles. It can provide task lighting for preparing food, accent your backsplash, and even act as a mood light when equipped with a dimmer switch.

Home Remodeling Benefits

Home Remodeling Tacoma WA is a great way to upgrade your living spaces and enhance your home’s functionality. In addition, modern upgrades can reduce maintenance and energy costs.

Home Remodeling

While renovations often involve cosmetic changes, a remodel typically involves a major alteration to the structure of the building. This includes adding, removing, or changing walls and rearranging the floor plan.

One of the biggest benefits homeowners receive from home remodeling is an increase in their property value. The value of a single-family house depends on the tastes and preferences of buyers in the local real estate market, and remodeled homes generally sell at higher prices than non-remodeled houses in the same area.

Homeowners who plan to sell their homes in the future should consider this when choosing what projects to complete. In the past, some projects recouped more than 100% of their cost at resale. These include wood decks, kitchen and bathroom upgrades, and window replacements. However, it is important to note that these percentages reflect averages and can vary greatly by region and the types of materials used.

Remodeling projects that improve a home’s appeal and functionality tend to generate the highest ROIs. Projects that appeal to a broad range of buyers, such as refinishing hardwood floors, are among the top home improvements in terms of return on investment. However, it is also important to remember that resale values are not the only reason to remodel a home. Many homeowners complete home improvement projects to enhance their living experiences and make their homes more comfortable and convenient.

For these reasons, it is not uncommon for a homeowner to decide to remodel a room or area that is not of major concern to them, as long as they feel the result will benefit their family and increase their enjoyment of the home. For example, a bathroom or kitchen remodel may help them achieve this by adding new functionality and convenience, thereby improving the overall quality of their lives.

In addition, a home remodel can make a house more attractive to potential buyers, especially if it is completed with resale in mind. The National Association of Realtors reports that some of the most popular remodeling projects that are likely to pay off when it comes time to sell a home include refinishing hardwood floors, adding a patio or sunroom, converting a basement into living space, and installing energy-efficient windows. These projects can add significant value to a home and are often considered the best investments homeowners can make when it comes to home improvement.

Enhanced Functionality

Home remodeling is also an excellent opportunity to upgrade the functionality of a space. This can include converting an attic to an additional bedroom or expanding the kitchen for more storage and cooking space. It can even include replacing outdated plumbing or electrical systems that are dangerous to use. With advances in technology, homeowners can now get a realistic view of what their finished project will look like before it is completed using computer software.

Whether you have a physical limitation or simply want a change in your lifestyle, the ability to remodel and customize your living space is a wonderful benefit that can help you feel more comfortable at home and live a happier life. Remodeling can be a great way to reduce the stress of having to maintain and repair older systems in your home or deal with constant reminders of old memories that you no longer wish to have in your home.

A full home remodel can also make your house energy efficient, helping you save money on electricity bills in the long run. You can replace older windows and doors that are often drafty, as well as install new insulation. This will improve airflow and make your home more comfortable throughout the year, allowing you to enjoy your living space without having to worry about high energy costs.

In addition, a full home remodel can help you increase your social life by providing an area that you can entertain friends and family in. This is especially helpful if you have a family with young children and need a space that can accommodate everyone. A new dining room or kitchen is a great place to host a party and give your children the chance to socialize with their peers.

In many cases, it can be cheaper to remodel your home than to move. Leaving a familiar neighborhood can be stressful for your family and leave you with many expenses to consider. Moving can also take a lot of time, and the kids may have to start over in a new school and miss their friends. The right home remodel can be an affordable alternative to making a costly move and can help you achieve your dream home.

Reduced Energy Consumption

Home remodeling involves structural changes that can improve the overall energy efficiency of a house. This includes updating the insulation, replacing old windows, upgrading the HVAC system, reducing air leaks, and more. These improvements can significantly reduce energy bills and enhance the functionality of your home. You will also save on maintenance and repair costs over the long term.

According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), there was a surge in homeowners undertaking renovation projects during the pandemic. This didn’t necessarily stem from the health risk; rather, it was an opportunity to upgrade worn-out surfaces, finishes, and materials. Other reasons include adding features and improving livability, increasing convenience, and simply wanting a change.

Energy-efficient homes are a growing trend in the housing market, with many potential buyers seeking to make environmentally responsible choices when purchasing property. In fact, some homes are even certified as energy efficient through programs like LEED and Passive House, which can increase their resale value and appeal to eco-conscious consumers.

Upgrading to ENERGY STAR appliances and choosing low-flow faucets, toilets, and sinks can be a simple way to improve your home’s energy efficiency. Likewise, replacing your old windows with new energy-efficient models can cut down on your heating and cooling costs.

Another way to improve your home’s energy efficiency is by introducing more natural light through window replacement and installing skylights. This can not only boost your home’s aesthetic appeal, but it can help you reduce the amount of artificial lighting needed to brighten up a room.

Finally, you can lower your energy bills by implementing an energy-efficient lighting system. LED lights are a great option, as they consume less power than traditional options while providing the same brightness.

In addition to saving on energy expenses, you can increase your resale value by remodeling your older home with modern energy-efficient features. You can choose to replace your existing windows with more energy-efficient models, or you could consider insulating attic and crawl spaces, replacing your doors with more energy-efficient ones, and installing a smart thermostat to help you manage your energy usage.

Increased Resale Value

Home remodeling can add significant value to your property, especially if you choose wisely. Remodeling projects that have high return on investment include kitchen and bathroom renovations, adding new living space like a room addition or basement finishing, and updating heating and cooling systems. Energy-efficient upgrades also have the added benefit of reducing your utility costs and carbon footprint.

A good reason to consider a home remodel is to improve your comfort and enjoyment of your living spaces. However, it’s important to balance this with your long-term plans for the house and how a potential sale will affect your financial situation. The best way to do this is to create a design plan that incorporates your needs and goals for the house, while keeping in mind how a potential buyer may respond.

Whether you’re thinking about selling your house in the future or simply want to make it better for yourself and your family, a home remodeling project can help you achieve these goals. The key is to understand what improvements will have the greatest impact on resale value and how they might affect your home’s overall design. This requires careful planning and consideration of the current and future functions of each space.

The most popular home improvement projects are kitchen and bathroom remodels, enlarging existing rooms to make better use of floor space, improving storage options including walk-in closets, adding outdoor living spaces like patios and sunrooms, and enhancing indoor lighting. Choosing the right professionals and a clear vision for the project are crucial to its success.

When you’re making home improvements, don’t forget to keep your neighbors in mind. A poorly maintained home can be a real eyesore in a neighborhood, so make sure to improve your curb appeal by painting the front door or replacing the mailbox. It’s also a good idea to upgrade the exterior of your home with eco-friendly materials that reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions.

While a home remodel can significantly increase your living space and the value of your home, it’s important to choose a remodeling company that has a track record of working with clients on their budgets and time frames. A reputable home remodeler will provide you with a comprehensive design process that includes the option to visualize your finished results using advanced 3D software.