Signs That It Is Time To Remodel Your Kitchen
With The 2017 Parade of Homes Remodelers Showcase on this weekend only (Friday-Sunday, noon to 6:00pm), we wanted to share these “signs” from guest blogger Francesca Holmes to help you decide if you should just tour for fun this weekend, or tour to find the right remodeler and get started on your own kitchen renovation. And when you tour, don’t miss the kitchen shown above by College City Design Build!
One of the most important parts of any home is the kitchen. This part of your home is in constant use, day or night; and if things do not work properly in the kitchen, the whole house is affected. There is a difference between improving your kitchen with a new gadget or a set of pots, and remodeling the kitchen completely. It’s not a good idea to wait to remodel your kitchen until it becomes a completely non-functioning space. Preempting problems can be the best way to make your life easier.
So how do you know when it’s time to alter your kitchen? The following are a few signs that make it clear it’s time to think about remodeling your kitchen.
Storage Issues Are Aplenty
This kitchen remodel #R40 by Puustelli USA incorporates clean lines and plenty of storage solutions from this popular Finnish manufacturer.
If you find that it’s impossible to take a step in any direction without knocking something over, it’s an indicator that you need more storage space. If there are pots, pans and plates piled up everywhere you look, glassware doesn’t have a proper cabinet for storage, and even your spices are sitting on the countertops, then you need to install some kitchen cabinets, drawers or other storage components to make enough room to incorporate everything in the kitchen.
If you have limited space, you can even consider hanging your pots and pans. Remember, if you don’t have a proper place to store your wet pots after washing, the dampness from them can lead to a build-up of mildew in a humid environment.
Kitchen cabinets which can be easily opened and closed are great for storing dishes and smaller appliances when they are not in use and keep your kitchen looking tidy. If you are noticing clutter in the kitchen, it’s most likely because you need to increase the storage space.
Everything is Ancient
There is a difference between vintage and plain outdated. A vintage tea-set can be beautiful for use on special occasions, whereas a refrigerator from the 1950s can be dangerous to continue using in the 21st century kitchen.
Outdated appliances are not energy efficient and will cost you in the form of elevated electricity bills. In fact, by holding on to your old refrigerator, you may be spending more than you would have to spend on a new one! If you’re not sure how much your old fridge is costing you, try the Refrigerator Retirement Savings Calculator, which asks for your fridge’s model number and your state’s electricity cost to calculate how much your fridge costs you on an annual basis. The calculator can also show you how much a new model will cost.
Along with costing more, old appliances are also harmful for the environment. According to a study by researchers at the Rochester Institute of Technology, the number of household gadgets between 1992 and 2007 rose from 4 to 13. Modern gadgets manufactured by well-known brands are a lot more energy efficient than their predecessors.
By holding on to outdated kitchen appliances, you are stopping your house from becoming as energy efficient as it can be. Take a look at your oven, refrigerator, microwave, toaster, lighting fixtures, and other electrical appliances in the kitchen to see if they need to be replaced.
This remodeled kitchen #R50 by James Barton Design Build is a perfect example of today’s latest design trends: the white kitchen with contrasting island, dark and light countertops, mosaic tile backsplash and unique lighting.
Updating your kitchen to reflect modern tastes is also important if you plan on selling your home anytime soon. If you offer a potential buyer an outdated kitchen, not only will the house be on the market for longer, you will also get less money than you may have earned otherwise.
Your Needs Have Changed
When your family grows, a small kitchen will naturally begin to feel cramped. If you are a newly married couple or are expecting a child, you must keep in mind the new addition to your family and your space. When looking for a new home, always look at the kitchen for the family you plan to have, not the family you currently have.
Remodeling can accommodate a growing family, like this renovated kitchen with room for five at the kitchen island, #R1 by Michels Homes.
However, if you already own a home and are now expecting a new addition to the family, a remodel is the best solution. You need to baby-proof your current kitchen by paying extra attention to any sharp edges and cabinets that need to be fixed to the wall. You must also consider remodeling the kitchen to transform it into a larger space. Think about adding extra counters and increasing overall storage space.
Wear and Tear Is Frequent
Another factor that indicates the need to remodel your kitchen has to do with the most unavoidable factor of all, time. With the passage of time, wear and tear will take place, and this is something no one can avoid. Your walls will begin to look lack luster, the appliances in your kitchen may break, the countertops will become irreversibly damaged, and drawers or cabinets may begin to come apart. All of these are signs that an upgrade is needed. It is pointless to continue investing in frequent and ineffective temporary solutions which don’t really solve the overall problem. This will only bring you stress and cost you more money. Eventually, a remodel is the only thing that will save your kitchen.
Remodeling can also let you showcase your own truly unique personality, like in this dramatic kitchen #R4 by PURE Design.
Conclusion
The right time to remodel a kitchen will be different for every home. For some, it is needed after a decade, and for others, after just a couple of years. It depends on the unique factors that make up each home’s kitchen. If you find yourself dreading entering your kitchen and if cooking food has become stressful due to your kitchen’s environment, it’s time to seriously consider a kitchen remodel. Always be aware of how things are functioning in your kitchen and never postpone a remodel till things completely break down because this will only put you and your family in potential danger.
Francesca Holmes is a writer and often writes about home improvement tips. When not on a mission to bring high-end architecture to the masses, she enjoys exploring the great outdoors.