5 Signs It’s Time For A Kitchen Remodel!
Do you think it’s time to remodel your kitchen? If you are unsure if it’s you need a kitchen remodel, we have created a quick checklist to help you determine if your kitchen is in need of an upgrade.
1) Outdated layout – Kitchens built before 1980 were designed to accommodate only one cook and are separate from the dining area. However, modern kitchens are now created to be large enough to accommodate more than one cook and have the dining area as an extension from the kitchen itself that can be used for both formal and informal dining.
2) Old appliances – Be sure to update all of the appliances in your kitchen to feature the latest gadgets that you would use. Modern day appliances are often more energy efficient and have a wider range of advanced functions including microchips to create smart appliances. New features that you should look out for are Energy Star qualified refrigerators, microwaves with sensors that serve as a second oven and may have a vent hood unit, ovens with convection baking, base cabinets with trash pullouts (replacing garbage compactors) and much, much more. Be sure to update or reconfigure the wiring and plumbing in your kitchen to accommodate these new appliances.
3) Non-functional design – Examine how functional the layout and design of your kitchen to make help facilitate your day-to-day activities. Look at things like cupboard and panty location vs preparing and cooking area.
4) Out of style or damaged finishes – A few things that may be on your checklist are:
- a) Replacing your older tile and laminate countertops with darker countertops made of quartz and granite materials are not only easier to maintain but they are more durable.
- b) Purchase a newer composite sinks because the quartz or granite combination with resin creates a material that is easy to maintain and are often deeper than older sinks.
- c) Replace older linoleum flooring with wood flooring or stone options.
- d) Install dual faucets featuring spouts and sprays are commonly found with pivoting goosenecks.
- e) Upgrade your storage as well to include full-extension drawer glides and pullouts.
- f) Replace old lighting with LED and halogen bulbs that are distributed throughout the kitchen, giving the kitchen a more modern look and warm feeling.
5) Old fashioned cabinets – Replace your dated kitchen cabinets and hardware with newer models. Add things like built in wine racks or fridges, and mix up the cabinet facing with glass doors and / or open shelving. Be sure to consult and expert first because they are trained to know everything about the different designs and finishes. A professional designer will be able to ask you important questions that will help ensure the kitchen cabinets you choose are the right ones for your home and lifestyle.