Kitchen Remodeling Tacoma WA is a great way to add value to your home. Buyers appreciate modern and efficient appliances that save energy, and reorganizing cabinets provides a great opportunity to introduce new storage options.
Remodeling also allows you to upgrade your electrical and plumbing systems. This includes installing a GFCI outlet and rerouting water and gas lines.
A kitchen remodel is an excellent way to upgrade your home and increase its resale value. However, it can be expensive, and you should start with a realistic budget. To ensure that your renovation stays within your allotted funds, it is best to make a list of must-haves and want-to-haves and discuss them with your professional remodeler. It is also important to consider a potential time frame for the remodel.
Choosing the right contractor for your kitchen remodel is a big decision that will affect the overall cost of your project. It is best to find a contractor who has experience working on projects similar to yours. A good contractor will be able to answer any questions you might have and provide you with a detailed quote. You should also read credible reviews and ask for referrals before making a final decision.
In addition to the cost of materials, you will need to factor in labor costs and permits. It is also recommended to have a savings account to cover unexpected expenses during the remodeling process. If you do not have sufficient savings, you can consider using a home equity line of credit (HELOC) to finance your kitchen remodel. HELOCs offer a low interest rate and flexible terms, making them ideal for major home improvement projects like kitchen remodeling.
A kitchen remodel can take months, and during that time, your kitchen will be out of commission. It is therefore essential to have a plan for cooking meals during this time. This may include renting a kitchenette, setting up a temporary kitchen in another room of your house, or buying takeout. It is also a good idea to stock your cabinets with extra food items and cookware.
Design
A kitchen remodeling project often involves more than just upgrading finishes and surfaces. You might also need to change the layout or make structural changes, such as removing a wall or adding an island. This is especially important if you want to increase the home’s resale value or create a space that better meets your family’s needs.
Whether you’re working with a design professional or doing the planning yourself, start with a clear idea of what you’d like your new kitchen to look like. Then, ask yourself some essential questions about how you’ll use the space. For example, who will be using it the most? How much cooking do you plan to do? Will you entertain guests regularly? Answering these questions will help you choose the right kitchen layout and design elements.
For example, if you prepare meals for two people on most days, it makes sense to install a sink that accommodates both of you and has ample storage for your food. You may also need to install a dishwasher with enough room to hold both of your dish and glassware sets, as well as an oven large enough for both of you to cook at once.
It’s also helpful to think about what you’ll be storing in your cabinets. For example, if you entertain frequently, it’s wise to keep foil, plastic wrap, and containers close at hand for wrapping leftovers. It’s also a good idea to store utensils and other frequently used items near the dishwasher for ease of unloading.
If you’re not sure where to begin, many general contractors (GCs) who remodel kitchens offer design assistance as part of their bid process. They can offer suggestions and possibly even sketch out plans to help you clarify your own ideas.
Layout
Whether you’re starting from scratch or working with an existing floor plan, kitchen layout is an important factor in determining how your new kitchen functions. Your contractor will be able to assess your space and advise you on the best options for your kitchen remodel project.
Common layout options include galleys, named after the ships that use them and a great choice for tight spaces; L-shaped kitchens that make the most of corner space in larger rooms; U-shaped kitchens that accommodate all appliances and storage along three walls; and island kitchens that add extra surface area for cooking and can double as casual seating. If you have the room for it, adding a peninsula in between two wall-based cabinets is another good option.
The key to a functional kitchen is grouping like areas together. For example, you should keep your sink, dishwasher, and refrigerator close to one another so that your dishes can be rinsed and loaded quickly. You should also keep your oven, stovetop, and sink within easy reach of each other so that cooking can happen efficiently.
Kitchen remodeling is an excellent time to install a garbage disposal unit, and it’s a good idea to place it in the same location as your dishwasher. This will minimize the number of times you need to run your garbage and recycling bins, which can reduce overall waste.
Over-customizing your kitchen may limit its appeal to future home buyers, so choose features that will be appreciated by a wide range of people. Also, consider that a custom wine cellar might work well for you now but might not appeal to other buyers if you ever want to sell your home.
Appliances
Kitchen remodeling can be an exciting time, but it’s important to remember that the goal of this project is to create a space that’s as functional and practical for your needs as it is beautiful. This means addressing issues that affect how you use the room and upgrading to appliances that keep up with your cooking skills.
The first step is figuring out how much you want to spend and what features you’re looking for in a new kitchen. This will help you narrow down your appliance options and find a style that matches the rest of your home décor. It’s also helpful to know your cooking and baking habits so you can select a set that works best for you.
For example, if you bake a lot, consider a double oven or a convection microwave that’s more efficient at baking and cooking than traditional models. Or, if you’re a diehard coffee drinker, upgrade to an espresso machine that makes drinks more quickly than your old model. Stainless-steel appliances remain a popular choice for homeowners, and Opendoor’s Beatrice de Jong says they’re the number one way to increase your home’s value. Likewise, opting for panel-ready or built-in appliances—which seamlessly blend into your cabinets—gives your kitchen a sleek and timeless look.
Finally, consider how long your remodel will take and plan accordingly. You’ll likely need to purchase and store a few appliances that will work in the interim, like a mini fridge or a small portable stove. Also, ask your contractor about energy-efficient appliances that can save you money and reduce fossil fuel consumption, such as new refrigerators or dishwashers.
Whether it’s a full tear-out or a more modest style face-lift, your kitchen renovation can be the perfect opportunity to revamp your cooking and entertaining spaces. By incorporating design trends, choosing a thoughtful layout, and selecting high-quality appliances, you can transform your kitchen into the ultimate maker’s space.
Countertops
Countertops are a big part of your kitchen, and the style you choose will have a major impact on your space. You’ll need a durable surface to prep food and a place to set dinnerware, but you’ll also want your countertops to have a design aesthetic that matches your color scheme and overall home décor.
Whether you prefer the modern look of quartz or solid surface counters or a more traditional granite or marble look, there are many options to choose from. You can even opt for concrete counters and give them a decorative finish or create a rustic feel with natural wood slabs.
If you want your countertops to be practical, consider adding a waste disposal hole in the countertop so you can easily throw away trash and recycle. This is easy to order when you have your counters made, or you can do it yourself by boring a hole in the countertop surface.
For homeowners who are concerned about environmental sustainability, recycled glass countertops offer an attractive alternative to natural stone or granite. These eco-friendly counters are scratch- and heat-resistant, but they may need to be oiled regularly to maintain their shine.
If you want to make your kitchen more colorful without spending a lot on new counters, try covering them with contact paper in your favorite pattern or color. This simple DIY option is easy to remove when you’re ready for a change, and it’s also great for updating an old or damaged counter! You can also opt for a tile backsplash to add a splash of color to your kitchen. Tiles come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials, from classic squares to trendy hexagons, so you can find the right match for your kitchen.
