While the kitchen is unarguably the heart of every home, it also impacts property value. When kitchens become outdated, home value declines — and if you’re thinking of selling, upgrading your kitchen in a few small ways could help you recoup 70-75% of your investment. Even if you plan to stay in your home permanently, an updated kitchen can enhance functionality and improve your daily life.
But how can you tell when it’s time to set aside funds for a kitchen makeover? Here’s everything you need to know about kitchen upgrades and how to plan a kitchen remodel.
Kitchen equipment and appliances are built to last, though they won’t last forever. While cabinets and countertops will wear down with use and age, appliance performance may decline over time as internal parts degrade. The general life span for common kitchen components is as follows:
Regardless of these life span estimates, you may need to replace kitchen components sooner, depending on when you notice the signs of damage and wear.
Kitchen cabinets, counters, appliances and flooring can last years, if not decades, with the proper care. However, if you notice the following signs, you may want to start thinking about remodeling your kitchen.
One of the first signs that it’s time for a kitchen renovation is worn down, outdated cabinets. When cabinets start to peel and crack and the coating starts to fade, investing in new ones can give your kitchen a whole new look. But beyond a fresh design, new cabinets can offer more storage space and better functionality.
Old and outdated cabinets typically come with other problems, like difficulty opening and closing the doors properly due to worn-down hinge installations. Hinge installations can loosen and fall out when the hinge holes strip as the panel material weakens with age — this issue is especially common with wood and plywood kitchen cabinets. Replacing the hinges may help, but it can also be a better investment to update the cabinet doors for full functionality and a new appearance.
Kitchen countertops that are stained or scratched can quickly degrade the overall appearance of a kitchen and make the space seem outdated. Instead of ignoring these surface damages, you can replace your countertops to give your kitchen more of a modern look.
When updating countertops to complement modern kitchen trends, consider options with warm undertones or colorful marbling. Terrazzo counters are another trendy option. Mixed material countertops that combine natural stone and wood or chic metal and wood are also a modern kitchen trend that can maximize space. Because mixed materials offer contrast, this sleek design trend is perfect for smaller kitchens.
If your kitchen features a few outdated appliances, you may be able to reduce your utility bill by upgrading them to modern, energy-efficient models. Old appliances also date a kitchen’s design — a worn-down refrigerator from the early 2000s can make the entire space feel aged.
If you’re on a budget, you might replace the most damaged items first or the ones you use most often. In some cases, you might be able to replace panels and trims on certain appliances for a custom look. Either way, choosing one or more new appliances can have a significant impact on your space.
The spaces below kitchen sinks are prone to water damage from moisture, water spills and leaks. If this is the case, you’ll notice an odor as water-damaged cabinets will swell and begin to rot. Replacing cabinets at the first sign of water damage is essential because mold growth can become a health concern.
When updating damaged cabinets, placing a drip tray below the sink can help prevent water damage from occurring again. Additionally, remember to wipe up water spills that would otherwise cause dampness.
A lack of storage space can lead to a cluttered, messy kitchen. If there’s not enough space for utensils, food ingredients, tableware and other kitchen items, they’ll end up crowing countertops. If this is the case in your kitchen, upgrading to include more storage space is a worthwhile investment.
Insufficient countertop space, inadequate aisle space, minimal storage space and awkwardly placed appliances are common problems in kitchens with impractical layouts.
The best solution is to update your kitchen to refine the layout. Renovating can help make the most of the available space. Whether by removing an island that is cramping a small kitchen or enhancing countertop size for extra workspace, there are many ways to improve a kitchen’s layout.
One-wall kitchen layouts are a great solution for studio apartments, while a gallery or corridor layout is practical for small kitchens. L-shaped and U-shaped designs are other kitchen layout options that complement small to medium-sized kitchens.
Lighting is an often overlooked element in kitchen design. A dimly lit kitchen can seem smaller and uninviting, and outdated light fixtures will impact interior design.
You can create a lighting plan that considers the layout and size of the kitchen. Ideally, a kitchen should make the most of natural lighting, use overhead and supplemental lighting, and include task lighting to illuminate food prep areas and islands.
Kitchen floors are exposed to a lot of foot traffic every day. It’s easy to overlook wear and tear on flooring, but worn-down floors can significantly impact the visual appeal of a kitchen space. Upgrading the flooring will instantly modernize any kitchen. If you decide to update your kitchen flooring, it’s a good idea to choose an option that complements the cabinets and countertops for a cohesive look.
Before starting any home upgrade project, creating a timeline is helpful. A kitchen remodel can take weeks or even months, depending on your kitchen remodel plans. You should start by setting realistic project goals and then detailing a budget that includes each relevant cost, from materials to labor.
Once you have an idea of what your kitchen renovation project will cost, you’ll need to find a professional contractor to bring your kitchen makeover ideas to life. Locate a few contractors in your area to compare experience, service reviews and costs. When it comes to a renovation’s order of operations, you can work with your contractor to determine a plan that aligns with your goals.
Whether you want to upgrade your kitchen to enhance functionality or boost property value, Bath, Kitchen & Tile has an extensive selection of quality products that can transform the space. Our full kitchen special ensures you can update your culinary space at the lowest prices. The comprehensive package includes everything you need for a total kitchen makeover, from new cabinets and countertops to modern appliances.
Visit a showroom near you to view our range of quality products or contact us for more information. Start your kitchen renovations with Bath, Kitchen & tile today!
