Kitchen Remodel 101: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you tired of your outdated kitchen? Do you dream of cooking in a space that reflects your style and needs? A kitchen remodel might be the answer! But before you dive into demolition, let's walk through the process step by step to ensure your remodel is a success.

Should I redo my kitchen?

You should redo your kitchen every 10 to 15 years if you’re in your lifetime home. Avoid kitchen remodels if you are only going to be at your home or apartment for just a few years. Also, unless your kitchen is incredibly outdated, don’t remodel right before you sell your home. Remodel it earlier so you can live in it and get the most money from it when it comes time to sell. Small upgrades and repairs are great and often necessary. But you don’t want to invest too much in a home that you won’t be living in.

Can I renovate my kitchen myself?

That depends on the scale of your renovation. Small upgrades like painting or DIY projects like installing ready-to-assemble cabinets can be done yourself. But, flooring, plumbing, electrical work, or any demolition are much more difficult to tackle alone. Any electrical work, in particular, is dangerous to do without a professional. So, for a smooth experience, do some of the renovation yourself and enlist professionals for the more complex tasks.

How can I update my kitchen without renovation?

• Table runner and centerpiece: It’s a really easy minor upgrade that takes no time!
• Cabinet handles and drawer knobs: Just replace the knobs and handles. It’s a fraction of the price and you can do it yourself.
• Under-cabinet lighting:A beautiful addition to your kitchen.
• New light fixtures:Quick and easy way to add value to your kitchen.
• New paint:Sometimes color is all a kitchen needs to breathe some new life into the space.
• New appliances: Stainless steel appliances are still the go-to choice for today’s kitchens.
• Plants: A great addition to your new kitchen.
• New curtains: For a quick and easy upgrade.
• Island seating or bar stools: Add some seating so you and your guests can socialize while you cook.

How long does a full kitchen remodel take?

Including packing and finalizing the design, the average kitchen remodel should take between two and three months. The total time for your kitchen remodel depends on the size of your kitchen and the quality of the renovation. For example, marble countertops will take more time than laminate countertops. A custom kitchen island with pullout cabinets will take longer than a standard island.

In what order should I remodel my kitchen?

• Pack up your kitchen: Get your kitchen ready for a remodel by packing everything.
• Start the demo process: Demo your cabinets, counters, flooring, walls, etc.
• Install plumbing, HVAC, and electrical: Best left to licensed professionals.
• Start cabinets and countertops: Before flooring for a budget-friendly approach.
• Install the flooring: Consider leaving this to professionals.
• Bring in the appliances:Seek professional help for moving and installation.
• Add some fun decor: Plants, curtains, wall decor, etc.

How often should you redo your kitchen?

On average, a kitchen needs to be updated every 10-15 years because colors and finishes will wear out. This is usually the time where the more expensive areas like the cabinets and flooring may start to wear out or become outdated. Design trends also change pretty significantly every decade. So if you want to stay up to date with modern and fresh designs, consider an update every 10 years or so.

Is a kitchen designer worth it?

It’s often worth it to hire a kitchen designer, unless you are on a strict budget. While there are a lot of expenses to a renovation, a kitchen will last you years. So the extra effort and money upfront to make the design exactly how you want it will often pay off. Because full renovations can get pricey, it’s even more important to ensure that you love the final design. A designer can bring your dream kitchen to life.

How do you renovate a galley kitchen?

• Go symmetrical or asymmetrical:Symmetrical design has parallel walls whereas asymmetrical design has, well, asymmetrical walls.
• Add a kitchen island: If you have the space, it can be a great way to feel a little less cramped.
• Switch from open to closed design or vice versa: Control the traffic in your kitchen.
• Add some seating: In larger galley kitchens, consider adding some seating.
• Consider full-height cabinets:To maximize storage space.
• Invest in a range hood: Will keep your kitchen air clean and reduce grease buildup.

Can you open up a galley kitchen?

One of the most popular ways to make your galley kitchen bigger is to knock down a wall. Then the entrance and exit to the galley kitchen leads directly into another room. Expanding your galley kitchen is a great way to make your home feel more spacious. While a closed galley kitchen can feel cramped, an open kitchen may lead to a more comfortable cooking experience.

What comes first in a home renovation?

In most cases, the best area of your home to renovate first is the kitchen or the bathroom. These are two of the most high-traffic areas of your home so renovating them returns the most value in the long run.