A kitchen remodel by Excel Remodeling.
When you walk into your kitchen, do you like what you see?
If not, it might be time to explore a refresh of the most frequently used space in the home. Kitchens are truly the heart of the home, whether you are a foodie or just like to hang out with friends and family.
Kitchens have become the focus of innovative design, with every sleek surface, finish and modern appliance imaginable. Popular trends for kitchen remodeling include larger or double islands, walk-in pantries, additional appliances like a second dishwasher or freezer, light-colored quartz countertops, bright lighting and easy-to-clean materials. Since the pandemic, technological innovations in sanitization are in high demand, including touchless water faucets and products with antimicrobial coatings.
The Options
To begin the remodeling process, look for inspiration and ideas online. Attending home shows and visiting the kitchens of friends and family members can also provide good ideas. Important information to gather as you consider changes to your kitchen includes how many people use the kitchen, how often the kitchen is used for cooking or entertaining, whether space is needed for dining, the size and layout of the work triangle, and how to maximize storage.
Once you have gathered inspiration, it is time to define the scope of work and budget for your kitchen remodel. To accomplish this, think about what is important to you and establish your priorities. You ultimately want to strike a balance between your needs, wants and desires, and your overall budget.
Perhaps a simple facelift is all your kitchen needs. New countertops, flooring, backsplash and appliances can breathe new life into an old kitchen. Tired cabinetry could be painted, or the doors and drawer fronts replaced with fresh, more modern ones. New drawer boxes, glides, roll trays and other accessories can be added to make contents more easily accessible. Finally, new lighting, outlets and switches can help brighten the space and accent its most attractive features.
Another option is to completely replace the kitchen in its existing location. When a homeowner is happy with the size of the kitchen, just not the layout, this is an ideal alternative. Such kitchen renovations often involve adding center islands, building in new appliances, and removing soffits above the cabinets, extending cabinets closer to the ceiling to create more storage space. It’s important to keep in mind that removing soffits may require relocation of plumbing, electric wiring or ductwork.
A complete kitchen renovation involves the removal of walls and a complete redesign to enlarge and expand the kitchen into adjoining spaces. Such projects are often paired with an addition to expand the footprint of the home, perhaps adding a sunroom or family room.
Many homeowners plan to remain in their homes longer, so their kitchen renovations may incorporate Universal Design concepts for “aging-in-place.” As we age, our mobility and vision may become reduced, so it makes sense to consider design concepts that allow for increased safety and accessibility. Rollout shelves, countertops with round edges and improved lighting are features that will make your kitchen more enjoyable now and in the future.
The Process
Once you have determined the scope of your kitchen project, you can ascertain the best way to accomplish it. Whether you need a professional remodeler to handle the entire project or trade specialists to complete certain aspects, it’s important to find people you are comfortable working with and whom you can trust to have open and honest discussions. This is an important decision because you are dealing with your home, the place where you and your family live as well as one of your largest assets.
It is also important to understand the remodeling process from start to finish. There are certain stages every project goes through. A professional remodeling company should be able to lead you through the process in a straightforward, convenient way.
If you plan to serve as the general contractor, then it is important to do your homework. For example, how product selections will be made. If you want assistance with the selection process, it may be better to hire a professional remodeler who can advise you on which products best meet your needs. They have experience with the plethora of options and may have a showroom where you can make selections. Other considerations include who will handle the permit process, scheduling out the project to ensure all aspects are timed appropriately to avoid wasting time and money, and understanding the warranties on every aspect of the work.
Your kitchen is the gathering place of your home. It’s where you prepare food, socialize with family and friends, and foster lifetime memories. Renovating your kitchen is a big decision, but in the end, it should be a place where you enjoy spending time.
Jim Mirando is president and design team member of Excel Remodeling, 570 S. 3rd St., Lemoyne. For more information, visit www.excelremodeling.com.
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