At Incredible Kitchens and Baths, we’ve remodeled plenty of kitchens. But how exactly do you know when it’s time to remodel your kitchen? When you’ve counted the millionth scratch in the countertop? When the original floor color becomes undetectable? When the cabinets fall off the wall?
It can be tough to determine. But did you know that there are other reasons, besides the aesthetic, why it may be time to upgrade your kitchen? Things like managing traffic flow and ensuring the kitchen is safe for small children are other things to consider.
Here are a few reasons—both cosmetic and otherwise—to consider remodeling your kitchen.
Space and Comfort
Most kitchens built in the 1970s or earlier were designed with only one person cooking in mind, but these days, cooking can often be a joint effort by couples, or even a family activity. In general, kitchens are typically gathering places in the home. If you don’t have enough space to have help cooking, that may be a problem. Where your refrigerator sits or the size/shape of your counter may be robbing you of perfectly good kitchen real estate.
Cabinets
Cabinets can be some of the first kitchen features to show their age. They’re used so often that it can’t be helped. Their finishes wear down, their hinges get loose, their doors warp, their shelves bow, and their hardwood suffers. Sometimes this can be improved with a paint job, but sometimes cabinets need to be replaced. This can be especially true if the cabinets have gone through grease damage near the stovetop.
Kids
Some older kitchens can be dangerous for young children. Things like sharp wooden corners, low-placed microwaves, drawers that can easily be pulled out of their cupboard, or cabinets that don’t have a way to be child-proofed are all hazards. If your kitchen has anything that could be a threat to a child, it’s time to remodel.
Efficiency
Did you know that out-of-date appliances may be costing you extra money? Things like refrigerators, dishwashers, and garbage disposals have advanced so much in the last few decades that by keeping old ones, you may be racking up unnecessary costs on your water or energy bills. For instance, some new energy-saving dishwashers offer delay timers, economy cycles, and a “half-load” button that saves water and energy.
General Design
You’re probably very familiar with your kitchen, but when you look around it, does it seem like you’ll be able to use it easily as you get older? Are things difficult to reach? Are there any areas where you frequently hurt yourself, such as sharp corners or low cabinets? Do you have enough room to comfortably prepare meals? What if you (or someone else) needed to move around in the kitchen with a walker, cane, or a wheelchair? These are all important things to think about.
If you’re considering a kitchen remodel, be sure to make a list of all the changes you’re envisioning and why you want them. Make sure to note the things that you already like about your kitchen. When you have all of this written down, it helps your designer to understand your goals.
At Incredible Kitchens and Baths, we serve homeowners in and around Kokomo and Peru, IN. Simply contact us at (765) 437-1038, and we will do our best to work within your budget and your timeline to get your kitchen its much-needed update!