Kitchen Remodeling Tips For The Homeowner

Kitchen Remodeling Ideas

Now you have decided to remodel your kitchen or at least make some small changes, we have an amazing list of kitchen remodeling ideas for you. Even small makeovers may change the look of your kitchen immensely.

Let’s clear out one thing right at the beginning: whether you live with a family or by yourself, the kitchen is the busiest space in a house. From the coffee you whip up to get out of that agonizingly-wonderful slumber every morning to the last glass of water you sip every night, the kitchen remains at the center of your home. It is perfectly understandable as to why just like life, kitchen design also needs a breath of fresh air, or simply, a coat of fresh paint.

But of course, a kitchen makeover is much more than that. Not only does it seek to reinvigorate the space most dear to the house, but it also will go a long way in ensuring that a fresh, updated kitchen remains at the heart of a healthy family. Let us understand what exactly you need to change and how you can manage a complete kitchen makeover.

Updating your kitchen backsplash is one of the easiest and cost-effective ways to give a new look to your old kitchen. It is also the first area that should get your attention when renovating your kitchen because a) no renovation is complete without a new Backsplash and b) it is the most used/abused area of the kitchen. From spilled food to hot oil splashes, the backsplash takes it all and complains little.

When updating your kitchen backsplash, consider whether you want to incorporate new changes to the material or re-do the existing design. If you are short on time and money, consider a simple coat of paint. This way, you can incorporate a variety of styles depending on your existing material or simply add a shade. If you are artistically inclined, use a stencil to create a design in a secondary accent color. Different kitchen backsplash ideas might be enough if you can’t afford a complete renovation.

STEPS TO A KITCHEN REMODEL

Think about what you need

This step is all about how you use your kitchen, and finding the layout and features that fit your household’s lifestyle. Think about your priorities: how many people will be cooking and gathering here, and how they’ll need to move around in it. Do you need an addition? Or can you work with your existing kitchen footprint?

Research and plan

Ready to green-light that project and take the plunge? The best place to start is by formulating what’s commonly referred to as a scope of work and figuring out your preliminary budget. Both of these may be subject to change, so don’t feel like you have only once chance at this. Budget and scope are intertwined and often change many times during the design process as you become more educated and able to reconcile what you want and what you can afford. As a homeowner, you’re not expected to walk into this knowing what everything should cost. Remember, this is an educational process.

Find the professionals you will need

Even if you’re going the DIY route, unless you’re building your own kitchen cabinets and doing your own electrical and plumbing, you’re going to have to work with a professional at some point. It may be as brief as leaning on your salesperson to help you in selecting and ordering your appliances or cabinets, but it’s something to plan on either way.

Some people start by visiting big-box stores or cabinet showrooms where they can see everything. Many homeowners get referrals from friends or colleagues and start by hiring an architect or designer. Still others might work on their own with a builder or contractor. Pros are available to help you with everything from contracts and permits to space planning, budgets, choosing finishes and fixtures, shopping, ordering products, helping you set up a temporary kitchen, and managing your project from start to finish.

Schematic design

This phase includes sketches, space planning, preliminary floor plans and elevations showing the layout and cabinet sizes. I try to keep my clients focused more on layout and space planning, even though the temptation is to talk about what the kitchen will look like. But I find that getting caught up in the look too early can distract from the space planning phase.

Kitchen remodel cost: Where to spend and how to save

No renovation adds as much equity to your home or is likely to be more enjoyed more than the kitchen. But kitchen remodel costs can get out of control quickly. When it comes to remodeling your kitchen, check out where experts suggest splurging — and where you can cut some corners.

Save: Cabinets

Although there’s definitely a case to be made for investing in the best cabinets you can afford — they consume more than 75% of your kitchen space, after all — the savings potential is just too great to ignore. Custom cabinets for a standard-sized kitchen can cost more than $40,000, whereas ready-to-assemble cabinets from a store like look amazing for a fraction of the price, says. That’s a savings of $36,000.

Splurge: Hardware and fixtures

Spring for bling! “You need just a few high-quality pieces for cabinetry to add the finishing touch — almost like jewelry adds to a fashion wardrobe. Every day, it’s in your hands so it needs to have a nice touch to it,” said, who is partial to polished nickel and soft satin brass that suit both traditional and contemporary interiors.

Save: Appliances

It’s not necessary to break the bank on a top-of-the-line stainless steel (still the standard) appliances, or on brands like SubZero or Wolf. points out that you’re not compromising a well-designed kitchen if you opt for perfectly excellent mid- and upper-range brands like Bosch, GE, Jenn Air and Fisher & Paykel. Just don’t be tempted by bells and whistles, which add unnecessary cost.

Splurge: Backsplash

“This is my favorite area to splurge, even on a budget kitchen, as there are so many wonderful tile options out there now, and a little bit of special tiles goes a long way,” said. Plus, installation generally costs the same whether you buy a tile you adore or a “crappy tile you’re not happy with,” said. That said, a classic white subway tile always looks chic and modern and can be had for as little as $2 per square foot. (But only buy it if you love it.)

How to Handle Your Urge to Overspend on a New Kitchen

Ask 10 people what to splurge on in a kitchen remodel, and you’ll get 10 different answers. What constitutes an ideal space is highly subjective, and every kitchen remodel is a circus-worthy balancing act of money and priorities. Start by knowing what’s important to you, and then spend strategically.

Look to Your Layout

If you are happy enough with your kitchen’s existing footprint, leave it as is. “Keeping your layout is a surefire way to save money,” says, an interior designer. One of the biggest ways to drive up spending is by tearing down walls and reconfiguring the space, which usually requires expensive professionals to move plumbing and electrical work. Keep outside labor costs low and don’t shift the sink, lighting, and appliances without good reason. That said, if your biggest pet peeve is staring at a wall for hours while you wash your household’s endless stream of dishes, then a new open floor plan with an island sink might just be worth it to you. Pay more for the change, then take money from elsewhere in your budget.

Material Matters

Well-constructed, durable materials that better withstand the heavy wear and tear of meal prep, cooking, and cleaning are almost always worth the extra money. Avid cooks, in particular, will want to spend more on items that get a lot of use—particularly those that are fixed and hard to replace down the line. While it’s relatively easy and cheap to swap out a pendant light, tearing out and reinstalling an entirely new countertop requires a lot more money and effort. Choose a quality work surface the first time and you won’t have to turn around and shell out more cash in a couple of years when the original one chips or stains.

Consider Cabinets

Few things cause more sticker shock than new custo m kitchen cabinets. One strategy is to use existing cabinetry wherever possible, especially when it’s made of real wood and still in good condition. Fresh paint and new hardware go far for just a couple hundred bucks, if you tackle the work yourselves. (In fact, the more you knowledgeably DIY, the more you save, whether it’s demo, painting, or even plumbing.) For non-handy types, refacing is also an option, which updates the outwardly visible parts of an existing cabinet framework, namely the doors, side panels, and drawer fronts. It’s not as cheap as a couple of coats of paint, but can make old, outdated cabinets look like a completely new and different animal, without the custom price tag.

Treat Yourself

After successfully saving your pennies elsewhere, consider at least one decent splurge to take your kitchen to the next level. “Lighting is an easy way to upscale your project, without a huge price tag. Look to Etsy for reasonably-priced, but handmade, pieces that will bring a touch of something special to your room,” says. “You’ll support makers along the way, so it’s a win-win.”

How to understand the cost for your next kitchen remodel the design build

Remodeling your kitchen is one of the most requested home renovation projects at Winthorpe Design & Build. Why are so many homeowners electing to give their kitchen a makeover?

You spend a lot of time in your kitchen. It’s the heart of a home, and as such, it should reflect your aesthetic and lifestyle. Maybe you’re ready to change your style. A remodeling project can help with that! But a kitchen renovation doesn’t just benefit you. A quality remodel can have a significant impact on the market value of your abode, giving it curb appeal and making it highly desirable to potential buyers.

Your kitchen is the space that sees the most traffic in your house. It’s a hub of activity, so it makes perfect sense that you should have a spot that both reflects your style and serves your needs to a tee. Perhaps you want to open up your space, increase its functionality, or turn your kitchen into a high-tech culinary haven. Or maybe you’re just ready to update your kitchen’s aging aesthetic. Whatever your reason for remodeling, you’ll need a plan.

If you’re not sure where to start with such an enormous undertaking, you’re not alone. A total kitchen remodel has a lot of moving parts, and there are plenty of executive decisions to be made. That’s why having an experienced and qualified team on your side is so important. You’ll want to know that the job will be done right the first time, on time, and within your budget.

So why work with a kitchen design team? Unlike the average homeowner, these are folks who are well-educated and certified in their fields. They know exactly what an extensive remodel entails, and how to deliver on a vision. They’re up-to-date on all the most recent trends, products, and materials. They’re professionals, and this is what they do

Tips For Home Remodeling Projects

These Home Improvements Have the Best Payoffs

When you take out a home equity line of credit or dip into your high-interest savings account to undertake a home remodeling job, you want to feel that you’re doing the right thing.

For example, adding an upscale master suite costs an average of about $271,000 but adds only about $137,000 to the value of a home, says Remodeling magazine in its annual Cost vs. Value Report.

Update your kitchen cabinets

A minor kitchen remodel has one of the best returns on investment, Remodeling says: You’ll recover 80.5% of the costs when your home is sold. You don’t need to spend thousands of dollars on new cabinets to refresh your kitchen.

Change out the kitchen sink

Another cost-effective change you can make in the kitchen is to swap out the sink. The kitchen sink gets a ton of use — and a new one can be a major plus when you list your home. Stainless steel sinks are the most popular and durable, according to Consumer Reports. A generous-sized stainless steel sink goes for about $250 to $350.

Replace appliances with next-to-new

High-end replacements for your ancient fridge and other tired old appliances can bring major ooohs and ahhhs at an open house. In fact, a National Association of Homebuilders survey finds more than two-thirds of buyers (67%) want to see stainless steel appliances.

Remodeling With a Home Equity Loan – Things to Remember

Imagining how you’re going to enjoy the new comforts of a home renovation after you’ve been approved for a home equity loan can be relaxing. The expanded living room, bigger bathtub, new game room or whatever else you’ve been dreaming of can seem like a carefree time that you’ll soon be enjoying.

Problems pop up, as they often do with construction projects, and some are out of a homeowner’s control. Other potential problems, however, can be dealt with before they happen by thinking ahead before getting approved for a home equity loan or line of credit

Realize you’re paying higher interest

A home equity loan is given to the borrower in a lump sum, and the interest is charged on the full amount from the beginning of the loan – which are major differences from a home equity line of credit, also called a HELOC.

Check out the contractor

Along with getting referrals from friends and family, check out a contractor’s license with state licensing agencies.

Check the contractor’s insurance

After checking out a contractor’s referrals and past work, and if they’ve been sued for shoddy or incomplete work, make sure they have enough general liability and worker compensation insurance.

remodeling projects for adding value to your home

A new steel door may not sound like the sexiest addition to your house, but it’s one of the financially savviest.

Exterior work on a property, from new siding to replacing windows, dominate the list of projects that offer the biggest bang for your buck. They offer the largest return because a potential home sale can be made or broken on the exterior alone, real estate agents say.

Two-story addition

Remodeling Magazine includes a new first-floor family room and a second-floor bedroom with bathroom in this two-story addition, but any addition of square footage will add value, regional vice president for the National Association of Realtors.

Bathroom remodel

Remodeling Magazine’s quoted cost includes updating an existing 5-by-7-foot bathroom and replacing all fixtures, including installing a porcelain-on-steel tub with ceramic tile around it, new shower, standard toilet and new tile floor.

Basement remodel

Buyers are definitely impressed by finished basements, said. Remodeling Magazine includes in its cost a 20-by-30-foot entertaining area with wet bar and a bathroom. However, finishing your basement may not necessarily add value in an appraiser’s eyes, as an appraiser typically counts living space above grade only, said.

Renovation Essentials

Keeping Your Home Organized

Many people are staying inside to help slow the spread of the new coronavirus, and you may be feeling a little boxed in. Here are a few simple storage and organization tips to help open up your space and increase your productivity at home.

Explore Room Ideas

Get inspired with beautiful images and ideas that help you decide how best to refresh your outdoor space for spring.

Take One Room at a Time

Even though the coronavirus might have you on edge, resist the urge to tear through your house, finding all the clutter and flaws in every room. Instead, start with one room and go from there. Decide which space to tackle first by determining how much time you spend in it.

If your living room is too disorganized to function efficiently, start there. Look for organization solutions that fit within your style and budget. Storage ottomans can double as foot rests and extra seating but offer compact storage for throw blankets. Or if your kitchen is so cluttered you end up burning your food because you can’t find a spatula, bring in drawer organizers. If you’ve stocked up on pantry essentials to get you through the next couple of weeks, consider pantry organizers to help you better visualize your food inventory so you don’t end up wasting anything.

If every room is equally in need of organization, consider starting with your favorite room so you have a place that you love to retreat while you’re working your way around the house. Look for multifunctional storage options that can add to the look and functionality of your space while concealing your stuff. Lift-top coffee tables, decorative baskets, and ladder bookshelves are low-profile storage options that make organizing your stuff easy and stylish. For specific room organization tips, read our guides for decluttering your Living Room, Bathroom, Kitchen, Home Office, Craft Room, and Garage.

things you should expect during a home remodel

Home remodeling can be a great adventure. From start to finish, renovations are usually full of extreme highs and lows. Knowing what to expect during a home renovation can help you prepare for the process.

Noise: Power tools aren’t quiet. If you’re sensitive to noise, find out from your contractor when the noise levels will be at their worst, so you can stay away during that time.

Expense: Even remodels that stay within budget can be costly, and many remodels cost more than expected. When setting aside money for your upcoming bathroom or kitchen remodel, leave yourself a buffer so you can handle the unexpected costs that might arise.

Delays: No one knows what’s going on behind your walls. Asbestos, old wiring, leaky plumbing and other problems can cause delays. Keep in mind that your contractor’s timeline is an estimate, and avoid making firm plans that depend on a specific remodel completion date.

Grime: Demolition, drilling and sawing all create dust that can be difficult to wash away when your project is complete. To avoid a lengthy cleanup at the end of your renovation, move furniture away from the work areas, and cover everything with disposable drop cloths, which are available in your home improvement store’s paint department. Be sure to let the dust settle for a few days after the work is finished before you try to clean anything.

Chaos: Once the remodel gets started, it may be a while before your home looks normal again. Work on your “go with the flow” attitude before the remodel gets started.

Changes of plan: You may be solidly in the middle of your remodel when you realize that some details of your original plan aren’t what you wanted. Keep an open mind and be ready to make changes as necessary.

Decisions upon decisions: You’ll have to make many choices every day throughout the process. Some decisions will be easy, others more difficult. Maintain good lines of communication with your contractor to ensure that your project turns out the way you hoped.

Trips to the home improvement center: You’ll need to make many trips to the home improvement center to buy fixtures, flooring and other items. Leave time for unexpected runs to the store.

Frustration: No doubt about it, remodels can try your patience. Stay calm throughout the process. If you’ve done your due diligence and picked the right contractor, it will all be worth the hassle in the end.

Exultation: Remodels can be a lot of work, but they’re worth the investment. When your remodel is finished, have a party to celebrate the end of a job well done.