5 Questions to Consider When Remodeling Your Kitchen

With more of us staying at home, remodeling activity remains high. People are transforming their homes into comfortable and functional sanctuaries, and kitchens continue to be at the top of the remodeling list. Kitchens are one of the hardest working rooms in a home. If you’re ready to increase your cooking and entertaining space and upgrade to a beautiful, functional kitchen, it’s essential to plan carefully. The average kitchen remodeling project costs around $25,000, so carefully consider your wants and needs as you begin the planning process.

Questions to Consider Before Remodeling Your Kitchen

How Do You Want to Use Your Kitchen? 

Is your kitchen a place to gather with family and friends, or do you prefer to cook by yourself? Is it solely for meal preparation, or do family members use it for studying or other activities? Do you want an open concept kitchen or prefer some separation from living and dining spaces?

Do You Need More Space or Better Use of the Space You Have?

Older homes often have smaller kitchens. If you need more space for additional storage or want more connection with a dining or family room, removing walls will add to the cost. If you have a large kitchen but the space is underutilized, adding an island or better storage can make it more functional.

Do You Like the Existing Layout?

Moving appliances, plumbing, and electrical work will quickly drive up the cost of any remodeling project. In some cases, redesigning a kitchen around its original layout works, but the layout may need to be completely reworked if the functionality is poor.

What Type of Storage Do You Really Need?

It’s important to consider what type of storage is best for your family. Do you regularly cook large meals? If so, a walk-in pantry may be what you need to store groceries, cookware, and small appliances. If you mostly order carryout, an oversized pantry may not be necessary. Are there appliances and cookware that you never use and could donate or sell? Pay attention to what you use every day, and start thinking about the best way to organize those items.

What’s a Realistic Budget?

It’s nearly impossible for remodeling contractors to give you an accurate price-per-square foot figure. The size of your kitchen, the structural changes you want to make that impact plumbing and electricity, new appliances, cabinetry, countertops, flooring, and tile work all impact the total cost. Remodeling magazine’s Cost Vs. Value Report, which is based on data from builders and real estate professionals, is a valuable resource that can help you make a realistic budget estimate for your region of the country.

Examining your family’s habits, storage needs, and preferences is a good starting point for making your dream kitchen a reality. Some recent trends in kitchen remodeling you may want to consider include:

Rethinking the Open Floor Plan

Despite what you see on HGTV and Pinterest, many people are rethinking the idea of a fully open concept kitchen and living area. There are times when people want to work, relax or even entertain without seeing the kitchen. There are ways to open up a kitchen yet maintain some separation and privacy for busy households. 

Adding Tech-Friendly Upgrades

Adding additional electrical outlets, USB outlets, and motion sensor-equipped kitchen faucets are a few simple ways to make your kitchen more user-friendly. Smart appliances add both improved functionality and style when it’s time to replace old or outdated appliances.

Single Level Multi-Purpose Islands

Removing old two-level islands or peninsulas is a great way to modernize a kitchen. A single-level island is ideal for additional prep space, storage, a second sink, breakfast bar, or homework.

Adding Open Shelving

Open shelves create depth and make a kitchen seem larger and more open. Consider replacing a solid wall of upper cabinets with open shelving to modernize the space without sacrificing storage. Open shelving is a great place to display cookbooks, decorative dishes, and other frequently used items.

Specialty Shelving and Walk-In Pantries

A well-designed kitchen plan will have a place for infrequently used appliances such as toasters, blenders, and mixers. With more people cooking and eating at home, an organized pantry is a top priority for many homeowners. Adding specialized shelving for baking trays, oversized pots and pans, and other kitchenware helps keep items neat and organized.

Adding Color

All-white kitchens continue to be popular, but many people are adding color back into their designs. Contrasting colors on lower cabinets or an island add interest without overwhelming a smaller kitchen. A colorful backsplash or countertop is another popular option to consider. Dark wood flooring tones are also making a comeback.

Selecting Easy to Maintain Countertops

Homeowners who want low-maintenance countertops have several options to consider. Quartz is an ideal material because it offers the look of granite or marble without their inherent weaknesses. It won’t stain, and it is non-porous, making it easy to clean and sanitize. Also called engineered stone, it’s a very durable option for kitchens and bathrooms.  

kitchen remodeling

Hire a Professional Kitchen Remodeler

Kitchen remodeling projects require expertise. You’ve likely heard horror stories about homeowners attempting to do demolition on their own without considering the electrical wiring and plumbing inside walls and floors. Hiring a professional kitchen remodeling contractor is worth the money. They have the design experience and practical knowledge to help you create your dream kitchen. They will source and provide all of the materials needed, plan a realistic timeline for the project, and hire skilled professionals who can handle complex plumbing and electrical work. They can get the best deals on high-quality materials and could save you money in the long run.

Work With a Family Owned St. Louis Plumbing Company

Selecting a reliable plumbing contractor can be challenging. R.A. Guinner Plumbing Company provides complete bathroom and kitchen remodeling services and specializes in guiding clients through every step of the process. We can handle the entire project when you’re ready to renovate your kitchen, from design to demolition to refinishing. 

Our company is family-owned and operated, and we pride ourselves on “top of the line” service. All of our plumbers are licensed, bonded, and insured for your protection. No project is too big or too small for us to handle, and we always hold ourselves to the highest standards to ensure your needs are met and you are completely satisfied with the results. Contact us online or call us today at 314-752-9850 to discuss your needs.



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