The kitchen is used for preparing meals, eating, and gathering. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that Americans spend an average of 68 to 77 minutes consuming food or beverages on a daily basis.
Another 34 to 37 minutes is spent on food prep and cleanup. These stats don’t include time used to stare into the fridge or chat with a friend at the kitchen table.
1. Should You Renovate Your Kitchen?
Are you 100% satisfied with your kitchen in its current state? There are a few things to think about when deciding if a renovation is your best option, and what to consider when remodeling a kitchen.
- Size: Size is important when accommodating multiple people. Also consider whether your household will grow with new housemates or children on the way.
- Flow: The layout of your kitchen should permit traffic to flow freely. Walkways should be a minimum of 3’ wide with work aisles 3.5’ or wider.
- Accessibility: A good kitchen design will allow everyone to access appliances, cabinets and other key areas as needed, including those with disabilities and limited mobility.
2. The Cost of a Kitchen Renovation
Cost is a driving factor for most renovation projects. Costs can vary depending on the type and level of finishes that you choose along with the time needed for carpentry, electrical and plumbing.
Some of the finishes and choices to consider are:
- Cabinets
- Island
- Countertops
- Sink(s)
- Faucet(s)
- Appliances
- Ventilation System
- Custom Lighting
- Flooring
- Paint
- Trim
When planning the cost of your kitchen renovation, make sure that you account for unforeseen circumstances. You may discover a previously unknown problem or a setback could require more materials and time.
There should be breathing room in your budget to cover these unpredictable situations. Your custom kitchen designer will work around your set budget. Having the funds available and ready will allow your contractor to work quickly and remain on schedule.
3. What Will You Renovate?
Once you know how much you can comfortably spend on the project, you will need to decide what you will renovate. Start with:
- Appliances or components that are broken or damaged
- Appliances or components that are outdated or at end of life
- Appliances or components that lack the capacity your household needs
- Appliances or components that don’t match your home’s aesthetic
4. Financial Benefits of a Kitchen Renovation
The vast majority of renovation projects will not see a 100% return on the amount put in. The goal should be to maximize your return to get the best value out of your home investment.
That’s 65.3% of the cost recouped. The average minor kitchen remodel cost $20,830 with a resale value of $16,699, recouping 80.2% of the cost. In upscale homes, the average cost increases to $122,991 (with $76,149 resale value and 61.9% recouped.
There’s additional financial benefits to include in your list of things to consider when designing a kitchen, like lower utility bills when switching to Energy Star certified appliances. Home appliances account for around 13% of household energy costs.
Over 60 million of the 170 million refrigerators in the U.S. are over 10 years old and consume $4.4 billion in energy expenses annually. Updating to an Energy Star refrigerator could save a household more than $270 over 5 years.
Energy Star dishwashers use around 5.8 gallons of water per cycle. Pre-1994 dishwasher models use 10 gallons or more per cycle. You could significantly cut back on your monthly utility bills just by updating your kitchen appliances.
5. Preparing for Your Kitchen Renovation
The following tips will help you survive your kitchen renovation:
- Ask for an exact time line from your contractor so you know when work will take place.
- Cook meals in advance. Kitchen appliances may be inaccessible during the project.
- Remove curtains, pictures, and wall hangings as well as furnishings and decorative items.
- Set aside all essential kitchen items you will need like utensils and small appliances.
- Purchase disposable dishware, so you don’t have to wash dishes during the renovation.
Here’s Your Next Step…
Are you ready to take the next step in your kitchen renovation project? Let us help with reliable service and a lifetime warranty on all labor. Contact Post & Beam today at 410-683-2020 or click the button below, to learn more about our kitchen renovation services.
Need Help With Your Kitchen Renovation Project?
Bad communication, not showing up on time, and poor quality work don’t make a beautiful kitchen. The right kitchen design/build process does. Request an estimate, and we’ll guide you through our process that turns general ideas into your dream kitchen.