So you’ve decided to redo your kitchen. That’s great! But taking on a remodel can be a challenging task, and there are a lot of decisions to make when working with a contractor to achieve your exact vision. There are so many different facets of a kitchen. At Reynolds Home Builders, we know that this task can be very daunting and even scary. So where do you even begin planning your ideal kitchen remodel?
The first thing we would recommend is establishing a budget. Everyone looking to do a remodel should have a dollar amount in their mind and you want to make sure that you are comfortable in your price range. However, it’s important to remember that kitchen remodels are expensive, and you may not get every detail in your dream kitchen with your down-to-earth budget – and that’s OK!
Before you start, it’s important to shop around and get an idea of what things you absolutely must have and what things you may be able to do without. For example, if you call in love with Carrera marble, it is going to be more expensive to install than a laminate countertop and take more of your budget.
Full kitchen remodels vary vastly in price, but the most comprehensive renovations typically run in the mid five-figure range, so it’s important to be prepared to manage your budget to make the most of your remodel. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key areas of the kitchen and where you might want to allocate your spending as part of a kitchen makeover.
Countertops
There are a lot of popular countertop options on the market right now. Granite, marble, stone, stainless steel and butcher block countertops are just a few of the popular modern options, and each offers its own benefits for your home.
Stainless steel is normally thought of as the surface for restaurant kitchens, as it has an industrial connotation with it. However, if you’re looking for something that is low maintenance, it can be a viable option. For a higher end look, a wooden butcher block counter is another option. It has the potential to carry an appealing look throughout your kitchen space and generate a warm, comforting feeling. These types of countertops have a higher upkeep, though, and need to be oiled frequently to stay fresh and resilient.
Marble, granite and quartz are our favorite countertop options. They’re chic, classic and will never go out of style. They come in a variety of colors and styles, and each offers unique veining which means that you’ll have an entirely unique and distinctive look unlike anyone else. In terms of resell value, these stone countertops are highly sought after, and if your home has a granite, marble or quartz countertop, it will probably sell better than one with a more modern type of countertop. Modern countertops will only appeal to a niche group, but no one can resist a nice stone countertop. Countertops are the statement piece to your kitchen – you should not select one lightly.
For more information about different types of countertops, check out this article on Houzz or this advice from DIY Network to help you explore options side by side.
Islands versus Peninsulas
So we’ve discussed countertops. The next question is – island or peninsula? No, not for your next vacation, but for the layout of your kitchen!
Islands are very in right now, and we know a lot of homeowners desire them. Just because they’re popular, though, doesn’t mean they’re for you. It is important to consider your kitchen’s functionality and how you work during meal prep. Is it better for you to have a bigger peninsula or a small island?
At the end of the day, one big factor is whether you want more counter space or storage or a combination, and your counter layout will dictate that to a large degree. An island can give you more workable space – especially handy if you need to have several places open or cook with family or friends frequently – but often requires a sacrifice of some storage space.
It’s also important to note that both options can still offer you a breakfast bar or seating area for your guests to sit and relax, but your personal workflow and the space you have to work with should be your driving philosophy when it comes to deciding on what’s best for you.
Cabinets
Cabinets are another daunting selection. While you may not think about it much, there are so many different varieties on the market and each different type will add a different aesthetic to your kitchen. Are you looking for something classic, or do you want something at the polar extremes of rustic or modern? Houzz has a great article on different cabinet door styles that can help you look at some options side by side.
You should decide what kind of aesthetic you are going for in your kitchen prior to just selecting random styles you like. Just because you like something does not mean that it will mesh with something else you selected. Your kitchen cabinets will need to complement the countertop that you selected, and arguably, cabinets are one of the most visual parts of your kitchen. Not only are they important for storage, they set the tone.
There are also hardware and other design considerations to keep in mind as well. For example, do you want soft-close drawer sliders, designed to prevent slamming? Maybe you want to have a pull-out shelf that looks like a cabinet but pulls out, offering both a unique storage space for tall items and a way to make accessing items typically hard to reach in the back more accessible. These and other considerations should be discussed during the planning process.
Custom made cabinets will probably be your best option to maximize your space in your home, and can be created in any style or finish you like. Working with the team at Reynolds Home Builders, we can help you decide the best look to create a balanced and inviting overall look for your space.
Floors
When changing the cabinet layout in your kitchen, there is also new flooring to consider. There are so many different types of flooring that you’re sure to find something that matches your preference and your lifestyle. From ceramic tile to hardwood floors to stone floors, the options are nearly endless. At Reynolds Home Builder, one of our favorite options is vinyl plank, which looks great – like wood or tile – and can be used throughout your home easily. It is also resistant to spills and wear, and is easy on the knees when kneeling to get pots and pans or cleaning up messes. For more information on different types of kitchen flooring, Houzz has some great resources to help find a material match or we’re happy to go over different options with you.
Utility Connections
Utility connections are some of the trickiest parts in remodeling a kitchen. If your plumbing, electrical or gas lines are in the wrong spot, a remodel could be tricky. It is no easy or cheap task to move a utility connection, however it may be necessary to rework your connections depending on the new design you’re looking at. Sometimes, moving these connections will allow you to maximize your limited space and create unique elements or fixtures, but if working with a limited budget, you may want to adapt your design around your connections instead.
Other Elements
Of course, these core components don’t discuss other finishing touches you may want to consider. For example, what about the walls above counters and around the sink? There are a wide variety of backsplash options to explore that offer bright colors and designs while affording a bit of protection for the serious spills or splashes. You may also want to consider undermount lighting, which can add lights below hanging cabinets to bring a bit of extra visibility when working on counters. You can also look at your overall room lighting selection and choose from recessed fixtures, hanging lights or chandeliers and a range of other options.
Do you have any questions about remodeling your kitchen? With our years of experience, we can work with you to determine the best options for your new kitchen that maximizes the space and features while keeping to your budget! Call us today at 850-508-5076 for a consultation to learn more.