Renovating your home can be a beneficial project to start for various reasons. First, renovations increase home value, which can be helpful when building home equity and financial wealth for your family. Moreover, you can ensure that you sell your home for a higher price than you bought it when you decide to put it up on the market. Another benefit of performing renovations is creating a better living environment for yourself. Upgrading your home can provide more convenience, comfort, and efficiency to the things you want to do indoors, creating a more suitable space for your lifestyle.
However, you might have to make priorities when making renovations. If you don’t know where to start, consider taking your chances on the kitchen. According to real estate company Zillow, even a minor kitchen remodel can give homeowners a return on investment of 81 percent, the highest among other room renovations. However, you must be ready for the project, especially since the kitchen is an essential area for homeowners. Fortunately, you can benefit from a kitchen reno checklist to guide you. Here are a few things to add to that list.
Find a Remodeling Company
Kitchen remodeling projects vary according to scope. Some homeowners might want minor upgrades like upgrading cabinets or drawers. It can be ideal to start with those small projects, especially when the budget you are working around is limited. However, there is a case for more extensive renovations, especially when you want to significantly increase your home’s selling value. To do that, getting professional services might be necessary for your kitchen reno checklist.
Major kitchen remodeling projects can transform the entire room, but it can be the best choice if you have an outdated or worn-out kitchen. It is also ideal if your kitchen requires energy-efficient changes, leading to a transformation that might include breaking down walls to get to power lines. As a result, you might need a home remodeling service to ensure safe and secure renovations. The professional contractors know what to do regarding changes to a home’s structure, and your plans for the kitchen are achievable. Another option is to use specialized contractors for the area. Kitchen builders have a better grasp of modern kitchen designs, so your renovation ideas can receive proper research and assistance. These professionals can help ensure you get the kitchen remodel you desire for a better home value.
Install Your Appliances
The professional contractors you hire will remove everything from the kitchen, especially during a major renovation. They will start from scratch, which requires the removal of kitchen appliances and features. When they do, you must secure it in a safe space and ensure the contractors can create space for them during the remodeling project. As a result, taking inventory of your appliances should be part of your kitchen reno checklist.
You have plenty of appliances to consider for your kitchen. The essentials include refrigerators, microwaves, ovens, dishwashers, and stoves. Those items are often oversized, so you might need help storing them. Another category of kitchen appliances includes those you can tuck away neatly, such as the espresso machine, rice cooker, toaster, and air fryer. Those might not need too much attention, but keeping them out of the way for contractors is essential.
When renovations are finished, you can install them again. Stoves and gas ranges will require professional assistance for installation, especially when electrical wiring attachments are involved. Refrigerators are often manageable to plug in, but moving them might require heavy machinery. Dishwasher installation might also require professional help, especially since the appliance needs both electrical and plumbing connections. Remember where each device is placed during renovations, but you might have to figure out where to put them if the kitchen remodel contains spatial changes. You can use the kitchen once your appliances are installed, even if the renovation is unfinished.
Get Rid of Any Old Items
The kitchen remodeling project is a grand opportunity to do spring cleaning. One of the primary reasons for the renovation is to update everything, but a step before that involves removing those that make the area outdated. The kitchen reno checklist must contain that task, especially if you want to ensure you can budget for your new inventory. However, you must be strategic with this step to ensure your budget can handle it.
First, take note of the appliances that require constant repairs and maintenance. Those items might need replacements sooner or later, allowing you to prepare for purchases rather than wait for them to be unusable and create a sudden budget strain. If those appliances are heavy, consider getting movers. Another factor to consider is if items feel worn out. While functional, you might notice a few flaws. Pots with scratch and burn marks, chipped plates, and appliances with exposed wirings or missing buttons should not make it to the revamped kitchen. Furniture might also require removal, so getting a furniture removal service is necessary. They can ensure no damage happens to those kitchen pieces. Taking note of these kitchen essentials can help you clear up the space, allowing you to get creative to make the area look and feel brand new.
Upgrade to New Technology
A kitchen remodeling project presents an exciting opportunity to integrate cutting-edge technologies that can significantly improve the functionality and efficiency of your culinary space. As technology advances, homeowners increasingly recognize the importance of incorporating innovative solutions into their kitchens. Upgrading to new technology during a kitchen remodel is essential for various reasons, including the desire for improved performance, energy efficiency, and enhanced convenience.
For instance, a reverse osmosis system ensures a cleaner and healthier water supply by removing impurities and contaminants and aligns with the growing emphasis on sustainability in modern homes. Beyond the environmental benefits, these systems provide a direct and tangible enhancement to households’ overall health and well-being. Smart home technology is also an essential upgrade, with refrigerators and thermostats being good examples of what to get in the kitchen. They can be convenient and energy efficient, benefiting you more from your kitchen remodel project. A smart refrigerator can be more efficient and timely, containing multiple features that usually take various devices. The kitchen can also be a hot space because of your cooking needs. As a result, a smart thermostat might be a necessary installation, ensuring that bringing down the room temperature is as easy as clicking a button or stating a command.
You can add other technological upgrades to your kitchen reno checklist. However, getting more technologically advanced in the area is the right choice. You can also invest in energy-efficient appliances with smart home capabilities. Most outdated kitchens have gas-powered machines, and replacing them might suit your modern lifestyle and, more specifically, your utility bills.
Get a Fresh Coat of Paint
A crucial component of any kitchen reno checklist is the application of a fresh coat of paint. Beyond the practical purpose of protecting your walls from stains and moisture, a new layer of paint can utterly transform the atmosphere of your kitchen. It also provides an opportunity to breathe new life into the room, creating a welcoming and vibrant environment that makes cooking more pleasant. Whether you opt for a modern, sleek color scheme or a warm, traditional palette, the right choice of paint can set the tone for the entire space. This makes the kitchen feel more spacious, brighter, and in harmony with the overall design of your home.
To execute this integral step in your kitchen renovation, enlisting the expertise of an interior home painter is advisable. These professionals bring the technical skills required for a flawless finish and a keen eye for design and color coordination. An experienced interior home painter can guide you in selecting the most suitable paint type for your kitchen, considering factors such as durability, ease of cleaning, and resistance to humidity. Their meticulous approach ensures that every nook and cranny is covered, providing a seamless and long-lasting result.
Make Sure the Plumbing is in Check
Plumbing is the lifeblood of the kitchen, connecting various components such as sinks, faucets, dishwashers, and refrigerators. Ensuring that plumbing systems are optimal for the kitchen’s functionality and efficiency is essential. Leaky pipes or faulty connections can cause long-term issues that may be inconvenient and costly, making plumbing repair a necessary part of the kitchen reno checklist.
While it may be tempting to consider DIY solutions for plumbing repair during a kitchen renovation, hiring professionals is strongly recommended. Plumbing involves intricate systems and specialized knowledge that only experienced professionals possess. DIY repairs can often lead to further complications, potentially causing more extensive damage. Professionals not only have the expertise to identify and address plumbing issues efficiently, but they also adhere to safety standards and regulations. If you hire a plumber, you can rest assured that their kitchen renovation investment is in capable hands.
Put on the Finishing Touches
Completing a kitchen remodeling project is an exciting accomplishment, but the finishing touches bring the space together and make it feel brand new. A crucial step is ensuring all elements align with the kitchen reno checklist. Once the major components, such as cabinets, countertops, and appliances, are in place, it’s time to focus on the aesthetics.
One often overlooked aspect is the cleanliness of the kitchen’s windows. After construction and installation, a professional window cleaning service can allow maximum natural light to flood the space. Clean windows contribute to a polished look and maximize the impact of any outdoor views. Customizing bar stools or chairs around the kitchen island can add color and comfort. Finally, invest in high-quality, matching kitchen essentials like dish soap dispensers and utensil holders and coordinate small appliances to seamlessly tie the entire space together. You can also apply the same principle to plates, bowls, and glasses.
Since kitchen renovations can provide a blank canvas, making the changes you want for a long time in terms of matching designs is now achievable. However, you must ensure you have the budget for it. Buying new kitchen items should be postponed until renovations are finished. When the dust settles in your kitchen revamp, you can look at your budget and check if you can buy those necessities. If not, you can plan for it as an extended part of the kitchen reno checklist.
Don’t Forget the Details
You can enjoy your new and improved kitchen if every step above gets accomplished. However, the kitchen reno checklist will always end with addressing the small details that make the area uniquely yours. One key element that can elevate the aesthetics and functionality of a kitchen is the choice of materials, and among them, marble countertops stand out as a luxurious and timeless option. Integrating marble countertops into your kitchen adds an air of sophistication and enhances the overall home value. However, addressing small details extends beyond material choices; it involves curating a space that reflects your style and preferences. A well-thought-out kitchen reno checklist should prioritize these small details.
Consider incorporating personalized elements such as custom cabinetry with unique hardware, statement lighting fixtures that showcase your design flair, or even a chosen color palette that resonates with your aesthetic sensibilities. Personalized storage solutions, such as pull-out shelves or hidden compartments for specific kitchen gadgets, can enhance functionality while maintaining a sleek appearance. Adding a touch of greenery with indoor plants or creating a dedicated coffee nook are other small details that can significantly impact. By paying attention to these finer points, your kitchen becomes a reflection of your lifestyle and personality, creating a space that is visually appealing, functional, and uniquely yours.
Your kitchen transformation journey might take weeks or months to complete, especially when you decide to perform a complete overhaul. However, you will find it worthwhile once the results come out. An aesthetic and functional kitchen with an improved modern design can be ideal for your lifestyle and beneficial for your plans to increase home value. If you have the patience, budget, and tools, you can improve your cooking experience significantly. However, you must stay true to your kitchen reno checklist to accomplish the project efficiently and safely.