Tacoma Kitchen Remodeling offers a chance to add new features that meet your family’s needs. Whether you’re looking for a stylish design or upgrades like recessed lighting and energy-efficient appliances, the right upgrades can improve livability and boost resale value.
Start by establishing your goals and budget for the project. Remember to set aside contingency money for surprises that can’t be planned, such as removing load-bearing walls or plumbing and electrical upgrades.
Cabinets are at the heart of every kitchen. They provide the structure and storage space for everything from food to utensils. They also offer a great opportunity to define your personal style and create a room that is comfortable, efficient and easy to work in.
A new cabinetry design can also add a significant amount of value to your home and is one of the few remodeling projects that typically offers a high return on investment at resale. However, it is important not to go overboard with your cabinet and countertop selections to avoid being overwhelmed by the costs of a full-scale renovation that exceeds what your home’s market can support.
When selecting a cabinet material, consider your kitchen’s traffic patterns and functionality. Durability is an important factor when comparing cabinets to other materials, particularly in a kitchen where moisture and heat are prevalent. Wood cabinetry offers natural, traditional beauty with the added benefit of being resistant to moisture and stains. Laminate, on the other hand, can give you an almost unlimited number of color, pattern, and design options with less up-front cost.
While cabinet finishes are a personal choice, most homeowners choose a lighter color for upper cabinets and a darker finish for lower cabinetry to complement the floor and counters. White cabinets are a popular option that can instantly brighten up the room. For a more dramatic effect, dark stain or paint can also add visual depth to the room.
If you’re going to install new appliances during your kitchen remodel, plan ahead to ensure that they are delivered before you begin tearing down existing cabinets. It’s best to order appliances well in advance, especially if they are custom sizes and colors, says Hillery.
Countertops
Countertops are a kitchen’s focal point and can help tie the look of your entire space together. Whether you prefer light, dark or somewhere in between, you’ll find an array of natural and manufactured options to choose from.
Marble and granite countertops continue to be popular choices for many homeowners, thanks in part to their classic beauty and durability. However, these natural materials can be susceptible to cracking, chipping and staining. If you’re concerned about these issues, quartz may be a better option for your new countertops. Quartz countertops are durable and offer a wide variety of colors and patterns to suit your taste.
If you’re interested in a more unique look, consider river rock countertops. These beautiful surfaces consist of small, polished river rocks suspended in acrylic or cement and can be made into a variety of shapes and styles. This countertop material is also easy to maintain and withstands heat damage.
Stainless steel countertops are another stylish option for modern kitchens. They can be cleaned easily with mild soap and water and are nonporous, making them resistant to bacteria. However, this material shows fingerprints and can be scratched, so it’s not ideal for homes with children.
If you’re not able to save up for your countertop remodel, consider a home equity line of credit (HELOC). These loans use your existing home equity as collateral and typically come with low interest rates. However, you’ll need to have enough home equity to qualify and the right amount of cash on hand to cover any closing expenses. Be careful to plan a sound repayment schedule so you can pay off the debt in a timely manner.
Flooring
The kitchen is a semi-moist area where steam, spills, and high foot traffic can cause wear and tear on floors. To combat these conditions, a durable material is key. Tile, carpet, hardwood and composite laminate boards are popular choices. Each offers different style and color options, as well as pricing that can affect your overall project costs.
Kitchen cabinets are another major expense. Even with trends for open shelving and upper cabinet alternatives, cabinets still provide essential storage for food and supplies. Work with your contractor to design cabinets that meet your space and budget goals.
In many cases, you’ll need to add new plumbing or electrical lines as part of a remodel, which can increase the total cost of the project. Depending on your remodel plan and where these lines are located, you may need to change your floor plans. These alterations can be costly and require a significant amount of time to complete.
Flooring needs to be durable enough for the wear and tear of a busy kitchen, but also fit your aesthetic and design goals. Wood can create a warm, inviting look, while concrete and tiles can offer a sleek and contemporary vibe. Alternatively, you can opt for a modern look with patterned or geometric-shaped tile.
If you’re on a tight budget, your contractor may suggest working with subcontractors to perform certain parts of the remodel, such as plumbers, electricians and flooring pros. This can significantly reduce your costs by allowing you to hire the contractors of your choice and keep their overhead low. However, it’s important to understand that working with subcontractors can increase your project timeline and requires a large amount of oversight on your end.
Appliances
Your kitchen appliances play an important role in your cooking and eating experience. During your remodel, consider replacing old appliances with newer models that have better energy efficiency and smart features to make food prep and cleanup easier and more fun.
Be sure to select appliances that are compatible with your home’s style, as well as your budget. You can often save money by choosing appliance finishes and sizes that are standard, rather than custom options. If you are planning to sell your home in the future, remember that overly customized kitchen elements can limit your potential buyer pool.
Creating a comprehensive wish list and researching appliance features before you shop will ensure that your kitchen remodel results in the kitchen of your dreams. Your designer or trade professional can help you match your needs and wants to available options.
For example, if you cook a lot, your designer may recommend a double oven to accommodate larger batches of food and reduce cooking time. If you entertain, they might suggest a warming drawer or ice maker to streamline the serving process. And if you are concerned about air quality, a hood with ventilation will keep smoke and odors at bay.
It is also a good idea to plan for unexpected expenses during your remodel. Setting aside a cash reserve or getting preapproved for a line of credit will allow you to cover costs when they arise. These funds can come in handy when you are forced to replace a broken appliance or if you discover that your renovation requires more extensive work than originally planned. This will protect your bottom line and keep your project on track.
Lighting
Homeowners are looking for ways to improve the functionality of their homes. One of the most popular renovations is a kitchen remodel. A kitchen remodeling project can increase the value of a property and enhance its aesthetic appeal. It can also save homeowners money on energy bills and reduce the need for costly repairs.
During a kitchen remodeling project, homeowners are often concerned with the color scheme and the look of new cabinets, countertops, flooring, and appliances. However, they often overlook the importance of a well-designed lighting system. A poorly lit kitchen can be uninviting and difficult to work in. It can also lead to safety concerns by making it difficult to see food prep areas and other kitchen tasks.
A successful lighting design should include a combination of ambient, task, and accent lighting. This ensures that all areas of the kitchen are well-lit and allows you to adjust the ambiance depending on your activity or mood. Pendant lights are a popular option for kitchens because they can be installed in a variety of styles and finishes to match any design theme. Decorative chandeliers are another way to add a focal point that will make your kitchen stand out.
Under cabinet lighting is a great choice for kitchens because it can function as task and accent lighting. It is perfect for illuminating countertops and backsplashes, and it can be adjusted with a dimmer switch to create a warm and welcoming ambiance.
Homeowners are embracing the idea of incorporating artwork into their kitchen designs, and a well-placed lighting fixture can help to highlight these pieces. Whitehead suggests using recessed, adjustable fixtures that can be used to illuminate canvasses and framed artwork, such as photographs.