In many households, the kitchen is the heart of the house and the center of activity. A new kitchen can create a sanctuary in the home by easily bringing together comfort, beauty, and satisfaction. While remodeling a kitchen can be expensive, the benefits and convenience it brings to the homeowner make it a worth undertaking. Some homeowners remodel their kitchens in phases or do small projects like repainting, while others do a complete overhaul of the space and appliances. Different reasons inspire remodeling projects, but here are the common ones.
Value
Nothing adds more value to a home on sale than an upgraded kitchen. Many homeowners remodel their kitchens to increase the marketability and value of the home, and it always works. Depending on where the house is located, the amount put into the project and the details of the remodeling, the seller gets back more than half of what they put into the project, at the end of the sale. Kitchen remodeling also lands sellers a buyer more quickly because home buyers are often picky about kitchens and will almost always go for a remodeled kitchen over one that requires a whole lot of improvement.
Deterioration
The kitchen might have outlived its usefulness and is in dire need of a repair. Peeling counter-tops, cracked tiles, outdated appliances, or broken cabinet doors that do not exactly inspire the homeowner might trigger a remodeling. This makes the space more stylish and appealing.
Modernity
A kitchen can look good, but still feel outdated. Kitchen appliances have advanced in the past few years, and they have revolutionized kitchen experiences. There are now dishwashers that are quieter and more efficient, ovens that cook faster and better and refrigerator drawers and warming drawers, among other new technology. Homeowners who want to get rid of appliances that scream 1950 and live in the now often have to remodel their kitchens to accommodate such live improving appliances.
Lifestyle
Depending on current changes in a home-owner’s life, there might be a need to remodel a kitchen to accommodate the new lifestyle. This can be anything from hosting guests to raising a large family. The best kitchen design and remodel should be appealing and functional, while still reflecting the home-owner’s way of living. Kitchen remodeling ideas for a lifestyle change may include more seating space, a warming drawer, pantry and more cabinet space, a larger refrigerator, a customized wine refrigerator, counter-top space or even a rack for hanging pots.
Special needs
Sometimes it becomes necessary for homeowners to redesign their kitchen to accommodate the needs of disabled or elderly family members. For instance, if there is a family member who uses a wheelchair and is not able to access high cabinets, a remodel can make it easier for them. Using universal design techniques when remodeling ensures the kitchen can be easily accessed and used by all people regardless of size, age, or physical ability without the need for a specialized design later.
Energy efficiency
Energy saving can be a prime motivation for a kitchen remodel. It can be achieved by increasing the amount of natural light that gets into the kitchen to reduce the use of artificial light to using solar water heaters or energy saving appliances. This directly translates to reduced utility bills and a healthier environment.