What You Need to Know Before Remodeling Your Kitchen, Part 1

Are you thinking of remodeling your kitchen? If so, you need to read this blog post first! Kitchen remodeling can be a considerable undertaking, and knowing what you're getting yourself into is essential. In this post, Island Tile will discuss the most important things you need to know before starting a kitchen remodeling project. We'll cover everything from budgeting to choosing the right contractor. So whether you're just starting to plan your kitchen remodeling project or you're already in the midst of it, this post is for you!

Why are you remodeling your kitchen?

The first question you need to ask yourself is why you want to remodel your kitchen in the first place. Do you want to update the look of your kitchen? Or are you wanting to increase the functionality of your kitchen? Maybe you're doing both! Knowing the answer to this question will help you make all of the other decisions involved in kitchen remodeling.

Upgrading

If you just want to update the look of your kitchen, then you'll need to decide on things like what kind of style you want for your kitchen and what kind of materials you want to use. Do some research on kitchen design styles and start collecting pictures of kitchens that you like. This research will help you communicate your vision to your contractor.

As far as materials go, you'll need to decide on things like countertops, backsplashes, flooring, cabinetry, and hardware. Again, do some research to figure out what you like and what will work best in your kitchen. You'll also need to consider your budget when making these decisions.

Resale value?

If you're planning on selling your home in the near future, then you'll need to be mindful of what kinds of kitchen remodels will add the most value to your home. Stick to neutral colors and classic styles if you're worried about offending potential buyers. In general, a kitchen makeover should not cost less than 5 percent and not more than 15 percent of the home's value in order to recoup some of your investment. On average, a kitchen upgrade or complete remodel may expect to recover 50-59% of expenditures at the sale.

Do you entertain frequently, or are you a chef?

If you frequently entertain, then you'll want to make sure your kitchen can accommodate large groups of people. This interest means having enough counter space and seating. You may also want to consider a kitchen island if you entertain often. If you're a chef, then you'll want to make sure you have the necessary appliances and cookware to prepare your meals. Keep in mind, however, that kitchen remodels can be expensive. So, if you're planning to sell your home soon, you may not want to invest too much money into a kitchen remodel.

Are you looking for new appliances, plumbing, or electrical fixtures?

If you're planning on moving any walls or making significant changes, then you'll need to consult with a contractor. They'll be able to tell you if your plans are feasible and how much it will cost to implement them. Kitchen remodels can be costly, so you'll need to make sure you have the budget for it. Once you've decided on your kitchen's new layout, it's time to start shopping for appliances and fixtures.

If you're not planning on making any significant changes, then you might be able to get away with just updating your appliances and fixtures. This minor update can be a much less expensive option and can still make a significant impact on the look of your kitchen.

Common kitchen floor plans

You need a comprehensive plan for where to put each feature in your kitchen. A great way to make these decisions is by using the time-honored design concept known as "The Kitchen Triangle" or "The Golden Triangle." This method has been used since the massive wave of building projects in America during the 1940s and 1950s. The idea behind The Kitchen Triangle is that your three most essential pieces of appliances in the kitchen – the sink, fridge, and stove (or cooktop) – should form a triangle shape. Each side of this hypothetical triangle should be between four and nine feet long, and when you add up all three sides, they should equal somewhere between 13-26 feet total.

Galley kitchen

A galley kitchen is long and narrow and usually has cabinets on both sides. Because of this, it can sometimes feel cramped. However, galley kitchens are very space-efficient. If you have a galley kitchen, consider opening up one side with a breakfast bar or countertop extension.

Single wall kitchen

A single-wall kitchen is exactly what it sounds like – all of your kitchen appliances and cabinets are on one wall. This type can be a great option if you have a small kitchen, or if you want to open up the rest of your home for entertaining. The single-wall kitchen is most common in relatively small living spaces like apartments and condominiums. Unlike galley kitchens, they are also less restrictive in space, making them ideal for homeowners with limited space who still want to be able to move around smoothly.

L-shaped kitchen

An L-shaped kitchen is a kitchen that has two walls that form an L shape. This shape is often well-loved by homeowners because it puts the refrigerator and the stove at an ideal distance from each other -creating the aforementioned "Golden Triangle." If you want an efficient kitchen working space, you can't go wrong with the L-shaped kitchen.

U-shaped kitchen

A U-shaped kitchen is a kitchen that has three walls that form a U shape. This type is best suited for people who have three walls they can use for their kitchen. U-shape kitchens are among the most spacious types, with ample room for appliances, cabinets, and storage spaces. Other advantages of U-shaped kitchens include ample cooking space, the option to put an island in the center of the U, and the distinctive design allowing the kitchen to have its own character as part of the home.

Island and peninsula kitchens

Island and peninsula kitchens are kitchen layouts that feature an island or peninsula. This layout looks great with any open-concept kitchen. Peninsulas, when connected to wall-based cabinets, may also be used to create the island atmosphere while also dividing off a part of your kitchen area. Either way, an island or a peninsula is a great way to add usable space to your kitchen.

Check out our Part 2 of What You Need to Know Before Remodeling Your Kitchen!