The kitchen is often considered the hub of the home, as most members find multiple reasons to go there throughout the day. Everything from breakfast in the morning, lunchtime, homework, dinner, and late-night snacks bring the family to the kitchen. Families bond, friends enjoy game nights, and so much more. But sometimes these precious spaces need a bit of renovation.
Kitchen renovations can be a daunting task for many people, especially when they cost more than initially intended. Fortunately, the Aspire Construction renovation experts created this guide to help you plan your perfect kitchen. We’ll help you determine what kind of budget you should expect, and what kind of renovations to expect at different budgets. Ready? Here we go!
- When is the best time to renovate your kitchen?
The most common time for kitchen renovation is during the summer since most people cook outdoors more, and the holiday season demands more out of the kitchen. This makes summer an ideal time for your kitchen upgrade and update.
When planning your kitchen renovation, you want to be sure to develop a thorough plan. If working with a contractor like those at Aspire, we’ll help discuss your ideal time frame and sign a contract that clearly outlines what’s expected of each party.
If you plan on doing your kitchen yourself, be sure to motivate yourself to keep to your plan. Sometimes while remodeling your kitchen, you’ll hit setbacks which is normal. Adjust your schedule and keep visualizing how great your kitchen will be when you’re done to stay motivated.
- How much does a kitchen renovation cost?
Renovating your kitchen is an investment. Not only does it become a comfort that you, family, friends, and guests can enjoy, but it also increases the value of your home. With that being said, let’s look at the average cost.
Typically, kitchen renovations cost anywhere from $5,000 to $90,000. Our experts suggest that if you are planning on selling your home within five years of your renovation, you should keep your renovations cost lower. If you plan on staying in your home for 7 or more years after your renovation, it’s worth the extra cost to get higher-end upgrades.
When budgeting for a kitchen remodels, it’s important to set aside a small stash of ‘emergency’ funds. These funds can help cover any unexpected costs that pop up. Being prepared always helps. We also recommend that you consider other expenses that may come up while your kitchen is undergoing renovations; storage, hotel, moving, eating, etc. These costs are often forgotten when planning a renovation but are just as important.
Overall, your kitchen renovations should cost approximately 6-10% of your home’s total value.
- Where do I start with my kitchen renovation?
Once you get your budget established, the designing can begin! This is definitely the more exciting part, but it can also be the most challenging. So, where do you start? Let us break it down.
First, start with the layout. There are five basic layouts for your kitchen:
- One Wall
- Galley
- L-Shape
- Horseshoe
- Island
When planning your kitchen, you want to consider the space you have and what is going to fit your lifestyle best. You should also consider what kind of style you want for your kitchen. The two most common styles breakdown to Traditional or Contemporary.
If you are planning on selling your home soon, you should also consider what style best fits your neighborhood and the latest trendy styles, as well.
From there, it’s time to make a list of priorities. These include the kitchen items that need to be done and are the most pressing. Usually, countertops, appliances, flooring, lighting, and cabinets are the most common things to consider.
Are you updating your kitchen or upgrading? This will also affect the kinds of things you are looking for when planning your kitchen upgrade. We recommend when creating your priorities/dream kitchen, you plan a backup plan, as well.
Once you gather all this information, put it in writing. This makes it easier to stick to later on. Whether it’s a check-list or a spreadsheet or a design binder or any other variation, having your plan and budget in writing will help keep you on-track and on-budget.
Are you looking for additional help with your kitchen renovation? If you are upgrading or just updating, Aspire Construction is here to help you bring your kitchen to life!