Kitchen Remodeling Tacoma WA is an opportunity to add style, functionality, and value to your home. It is important to think through your goals before a project starts.
Do you want to improve resale value? Be careful not to over-customize your remodel with features that may limit your future buyers.
A kitchen remodel can significantly increase the value of your home. It can also make your home more comfortable and enjoyable to live in. However, a kitchen remodel can be very expensive. Therefore, it is important to plan your budget before beginning the project.
It is also important to decide whether you will need a major or minor kitchen remodel. A major remodel usually involves gutting and rebuilding the entire kitchen. However, a minor remodel includes updating the cabinets, appliances, flooring, and paint.
There are a few ways to keep your kitchen remodeling costs low. For example, you can use inexpensive countertop materials like butcher block or laminate. You can also save money by painting the kitchen yourself and using particleboard instead of plywood where it won’t be seen. Additionally, you can save on appliance costs by choosing mid-range appliances rather than luxury ones.
Design
Whether you live alone or with a family, your kitchen is one of the most frequently used spaces in your home. It’s important to remodel your kitchen to keep it feeling fresh and new.
A well-designed layout saves time and energy when performing regular tasks. For example, keeping coffee mugs and java accessories close to the coffee maker makes the morning go more smoothly for groggy cooks. Also, placing utensil drawers and storage bins near dishwashers is handy when loading the machine.
Be careful not to over-customize your kitchen. Overly personalized elements may limit future homebuyers’ interest in your property. If you want to add custom features, choose ones that are practical and versatile enough to appeal to the broadest range of buyers. A simple way to do this is to incorporate an island that offers seating as a focal point in your design.
Layout
One of the most important decisions in a kitchen remodel is how to arrange the space. While standard layouts are dependable and functional, don’t be afraid to experiment with unique shapes and configurations.
Running counters and appliances along a single wall is popular in small homes and loft apartments. This simple layout loses the classic work triangle shape but still offers easy movement between key zones. If you opt for a single-wall layout, consider adding a peninsula or island to add additional storage and workspace.
L-shaped and corridor kitchens, also known as galley kitchens, are lean and efficient options for tight spaces. Because there are no corner cabinets, this style of layout can feel boxed in; keep it feeling open by varying cabinetry and using long countertops to minimize the sense of confinement.
Electrical
The electrical work in a kitchen remodel can be significant. This involves changing or relocating outlets, installing new lighting, and adding circuits for more power-hungry appliances.
Some older kitchens may not have GFCI outlets, which help reduce the risk of electrical shock in a room where water and electricity are both present. Bringing these up to code adds safety and value while also helping to keep homeowners and their family members safe.
Installing a well-designed layout of switches and electrical circuits can dramatically increase the comfort and utility of a remodeled kitchen. It can also make a home more energy-efficient, which helps lower utility bills and maintain a more sustainable lifestyle. Some energy-efficient upgrades include low-flow faucets and tankless hot water systems. Other options are LED lights and more efficient appliances that meet Energy Star requirements.
Plumbing
Before getting started with a kitchen remodel, it’s important to evaluate your wants and needs. For example, do you want a large island or an updated look? Once you have established a list of “must-haves,” it’s easier to narrow down your choices and formulate a budget.
This is also a good time to decide whether you want to do a minor refresh or what’s known as a “rip and replace” project. In this case, you will need to tear down walls and change the layout of your kitchen.
It’s usually best to hire a general contractor for this type of work. They can provide a written contract that includes the scope of work, costs, and contractual terms. This helps protect you from unexpected expenses. They will also help you comply with the local building codes and regulations.
Appliances
While kitchen remodeling and new appliances seem to go hand-in-hand, buying the best new equipment is typically a separate step from a remodel. Kitchen professionals are able to guide homeowners in selecting options that suit their home and their lifestyle. For example, they may be able to help them choose new refrigerators that have smart features and fit the dimensions of the cutouts already in place or stoves that work with the existing gas line.
While brands and styles are important considerations, it’s also critical to find appliances that match how you prep, cook, and clean. New models that offer sleek designs and innovative features are a great way to add value. Some even have flush installation to seamlessly match your cabinetry. They also come in different colors and finishes that reflect the aesthetic of your home.
Flooring
Flooring work can be the most expensive part of a kitchen remodel. However, it also has the highest ROI when it comes to resale value.
The right floor can transform the look of your entire kitchen. From natural wood to high-end tile, there are many options that fit every style.
For those on a budget, refinishing existing floors or adding a fresh coat of paint can revitalize your space. And if you do decide to replace your floor, consider using thin flooring like laminate or engineered wood that can be installed right up to the cabinets.
If your kitchen has an odd height due to construction or design anomalies, you can install flooring before installing the appliances and cabinets to make up the difference. This is a money-saving trick that general contractors often use for clients.
Cabinets
Choosing cabinets is one of the most important decisions in a kitchen remodel. A professional designer can help you navigate the options, including cabinet colors and styles, to ensure your vision is realized.
Functional design objectives for cabinet interiors include maximum utility and efficiency in the context of the kitchen workflow. Drawers and trays in lower cabinets permit access without uncomfortable or even painful crouching.
Louvered cabinet doors, made of horizontal wood slats, add texture and interest to any kitchen design. Mix display cabinets with closed ones to hide items you don’t want on view. Open shelving is another option to consider; it offers a sleek, modern look that also makes it easy to find things you need.
Countertops
Kitchen countertops are one of the hardest-working elements of a kitchen. These long slabs are used on a daily basis for food prep, dining perches, dumping shopping bags, and drying dishes. Aesthetics is a big consideration when picking a countertop, but how the material will perform is equally important.
Natural materials like wood and marble need regular sealing and may require specialized care, while quartz, concrete, and engineered stone counters are durable and low-maintenance. You don’t have to stick with just one countertop option either; mix and match different materials to create a unique look. For example, a butcher block can serve as a statement piece, while a sleek marble-topped island offers practicality. An experienced kitchen remodeling design expert can help you find high-quality countertop options that will complement your cabinets. This will add both function and value to your home.
Backsplash
A backsplash covers the defined space of the wall above kitchen counters and upper cabinets, protecting it from moisture, grease, and food splatters that can easily stain plain drywall. Homeowners can use a variety of materials to personalize the look, including tile, granite, stainless steel, and even sheet metal.
A full backsplash runs all the way from the countertop to the ceiling. Various patterns can introduce visual interest and create an appealing focal point. Stone backsplashes add a touch of opulence while introducing natural texture, while ceramic and glass tiles offer more flexibility with color and texture.
A one-of-a-kind kitchen backsplash idea can unify diverse style elements in a new kitchen. A handmade tile backsplash in butterscotch tones, for example, enhances this farmhouse-ish kitchen with a modern twist. This kitchen also showcases an eye-catching pine hood that draws the eye upward for added drama.
