How to Update a Kitchen
Updating a kitchen is a major project that can provide major rewards. New appliances with conveniences can make cooking more pleasurable. Cabinets with increased storage make the kitchen space neater and well organized. Even small touch updates such as changing lighting, hardware and faucets add to taking a kitchen from one that's outdated to one that's the envy of the neighborhood. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Examine your current space. Consider if the space is adequate or needs to be enlarged. If your family is grown it may be time to enlarge the kitchen area to accommodate extra seating at the table, or to eliminate a wall between a living room or eliminate the dining room space to create a larger kitchen space where you can prepare foods, dine and have more space to gather.
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Identify who will benefit from the updates. If the house is on the market and you are competing with homes that have updated kitchens, discuss the budget considerations with you real estate agent to determine a "cap" on how much to spend. If the kitchen is in a rental property, perhaps small updates will suffice and be accomplished as a do-it-yourself project. If the goal is to create your dream kitchen for a house you will live in for the long-term, you can examine the total cost, make a projection how many years you will remain in the home, and what that cost averages out to on an annual basis, and make a decision based on the benefits and the costs.
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Define your needs. Think about what types of updates will be used and enjoyed the most. This can range from having a refrigerator with a pullout bottom freezer to make storing and retrieving foods easier, to having a six-burner range with an indoor grill unit. Maybe you really need an island because you have run out of counter space. Perhaps your cabinets are in need of updating or refacing or countertops need to come into the current era with granite, marble or soapstone.
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Get ideas and inspiration. Tear pages from magazines and catalogs that show counters, fixtures and appliances. Put tear sheets into your good, better and best folders.
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Select your style. Is it contemporary or traditional? What types of woods and veneer colors are most appealing? This will help you focus in terms of selecting cabinetry, hardware and paint color choices.
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Create "Dream Kitchen Plan" A, B and C. Think of your ultimate dream kitchen as Plan A, then scale back perhaps on appliance features, cabinet styles or flooring to create Plan B, and scale back from some "top name" manufacturers to create Plan C.
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Visit retail stores and showrooms on a "just looking -- not buying" basis. See what's new in terms of styles and designs so that your update does not become outdated. Attend home shows and watch television shows to be current on kitchen design and trends.
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Visit retail stores and showrooms. See what's new in terms of styles and designs so that your update does not become outdated. Attend home shows and watch television shows to be current on kitchen design and trends. Also explore closeout and home improvement superstores to help reduce costs.
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Set your budget. Consider how the update will be financed. Think about the affordability of debt or the impact paying cash will have on your savings and retirement income. Then select dream plan A, B, or C. Be prepared to make adjustments as you go along.
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Make appliance choices. Measure current appliances and the space you have to choose sizes and models for ranges, refrigerators and dishwashers. Give yourself a first, second and third choices in terms of price, features and size.
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Interview contractors. Discuss your vision and goals. Ask to see before and after pictures of their projects along with references. Get at least three estimates before hiring and beginning your kitchen update project.
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Tips & Warnings
Avoid the temptation to purchase items before you finalize your design plan. A hasty purchase of an appliance or flooring choice may not work out with your final design concept. Instead, buy single samples of a tiles or flooring and get paint swatches. Hang pictures on walls to help you visualize how the refrigerator or stove will look.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Creatas/Getty Images
