When to Remodel Your Kitchen

I was browsing on Facebook and came across this ad in my news feed. I had to re-read it just to make sure I didn’t misread it the first time!

Most people who purchase a home recognize that there is no such thing as a “maintenance-free home,” but when should you actually begin a renovation project? We are going to address six indicators that your kitchen needs a remodel.

You Purchased a Home with a Kitchen in Dire Need of an Update

Congratulations, you are a new homeowner! But you quickly realize that the kitchen really has some issues that you may have only noticed after moving in. So you begin looking for new design ideas on Pinterest and Houzz. You can also check out our Facebook page for ideas!

If you are renovating a newly purchased, consider the fact that remodeling always adds value to the home itself. In fact, a midscale kitchen remodel adds around $40,000 to the value of your home.

Consider also, that 49% of people who completed kitchen remodels reported that they had more family time, 41% did more cooking at home, and 33% ate healthier than they did before their remodel.

The Kitchen is Too Small

Is your kitchen too confined or cramped? Consider a major kitchen remodel, including removing walls to open up the space. Always consult with a structural engineer to ensure that spans, loads, and structures are all considered when planning your kitchen remodel, especially when removing load-bearing walls. As you plan your remodel, remember that not all structural beams are created equally!

When remodeling their kitchens, 53% of clients’s kitchens were more open to other rooms in their homes. We have seen this same trend among clients in the Annapolis, Maryland area and in Anne Arundel county at large.

Cabinet Finishes are Beginning to Show Signs of Wear

When cabinet finishes begin flaking, peeling, cracking, or can no longer be adequately cleaned, consider that it may be time to redo your kitchen.

The current trend in cabinet finishes is definitely favoring paints over stains, with whites, grays, and blues topping the lists of clients’ favorites, especially in the Annapolis area, which tends to follow more coastal and water-themed color schemes.

Leaking Faucets or Caulk Joints Cracking or Peeling

Leaky faucets are the bane of many a homeowner, but they can require far more than the turn of a few screws. Often, the internal gaskets in faucets begin to wear out and internal fittings can wear out over time.

This is also a great time to check out faucets with brass internal workings, not the typical plastic internals found at big box stores. Don’t be fooled! The quality of two faucets that have the same exact model number from the manufacturer can be wildly different internally. We only provide the highest quality long-lasting faucets and fixtures to our clients

Caulk joints are designed to protect against water damage at joints. So any cracking or peeling in caulk can prove to be a major headache later on as water causes unseen damage. Be proactive about consulting with a professional to diagnose the issue.

Old Bulkheads Taking Up Precious Cabinet Space

Our first word of warning here is please be careful! Bullheads are often built to hide critical components of a homes inner workings. They may contain critical electrical wiring, plumbing, or HVAC ductwork. Even as professionals, before we estimate the costs to delete a bulkhead, we will always proactively explore the bulkhead to see what lies within it. Never take a guess, based on what you can see.

Once its determined that bulkheads can, in fact, be removed, this is a great opportunity to reclaim much-needed cabinet space by purchasing full-height cabinetry and crown moulding. Full height cabinets make a statement of permanence and significance in any kitchen design. They also significantly increase storage space in wall cabinets.

Want your kitchen to maker a bolder statement? Consider stacked cabinetry with glass doors in the top. These cabinets are a significant design element and focal point for any kitchen that blend practicality and aesthetic appeal.

Your Style Tastes Have Changed

Last, but certainly not least, we have met many clients over the years who have simply wanted to update and modernize their kitchen. As a kitchen ages, many people begin to rethink its use and applications. Small appliances purchased over the years like stand mixers may have different storage needs.

Beyond functionality, a kitchen’s aesthetic appeal is also essential to enjoying that kitchen. Cabinet finishes, door styles, countertop materials, knobs, and appliance finishes all play a part in the aesthetic appeal of any kitchen design and should be considered when planning a remodel.

Even though there may not be any “maintenance homes” out there, there are companies that will make remodeling your home enjoyable and give you a voice in the vision for your project.

We are proud that Annapolis Kitchen and Bath is an award-winning company whose installers are courteous, honest, hard-working and second-to-none. If you don’t believe us, check out our Testimonials. We also only work with subcontractors who have consistently demonstrated high levels of quality and craftsmanship. As examples, our electrician has worked with us for more than 16 years, and our plumber for more than 20 years.

So come stop by our showroom in West Annapolis and see your dreams become reality! Our address is 105C Annapolis St. Annapolis, MD 21401 and our showroom phone number is 410-626-8888.