If you are considering bringing a new look into your home, a kitchen upgrade is one of your best bets.
The kitchen is not dubbed the heart of the home for nothing; it is where you are likely to spend most of your time and where the family gathers.
A kitchen upgrade, aside from giving your home a modern look, can also increase the overall property value.
Cost of a Kitchen Upgrade and the Effect on Home Value
The cost of kitchen remodeling is primarily dependent on your plan.
Meanwhile, based on several estimates, a kitchen upgrade can cost between $5,000 and $60,000.
However, as a rule of thumb, when planning a kitchen remodel, first determine your budget.
Kitchen upgrades can generate a Return On Investment (ROI) of about 50 to 60 percent.
According to Boyar’s Kitchen Cabinets, a company based in San Diego, minor kitchen upgrades such as Kitchen Cabinet Refacing with mid-range fixtures installation can generate up to 77.6 percent ROI.
Advantages of kitchen upgrade
In case you are considering whether to remodel your kitchen or not, here are some benefits of kitchen upgrade.
Improves safety
Surely, you would want to tackle any unsafe design and appliances in your kitchen during an upgrade. Cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires; therefore, you want the best appliances for optimal safety.
For instance, studies have shown that air can be unhealthy when people cook in kitchens with poor ventilation. This problem can be solved during kitchen remodeling.
Enhances home outlook
An upgraded kitchen can change the overall look of your home. Since it is a place people are likely to enter daily, the changes you make in it will never go unnoticed.
The upgrade might be simple such as changing the location of fixtures, such as the sink and replacing the old gas cylinder.
You may also change the faucets from old to modern-looking ones.
Better storage space
For people with a small kitchen, there are different storage ideas to create more space, such as installing custom under-counter island cabinets.
A magnetic knife bar attached to the wall can save space and make your kitchen safer, as accidental knife cuts can be avoided.
You can also place risers on the shelf to create more space while you install pot racks to take advantage of the vertical spaces.
Energy efficiency
Replacing your power-consuming appliances with energy-saving ones reduce your monthly utility bill.
One of the ways to do this is by using energy-saving bulbs and appliances that are big enough for your need. Using a larger device will only consume more energy.
More Functional Cooking Space
Upgrading fixtures and appliances in your kitchen during remodeling can make it more functional. For example, you might possess faulty appliances such as malfunctioning microwaves.
It is difficult to move things around in a small kitchen. Changing old appliances and installing storage racks will significantly improve the comfort and functionality of the kitchen.
Mistakes to avoid when upgrading your kitchen
Kitchen upgrade requires a lot of effort and, if done wrong, could waste time and money. Avoid any of these common mistakes to maximize your investment in kitchen remodeling.
Remodeling without a plan
Only commence a kitchen upgrade with a blueprint. List the things that need to be upgraded.
Estimate your budget and evaluate things you plan to upgrade based on their importance to know what to drop if required.
Make sure everything you need is ready before the contractor arrives for installation.
When in doubt about a product, ask the experts for a recommendation.
Designing to impress
A kitchen upgrade is majorly for your comfort. Avoid the mistake of remodeling to impress your friends and neighbors unless you are upgrading for the sole purpose of selling your home.
Many people make this mistake and instead purchase appliances they do not need or bigger ones that will consume more power.
Whenever you are tempted to do this, always remember the people you are trying to impress will not help you pay the invoice.
Ignoring counter space and storage space
You will need a space to work in during remodeling. Likewise, you will need storage for your kitchen appliances so they will not disturb during the upgrade.
Do not start remodeling until you sort these.
If you have a small kitchen, discuss how to increase your countertop space with your contractor. This will significantly increase the ease of moving around in the kitchen, making it comfier.
