If you are on the fence about whether or not to update your kitchen, you are not alone. It is a very big decision. Even the project with the tightest budget is likely to see five-figure price tags on a kitchen renovation. The process can be disruptive in more ways than one, and you simply may not feel comfortable making design decisions or coming up with kitchen remodeling ideas on your own.
If you are already feeling spooked, it’s probably not hard to talk yourself out of taking the plunge, but you could be overlooking a few reasons why this project is actually a terrific idea. Here are five things to consider.
It Will Add Value to Your Home
You might not have any plans to move anytime soon, but who can truly say what the future holds? If you did find yourself in a situation where you put your home on the market say, 10 years from now, you will be able to fetch a significantly higher price for your home thanks to the updated kitchen.
Of course, the word “value” doesn’t apply only to money. If your new kitchen improves your quality of life for years to come, that can also be considered a sound investment.
Your Current Setup is Utterly Outdated
If you have a house that was built in the 50s, 60s, or 70s, you may be working with a terribly outdated kitchen. Not only can this become an issue of aesthetics, but there may also be some unseen problems waiting to happen. For instance, when was the last time you had your electrical wiring checked? What kind of shape is your plumbing in? These are issues that you could address all at once with the kitchen renovation.
Of course, that’s not to say that aesthetics aren’t worthy of mentioning. What was considered fashionable three or four decades ago simply isn’t in style anymore. Installing kitchen cabinets can give the room a much-needed facelift.
Your Kitchen Might be Making Life Harder Unnecessarily
If you have a bare-bones kind of set up, your cabinets are probably rectangular boxes with rectangular shelves. If you have ever found yourself on your hands and knees searching for a pot or pan at the very back of the cabinet, your kitchen is very much in need of an update.
Slide out racks, ergonomic shelving, full view pantries, small appliance lifts, and movable shelving – these could all be part of your renovation, and each one would make your life much easier.
Your Kitchen Sees a Lot of Use
The kitchen is the heart of every home, which means that it sees a lot of use. Lots of feet pounding across the floor, lots of wear and tear on countertops and on cabinet doors, appliances running full time, and lights that always seem to be on. A surefire way to extend the life of your kitchen is to select materials that can keep up with the hectic pace of your family.
If you find yourself continually scrubbing stains out of your countertops, consider installing quartz. If your current floor has gouge marks from heavy chairs or dropped items, consider a sturdier material such as hardwood or tile.
You Need Energy Efficient Appliances
Some people are reluctant to upgrade their appliances because they can represent a significant cost all at once. This is undoubtedly true, but you may be paying much more than necessary in energy costs to continue running outdated appliances. Energy Star rated appliances consume significantly less energy than their older counterparts. Plus, there are sometimes tax incentives which you can take advantage of to help offset the cost.
Choosing to completely update your kitchen is a big decision, but it may also be a great one. Your family may benefit greatly from some new cabinets, countertops, appliances, and flooring that has all been carefully selected with your unique needs and situation in mind. Work with a trusted contractor to come up with the perfect kitchen for your home.
Author Bio
Niv Orlian is an online marketer and the Co-Founder of DO Online Marketing, a Chicago based company that helps local businesses such asPlanet Cabinets, acquire, manage, and retain local customers online.
