Is remodeling a kitchen ever “convenient”? The honest and short answer is no, not so much. For many people it’s inconceivable to spend even one week without a fully operational kitchen. However, there are options available for when a client’s kitchen is in need of a freshening up without a major overhaul.
When the functional layout of a kitchen is in good order but just feels outdated, the look of the space can be improved by replacing finishes such as countertops, backsplash material, cabinet fronts, appliances, plumbing fixtures, light fixtures, or even the hardware and paint. Individually, these items don’t have a large impact on schedule or budget. But when you choose three or four or more of them the situation can become quite complex. If you proceed down this route, be prepared for quickly multiplying cost and schedule (think four month time frame—or more—depending on the size and complexity of the job).
An example of a kitchen remodel where finishes are updated while the layout is left unaltered. The transformation in the feel of the space is uplifting!
For quicker and less intensive jobs, clients should stick to faucets, hardware, paint or even appliances—so long as they all fit the current parameters. For example, from a budget perspective, replacing a 36” electric range with a more current model or different design is not the same as choosing a 36” gas range. A simple decision like choice of cooking fuel can dramatically impact the bottom line because plumbing for gas triggers costs on both the budget and the schedule sides of the equation, driving project costs up more than one would expect at first. Similarly, it’s a good idea to choose faucets that require the same amount (or more) holes than the current faucet. It’s not difficult or expensive to drill new holes in the existing countertop, and it is preferred over vacating holes and then trying to fill them or cap them. These few changes can dramatically improve the look and feel of a kitchen with minimal cost and inconvenience.
Countertops and cabinet faces have been upgraded and appliances replaced. New paint and lighting give the space a smarter, cleaner feel.
Taking it up a notch, a more involved remodel can be well worth the investment! According to national data, a “minor kitchen remodel” provides one of the highest returns on investment dollars spent. This “minor remodel” is described as new countertops, new appliances, and new cabinet fronts. This approach is more involved than a simple refresh as mentioned above, but provides a more dramatic transformation. New countertops can add time to the schedule and complexity, particularly depending on the current backsplash material. New cabinet fronts also add time, but when combined with new countertops and new appliances the transformation to your kitchen is substantial. This type of mid-level remodel is not the worst in terms of inconvenience and worth it if your kitchen needs an update and you are concerned about return on investment.
This trend continues for those with stronger constitutions and deeper pocketbooks; those considering full-blown kitchen renovations are rewarded for their investment and inconvenience with a higher ROI. The catch is that those considering a major overhaul should be prepared for living with a temporary kitchen for the duration of construction. For projects like this we discuss the potential inconveniences and options for dealing with it in advance. In some cases, our clients choose to move out into a rental unit during construction. In other cases, our clients opt to go with a temporary kitchen. While we do our very best to provide the most functional temporary facility, this can sometimes mean a crude plywood work bench with microwave set up in the dining room, the refrigerator next to it, and the laundry sink serving double-duty as the interim kitchen sink. These are challenging circumstances for our clients, and we recognize this and do everything we can to limit the amount of time clients are living in this temporary state. Should you happen to ask a past client about the convenience of their kitchen remodel, the answer will be a resounding “nope, not convenient at all, but SO worth it!
When you’re ready to dip your toes or take the plunge in the pool of kitchen renovations, know that having a designer to help translate your wishes and to be your partner navigating through the endless decisions is key. We also do our very best to ensure the best use of your money. Kitchens are instrumental in the function of one’s household, and they are very complex to plan. Each decision carries multiple considerations. If you aren’t able to invest the time in research, contact us to ensure that it’s done right the first time.
