Is a Kitchen Remodel Worth It?
The kitchen has always been the heart of a home, and there are endless reasons to consider remodeling it. It might be outdated and in need of a major update. Perhaps its impracticality begs for a new footprint. Maybe it needs to be replaced due to general wear and tear. Or perhaps the kitchen does not feel like a reflection of the homeowner’s individuality. No matter the motivation for renovating your kitchen, here are four questions that can help you determine whether it is worth it.
Is it worth the inconvenience?
No doubt about it … renovating your kitchen will be inconvenient. You may be uprooted for a few weeks or a few months, depending on the scope of your project. But you can minimize the inconvenience by planning ahead. Set up your living or dining room for use at mealtimes. Stock your freezer with pre-made meals, and budget a little extra for
occasional Chinese takeout or pizza. Use inexpensive paper supplies and disposable utensils to minimize dishwashing in the bathroom sink. Use your outdoor grill, go on picnic adventures, or borrow a friend’s kitchen. A season of inconvenience could well be worth the sacrifice when you factor in the long-term benefits of a new kitchen.
Remind yourself that this is a temporary inconvenience for a permanent improvement!
Is it worth the financial investment?
There’s a wide price range when it comes to kitchen renovations. You may be simply repainting your cabinets or completely replacing them. You might be switching out existing light fixtures or installing new under-the-counter lighting. You could be purchasing new appliances, installing hardwood flooring, or tiling your backsplash. If
you are trying to meet an immediate but temporary need, then it is in your best interest to scale the project back. But if you plan to live in your house for a long time, a bigger project is certainly justifiable. Upgrading your kitchen, creating an open floorplan, and investing in beautiful finishing touches all add resale value. A new and improved
kitchen, no matter the scale of the project, will generally yield a significant return on your investment.
Is it worth the upheaval?
A small or poorly laid out kitchen can cause frustration on a daily basis. Knocking out walls to increase your square footage or to add room for an island may be worth the chaos if it increases the functionality of your kitchen space, both for you as the homeowner as well as for visitors. If you enjoy cooking, a better workflow will boost your efficiency. If you love to host dinner parties, you will enjoy the optimization of space for their guests. It’s impossible to put a price tag on convenience and hospitality, so if the kitchen is important to your overall lifestyle, then the upheaval should not be a deterrent.
Is it worth updating and upgrading?
Sometimes a homeowner will purchase a house that just doesn’t feel like “home.” They may have a hard time justifying an investment in their kitchen for purely aesthetic purposes. But there is something to be said for living in a house that expresses your unique taste and personality. Even if a kitchen is durable and of good quality, it may be
that the style or color doesn’t work for you. If cabinets are of poor quality and appliances are too outdated to be energy-efficient, it is worth upgrading your home to eliminate cabinet doors that don’t close properly or appliances that escalate your electric bill. Having the cabinets professionally painted or installing new counter tops
and backsplash can bring quick results without breaking the bank.
So, is a kitchen remodel worth it? You are the only person who can answer that question, based on your individual needs and budget. Taking time to thoughtfully process the scope of your renovation will help you determine if it’s the right time for you to take the leap. Most times, the answer is yes, and when you get to the other side of the mess and inconvenience, you will undoubtedly be glad you did.