5 Elements To Consider For Your Kitchen Remodel

Deciding to remodel a kitchen is always a significant undertaking. While it’s possible to do it yourself, you’ll get the fastest, most professional results by choosing to invest in and work with a professional kitchen remodeling contractor.

However, if you’re going to go this route, there are a few things you need to consider as you improve your kitchen. How you think about these five elements will determine what kind of kitchen you end up with.

Usage

Suppose the kitchen is being remodeled for resale, or as a rental. In that case, you’re going to have a very different goal from having just bought a home and getting ready to have the kitchen of your dreams finally. If the kitchen is for you and your use, what exactly constitutes that use? Do you prefer to dine in your kitchen? Do you do a lot of cooking but not so much baking? Will you be entertaining guests frequently? These will determine the final layout of your kitchen.

Lighting

Is the current lighting situation in the kitchen sufficient, or is this something you want to address? Do you want more natural light to work by during the day, or is kitchen use primarily a nighttime activity?

The time of day you spend in the kitchen will play a significant role in handling the lighting. Also, keep in mind that lighting is much more flexible and versatile than in the past. For example, it’s not a huge investment to have a lighting system under cabinets that keep the counter surface well lit.

Flooring Considerations

Is the kitchen just for you or just for you and another adult? Are there children or pets to consider? Are you okay with a cooler floor, or do you insist on having a warm surface when your bare feet touch the floor?

Vinyl floors are softer and more flexible. If you know you’re going to run into accidents such as dropped glasses, bowls, and others; a vinyl floor may be better. On the other hand, tile is a sturdier material with a more rigid texture, although it feels colder. It is, however, possible to install floor warming systems for people willing to invest.

Ventilation

Older homes may not have this in place for a kitchen, but adequate ventilation can be important for cooking and health. A range hood can quickly ventilate smoke and grease particles that would otherwise linger in the kitchen and eventually settle down on walls and other surfaces.
This also means that if you’re planning to relocate a stove, you need to consider installing a new range hood as well.

Electrical

Again a consideration for older kitchens. Think about upgrading your wiring system. Today’s kitchens use many more appliances; between Instant Pots, air fryers, toaster ovens, and other accessories, there’s a greater need for outlets.

Make sure that your kitchen is ready to meet your 21st century needs so that even if you need to plug a phone or tablet to follow a recipe, there are still outlets available for you to do so.