Kitchen Remodel Tacoma can be as simple as repainting cabinets or refinishing floors or as complex as removing walls and creating a new footprint. It’s important to define your renovation goals, set a budget, and find professionals who can bring your vision to life.
Borrowing space from adjacent rooms is a common strategy to make a small kitchen feel more spacious. A nook houses a pantry, laundry room and a built-in compost bin to reduce food waste and create nutrient-rich soil for garden plants.
Cabinets are a central component of any kitchen remodel and can account for 30 percent or more of your total budget. That’s because cabinets are so important, not only for keeping cookware and utensils safe and organized but also for serving as the foundation of your overall kitchen design.
When it comes to selecting new cabinets, you’ll have a wide range of options to choose from. You’ll also want to consider the different materials used for cabinetry. For example, solid wood cabinets are more expensive than other types of cabinets, such as MDF, plywood or particle board.
The manufacturer often determines the material of the cabinet box, but it’s possible to customize the look and feel of a kitchen through the use of cabinet veneers, natural wood or other materials that mimic the appearance of wood. The cabinet door and drawer fronts are usually made of wood or a composite material. These cabinet parts are then finished with a paint or stain to match the color and style of your cabinets.
There are a variety of other features that can be added to kitchen cabinets to enhance their look and functionality. For example, crown molding can be applied to wall cabinets for a decorative touch. Floating shelves can be installed instead of upper cabinets to open up floor space beneath the cabinets. And, glass-front doors can be installed for a light and airy feeling in the kitchen.
If you’re happy with the location of your cabinets, but they’re dingy or outdated, painting them may be an affordable option. A professional painting service costs a fraction of what it would cost to install new cabinets.
Keep in mind that a cabinet renovation will create a lot of dust and debris. You’ll need to make arrangements for storing the materials, tools and displaced kitchenware that will be moved during the project. PODS storage containers can be delivered to your home for a low monthly fee and provide a temporary solution that is both flexible and convenient. For long-term storage, storage units with climate control are available.
Countertops
Countertops are one of the most important elements of any kitchen, and they can make or break your overall design. They should complement the cabinets and other appliances in your home to create a cohesive look that will add value to your home. In addition, the countertops should be durable and easy to clean to keep them looking good for years. There are a variety of different countertop materials to choose from, including natural stone, solid surface, engineered stone, concrete, plastic laminate, and ceramic tile. Some are more expensive than others, but they all offer varying degrees of durability and stain-resistance.
Many homeowners find that their existing countertops have seen better days and may be damaged, chipped, or cracked. In these cases, it is important to upgrade them in order to have a functional and attractive kitchen. This can also add to the resale value of your home as well.
If you are remodeling your kitchen, it is best to have all the appliances on hand when you are having the countertops measured so that any needed adjustments can be made accurately and without any rework or wasted material. Having all the appliances on hand will also help you to work out any issues that may arise, such as making sure that your new countertops are wide enough for any specialty appliances you may have, such as a drop in cook top or an extra-large refrigerator.
Once you’ve chosen your new countertop, the installers will get to work installing them in place. This can be a messy and dusty job, so it is a good idea to cover any vents in the house and remove artwork or furniture from the kitchen area. This will allow the installers to work more quickly and will ensure that your belongings don’t get dusty or damaged during the remodel.
Another great option for kitchen countertops is epoxy resin, which is becoming more popular among remodelers. This is a durable, unique material that comes in a variety of colors and can give your kitchen an instant upgrade. It is simple to apply and can be reversed easily, so it is a great temporary solution for those who aren’t ready to invest in a permanent counter overhaul.
Flooring
The flooring choice you make in your kitchen remodel impacts both the style and durability of your room. Review all of your options carefully to determine which ones will match your design goals and align with your budget. It’s also important to understand how each material will impact your long-term costs – and, for the most cost-effective results, choose materials that will offer the highest return on investment.
Kitchen cabinets, countertops, and flooring make up nearly half of the average remodeling project’s budget. Choosing the right options can save you money and make your new kitchen more functional. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, consider laminate or vinyl tiles. These provide the look and feel of natural wood or stone at a lower price point. You can even find hardwood-look alternatives that are easier to clean and resistant to stains.
For more expensive projects, you’ll want to choose durable, high-quality materials for the floors and cabinets. This will help ensure your kitchen can withstand years of use without showing signs of wear or damage. You may also want to add a backsplash or paint the walls to freshen up your space and increase its appeal.
If you’re planning on opening your kitchen to other areas of the home, it’s important to know which walls are load-bearing and which can be removed with a sledgehammer and reciprocating saw. It’s also important to understand how plumbing and gas lines work in your space before you start knocking down walls.
Depending on the scope of your remodel, you may need to hire an interior designer. A qualified and experienced professional can help you create a layout that maximizes storage, efficiency, and functionality. They can also provide a list of materials and products to meet your budget.
If you’re on a tight budget, consider remodeling your kitchen in stages. Take on the non-specialized tasks such as tearing out, laying tile, and painting yourself to cut costs. Shop for deals and discounts on cabinets, countertops, and appliances to stretch your budget further. For example, Superior Stone & Cabinet often has sales on cabinets and other materials that can save you big. Splurge strategically by choosing high-quality materials and features that will have a large impact on your kitchen’s style and functionality, and balance these with more cost-effective choices elsewhere.
Appliances
A kitchen remodel typically includes upgrading or replacing appliances. These can include large appliances like ovens, refrigerators and dishwashers, or smaller appliances such as coffee makers or crock pots. The decision to replace these appliances is often driven by the age of the existing units, or by a desire for newer or more energy-efficient models.
The type of appliances you choose can also influence the overall design of your kitchen. For example, a sleek stainless-steel range can instantly upgrade the look of a kitchen. Another popular choice is to add a stylish hood vent that blends seamlessly into the cabinets and helps eliminate cooking fumes.
Before choosing new appliances, it’s helpful to think about how you’ll use your kitchen and what your budget is. Then you can select the appliances that best suit your needs and complement the style of your kitchen.
If you’re planning to keep your current appliances, it’s a good idea to wait until countertops are installed before purchasing new ones. This will allow you to get a more accurate measurement for the cabinet depth and width, so that your appliances fit well.
Once your kitchen cabinets are installed and the plumbing is finished, it’s time to install the appliances. This is usually the most time-consuming part of a kitchen remodel, and it’s important to be patient. The last thing you want is to start a kitchen renovation only to find out your new appliances don’t fit!
After the appliances are installed, it’s time to install the backsplash and any other finishing touches. This is also the time to address any electrical wiring changes, if necessary. Then your remodel team will move in the rest of the new products and finish construction. This includes installing lighting, appliances and plumbing fixtures. If you’re adding a gas stove, you’ll need to have a professional come in to disconnect it from the gas line and drain it before it’s moved.
If you’re not willing to go without access to your kitchen for the duration of the remodel, it’s a good idea to rent short- or long-term storage. This will protect your belongings from damage and ensure that you have a place to store food, beverages and other perishables.