The kitchen is a place where we spend a lot of time – cooking, eating and talking. It is also one of the rooms with the greatest number of details and equipment. We often look through magazines with articles on ideas for interior design and think for ourselves how nice it would be to have a brand new kitchen. Well, remodeling the entire kitchen can be much more difficult than changing the décor in one of your other rooms! Are you sure you want to renovate that kitchen? Think about the things below before you make the decision.
1- How long you will keep that house. Rebuilding kitchens means spending a lot of money and a lot of time. It is probably worth the effort if it is your own house and if you plan to live there for years to come. But if there is a chance that you will change houses in the coming years, think again to see if it is really worth it or not.
2- The cost. A simple word, but it means so much when it comes to remodeling kitchens! Remodeling and furnishing a new kitchen is usually a big expense. It is a good idea to draw up a list of all costs and write detailed prices. Ask a realtor how much a newly renovated kitchen can add to your house value. Check the prices of equipment, labor and decor accessories. See if you can already use machines or equipment or if you have to buy everything. Also, think of ways you can work yourself instead of paying to other people. Check the internet and magazines for budgeting tips.
3 – Decide if you need a larger kitchen. If your kitchen is too small for you, there are two main ways to go; either find ways to use the small space more functionally (eg taller cabinets, multifunctional equipment, etc.), or just make it bigger. Think of ways you can make your kitchen bigger; like stealing some space from the adjoining room, merging two rooms together, etc. And see if that's technically possible. Discuss yours decor ideas with an architect or with an expert. If it is possible to make changes to walls, ceilings etc., imagine the new look and decide if you really want it or not.
4- Retaining the most important systems or not. Another important thing to keep in mind is whether you should maintain the heating system, electrical system, gas and plumbing. If there are technical problems that need to be addressed, remodeling is a good time to do so. But do not forget to change these systems cost a lot. You will have to spend a lot of money for the water pipes, gas lines, air conditioning, ducts, lines, switches, lamps etc. And of course you have to spend a lot of money for work as well.
5 – What about windows and doors? There are so many things to think about before we remodel a kitchen, that we sometimes forget windows and doors. If you choose to change them, use high quality products that will last for many years and help heat and soundproof. Try to choose the ones that will let in more light.
