Should You Remodel Your Kitchen?

Our first part of advice: Don’t make this harder than it has to be. If you’re considering a kitchen remodel, ask yourself if your kitchen is working for you and the needs of your family. Do you enjoy it? Is it functional?

Reasons behind kitchen remodels are not always cosmetic, though worn cabinets and dated appliances that are not energy efficient are a just reason to make the change.

We think HGTV did a great job outlining NKBA’s (National Kitchen & Bath Association) factors that can help you decide to go through with a kitchen remodel or not.

Traffic Flow

Do you have more than one cook in the kitchen at a time? Do you entertain often? If you answered with a yes to either question, consider a kitchen remodel to give you an open layout for easier maneuvering and social interaction.

NKBA Guidelines:

• Width of walkway: at least 3 feet
• Width of work aisle: at least 42 inches for one cook, 4 feet for multiple cooks

Location

If you have or are planning to have a deck or patio, it’s always nice to have an outlet through the kitchen, allowing you to easily entertain outside. Consider the position of your windows; do you get enough sunlight? If you’re expecting or have children, you may want to plan your kitchen remodel so that your windows overlook the yard where they will play.

NKBA Guidelines:

• Clear opening of a doorway: at least 32 inches wide (at least a 34 inch-wide door)
• Operable windows above cooking surfaces can be dangerous

Space

Do you have enough? Consider your counters, cabinets, and the floor. Is your refrigerator in the best spot? Do your counters have a funny shape that creates useless space? You may need a kitchen remodel to better utilize the space.

NKBA Guidelines:

• Countertops: 158 inches of frontage; 24 inches deep; at least 15 inches of clearance above

Safety and Efficiency

Dated appliances and sharp counter corners can be dangerous for children. If you’re planning on having kids/more kids, you need more room to cook bigger meals and store more items. If you are planning on growing old in your house or plan to have anyone with physical disabilities in your home, consider a kitchen remodel to add universal design concepts, giving the space lasting accessibility. Dated appliances will also be less efficient, costing you more money. Think about your dishwasher, disposal, and refrigerator.

NKBA Guidelines:

Microwave: installed 3 inches below your shoulder, no higher than 54 inches above the floor

Make a list of the things that do and don’t work in your kitchen. Brainstorm on how a kitchen remodel could fix the negatives. Bring your list to Cornerstone Builders of Southwest Florida and we will “wow” you with the improvements we can make with a kitchen remodel. Contact us here today!