Kitchen Remodeling In Richmond VA can be expensive, but it is possible to control costs by prioritizing what’s most important to you. Ornate crown moldings and pilasters can add up quickly; simple woodwork looks better and is less costly.
Appliances and flooring are other big-ticket items that should be ordered early. Look for energy-efficient models that may also qualify for rebates.
Budget
The kitchen is the heart of the home and the perfect place to display your style. However, like most home improvement projects, kitchen remodeling can become expensive. It’s important to budget and plan carefully so you can make the most of your investment.
A good rule of thumb is to allocate 2/3 of your budget to the big-ticket items – cabinetry, appliances and finishes – and 1/3 to installation and labor. This will give you the freedom to choose what’s most important to you without blowing your entire budget.
Cabinets are the biggest expense in a kitchen remodel and set the tone for the design. On average, 28 percent of the total kitchen remodel cost goes to cabinets and hardware. Homeowners can save money by choosing stock cabinets or refinishing their existing ones.
Appliances are another high-ticket item that can add up quickly. New appliances can range from $2,000 to $10,000, depending on the quality and features you select.
Don’t forget to factor in the cost of labor for the install and any unforeseen costs that may arise during the project, such as plumbing repair or the addition of a dishwasher. Also, consider how your family will manage while the kitchen is under construction – determine whether you’ll dine out or cook at home for a few weeks during the renovation and if you’ll batch cook and freeze meals to keep from eating too much out.
Design
During the design phase of kitchen remodeling, homeowners work with professional designers to envision and plan the ideal kitchen layout and aesthetic. This includes choosing all cabinetry, fixtures and appliances to align with the kitchen design and budget. Professional contractors then bring the design to life, ensuring everything fits perfectly and meets expectations.
The size and scope of the project will determine which features are prioritized, such as more storage space or a new island. It’s also important to consider the overall functionality of the space, such as its traffic flow and accessibility. For example, a busy family cooks often needs more counter space between the sink and stove than someone who entertains infrequently.
A new kitchen layout may require plumbing and electrical modifications, which adds to the cost of the renovation. For this reason, it’s a good idea to list out all of your must-haves and to determine the best way to achieve them within the confines of the existing floor plan.
Layout
A kitchen’s layout is influenced by both the size and shape of the space, but it can also be impacted by things like how much storage you need, what kind of cooking you plan to do in your kitchen, and if you want an eat-in area. Working with a qualified kitchen designer at this stage of your remodel can help you find the best layout for your needs and ensure that your kitchen will be efficient, easy to navigate, and comfortable to use.
The most popular kitchen layout is the L-shaped design, which uses two adjoining walls to hold cabinets, appliances, and work zones. This layout is incredibly functional and ideal for larger spaces, as it provides plenty of room to move around and prepare food.
Another option is the G-shaped kitchen layout, which has four sides of cabinets and a peninsula or island in the center. This is a great choice for small rooms or open-plan homes, as it allows the work triangle to be minimized and the space can still feel cozy and intimate. This layout is also great for incorporating a seating area into the kitchen.
Appliances
The type and size of appliances you select will have a big impact on your kitchen’s look and feel. Cherry City Services recommends you or your design professional test out various brands and model options at retailers or showrooms before making final decisions, especially for the most important appliances like cooktops and ovens. This is because appliance sizes, styles and features can vary widely across manufacturers. Some can also require structural modifications to fit into a particular kitchen layout.
Upscale and major kitchen remodels usually require a complete change of surface materials and may involve enlarging or moving existing pipes, gas lines or wiring. These types of changes will generally impact your budget and timeline.
It’s a good idea to consider how long you’ll be living in the home before investing in a full-bore kitchen remodel. Trends come and go, but your kitchen’s appliances will likely stay in your home for a while. It’s a good idea to choose timeless styles, finishes and features. For example, appliances with a panel-ready finish allow you to add custom panels that match your cabinets for a refined look that won’t date quickly. You can also get more bells and whistles at this level, including WiFi-enabled models and high-tech additions like food-preservation settings in fridges.
Countertops
Kitchen countertops account for 10% or more of the cost of a complete renovation. Whether you use the space to prep food, eat or socialize, countertops add beauty and functionality to the room. The most common materials include quartz, granite and Corian. The latter is a man-made product that mimics natural stone but costs less than the real thing.
Quartz countertops are durable, stain-resistant and don’t need to be sealed like natural stones. They come in a wide variety of colors and patterns. Some designs feature flecks of color that resemble speckles in marble. Quartzite has a natural appearance similar to marble but offers greater strength and durability at a lower price point.
Recycled glass counters add a splash of color. These counters are made from concrete or acrylic and contain embedded glass shards that range from crisp neutrals to colorful confetti.
Wood counters are both a beautiful and durable choice. They can be stained in a range of warm hues that complement nearly any style. For a sleek look, consider adding a backsplash that hides the underside of the counter and electrical outlets that allow you to charge your phone or plug in a lamp.
Flooring
A kitchen renovation isn’t complete without new flooring. In fact, this is often the first thing that needs to be done when a full kitchen remodel starts. This is because walls are coming down or the floor plan is changing.
Flooring needs to be durable and water-resistant. It also has to look good. Solid wood is a popular choice but is expensive and requires professional installation. Engineered wood and luxury vinyl tile (LVT) are more affordable but still offer the look of real hardwood floors. They can withstand steam, moisture, and temperature changes and are easy to clean.
Ceramic tile is another budget option that comes in a wide variety of colors, patterns and shapes. It’s important to make a design choice that fits your style but remember that too many bold choices may overwhelm a room. For example, a brightly colored floor tile may not match your countertop or cabinetry. If you are considering a bold color or pattern, it’s best to use it on just one feature like the floor. Then, use neutrals or soft tones on the rest of the space. The result will be a cohesive design that will add value to your home.
Lighting
When it comes to kitchen lighting, the best design is one that integrates a variety of light fixtures into a cohesive and eye-catching scheme. The key is to consider what the function of each fixture will be and what color and finish will coordinate with the rest. It is also important to keep in mind the CRI (color rendering index) of the light bulbs that will be used, as this determines how accurate the colors appear under the light.
The lighting layers that should be considered include natural, ambient, task and accent. These layers may overlap in some instances, but it’s vital to understand the purpose of each fixture. Ideally, a kitchen should be lit to 750 lux, with a minimum of 300 lux on countertops and work spaces.
As a result, it is necessary to set a budget for lighting and plan accordingly. It is also helpful to prepare a space in your home where you can cook during the remodel, especially if you will be doing the majority of the demolition and construction yourself. Depending on the scope of your kitchen remodel, this space can be as simple as a dorm-sized refrigerator or as complex as an outdoor grill.