Five indications that your kitchen needs a complete remodel, not that there is anything wrong with just wanting a remodeled kitchen.
1. If your kitchen is compared to the Brady Bunch kitchen. Sure, it is still in good condition, and if you wait long enough it could even come back into style. While cabinet soffits and orange counter-tops may have been all the rage in the 1970s, they are now a clear sign that your kitchen is stuck in the past. Function, efficiency and advances in kitchen technology are a great reason to update.
2. If finding storage space is a problem, it may be time to remodel. If you are only stocking the necessities in terms of food, tableware and small kitchen appliances, and you still find yourself using your counter-tops as a pantry after your weekly grocery shopping, chances are you do not have enough storage. While planning your kitchen remodel consider options to make the kitchen more efficient. Recycle receptacles, large deep drawers make it easier to find what you need. Pullout shelves can offer easy access. An island in the center of a large space provides added storage and workspace. Drawer dividers help to keep utensils and cookware in place. Spice racks can help control chaos. These are the types of details that can make or break a kitchen remodel, making it very important to address these decisions in the planning phase.
3. If working in your kitchen is like playing Twister. In early kitchens, you would find a stove, sink and refrigerator. In the 1940’s, when kitchens were often tight spaces overrun by large appliances designers came up with the kitchen work triangle. To make the most of a small enclosed space, stoves, refrigerators, and sinks were set up in roughly an equilateral triangle. Over the years, we have added dishwashers, extra sinks, microwaves, separate cooktops and wall ovens. Your kitchen becomes an unwieldy workspace unless the added appliances were planned. The layout may have worked great in the past, but with today’s kitchen layouts and added appliances, it may be more useful to think in terms of work zones. One motivation for a kitchen remodel is to arrange the room to best suit the family’s needs. A lot has changed over the past few years when it comes to kitchen design.
4. If every time you use your appliances, brings to mind the Cleaver family. The National Association of Home Builders gives a life expectancy guideline for major appliances as follows: dishwasher and microwave, 9 years; garbage disposal, 12 years; refrigerator, 13 years; range, 13-15 years. In addition to technology, appearance and finish options, today’s appliances are more energy efficient than ever.
5. If your kitchen is no longer the heart of your home. The kitchen layout may have worked great for the previous homeowner, but not for you. Perhaps it lacks a breakfast nook or island bar, and your family wants to gather informally in the kitchen to enjoy coffee or grab a quick meal without setting up the dining room. It is time to make the kitchen the place you enjoy spending time in.
