Kitchen Remodeling — Now or Later?

Many homeowners postpone home remodeling projects, thinking that they’ll have more money, time, or resources available if they wait to invest in their homes. But for Clarkston homeowners considering kitchen remodeling, there’s never been a better time to start than right now. There are many reasons why home remodeling completed sooner is better than later, but here are some of the most important reasons to get started right away. Lifestyle Changes The most popular reason for home or kitchen remodeling in Livonia is a change in family circumstances or lifestyle. Homeowners who purchased a house as newlyweds may suddenly need extra bedrooms when children are on the way; empty-nesters may find that a hobby room is needed more than a fourth bedroom. And when it comes to kitchens, older couples may find that rounded corners, waist-level storage, and wide, easy-to-navigate corridors facilitate functionality even as mobility decreases, allowing them to remain comfortably in a treasured family home. If a family is using a kitchen space in different ways than they imagined when they bought the home, remodeling the kitchen now will bring the functionality in line with current family needs. Safety Considerations Old fixtures, outlets, and appliances are not only unsightly, they can also create safety hazards that should be eliminated right away. A kitchen design professional can design a plan to eliminate all safety hazards while replacing outdated elements with modern, safe, stylish alternatives. Key features of a kitchen remodeled with safety in mind will include high-quality lighting, child-friendly safety features (if needed), and elements that remove or reduce the likelihood of accidents. For example, worn-out or ungrounded outlets should be replaced with grounded outlets that meet safety codes; outlet and switch placement should be far away from water sources. Broken appliances, or those with broken or missing parts, should be replaced with new appliances geared toward safety and design. Burners on stovetops should be placed away from high traffic zones where possible, and knobs on gas stoves and dishwashers should be in working order. Microwaves should be placed out of the reach of small children. A kitchen remodeling professional in Clarkston can ensure that new appliances with the most up-to-date safety features are optimally selected and installed. For families with small children or seniors, rounded countertops provide protection from bumps and bruises. Kitchen cabinets should be installed so that storage is easily accessible to prevent both back strain and falling accidents. Anti-scald faucets prevent sudden bursts of scalding hot water by using pressure or an internal thermometer to regulate hot water flow. This feature is especially important in homes with small children, who may not be able to adequately adjust water temperature before turning on faucets.Kitchen lighting should be bright throughout the kitchen; recessed lighting combined with highlighting pendants provide just the right lighting coverage for most areas of the kitchen. For extra safety, task lighting beneath cabinets helps to avoid accidents that happen while chopping and slicing. Lower Cost and Advantageous Financing The cost of remodeling increases over time; the cost of design, materials, and labor tends to rise each year. Every homeowner wants to stretch their remodeling budget as far as it will go, and money spent now will buy more than it will a few months or years from now. Waiting to remodel a kitchen will only mean that the price of remodeling will rise as time passes, so there’s no better time than the present to get started. Additionally, if homeowners are considering refinancing a mortgage or taking advantage of a home equity loan to finance a kitchen remodeling project, relatively low interest rates make this the ideal time to lock in lower monthly payments. Credit cards that offer cash back or reward points are also favorite ways to finance a kitchen remodeling project, providing both funds for a new kitchen and a separate financial incentive. Many professional remodelers offer financing as well, with incentives such as 12-months-same-as-cash that make it possible to start a remodeling project now while making payments over the course of time, often interest-free. Energy-Efficient Savings A kitchen remodeling project in Livonia provides the opportunity to upgrade to the latest energy-efficient appliances. Many new appliances are ENERGY STAR-certified by the U.S. Department of Energy, meaning that they use less energy than traditional appliances. An average home appliance lasts for 10 to 20 years, and over that time, an ENERGY STAR-certified appliance will use 10 to 50 percent less energy each year than a non-energy-efficient appliance, resulting in significant cost savings. And, ENERGY STAR-rated appliances provide homeowners savings through efficient energy use without sacrificing the performance, style, features, or convenience that homeowners expect.A kitchen remodel is also the ideal time to consider incorporating new, lower-maintenance materials such as quartz countertops or cabinet finishes such as metal, termofoil, melamine, or other manufactured veneers. Investing in durability and energy efficiency now will mean lower maintenance and energy costs in the long-run, paying homeowners back over time.Daily Enjoyment Homeowners sometimes put off remodeling until they’re considering selling their home, assuming that a more current remodel of a kitchen or bathroom will look dated by the time the home is sold. But a professionally remodeled kitchen will increase the current livability of a home, providing beauty and functionality that homeowners can enjoy on a daily basis. A kitchen design professional can help homeowners select the right design, appliances, fixtures, and finishes so that a kitchen remodel will still appear fresh and add significant value when the home is sold. Rather than putting up with a small, nonfunctional kitchen or waiting five years to enjoy new appliances, finishes, and stylish design, homeowners who remodel now can take advantage of the beauty and style of their home for years to come. With all of the advantages that a current kitchen remodel provides, homeowners are wise to begin remodeling projects right away. Contacting a kitchen remodeling professional in Clarkston is a great way to begin the remodeling process; a design expert will sit down with homeowners to discuss family needs, budget, and vision, and can carefully craft a kitchen design plan that will provide beautiful functionality for years to come, at a price families can afford.