Five Signs You Need to Remodel Your Kitchen

The kitchen tends to be the hub of the house, a place where you meet with family to eat and bake and work on school projects. When you host guests, they tend to migrate there as well, to share cooking duties while swapping stories. As your family changes, you may find that your space isn’t conducive to the way you want to use it. If that sounds familiar, it may be time for a kitchen remodel.

1. Lack of Counter Space

One of the top drawbacks to a functional kitchen is too little work space. It may look adequate, but once you start preparing a meal you find that there just isn’t anywhere to put things. A few dirty dishes take up one countertop, homework papers take up another, and the mixer and toaster take up yet another. That leaves little room for gathering ingredients, chopping vegetables, and rolling dough.

2. Traffic is Not Flowing

Offers to help prepare a meal can be welcome, but if you find yourself declining because there’s simply no room for two, it’s time to remodel. The National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) suggests having at least 42 inches of working space for an individual cook and 48 inches for more than one.

3. The Appliances Aren’t Helping

Even if there is enough room in your kitchen, it may still have some issues efficiency issues that could be improved with a few small changes. How old is that refrigerator and stove? Dated appliances can be costing you on your energy bills. Dishwashers, for example, have received significant changes in the last 10 years, and models are now much more energy efficient, have water saving features, and actually clean your dishes better.

4. It’s Unattractive

Of course, there are the cosmetic issues that a remodel can perk up. Changing cabinets can completely alter the look and atmosphere of your kitchen. There are many different colors and styles available today, so you can choose from options like glass fronts, antiqued panels or contemporary doors. Along with the new appliances, you’ll have a completely new room without changing your layout.

5. I Want More

Kitchens are no longer just inside the house. Outdoor cooking spaces now include their own appliances and counter tops that are used for entertaining and everyday dining. If you plan to head outside for meals often, consider adding a door directly from the kitchen to the deck.

A kitchen remodel can mean redesigning the layout, but it can also mean making simple changes like adding new appliances and cabinetry.