What You Need To Know Before Taking On a Kitchen or Bath Remodel

Kitchens and bathrooms are the two most important rooms in the house. Whether savoring your home for a while longer or selling your home in the near future, remodeling these two rooms drive costs up. Cost of your home that is. 

Remodeling is always an exciting feat when your design comes to life, but what about all the time, work, and waiting that lie in between the start of the project and the finished result? Well, that’s what we’re here to shed light upon. 

Finding Alternatives 

For both kitchen and bathroom remodels, the client has to make sacrifices during the duration of the remodel that apply seldom to other areas of the home. When renovating the kitchen, be prepared to set up camp for prep and meals elsewhere in the house or be open to dining out. 

As for the bathroom, depending on how many baths the home has, you may be safe. If you’re renovating your only full bath, however, finding an alternative place to shower is one mission in store. 

Putting Costs Into Perspective

In terms of cost, the national average of remodeling the kitchen and bathroom are $40,000 and $20,000 respectively. These costs do not reflect changing the layout of either space, and for some homeowners, changing the layout is necessary to increase the room’s efficiency and functionality.  

A good rule of thumb is to spend between 5%-10% of your home’s current value on a bathroom remodel. Guest baths fall on the lower end of the range while investing in a master should be around if not at the top end of the cap.

When determining the cost of either space, rerouting plumbing or electrical can quickly increase the budget but can be worth the extra investment for greater practicality.  

Where to Splurge in the Bathroom

Making final selections for the bathroom can be difficult, but with some guidance, you can be and stay on the right track. Choices worth an additional expense include dual vanities and heated flooring in the master or any additional storage opportunities in either bath. 

In terms of finishes, avoid natural stones for countertops or shower tile, for they can easily fall out of budget. Natural stones require more maintenance than less expensive porcelain, however, can be used within a niche if absolutely desired.    

Where to Splurge in the Kitchen

Getting the most out of your kitchen is a must when investing in a redesign. The best way to determine where to splurge in the kitchen is to evaluate how the kitchen should function for the family. Tailoring choices to your lifestyle will greatly benefit the ease and efficiency of the space. 

Overall, investing in cabinetry can be universally recommended. Bringing cabinets up to the ceiling grants additional storage and the illusion of a taller space. Choosing a quartz or granite countertop can also be beneficial in withstanding time and toughness.    

The most important piece of advice for any homeowner looking to invest in a kitchen or bath remodel is to personalize your space. If the investment is for resale purposes within a 1-2 year time span, personal preferences may find their way onto the back burner, but are crucial for homeowners seeking to stay.

With a little research of local contractors and some time perfecting your design, you’re sure to have a home you’ll love for rest or resale. Want to learn more about the design/build space? Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.