What to Consider When Remodeling a Kitchen

The kitchen is the center of every home. Your family goes there to cook, to eat, to hang out, to entertain guests, to sit down and relax. Before you build or redesign your kitchen, there are many things to consider. Above all, your kitchen must balance functionality, aesthetic beauty, practicality, and comfort.

When you are planning a kitchen remodel, it’s important to figure out the details of the renovation so you get the best return on your investment and have a beautiful, fully functional kitchen.

Identify why you want a kitchen remodel in the first place, and what problems you want to solve with the redesign. If your kitchen is no longer easy to use for your family, or you want to improve your kitchen to add value to your home, these all both valid reasons for a kitchen remodel.

These are some of the things you should consider when you are remodeling your kitchen.

How Extensive Should Your Remodel Be?

Are you looking for a full kitchen remodel or merely a kitchen refresh?

Minor kitchen remodels might be considered a refresh, where you update some features like plumbing fixtures, refacing cabinets, replacing backsplashes, and upgrading your appliances. For kitchens that are about 200 square feet or more, this might be a fraction of the price of a full remodel.

A full kitchen remodel for a kitchen which is only 100 square feet might be $15,000 to $30,000. Remember that the rough budget for a full kitchen remodel should be about 5% to 15% of the total value of your home.

A kitchen remodel for a large kitchen of 200 or more square feet can cost from $30,000 to $65,000 depending on how large the kitchen is, the total square footage of the home, and the extent of the remodel.

Of course, all of this depends on what you have planned for your kitchen remodel and your total budget for the renovation. The higher grade of materials, and the more extensive and detailed the renovation, the more the remodel will cost.

Making a plan with your remodeling contractor will help you stay on budget while achieving all your goals and creating a new beautiful and functional kitchen.

How Much Should You Expect to Pay for Kitchen Remodeling?

The cost of a kitchen remodel can vary widely depending on the size of the kitchen, the features you want to install, and the quality of the materials used. The average 100 square foot kitchen will cost between $15,000 and $30,000 to remodel. Depending on what features you choose in your kitchen renovation, the remodeling cost may vary.

Large kitchens that are 200 square feet or more can cost between $50,000 and $65,000 for kitchen remodels. The higher end kitchen renovations in larger kitchens often include new appliances and major infrastructure construction.

Many remodeling experts recommend that kitchen remodeling budget be about 5% to 15% of the current value of your home. Homeowners often choose to remodel their kitchen to increase the value of their home, and the kitchen is the primary room that adds more value to your home.

Homeadvisor.com reports the largest parts of the budget go to cabinetry and hardware (29 percent), installation (17 percent), and appliances and ventilation (14 percent).

Budgeting for a Remodel

Consider the features you want to prioritize in your kitchen renovation. Research on cabinets, countertops, kitchen layouts, fixtures, flooring materials, and appliances. Find if your budget can cover everything you want, or what you can do within the scope of your kitchen renovation.

One thing to plan for is whether you will need extra electrical, plumbing, or ventilation work for any of your appliances. In kitchen remodels where the microwave is moved from above the stove, many homeowners add a hood to vent cooking fumes and smoke to the outside. If you’re replacing the refrigerator, do you need extra water hookups? Adding or moving sink fixtures or adding extra appliances? These all require planning and consideration for infrastructure.

On countertops, flooring, and cabinets, what types of materials and finishes are you using? It all makes a big difference in the overall renovation.

Design and Layout

One of the biggest considerations for a kitchen redesign is the layout. A kitchen should be more functional and easier to navigate after a renovation. Work areas, such as the sink, dishwasher, oven, and refrigerator should be arranged in a triangle pattern to make movement quick, easy, and accessible.

Similar work areas should be arranged close together in a logical manner. The sink, dishwasher, and cabinets for dishes should be close together. Similarly, the refrigerator, pantry, and meal preparation countertop should be close to each other.

Plan for Clearances

Kitchen islands work in kitchen renovations where there is ample clearance for people to walk around the island, open the refrigerator, the dishwasher, and for people to be busy cooking and preparing meals. Smaller kitchens may not be able to utilize features like a kitchen island and the bulk of the remodel would have to be focused on the perimeter of the kitchen.

Kitchen Cabinets are Important

Cabinets are the most visible part of your kitchen so choosing the right materials, finishes, colors, and facing options will make a big difference in the finished appearance of your kitchen remodel.

Making sure your cabinets match the color scheme of your planned kitchen redesign. Stock cabinets are the most affordable option for kitchens, and custom cabinets offer more flexibility, but cost a little more. The cabinet handles and hardware are also part of the aesthetic and can add a nice detail to your kitchen renovation.

Countertop Aesthetics, Materials and Practicality

Countertops are one of the most visible parts of your kitchen, and you will use the countertop every single day, so balancing aesthetics and functionality is important.

Many homeowners choose quartzite countertops for their durability, luxurious appearance, and reasonable price. Quartz is the most popular choice in midrange and upscale kitchen remodels, due to it’s close resemblance to marble and limestone.

For truly luxurious kitchen remodels, granite countertops are a perfect selection. These cost a bit more than other materials, but their durability and appearance is unparalleled.

Backsplash Considerations

The section of the wall between the countertop and the cabinets is usually covered with a tiled pattern known as a backsplash. This might also appear around the stove or range between the range and hood or cabinets. The colors and materials in the backsplash are usually a complement to the overall design of the kitchen. The backsplash is a tapestry where you can create beautiful patterns. Make use of this important wall space to enhance your kitchen’s aesthetics.

Quality Kitchen Sink Faucet

The kitchen sink faucet is perhaps the most used part of the kitchen. Choosing premium sink fixtures for your kitchen can help create a distinctive look.

Microwaves and Kitchen Islands

One decision that many homeowners make in a kitchen renovation is moving the microwave from above the kitchen range into a kitchen island, if the island is added. This makes it easier for younger family members to use the microwave and allows the addition of a stylish hood fan above the range. Many kitchen remodels add a stainless-steel hood fan above the stove to better vent cooking fumes and smoke.

>Flooring Patterns and Materials

The flooring in your kitchen can provide a texture and color contrast to the overall design of your renovated kitchen.

Wood laminate is one of the most popular choices, as it looks like wood, but comes in a variety of colors and textures. Laminate is very versatile and fits well with many kitchen redesigns.

Traditional hardwood is beautiful, but can be damaged easily, and requires a lot of maintenance. Wood flooring is usually installed in other parts of the home.

Porcelain tile comes in a wide variety of designs and can closely resemble natural stone of wood. One downside to porcelain tile is it is very hard, and most things dropped on it will shatter.

Vinyl is the least expensive option, and most older homes and kitchens ae switching from this type of flooring to something like laminate or tile.

Lighting Makes a Big Difference

One of the almost invisible aspects of kitchen remodeling is lighting and lighting fixtures. Creating more soft white light can illuminate the kitchen and make it seem bright and comfortable.

Recessed ceiling fixtures provide ambient light and help illuminate the room. Ceiling light fixtures can brighten areas like the kitchen island, the kitchen table, and over sinks without creating any shadows. These are important for bright light illumination. Under cabinet lighting provides extra lighting for countertops so you can focus on work and meal preparation there.

A well-lit kitchen looks better than a dimly, poorly lit kitchen.

Appliances are Part of the Kitchen Remodel

As mentioned previously, appliances are a big part of kitchen remodels, and adding a stainless-steel range and refrigerator can make the kitchen look brand new. Be sure to calculate the floor space of the range, refrigerator, and other appliances. Measure to make sure the refrigerator door has room to open. If you have a hood vent from the stove, it should vent to the outside through the roof. Lastly, look for EnergyStar appliances that help you save money on your electric bills.

Set up a Temporary Kitchen

Living your day-to-day life without a working kitchen is a big challenge, especially if you have kids or a big family. One thing you can do during a kitchen remodel is set up a temporary kitchen area where you can cook. Move the refrigerator, microwave, and toaster oven to another room. You can also cook on an outdoor grill or barbeque if your remodel is in the summer or autumn. Use paper plates and disposable utensils for meals until you get full access to your sink and dishwasher.

What Components of Kitchen Remodeling Cost the Most?

The places where you will spend money on a kitchen remodel include:

  • Cabinets
  • Countertops
  • Appliances
  • Flooring
  • Plumbing and fixtures
  • Lighting fixtures
  • Backsplash and wall finishes
  • Labor costs for construction

The cabinets are the largest part of a kitchen remodel because they cover the most space. Cabinets can cost 20 to 40% of the kitchen renovation budget.

Need Kitchen Remodeling in Sacramento?

Sacramento Remodeling Group has many years of experience doing kitchen remodels, bathroom renovations, ADU builds, room additions, and general contracting in the Roseville-Sacramento area. We’ve done scores of renovation projects for homeowners in the Sacramento Valley. If you have questions or if you want to talk options and timeline for a kitchen remodel, call one of our staff at  (916) 862-1444 for a free no-obligation estimate.

How to Choose a Color Scheme for Your Kitchen Remodel

Kitchen remodeling projects are a perfect time to re-create your kitchen with design and colors that create a specific mood. Outdated or generic cabinets and countertops can be replaced with new, upgraded premium components that evoke a modern, contemporary aesthetic.

Choosing a color scheme for your kitchen redesign is an important decision. Choosing each color and where it appears is a large part of a successful kitchen renovation.

Let’s examine the principles of color and design in kitchen remodeling.

The Importance of Choosing a Color Scheme

You can take inspiration for your kitchen color scheme from many places, like artwork, interior design, graphic design, your favorite colors, or photos of other kitchens. It’s okay to start with some of the colors you are most fond of and use those as base colors for potential palettes.

It’s okay to think of broad color schemes first and narrow it down to potential color palettes before you decide on your favorite. Being intentional about where each color will appear and in what ratio will help make your kitchen remodel as stunning as possible.

Most kitchen color schemes use a 60-30-10 ratio. The main color appears 60% of the time, the secondary color 30% of the time, the tertiary color about 10% of the time. The primary color usually appears on the cabinets, and the secondary and accent colors appear in the countertops, backsplash, paint, and sometimes the light or sink fixtures.

Some kitchen color schemes work well together because they follow natural rules on the color wheel. By starting with base colors and finding colors which complement that color, you can find a color scheme which looks great. There are certain color palettes that work well in kitchen remodeling which we will look at shortly.

Consider some of the colors from adjacent rooms when designing a color scheme so the rooms flow together seamlessly. Evaluating the colors and textures available in your kitchen can help you create a cohesive color scheme that is eye-catching and visually appealing.

Tips for Choosing a Color Scheme for Your Kitchen

Once you have a few color palettes selected, the first thing to do is consider what will be the primary color in your kitchen? This main color will be assigned to the cabinets. The cabinets will take up wall space than anything else in the kitchen, so that’s where your main color should be used.

Generally, cabinet colors should complement countertops and the backsplash. These are the kitchen components closest in proximity to the cabinets. The cabinets should be the primary color in your palette, and pair with the other parts of the kitchen. For example, pairing white cabinets with gray quartzite countertops.

Don’t make the paint on the wall the main color. Paint is relatively easy to change, but your cabinets are a significant part of the cost of the kitchen remodel, and they are designed to be there for many years. It is easier to change the paint than to change the cabinets, if you change your mind later.

Coordinating the rest of the kitchen: countertops, backsplash, flooring, paint, appliances, and fixtures, can take place after choosing the color for the cabinets. Often times, the main color will reappear as an accent in other components of the kitchen design, like in the backsplash tile.

An experienced kitchen remodeling team can help show you options for different kitchen components and how they fit together in a beautiful color scheme.

Keep in mind that flooring is also part of the color scheme, and some of the secondary and tertiary colors can also appear in the flooring.

Using Undertones in Kitchen Design

Undertones are the underlying color visible in most colors. Even neutrals have an undertone. Your kitchen renovation should take the undertones of all materials into account.

After your primary kitchen components such as cabinets, countertops, and flooring are selected, you can look at places to put accent colors. Ideal places to put accent colors are in the backsplash, kitchen appliances, and wall paint. The smallest components, like plumbing fixtures, lighting fixtures, and cabinet pulls can be addressed last.

One vital thing to remember in kitchen design is to keep the undertone consistent. Even with neutral paint colors, there is a light undertone. These small details matter in color coordination to create a cohesive look.

Tips for Kitchen Color Schemes

You can browse online for color combination inspiration, but these are some guiding design principles that will help to create a color scheme.

Neutral Colors Work in Many Color Palettes

Many modern kitchen designs use neutral colors to create a clean, contemporary appearance. Colors like white, black, and gray contrast well with bolder colors like blue, green, red, or violet.

Beige works well with warmer colors like walnut, orange, and red. Neutral colors can be used in wall paint, countertops, and backsplash to create an appropriate color ratio.

Pastels Are Popular in Contemporary Remodeling

Pale tones like soft blue, mint green, eggshell yellow, and other pastels can create a distinct kitchen aesthetic. Both warm and cool pastel colors can work with neutral white and grays, and natural browns to create a nice color scheme. Cabinets, countertops, and kitchen islands are good places to use pastels.

Use a Contrasting Color for The Flooring

Using some contrast between the flooring and cabinets can be visually pleasing. For example, installing white cabinets with a dark walnut hardwood floor, or a marble tile flooring with dark gray cabinets.

Bold Colors Can Work With Complementary Colors

Vibrant colors can create an interesting eye-catching aesthetic. Dark blue kitchen cabinets can look good against neutral colors. Burnt orange hues complement vintage brown primary colors rather well. Mint green pairs well with dark cabinet stains, and some homeowners use rich greens, purples, or yellows with neutral colors to create focal points in the kitchen. If you do choose to use vivid colors, limit it to one color in the color scheme.

Test Your Color Choices with Different Lighting

Be sure to look at the sample materials and colors in both natural and indoor lighting to see how it will look before committing to material purchase. Make sure that the color scheme you have selected will look great in every condition. Colors may appear different in different lighting conditions.

Looking for Kitchen Remodeling in Sacramento and Roseville?

When you need a total kitchen makeover, new countertops, cabinets, tile, backsplash, or flooring, Sacramento Remodeling Group can help you create your dream kitchen. Our highly-experienced construction team has done hundreds of remodels in the greater Sacramento area.

If you’re thinking about a remodel of your home, call us at (916) 862-1444 or fill out our contact form and we will be in touch.

What’s the Most Expensive Part of Kitchen Remodeling?

For months, you’ve been thinking about remodeling your kitchen, collecting images from online galleries for inspiration. All the while, you are envisioning what your new kitchen might look like. At a certain point, you realize you must start planning if you want to bring your visions for a new kitchen to fruition.

The biggest question you or any other homeowner could have about a kitchen renovation goes through your mind – how much will this kitchen remodel cost me?

Whether you have enough cash in your budget to do the entirety of your dream remodel, or just a partial remodel, a secondary question also comes up in your planning. What is the most expensive part of the overall kitchen remodel?

This guide is an effort to give a range of how much you might spend on a typical kitchen remodel, and a breakdown of the possible costs of each component of the remodel. Let’s look at which parts of a typical kitchen remodel cost the most, so your planning can be fully informed.

How Does Kitchen Remodeling Cost?

Before looking at the costs of each component, let’s establish what the average kitchen remodel costs. The average 100 square foot kitchen will cost between $15,000 and $30,000 to remodel. Depending on what features you choose in your kitchen renovation, the remodeling cost may vary.

Large kitchens that are 200 square feet or more can cost between $50,000 and $65,000 for kitchen remodels. The higher end kitchen renovations in larger kitchens often include new appliances and major infrastructure construction.

Many remodeling experts recommend that kitchen remodeling budget be about 5% to 15% of the current value of your home. Homeowners often choose to remodel their kitchen to increase the value of their home, and the kitchen is the primary room that adds more value to your home.

When considering your kitchen remodel, think about what parts are most important to you. Would you really like to replace your kitchen cabinets? Granite or natural stone countertops? Let’s look at the breakdown of costs for kitchen components in a home renovation.

What is the Most Expensive Part of Kitchen Remodeling?

The most expensive part of a kitchen remodel is the cabinets. Because cabinets are the most prominent part of the kitchen, the cabinets are generally 20-40% of the kitchen remodeling budget. In a large remodel, for kitchens that are 200 square feet or more, the cabinets may cost upwards of $15,000. The remainder of the remodeling budget will go to appliances, countertops, flooring, kitchen islands, backsplash tiles, plumbing and sink fixtures.

Cabinets take up a lot of square footage in your kitchen, and usually include floor-level and mounted cabinets. In more extensive remodels, custom built cabinets may add to the cost. Selecting the perfect cabinet facings and doors will help transform your kitchen into a new experience.

It’s a good idea to reserve about 5% of your kitchen renovation budget for miscellaneous items that come up, like lighting.

Where Does the Money Go in a Kitchen Remodel?

Here are the major components of a kitchen remodel and the rough percentages each may take up in a kitchen renovation.

Cabinets

Kitchen cabinets draw the most attention because they cover most of wall space in the kitchen. Cabinets are about 20 to 40 percent of the total kitchen remodeling budget. Because they are meant to last for decades, and serve an important role for storage and organization, your cabinets should be made from high-quality materials and finishes. Our kitchen design consultants can help you select the perfect cabinets for your renovation.

Countertops

Countertops are another major component of a kitchen remodel. The total cost will be determined by the materials used – granite and natural stone will cost more than other materials. Countertops will take up about 10 to 30 percent of the kitchen remodeling budget.

Granite countertops will add a luxury aesthetic to your kitchen, while laminate is a reliable solution at a reasonable price point. Natural stone and quartzite countertops are a beautiful, durable option. Choosing stylish countertops and backsplash tile will help make your kitchen look spectacular.

Appliances & Electrical

In some kitchen remodels, new appliances are added to improve the functionality and appearance of the kitchen. Electrical, gas, and water lines may need to be moved or upgraded. New appliances can take 10 to 20 percent of the budget in a kitchen remodel. Homeowners may choose to upgrade their kitchen range, refrigerator, or dishwasher. Many kitchen remodels may move a mounted microwave from above the stove to a kitchen island with a oven hood and backsplash tile being installed. Investment in new kitchen appliances can make a bold statement and improve kitchen functionality.

Plumbing & Fixtures

If you are installing new appliances like a refrigerator or garbage disposal, the remodeling contractor will need to ensure the water lines are installed properly. This will help the refrigerator produce filtered water and ice, and ensure the dishwasher runs correctly. When plumbing is required, it will take up about 10 to 15 percent of your kitchen remodeling budget.

Ducting and HVAC

In some cases, you might be adding a kitchen vent, or ducted or ductless HVAC. In these types of kitchen remodels, the HVAC contracting will take up about 5 percent of your total kitchen renovation budget. It’s worth calling in an HVAC technician to get the job done right.

Flooring

Installing new flooring in your kitchen can give it a brand-new look and make it look more luxurious. Many homeowners upgrade from vinyl or tile to laminate or hardwood. Changing the flooring can help make a big difference in your kitchen remodel, especially if it complements the cabinets and countertops.

Flooring can range in price anywhere from $2 to $15 per square foot.

Labor and Construction

All the materials in a kitchen remodel – cabinets, countertops, flooring, appliances, backsplash, sink fixtures, lighting, electrical, and plumbing – have a cost. The final cost is labor, construction, and installation. This amount will vary depending on the extent of the kitchen renovation.

Ready to Remodel Your Sacramento Area Home?

If you’ve been planning a kitchen remodel for your Roseville or Sacramento home, the team at Sacramento Remodeling Group is here to help you create a brand new kitchen.

Our team has many years of experience helping property owners in the Sacramento and Roseville area with kitchen and bathroom remodeling, room additions, and general contracting. We use the highest quality materials and experienced workmanship to create a beautifully renovated home.

Contact us today for a no-obligation quote. Call Sacramento Remodeling Group today at (916) 862-1444 for you’re a free consultation with a home remodeling specialist.