Is it time to renovate your kitchen? Let’s talk time frames, tell-tale signs and tips

Much to homeowners’ chagrin, designing a kitchen is not a one-time thing. Your perfectly crafted kitchen will not remain perfect forever: time, trends and usage will leave their mark on this multipurpose room and sooner or later you’ll have to start thinking about renovating it. But when exactly is a good time to prepare for a full kitchen renovation? 

Chasing trends and updating the space too often is a waste of time and money while waiting too long can disrupt your daily life in numerous ways, so you don’t want to fall into either of the extremes. Then you also have to make sure that the project goes as planned and doesn’t turn into a renovation disaster. 

Since the entire household revolves around the kitchen, it’s important to get things done the right way and at the right time. Luckily, we’re here to help you address these common renovation concerns so you can figure out when, why and how you should update your kitchen. 

How often should you renovate your kitchen? 

First, we need to clarify the terminology and differentiate between a kitchen renovation and a remodel. Although the terms are often used interchangeably, they have different meanings, so let’s set the record straight once and for all. Renovating implies repairing or upgrading different elements and features like appliances, fixtures, and furnishings, as needed, without altering the layout or structure of the kitchen. A remodel, on the other hand, refers to making structural and functional changes to the room and even giving it a different purpose.  

Experts usually advise to renovate your kitchen once every 10 to 15 years. This is a long enough period for your kitchen to become outdated in terms of style and for wear and tear to leave visible signs on its units. If it’s been aeons since you last changed something around the kitchen, then you have good reasons to consider a makeover. 

As for remodels, if you’re happy with the current size and layout of your kitchen, you might never need to take on such a project. Remodels are only necessary if the space no longer serves your needs and lifestyle. For example, you might require a larger kitchen to accommodate your growing family, or you might want to increase the value of your home before putting it on the market. 

The tell-tell signs you should look out for 

While renovating your kitchen every 10 to 15 years is a good rule of thumb to follow, this time frame is not set in stone, as some kitchens might require a refreshment earlier than that. It all depends on how the room is used and maintained. If you’re cooking for a large family on a daily basis and the kitchen also doubles as a home office, study space or entrainment venue, it’s obviously going to get more wear and tear than a kitchen that is only used sparingly, and that means you might have to renovate more often.  

The best way to determine if your kitchen is due a renovation or not is to look out for the tell-tale signs. You should first assess the condition of your kitchen appliances, surfaces and units. It’s normal for them to look a bit worn out from the daily grind, but if they’re still sturdy and functional, you can fix the problem with some minor repairs and good maintenance, so you don’t have to go through the hustle and bustle of renovating. However, if these items have reached the end of their lifespan, you’ll have to replace them with new ones. 

Style-wise, you probably already know that kitchen trends come and go all the time. Should you try to keep up with them and renovate every time design styles change? Absolutely not. If you still love the look and feel of your kitchen, you shouldn’t let yourself be influenced by fleeting fads. But if you’re sick and tired of your kitchen’s outdated appearance to the point you no longer want to spend time in it, an upgrade is definitely in order.  

Improving the efficiency and functionality of your kitchen is another aspect that can lead you on the path to renovation. If you have the budget to invest in energy-efficient appliances that can help you save money, enhance the functionality and comfort of your kitchen and make your life easier, there’s no reason to refrain from it. 

How to nail your kitchen renovation 

If you’ve come to the conclusion you need to renovate your kitchen, then you have to prepare yourself because you have a lot of work ahead of you, so here are a few tips that can make the process smoother. When choosing major pieces like cabinetry, countertops, or backsplashes, it’s best to go with neutral colours and classic styles to ensure a timeless appeal and therefore extend the period between renovations. 

It’s also important to take your time and look for quality fittings and furnishings that can withstand intense usage and help you extend the longevity of your kitchen. Reputable providers offer a wide range of high-quality kitchen units to suit all preferences and budgets, from solid wood kitchen doors to different cabinet styles and accessories, so shop around until you find the right ones for you. While you might be tempted to cut corners and purchase cheaper items to reduce renovation expenses, investing in quality pieces will prove to be more cost-effective in the long run. 

When it comes to design style, it’s best to take a cue from your home’s aesthetic. If your house has a contemporary design, it makes sense to have your kitchen match this look. This will help you create a cohesive design that flows naturally throughout the house. 

You also need to think about who’s going to put your renovation plans into practice. A lot of people treat their kitchen renovations as DIY projects which often leads to disastrous results. If you want to avoid risks and mishaps, hiring skilled contractors to get the job done is the smartest thing to do. 

That being said, a kitchen renovation can be quite an exciting and rewarding experience if you approach it correctly, so don’t be afraid to take the leap.