Owning a home is a huge investment, and one of the most important rooms in your home is the kitchen. The kitchen is not only where you prepare meals, but it’s also where you entertain guests. If your kitchen is outdated or not as functional as you’d like, it can be frustrating. But there are ways to improve your kitchen without spending a lot of money, which is kitchen improvements.
Installing a quartz backsplash and re-tiling the floor are two of the most popular kitchen improvement trends. But what are the quartz backsplash pros and cons? What makes quartz a good backsplash material, and are there any drawbacks? To learn more about kitchen improvements, keep reading.
Importance of Keeping Your Kitchen Up-To-Date
Have you ever wondered why kitchen remodels are so popular? It’s not just because people want a nicer-looking kitchen. In fact, there are several reasons why updating your kitchen is a smart investment. Here are a few of the most important:
➣Added Value to Your Home
One of the most important pros of kitchen improvements is that they can add value to your home. If you’re planning on selling your home in the future, an updated kitchen will be a big selling point. Buyers are willing to pay more for a home with a modern kitchen, and a quartz backsplash can make your kitchen look brand new.
With some kitchen remodels, you’ll get your investment back, plus some extra. For example, if you spend $15,000 on a kitchen remodel, you could see an increase in your home’s value from $11,000 to $19,000. And that’s not including the extra value you get from enjoying your new kitchen!
➣Improved Functionality
Another importance of keeping your kitchen up-to-date is improved functionality. As kitchen appliances and storage solutions have improved over the years, so has kitchen functionality. If your kitchen is outdated, it might not be as efficient as it could be. By investing in a few kitchen improvements, you can make your kitchen more user-friendly.
For example, installing more cabinets or adding a kitchen island can give you more storage and prep space. And if you’re short on counter space, getting rid of an old kitchen table can open up the room. There are endless ways to make your kitchen more functional, and a little bit of research can go a long way.
➣Stylish and Modern Look
Another pro of kitchen improvements is that they can give your kitchen a stylish and modern look. If your kitchen is outdated, it might be time for a change. And even if your kitchen is fairly new, there are always ways to update the style.
One popular way to do this is by installing a new backsplash. Backsplashes are a great way to add color and pattern to your kitchen, and they can be relatively inexpensive. Quartz backsplashes are especially popular right now, and they come in a variety of colors and styles. Learn some of the quartz backsplash pros and cons below.
➣Higher Return on Investment
Another pro of kitchen improvements is that they generally have a higher return on investment than other home improvement projects. For example, if you spend $15,000 on a kitchen remodel, you could see a return on investment of up to 81%. That means if you sell your home for $300,000, you could potentially make back $243,000 of your investment.
Of course, the return on investment will vary depending on the scope of your project and the current market value of your home. But in general, kitchen remodels are a smart investment that can pay off down the road.
➣Improved Energy Efficiency
Finally, one of the lesser-known pros of kitchen improvements is that they can improve your home’s energy efficiency. If your kitchen is outdated, it might not be as energy-efficient as it could be. And if you live in an older home, your kitchen might not have been designed with energy efficiency in mind.
You can make your kitchen more energy-efficient by investing in new appliances, insulation, and windows. These improvements can help you save money on your energy bills and make your home more comfortable.
Common Reasons for Making Kitchen Improvements
If you’re considering making some kitchen improvements, you’re not alone. According to a recent survey, the average kitchen remodel costs about $12,000. And while that might seem like a lot of money, there are plenty of good reasons to do a kitchen remodel. Here are some of the most common reasons people choose to make kitchen improvements:
✔To Get Rid of an Outdated Look
If your kitchen is outdated, it can make your whole home feel dated. And if you’re trying to sell your home, an outdated kitchen can be a major turnoff for potential buyers. But a kitchen remodel can give your whole home a fresh, new look. And if you’re planning on selling your home, a new kitchen can help you get top dollar.
✔To Improve Functionality
Another common reason for kitchen improvements is to improve functionality. As kitchen appliances and storage solutions have improved over the years, so has kitchen functionality. If your kitchen is outdated, it might not be as efficient as it could be. By investing in a few kitchen improvements, you can make your kitchen more user-friendly.
✔To Have More Storage Space
If you’re short on storage space, a kitchen remodel can give you the extra space you need. You can add cabinets, shelving, or even a kitchen island to get the extra storage space you need. And if you have an older home, tearing out a wall to create a more open floor plan can also give you the extra storage space you need.
✔To Save Money on Energy Bills
One of the lesser-known benefits of kitchen improvements is that they can help you save money on your energy bills. If your kitchen is outdated, it might not be as energy-efficient as it could be. But by investing in a few energy-saving appliances and making some other simple changes, you can make your kitchen more energy-efficient.
✔To Increase the Value of Your Home
Finally, one of the biggest reasons people choose to make kitchen improvements is to increase the value of their home. If you’re planning on selling your home, a new kitchen can help you get top dollar. And if you’re not planning on selling anytime soon, a kitchen remodel can still add to the value of your home.
Kitchen Improvements That You Can Do
Now that you know some of the reasons people choose to make kitchen improvements, let’s take a look at some kitchen improvements that you can do.
●Get New Appliances
If your appliances are outdated, they might not be as energy-efficient as newer models. And if you’re planning on selling your home, updated appliances can be a major selling point. But even if you’re not planning on selling, new appliances can still make your kitchen more efficient and user-friendly.
Just make sure you choose appliances that fit your budget and your kitchen’s layout. And if you’re not sure what to buy, ask a kitchen remodeling professional for advice. That way, you can be sure you’re getting the best appliances for your needs.
●Install Energy-Efficient Windows
If your kitchen doesn’t have energy-efficient windows, it might be time for an upgrade. New windows can help you save money on your energy bills and make your home more comfortable. And if you live in an older home, they can also help you reduce noise from outside.
When choosing new windows for your kitchen, make sure you pick a style that fits with the rest of your home. And if you’re not sure what type of window to get, ask a kitchen remodeling professional for advice.
●Replace Old Flooring
If your kitchen floor is in bad shape, it might be time to replace it. And if you’re planning on selling your home, new flooring can be a major selling point. But even if you’re not selling anytime soon, new flooring can still make your kitchen more comfortable and stylish.
And when it comes to kitchen flooring, you have a lot of options to choose from. So take your time and pick a material that fits your needs and your budget. Make sure to consider things like durability, maintenance, and comfort when making your decision.
●Install Cabinet Organizers
If you’re short on storage space, cabinet organizers can help you make the most of what you have. And if your cabinets are in good shape, they can also help you update the look of your kitchen.
There are a lot of different types of cabinet organizers to choose from. So take your time and pick something that fits your needs and your budget. And if you’re not sure what to buy, ask a kitchen remodeling professional for advice.
●Get New Countertops
If your countertops are in bad shape or you’re just ready for a change, new countertops can give your kitchen a whole new look. And if you’re planning on selling your home, new countertops can be a major selling point. But even if you’re not selling anytime soon, new countertops can still make your kitchen more stylish and user-friendly.
When choosing new countertops, make sure you pick a material that fits your needs and your budget. And if you’re not sure what to buy, ask a kitchen remodeling professional for advice.
●Paint or Stain Your Cabinets
If your cabinets are in good shape but you’re just ready for a change, painting or staining them can give your kitchen a whole new look. And if you’re planning on selling your home, updated cabinets can be a major selling point. But even if you’re not selling anytime soon, new cabinets can still make your kitchen more stylish and user-friendly.
And remember, you don’t have to stick with the traditional white or wood stain colors. You can paint your cabinets any color you want. Just make sure you choose a color that goes well with the rest of your kitchen.
●Replace Your Faucet
If your kitchen faucet is old, outdated, or just not working well, it might be time for an upgrade. And if you’re planning on selling your home, updated fixtures can be a major selling point. But even if you’re not selling anytime soon, new fixtures can still make your kitchen more stylish and user-friendly.
Some things to keep in mind when choosing a new kitchen faucet include finish, style, and function. And if you’re not sure what to buy, ask a kitchen remodeling professional for advice.
●Paint the Walls
One of the quickest and easiest ways to update your kitchen is to paint the walls. And if you’re planning on selling your home, a fresh coat of paint can be a major selling point. But even if you’re not selling anytime soon, new paint can still make your kitchen more comfortable and stylish.
When choosing a paint color, make sure you pick something that goes well with the rest of your kitchen. And if you’re not sure what to buy, ask a kitchen remodeling professional for advice.
●Add a Quartz Backsplash
If your kitchen is in need of an update, but you’re not sure where to start, a new backsplash might be the way to go. And if you’re planning on selling your home, a backsplash can be a major selling point. But even if you’re not selling anytime soon, a new backsplash can still make your kitchen more stylish and user-friendly.
Make sure to choose a backsplash that goes well with the rest of your kitchen. You can also use your backsplash to make a statement. And if you’re not sure what to buy, ask a kitchen remodeling professional for advice on the quartz backsplash pros and cons.
How to Choose the Right Improvements for Your Family
Now that you know some of the most popular kitchen improvements, it’s time to figure out which ones are right for your family. You need to know which improvements will make your kitchen more functional and comfortable for the people who use it most. You can’t just pick something because it looks good or because it’s popular. Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing kitchen improvements:
◻Who uses the kitchen the most?
The people who use the kitchen the most should have a say in what improvements are made. After all, they’re the ones who will be using the new features the most. So make sure to ask them what they want and need from a new kitchen.
◻What are your goals for the kitchen?
Are you trying to make the kitchen more functional? More stylish? More comfortable? Knowing your goals for the kitchen will help you choose the right improvements. And if you’re not sure what your goals are, ask a kitchen remodeling professional for advice.
◻What is your budget?
You need to know how much you can afford to spend on kitchen improvements before you start shopping. Otherwise, you might end up spending more than you can afford. So make sure to set a budget and stick to it.
◻How often do you use the kitchen?
If you only use the kitchen occasionally, you might not need to make any major changes. But if you use the kitchen often, you’ll want to make sure it’s comfortable and functional.
◻What is your cooking style?
Your cooking style can help you choose the right improvements for your kitchen. If you like to cook, you’ll want a kitchen that’s comfortable and functional. But if you don’t cook often, you might not need all the bells and whistles.
◻What is your lifestyle like?
Your lifestyle can help you choose the right improvements for your kitchen. If you have a busy lifestyle, you’ll want a kitchen that’s easy to use and easy to keep clean. But if you have a more relaxed lifestyle, you might not need all the latest gadgets.
◻What is your entertaining style?
Your entertaining style can help you choose the right improvements for your kitchen. If you like to entertain, you’ll want a kitchen that’s comfortable and stylish. But if you don’t entertain often, you might not need all the bells and whistles.
How Updating Your Kitchen Can Enhance Your Home’s Value
If you’re planning on selling your home, you need to know how updating your kitchen can enhance your home’s value. A kitchen is one of the most important rooms in a house, and it can be a major selling point. But even if you’re not selling anytime soon, updating your kitchen can still make your home more comfortable and stylish. So how can updating your kitchen enhance your home’s value?
👍It can make your home more stylish.
A new kitchen can make your home more stylish and up-to-date. And if you’re planning on selling, potential buyers will be impressed by a stylish kitchen.
👍It can make your home more comfortable.
A new kitchen can make your home more comfortable. And if you’re planning on selling, potential buyers will be impressed by a comfortable kitchen.
👍It can make your home more functional.
A new kitchen can make your home more functional. And if you’re planning on selling, potential buyers will be impressed by a functional kitchen.
👍It can make your home more energy efficient.
A new kitchen can make your home more energy efficient. And if you’re planning on selling, potential buyers will be impressed by an energy-efficient kitchen.
👍It can make your home more marketable.
A new kitchen can make your home more marketable. And if you’re planning on selling, potential buyers will be impressed by a kitchen that’s been updated.
👍It can make your home more valuable.
A new kitchen can make your home more valuable. And if you’re planning on selling, potential buyers will be impressed by a kitchen that adds value to their home.
👍It can make your home easier to sell.
A new kitchen can make your home easier to sell. And if you’re planning on selling, potential buyers will be impressed by a kitchen that makes their home more marketable.
👍It can make your home more enjoyable to live in.
A new kitchen can make your home more enjoyable to live in. Even if you’re not planning on selling, you’ll still enjoy the comfort and style of a new kitchen.
Best Materials to Use for Your Kitchen Improvements
When you’re ready to start your kitchen improvements, you need to choose the right materials. There are a lot of different materials to choose from, and it can be overwhelming. But if you take the time to research your options, you can find the best materials for your kitchen. Here are some of the best materials to use for your kitchen improvements:
◼Quartz
One of the best materials to use for your kitchen improvements is quartz. Quartz is a durable and stylish material that can make your kitchen more beautiful. It’s also easy to clean and maintain, making it a great choice for busy families.
You can use it for your countertops, backsplashes, floors, and more. And it comes in a variety of colors and styles, so you can find the perfect look for your kitchen.
Pros: Quartz is durable, easy to clean, and available in a variety of colors and styles.
Cons: Quartz is a bit more expensive than other materials.
◼Tile
Another great material to use for your kitchen improvements is tile. Tile is a classic material that can give your kitchen a timeless look. And like quartz, it’s also easy to clean and maintain.
Some common places to use tile are on your countertops, backsplashes, floors, and walls. And it comes in a variety of colors and styles, so you can find the perfect look for your kitchen.
Pros: Tile is classic, easy to clean, and available in a variety of colors and styles.
Cons: Tile can be expensive, and it’s not as durable as some other materials.
◼Wood
If you want to add a warm and inviting look to your kitchen, wood is a great material to use. Wood is available in a variety of colors and styles, so you can find the perfect look for your kitchen. And it’s also a very durable material.
Some common places to use wood are on your countertops, backsplashes, floors, and walls. And it can also be used for cabinets and furniture.
Pros: Wood is warm and inviting, available in a variety of colors and styles, and very durable.
Cons: Wood can be expensive, and it’s not as easy to clean as some other materials.
◼Metal
If you want to add a modern look to your kitchen, metal is a great material to use. Metal is available in a variety of colors and styles, so you can find the perfect look for your kitchen. And it’s also a very durable material.
Some common places to use metal are on your countertops, backsplashes, floors, and walls. With metal, you can also create cabinets and furniture.
Pros: Metal is modern, available in a variety of colors and styles, and very durable.
Cons: Metal is prone to scratching and denting, and it’s not as easy to clean as some other materials.
◼3D Tiles
If you want to add a unique and stylish look to your kitchen, 3D tiles are a great material to use. With 3D tiles, you can create a one-of-a-kind backsplash or accent wall. And they’re also easy to clean and maintain.
3D tiles are available in a variety of colors and styles, so you can find the perfect look for your kitchen. And they’re also very durable. What makes them unique is their three-dimensional design.
Pros: 3D tiles are unique, stylish, and easy to clean.
Cons: 3D tiles can be expensive, and they’re not as easy to install as some other materials.
Ways to Save Money on Your Kitchen Improvements
Kitchen improvements can be a great way to update your home and add value. But they can also be a great way to spend a lot of money. If you want to save money on your kitchen improvements, here are seven tips:
✔Get multiple quotes.
When you’re planning your kitchen improvements, it’s important to get multiple quotes. It will help you compare prices and find the best deal. And it will also give you an idea of what the market is charging for similar projects.
✔Don’t go too big.
It’s easy to get carried away when you’re planning your kitchen improvements. But if you want to save money, it’s important to stay within your budget. Don’t go too big, or you’ll end up spending more than you planned.
✔Do it yourself.
If you’re handy, you can save a lot of money by making your own kitchen improvements. There are a lot of DIY projects that you can do to update your kitchen. And if you’re not sure how to do something, there are plenty of resources available online.
✔Reuse and recycle.
When you’re planning your kitchen improvements, see if there are any materials that you can reuse or recycle. For example, if you’re replacing your countertops, see if you can use the old ones as a backsplash. Or, if you’re replacing your cabinets, see if you can sell them or donate them to someone who can use them.
✔Wait for sales.
If you’re patient, you can save a lot of money on your kitchen improvements by waiting for sales. For example, many stores have end-of-year sales where you can get discounts on appliances and other items.
✔Bargain shop.
If you’re willing to bargain shop, you can save a lot of money on your kitchen improvements. For example, if you’re buying new appliances, see if you can get a better price by negotiating with the salesperson.
✔Look for deals.
There are a lot of deals available if you know where to look. For example, you can often find discounts online or in-store circulars. You can also sign up for newsletters from your favorite stores, so you’ll be the first to know about sales and promotions.
Hiring a Professional for Your Kitchen Improvements
Now that you know how to save money on your kitchen improvements, you may be wondering if you should hire a professional. While it’s true that professionals can save you time and effort, they can also be expensive. If you’re on a tight budget, you may want to do the work yourself or hire a friend or family member who’s handy.
If you decide to hire a professional, be sure to get multiple quotes and compare prices. You should also read reviews and check references. And be sure to ask plenty of questions, so you know what to expect. To give you an idea of what to ask, here are five questions to ask a potential contractor:
●What is your experience?
Experience is important when you’re hiring a professional for your kitchen improvements. You want to hire someone who has plenty of experience and knows what they’re doing.
●How much will it cost?
Cost is always an important consideration when you’re hiring a professional. Be sure to get an estimate, so you know how much the project will cost.
●How long will it take?
Another important consideration is how long the project will take. You don’t want to be without a kitchen for weeks or even months. So be sure to ask how long the project will take and if there are any delays that could occur.
●What kind of warranty do you offer?
When you’re spending money on a professional contractor, you want to be sure that you’re getting a good deal. One way to do this is to ask about the warranty. A good contractor should offer a warranty on their work.
●Do you have references?
References are always important when you’re hiring a professional. You want to be sure that you’re hiring someone who is reputable and has a good track record. So be sure to ask for references and follow up with them.
●Do you have insurance?
Insurance is another important consideration when you’re hiring a professional. You want to be sure that the contractor is insured in case of any accidents or injuries.
●Are there any additional costs?
One last thing to consider is whether there are any additional costs. For example, you may need to pay for permits or fees. Be sure to ask about these, so you’re not surprised by any additional costs.
Best Time of Year to Make Kitchen Improvements
Considering different factors such as cost, climate, and availability of materials, knowing the best time of year to do your kitchen improvements can save you money and stress. Late winter/early spring is typically the best time of year to do major kitchen renovations. It is because it’s typically before the busy summer season, so contractors are more likely to be available, and prices are often lower. Additionally, most people don’t want to be without a kitchen during the summer, so they’ll wait until fall or winter to do major renovations.
Another factor to consider is the climate. If you live in an area with extreme weather conditions, it’s best to avoid doing any exterior work during those times. For example, if you live in an area with a lot of snow, it’s best to wait until spring to do any work on your roof or gutters. And if you live in an area with a lot of rain, it’s best to wait until the dry season to do any exterior work.
Finally, you need to consider the availability of materials. If you’re doing a major renovation, you may need to order materials in advance. And if you’re doing a custom renovation, you may need to wait for materials to be made. So it’s important to factor in the availability of materials when you’re planning your renovation.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re planning a minor update or a major renovation, knowing the basics and doing your research can save you time, money, and stress. Be sure to consider the factors discussed in this article so you can plan accordingly. And if you have any questions, be sure to ask a professional contractor for advice. For more kitchen improvement guides like this, click here.