If you live in an older home, as many Massachusetts residents do, you probably have multiple features you want or need to update. Your kitchen is also probably at the top of your list. Updating an older kitchen poses more challenges than remodeling in a newer construction, so it’s crucial to prepare yourself for what’s ahead before you start. Kitchen remodelers like our team at K&G Painting love the challenge of working in an older home, but they also want homeowners like you to be prepared for what this project entails.
Here are some tips from our team of kitchen remodelers to help homeowners prepare to update their kitchen in an older home.
Budget for the Unexpected
“Expect the unexpected” is a maxim all remodelers live by, but it’s especially true when working in an older home. Building codes were much less regulated (if they existed at all) back in the day, so you never know what you’re going to find. When you’re planning your remodeling budget, earmark some money for dealing with surprises.
Be Ready for More than Cosmetic Upgrades
When you’re planning your kitchen remodel, you’re imagining what your new kitchen will look like. Appliances, tiling, flooring, paint colors, cabinets…all those fun decisions are top of mind. There’s nothing wrong with focusing on the fun part of your remodel, but you have to be ready for the less fun stuff. In an older home, you may have to replace wiring or plumbing, or even deal with framing or subfloor issues. It’s crucial to thoroughly assess the condition of your kitchen before you dive into the fun parts of remodeling.
Keep Your Home Design in Mind
Although you want all the conveniences of modern life in your kitchen, you still want your kitchen to fit in with the rest of your home. A modern, all-white kitchen with blinking LEDs on every appliance probably doesn’t match the style of the rest of your house, especially if it was built before the mid-twentieth century. However, with a little remodeling creativity, you can get all the time-saving appliances and modern amenities you want into your remodeled kitchen. Planning your remodel with your home’s design and architecture in mind will ensure that you are happy with the result and that your new kitchen feels like it belongs in your house.
