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6 Important Points to Remember for Your Next Kitchen Remodel
Whether it is the place where you spend all your spare time whipping up elaborate gourmet meals for all your friends and family, or mostly just the place where you open your takeout boxes, a kitchen is an indispensable part of every home in Gallatin, Mt. Juliet, and nearby communities. It's the center of family life, and many people — especially those who love cooking and baking — consider it the best part of the house. That’s why Tennessee kitchen remodel projects have such a big impact on daily life.
Are you struggling to use a kitchen that is too small, poorly designed, malfunctioning, not suited to your needs, or just hideous and outdated? Many people in Gallatin, Mt. Juliet, and other parts of Tennessee use their kitchen every day, and life is too short to spend it laboring away in a room you can't stand. If that is the situation you find yourself in, it is definitely time for a kitchen remodel.
Planning a Tennessee kitchen remodel is fun, but also challenging. There is a lot to keep in mind during the planning phase, which is why we put together this guide to six things you should remember for your Tennessee kitchen remodel, along with some expert advice and answers from the remodeling experts at Mr. Handyman of E. Nashville & Hendersonville.
Whether you want a minor kitchen remodel with a few tweaks here and there to improve an already-decent room, or you are thinking about a major kitchen remodel that will completely overhaul the room, our team has the skill and remodeling experience to complete your entire project — from floor to ceiling.
1. Functionality Over Trends
When you're clicking through a beautiful photo gallery filled with professional photos of huge kitchens in Gallatin, Mt. Juliet, and other areas near East Nashville, decked out with all the bells and whistles, it is easy to get caught up in the excitement and forget to focus on what you specifically need to make your kitchen remodel work for the way you and your family like to use your space.
For example, you may love the trendy look of a single-basin farmhouse sink that some homeowners have in Gallatin, Mt. Juliet, and other local cities — but if you are used to using a double-basin sink, it won't be long until you find yourself wishing you had gone with an option that offers the best functionality for your workflow. Think carefully about how you (or the family chef) use the room on a day-to-day basis and make your renovation match the needs of your household perfectly, because after all, that is the biggest advantage to a custom Tennessee kitchen remodel.
How Do I Determine My Kitchen Layout?
You may not be changing the layout of your room at all, and there is nothing wrong with that — it can be costly to relocate plumbing fixtures and appliance hook-ups in Gallatin, Mt. Juliet, and nearby areas, so if you're okay with the layout of your current kitchen, keeping it the same is a cost-effective option.
But if you do want your floor plan to be part of your kitchen redesign, there are a few things you should keep in mind. You will, of course, be somewhat limited by the size and shape of the space you have available. Long, narrow spaces call for a galley-style kitchen with a stretch of countertop and appliances on either side and a walkway down the middle, but if you have a square or rectangle room to work with, there are more possibilities.
There are a few tried-and-true layouts that are common in local areas like Gallatin and Mt. Juliet for good reason. The most important thing to know is that it is a great idea to have your stove, sink, and refrigerator arranged with one fixture or appliance at each point of an imaginary triangle. When you're flying around the kitchen trying to get everything done, a triangle layout maximizes your workflow so you're not getting in your own way. You should also think about whether you want a kitchen island, if there is enough space, and whether it should contain a fixture, appliance, or seating area.
2. Budget for the Unexpected
Even if you're certain you have every last thing budgeted down to the dollar, a realistic budget includes some "wiggle room" to take care of surprises. In any Tennessee renovation project, there is usually an unexpected cost that pops up halfway through. No matter where you live — whether you’re in Gallatin, Mt. Juliet or somewhere else in Tennessee — there’s a chance you could be the victim of those unexpected renovation complications.
You might discover issues inside the walls that must be dealt with or realize that the refrigerator you selected doesn't fit in the space you have available for it. The best way to deal with those types of problems is to add 30% above what you think the remodel will cost, so you have extra padding for any issues that come up. If you don't end up using it, you have the start of a Tennessee bathroom remodeling fund!
3. Tile Will Make or Break Your Kitchen
Most kitchens in Gallatin, Mt. Juliet, and nearby communities contain at least some tile. It is attractive, durable, long-lasting, and protective. The biggest problem with tile is that the product options can feel overwhelming because there is such a wide variety of colors, shapes, sizes, textures, patterns, and materials to choose from. On the positive side, that means a new tile installation is the ideal opportunity to infuse your Tennessee home with your own sense of style and personality — or choose a classic design with a neutral tile that will increase your selling price when you decide to sell your house.
One big question you should ask yourself when choosing tile is: how much maintenance am I willing to do? Different types of materials require a different level of commitment to keep them in great condition. For example, slate tile is gorgeous and is sure to get numerous compliments for its striking beauty and natural charm, but it needs to be resealed frequently to keep it protected and looking its best. On the other hand, ceramic tile is not quite as flashy and won't be a conversation piece, but it is nice looking, inexpensive, durable, and virtually maintenance-free. You may be fine with a little extra maintenance work in exchange for the beauty of a natural material, but it is good to be honest with yourself about your care and maintenance expectations before the grout is mixed up.
Does a Kitchen Backsplash Add Value in Tennessee?
Absolutely! You may be tempted to keep the tile on the floor, add a coat of paint to the walls, and call it a day — but if you're planning on selling your house in the next few years, a tile backsplash is a surprisingly simple and cost-effective way to add property value in places like Gallatin and Mt. Juliet.
It also protects your drywall from splashes of water, grease, and any other substance that might find its way on to your kitchen wall. There are more options available, too. Glass tiles are too delicate for the floor, but they add depth and interest to walls with their translucent beauty. A multicolored backsplash is the perfect way to bring a pop of color into the room.
4. Cabinets are Critical
Kitchen cabinets take up a huge amount of physical and visual space in the room, so they should look good and be laid out in such a way that it makes your life easier when you're moving around, trying to prepare a meal.
Interested in changing the layout of your cabinets and countertops, or adding additional storage and workspace during your kitchen remodel? New custom cabinets are a great option for anybody living in Gallatin, Mt. Juliet, or other areas near East Nashville, especially when the talented carpenters at Mr. Handyman of E. Nashville and Hendersonville are at your disposal.
If you live in an area near East Nashville, such as Gallatin or Mt. Juliet, we’ll help get a new set of cabinets that are built to match your needs and wants, from layout and design to the smallest details. If you've ever wished the cutlery drawer was closer to the dishwasher, or the cabinets went all the way to the ceiling, or there was a pull-out cutting board, this is your chance to correct those problems and get the cabinets of your dreams. Our team could also install stock cabinets and semi-custom cabinets for your Tennessee kitchen remodel.
Is It Cheaper to Reface Cabinets or Replace Them?
If you are happy with the layout of your current cabinetry and the boxes are in good shape, but you want a new style or appearance, refacing your cabinets is a less expensive option than an outright replacement. It involves replacing only the cabinet doors and drawer fronts, or even just refreshing them with a new paint color or wood stain. In Gallatin, Mt. Juliet, and other places near Nashville, refacing is a common choice for makeovers that have a tighter budget
Want to make a style change, but don't have room in your kitchen remodel budget for refacing or replacing cabinets? Try changing out just the cabinet door handles and drawer pulls. You will be surprised by the effect that a relatively small change has on the appearance of the entire room.
5. Install Energy-Efficient Appliances and Plumbing Fixtures
If you are not planning on buying new kitchen appliances and plumbing fixtures to go with your kitchen remodel, you should know that you could potentially save a lot of money on your utility bills by replacing your outdated appliances with new, energy-efficient models. Many homeowners Gallatin, Mt. Juliet, and other areas choose to replace older appliances for just that reason.
Appliances such as your dishwasher and refrigerator use a lot of energy to perform their duties. They become less efficient over time, which causes them to suck up even more energy, and that is reflected on your energy bill. Since manufacturers are constantly trying to make their products more efficient, even if your older models are still functioning relatively well, they can't compete with the energy efficiency of brand-new appliances.
By replacing your old appliances, you could save a significant amount on your energy costs. Even replacing your old faucet with a more efficient model — one that uses less water while still maintaining adequate water pressure and volume — could reduce your water bill.
6. Don't Take Away Storage Space
You should add extra storage space during your kitchen remodel if at all possible, but at the very least, don't give yourself less storage than you currently have. Lack of storage is one of the biggest complaints most homeowners have about their kitchens in Gallatin, Mt. Juliet, and nearby communities.
From dishes, pots, and pans to small appliances and, of course, food, easy access to kitchen essentials is a must-have. If you end up removing a cabinet or two, make sure you add that storage back in some other way.
How Do I Maximize Storage in a Small Kitchen?
Fitting everything you need into the cramped quarters of a small kitchen is not an easy task, but there are some ways to optimize your available space. Even a small Tennessee kitchen remodel has a large variety of options!
Here are some ideas that homeowners in parts of Tennessee like Gallatin and Mt. Juliet have used for their smaller Tennessee kitchen remodel:
Create a pantry to store dry goods together in one space, so it is easy to see what you have. While a walk-in pantry is great if you have room for it, it doesn't have to be that elaborate — even a large, refrigerator-sized cupboard with sliding or rotating shelves is an asset.
Hang a rack over the stove for pots and pans.
Use hooks, and possibly a pegboard, for anything that could be easily hung. Most pots, pans, and large utensils have a hole on the handle for exactly that purpose.
Add cupboards or large drawers underneath for storing small appliances such as a toaster oven, blender, or coffee grinder that you don't want to keep out on the countertop all the time.
Use the space under a portion of your countertop for a pull-out prep station to create additional surface space when needed, or make the countertop itself out of wooden butcher block for an instant cutting board.
You may not have room for an island that is permanently fixed in place, but you could “cheat” with a rolling cart or portable island that can be tucked out of the way when you want the extra floor space.
Want to include a small dining area to make it an eat-in kitchen, but don't have enough floor space to make it work? Consider a small tabletop that folds down from the wall and can be put in an upright position when you are busy in the kitchen and need space to move around.
Mr. Handyman of E. Nashville and Hendersonville is Your Tennessee Kitchen Remodel Expert!
Whether you're in Mt. Juliet, Gallatin, or a nearby area part of East Nashville, you can trust the service technicians at Mr. Handyman of E. Nashville and Hendersonville to handle your all dream home improvements, including everything from a shower remodel to your upcoming Tennessee kitchen remodel.
Give us a call today at 615-551-4653 to request a service appointment or find out more about how we’ll enhance your home with reliable handyman services!
