Blog Post

You’ve been ogling all the beautiful kitchen makeovers on HGTV, online, and in magazines. Everything is shiny and new, from the stainless steel appliances to the gleaming countertops and the sparkling light fixtures. The cabinetry includes multi-tiered drawers with soft-close hardware and a walk-in pantry that makes you swoon. Then you do a reality check on your own kitchen and wonder “Is now the right time to remodel the kitchen?”

At Kettler Forlines Homes, we appreciate the pangs of kitchen envy. There’s the distinctive look of yearning in a homeowner’s eyes as they browse all the ways their kitchen could be better. Whether we are working with people who are building their home from the ground up or renovating their current residence, the choices that go into the kitchen are a big deal. After all, you’ll spend a significant amount of time in this space—cooking, cleaning, serving, fussing over meal plans, and navigating the household activity from an area that is often Command Central.

You’ve probably heard that the pandemic prompted a lot of homeowners to tackle their long-awaited DIY projects. Also over the course of the past 12 months, people have been re-evaluating the homes where they have been spending so much (more) time. The flaws that seemed bearable before have turned into persistent irritants. If any of this rings true, you might be ready for a kitchen remodel. Here are some questions to ask that could provide the nudge you need.

Is my kitchen more a hindrance than a help?

Maybe you find yourself with cabinets and a pantry that are stuffed tighter than a Thanksgiving turkey. As a result, your counters are taking up the overflow. Your storage and prep spaces seem to be getting smaller and smaller. How can you efficiently handle all the kitchen duties in such a cramped space?

Your home should support the way you want to live. Each room has a function, and none of them are quite as important as the kitchen (well, maybe the bathroom). So, if you’re doing your best to get by with the layout and space you have, then, yes, it’s time to remodel your kitchen.

Am I missing out on valuable kitchen features and efficiencies?

Today’s kitchens include so many more features than they did a decade ago. Smart technology, hands-free faucets, and energy-efficient appliances and systems contribute to a kitchen that is not only more convenient, but also one that saves energy. Your old refrigerator, dishwasher, and oven could be costing you more to run than a new model. With smart technology built into appliances, you can also put the technology to use, like programming your oven to start and stop at specific times. You can switch from broiler to roast to convection without even being in your kitchen. And how nice would it be to have a fridge that lets you know if the freezer door is open and what items need to be restocked?

While you’re considering kitchen efficiency, think about the value of having a sink and dishwasher on a center island, creating a clean-up zone that gives you more room near your cooktop or range. And how about a pot-filler faucet near the stove?

Can I tolerate this kitchen a bit longer?

“Tolerate” is one of those words that people use when they’re not happy or satisfied. It’s a compromise. Not great enough to love and not horrible enough to discard. Is that the way you want to live in your home? In many rooms, you can repaint the walls, rearrange the furniture, and change the decor, and you have a whole new look! You don’t have that flexibility in a kitchen, where essentially everything is built-in. A significant makeover requires ripping out what’s there—the flooring, cabinets, countertops, and backsplash. 

Having many years of experience with kitchen renovation, we love the look on a homeowner’s face when our crew begins demolishing the existing kitchen. They know it’s a big step and that something great is about to replace the tired, old kitchen. If you ask any one of these homeowners, “Do you wish you would have tolerated your kitchen a little longer?” the answer would undoubtedly have been, “No. Our only regret is we waited as long as we did to get the kitchen we wanted.”

So, why are you still waiting?

Upgrading and updating your kitchen contributes to your home’s resale value. While you won’t recoup your entire investment, you’ll certainly do better when you go to sell your home—both in the selling price and attracting more interested buyers who don’t want the hassle of a kitchen makeover after the purchase.

Are you ready to explore the possibilities of remodeling your kitchen? If you live in Maryland's Montgomery County area, talk to us at Kettler Forlines Homes. We can give you inspiration and then guide you through the options that fit your vision AND your budget. Best of all, your kitchen remodel will be done by craftsmen who are professional, reliable, and highly skilled. Are you ready to get cooking?