How often to remodel kitchen? [2023]

How often to remodel kitchen? It is generally recommended to remodel a kitchen every 10-15 years. This timeline allows for updates to be made to the kitchen to maintain its functionality and appearance. During this time, it is possible that the kitchen may need repairs or updates due to wear and tear, changing design trends, or your changing needs. Remodeling a kitchen every 10-15 years allows for these updates to be made on time, ensuring that the kitchen continues to meet your needs and preferences.

But some instances call for an urgent upgrade to some of your kitchen’s aspects. Damaged sinks and faucets, cooktops, cabinets, or kitchen countertops need repair to prevent further damage. However, that doesn’t mean you have to upgrade everything. Instead, you can go for an affordable kitchen renovation.

Here are the key points to consider when planning a kitchen remodel?

1. A kitchen remodel is due every 10 to 15 years, but this can vary depending on the quality of the materials used and how heavily the kitchen is used.

2. If you’re wondering when to start this project, the best time to remodel your kitchen is typically during the winter months. This is when contractors are less busy and might offer more competitive rates.

3. However, it’s important to note that kitchen remodeling can be stressful. The uncertainty of where to start, what to do, and how to manage the process can be overwhelming. But with careful planning and the right professionals, stress can be significantly reduced.

4. Now, you might be asking, “Is all this stress and cost worth it?” The answer is a resounding yes. Despite the high cost, which can start from $5,000 for even minor improvements, a kitchen remodel is a worthwhile investment. It not only improves the functionality and aesthetics of your home but also adds 60-80% of the remodel value to the home value.

We will help you with the tell-tale signs that indicate it’s time to undergo a kitchen remodeling project.

Complete Kitchen Renovation Every 10 to 15 Years

If your current kitchen is 10 years or older, it might be time to budget for a complete renovation. Consider taking a tour around the kitchen, checking for and evaluating damages. The main spots to inspect are the flooring, sinks, faucets, kitchen cabinets, countertops, backsplash, fridge, and cooktop.

A complete kitchen renovation project creates a more functional cooking space with an aesthetic design. You get an ambient room where you can cook blissfully and chill with family and friends.

When Your Kitchen is Damaged or Not Functional

Since the kitchen is the most utilized room in a home, it is more prone to wear and tear. You may have a water leak under the sink that has forced you to move your supplies to another cabinet, reducing your storage space. It might be a silverware drawer that no longer opens easily, or a missing or broken backsplash tile. Some built-in kitchen appliances like under-cabinet ovens and microwaves may have stopped functioning due to excessive usage, forcing you to buy the kitchen countertop versions.

While it might seem cheaper to replace or repair individual items separately, it might be time to consider a mid-tier kitchen remodel if you have more than one kitchen area that is not functional.

Signs to Tell if Your Kitchen Needs Renovation

To determine whether it’s time for a full kitchen remodeling, you must evaluate the condition of every part of your room. Items like cracked floor or backsplash tiles, damaged pipes under the sink, and stained or discolored cabinets that you avoid as they’re hard to clean can cause inconvenience in the kitchen. Decade-old appliances are another reason a renovation is a go-to solution.

If your existing kitchen can no longer hold the size of your new family, friends, or neighbors, removing walls to join the dining room can create more space. Below are more detailed signs that you need to remodel or renovate your kitchen.

When Planning to Sell Your Property

If you plan to sell your property in the future, a kitchen remodel can improve the value of your home and attract potential buyers. Typically, potential homebuyers look at the kitchen first. They gauge the overall layout, the kitchen countertop space, and the state of the cabinets and hardware. If these things do not meet the buyer’s expectations, you find them decreasing their offer by the amount of money it may cost them to renovate the kitchen in the future.

As a homeowner, expect to recover 60% to 80% of your kitchen remodel budget when you sell your home. A minor remodel can recoup more of the money you spend compared to major makeovers. However, using quality materials and appliances during a remodel gives you a higher chance of earning your money back. Needless to say, you get to enjoy your new dream kitchen before selling the home.

Your Kitchen Appliances Have Reached Their Terminal Life

Most kitchen appliances have an average lifespan of between 5 to 15 years, depending on how you use and maintain them. The conditions of your cooktop, dishwasher, fridge, or oven can serve as an indicator for your kitchen renovation. If you have an old fridge purchased 10 years ago, you might want to replace it with a modern, more energy-efficient model with smart features. Upgrading your worn out or outdated appliances will make your kitchen more efficient and convenient when preparing meals or storing items.

Your Old Kitchen Layout is No Longer Feasible

With a growing family comes the need for more space. Your kitchen is often visited, which can be chaotic if your family members get crammed together when preparing meals. You can remodel your kitchen to a design that creates a bigger space. For example, if you have a single-wall kitchen layout, you might want a G-shaped layout that’s easier to accommodate your children. The bottom line is that it’s time to consider a kitchen remodel when your kitchen no longer supports your current lifestyle.

Your Kitchen Looks Dingy and Dark

A worn-down kitchen can appear dark and dingy. Over the years, stains become hard to clean, your tiles and grout discolor, and kitchen countertops are scratched and dented. Food splashes land in places that are not easy to reach while the paint on your kitchen cabinets wears off or begins to discolor. These are all factors that make your kitchen look dull, old, and worn out, and a call for a modern kitchen remodel.

While your kitchen gets remodeled, you get to choose more durable materials that are easy to clean. For instance, a high-quality resin countertop can last about 10 years, while a standard stone countertop can last up to 100 years if well sealed. Both materials are easy to clean with water and ordinary dish soap.

The Fixtures and Other Components Are Outdated

According to Houzz, most homeowners choose to renovate their kitchens when they become outdated. More recently, kitchens have become a focal point of the home and are one of the more heavily trafficked rooms. You might need modern lighting fixtures like overhead pendants to improve the look of your kitchen.

Modern kitchens feature neutral color trends, clean lines, and easy-to-clean surfaces. Kitchen cabinets, countertops, and hardware are other areas in your kitchen that require upgrading to give your kitchen a modern and classic look.

You Need New Kitchen Appliances

If several of your devices are reaching their end-of-life around the same time, a complete remodel instead of replacing one item after the other sounds more ideal. Most kitchen appliances have a 5 to 15 year rating, meaning you get a decade of service when you replace them. An enamel sink can last up to 10 years, while an acrylic one can be of service for 50 years. New dishwashers have a 9 year shelf life, while refrigerators can run for 13 years.

Consider remodeling your kitchen to accommodate new trendy appliances. Most new appliances have an Energy Star rating, saving you money on energy bills. Go for smart features in fridges and ovens that make them a better replacement for your current appliances.

You Have the Budget for It

Another reason homeowners consider kitchen and bathroom remodeling is that they have the financial means for it. A kitchen renovation can cost between $14,000 to $43,000 depending on the remodel’s size and scope. Most homeowners feel they would renovate their kitchens and homes if they had the funding to perform the upgrade. It’s often cheaper to remodel your small kitchen than to purchase a larger house.

How Long Do Kitchen Cabinets Last?

The lifespan of kitchen cabinets varies depending on the wood they’re made from. High-quality wooden cabinets can generally last up to 50 years. When picking new kitchen cabinets, functional and aesthetic intentions are vital. Since future renovations are inevitable, classic cabinets make the safest choice for your kitchen.

During a kitchen remodeling project, you don’t have to throw away your cabinets if they are still functional. Instead, consider applying a fresh coat of paint to match your new design.

Considering the Budget

Budget is the key factor in determining whether you undertake a complete kitchen or bathroom remodel or do a standard renovation. A remodel is an expensive undertaking compared to a renovation. The cost varies depending on the material’s quality, the size of your space, and the number of changes to the room’s layout. Expect to spend anywhere between $14,000 and $37,000 on the remodel expenses.

How Often Should You Remodel Your Kitchen?

Most experts recommend that you remodel your kitchen every 10 to 15 years. But as established above, some situations require fast kitchen remodeling sooner than later. Broken faucets, leaking pipes under the sinks, missing floor tiles, or dysfunctional appliances cannot wait for years until you have a sufficient budget to remodel your kitchen.

Instead, consider a phased renovation where you fix things a little at a time. Paint your kitchen cabinets with neutral color trends to give them a new look, change your flooring from tiles to hardwood, or change your granite composite sink to a more durable stainless steel. When you’ve budgeted, you can consider a total redo on your whole kitchen.