The kitchen is one of the two most important rooms in the home, according to Trulia, one of the nation’s premier home finders. It is also one of the first rooms that homeowners look to when considering remodeling projects. As with all endeavors, there are pros and cons to kitchen remodeling.

The two most treasured rooms in a home are the kitchen and the master bedroom. A master bedroom is often thought of as a place to retreat, and the master bath is a remodeler’s favorite. Kitchens vie for the number one spot and for good reason. In kitchens, we gather, make memories, form bonds, and do life together.  With today’s style of open floor plans, the kitchen connects the home’s living spaces. For those looking to buy a home, the kitchen is a major consideration. These are some of the reasons why the kitchen is one of the two most often remodeled rooms in the house.

 

Before You Start

You may be a homeowner for whom one of the joys of ownership is making improvements to your property. You like rolling up your sleeves and getting dirty. There are both pros and cons to kitchen remodeling for the do-it-yourself person. But some important things to know before you start are the following:

  • What, exactly, is the outcome that you’re looking for?
  • What are your available resources? For example, how much time do you have to commit, and is there a deadline, like a party or other event? What talent, skills, and knowledge do you already possess?
  • Be clear on your budget. Research how much things realistically cost in the early stages of budgeting. Know what are the “must-haves.” Know what you’re willing to compromise on. Know what you are willing to do without if you must. Build in a financial cushion because something unexpected always comes up.

 

Pros of Kitchen Remodeling

So, let’s start with the pros before we get to the cons of kitchen remodeling.

Some of the benefits of taking on this project yourself include:

  • Upon successful completion of the project, there would be a well-earned sense of pride and accomplishment.
  • You’ll learn and display new knowledge and skills. There’s so much to learn about such as plumbing, appliances, counter tops, cabinets, materials, costs, order of installation, timing, etc.
  • There is a potential cost savings. Being your own contractor and labor force will probably cost you more in time than if you hired a professional. However, with planning, armed with sound information and the right skills, the monetary savings could be significant.

 

Cons of Kitchen Remodeling

And now we get to the cons of doing a kitchen renovation yourself. Some of these cons are hidden above in the pros and what you should know before starting.

  • Underestimating how much things will cost.
  • Underestimating the length of time it will take. Not only how long it will take to physically do the job but also for deliveries, decisions, etc.
  • Underestimating how stressful it can be. There is the potential for stress on your body, your patience, and/or your family relationships. Putting up a cabinet or installing a series of ceiling lights can be physically taxing. Likewise, patience is required to do most things well, especially when the unexpected arises. Be prepared for the strain the family experiences from living with reduced kitchen access, possibly for an extended period. Doing a renovation yourself will always take longer that hiring professionals, and you will be inconvenienced for just that long. This last, can be a deciding con of kitchen remodeling.
  • Specialty knowledge is required for demolition, plumbing, electrical, and other construction issues. Do you know what you need to? Are you willing to leave such important things to Google or YouTube? Additional questions to consider are whether you need an architect or need to go to the city for a permit. If you are building out or knocking down, there are construction rules that are critical for you to know to keep your structure sound.

 

Going With the Professionals

When considering remodeling, renovations, or additions, calling a professional is always a good idea. Hiring professional contractors and specialists in remodeling and renovations can save headaches as well as resources. The teams at West Shore Construction are kitchen remodeling experts with over 30 years of know-how and skill. Our experience shows that the benefits of choosing professionals can mitigate the cons of kitchen remodeling for the homeowner. So, here is what to look for when choosing professionals:

  • They should spend time consulting with you to get to know your timeline, your budget, understand exactly what you want the outcome to be, and help you with the planning.
  • Ask for references and check them. Reputation means a lot.
  • And of course, you want to work with experienced tradesmen when you’re entrusting them with renovating such an important room in your home.

 

Contact Us

West Shore Construction is a top name in home construction throughout Florida, from Palm Harbor to Venice and inland to The Villages. Customer satisfaction is paramount, and we stand on our reputation for excellence and quality. Call us today at 727-488-8182 or send us a message online and our experts will help you plan and execute your kitchen renovation. We look forward to helping you eliminate the cons and leverage the benefits of working with our team.

Our list of services for customers is not limited to home remodeling and renovation. We also specialize in green building and hurricane protection.