Introduction
For many of us, the kitchen is one of, if not the most important room in our homes. And that is because we spend an enormous amount of time in it. Studies show that the average American spends six (6) hours per week, cooking meals, and between thirty (30) to sixty (60) minutes cooking a single meal on any given weekday.
But we don’t just use our kitchens for cooking now do we? The answer is no. Well for most of us at least. We also tend to use our kitchens to entertain, both our families and friends. I don’t know about you, but when my kids come home from school, they love sitting at the counter to watch me cook and crack horrible dad jokes, while my wife stares at me in amazement at how hopeless my humor is.
All jokes aside, the kitchen is where many great memories are created. And even though there are many reasons for wanting to remodel your kitchen, the outcome is still the same. We all want to continue creating those great memories. So here are the top 7 reasons most people remodel their kitchen.
#1 – I have Always Wanted to Do it and I finally Have the Means to Get it Done
According to www.houzz.com, so far in 2020, 37% of people, down from 33% in 2019, renovate their kitchens because they’ve always wanted to do it but couldn’t get around to it for various reasons. Reasons such as:
- Financial instability
- Too busy with work life
- Too busy with family life
- Or simply, just not the right time
And, with the recent outbreak of the Coronavirus, many of us have the extra time to at least begin our kitchen remodel process, with the evidence of this seen on social media. Thousands of Americans are opting to use this extra time to make the necessary renovations to their kitchens.
#2 – I Cannot Stand to Look at My Old Kitchen Anymore
In the same study, www.houzz.com states that, so far in 2020, 34% of people can’t stand to look at their old kitchen any longer, and have either decided to take the plunge or are planning to begin remodeling within the next 3 months.
And for good reason too. Most of the homes in Jersey City were built between the 1800s and the early 1900s, with many homes only receiving minor upgrades from time to time. So, it goes without saying, you are not wrong for being fed up with the current state of your kitchen. Especially if it is past its prime.
#3 – I Just Bought My Home and I Want to Make it My Own
According to Bloomberg.com, the median age of first-time home buyers is 33 years old. And, although 33 years old is not old, the age for first-time home buyers is at its highest ever recorded in the history of the United States.
And, according to neighborhoodscout.com, the average home price in Jersey City is $469,964. The thing is, when you buy your first home, it almost never has everything we want. That is why we are forced to make minor, or major renovations to fit our personal style.
#4 – My Old Kitchen is Busted and Rundown
Nothing lasts forever, unfortunately. If that was the case, we will all save loads of money on repairs and replacements. However, there is nothing wrong with getting rid of an old, outdated kitchen and replacing it with a new and exciting one. Here is a breakdown of your average kitchen’s lifespan according to a 2010 CBSnews.com article:
- Cabinets – 50 years
- Trash Compactor – 6 years
- Natural Stone Countertops – Lifetime
- Marble Countertops – 20 years
- Dishwasher – 9 years
- Food Disposer – 12 years
- Faucet – 15 years
- Microwave Oven – 9 years
- Electric Range – 13 years
- Gas Range – 15 years
- Refrigerator – 13 years
- Kitchen Sink – 5-10 years
And that’s just your average kitchen appliances. Flooring and other elements of your kitchen follow a similar pattern in the sense that they last anywhere from 8 years to a lifetime. If chosen wisely.
#5 – I Was Recently Inspired to Make Changes
There are many articles that feature kitchen ideas floating around the internet today. So, it is easy to find “the one” that sparks your interest. With mega websites such as houzz.com and realtor.com that focus on the absolute best in home improvement concepts and designs, it is a “no brainer” your creative juices get going.
And, if you are like most people, around 85%, you have probably been contemplating upgrading your kitchen to a more contemporary of transitional style. What is a transitional style kitchen? Glad you asked. According to HGTV.com, a transitional kitchen style blends the old with the new to give your kitchen an added touch of creativity.
#6 – Adapting to Recent Changes in my Family and my Lifestyle
Life changes as we get older. Our once babies become teens and young adults venturing out on their own for the first time. As such, not only does our family dynamic change, so too does our lifestyle. We do not have to care for our kids the way we used to. They get older and can take on more responsibility on their own.
Thus, leaving us with a little more time for ourselves. During this time, we may want to change the way we eat, change our daily routines, and even change our daily activities. Your kitchen, should, in fact, reflect that change.
#7 – I Want to Improve my Home’s Resale Value
In 2018, about 7% of Americans said that they wanted to renovate their kitchen to improve their home’s overall resale value. Who would not want more money from the sale of their home? I know I would. But spending a large amount of cash on a new kitchen does not mean you will be able to sell your home for high prices.
There are many elements that go into reselling your home. Elements such as:
- Neighborhood
- Current Market Value
- The exterior of your home
- And its interior
- And a host of other factors
According to Investopedia.com, you can recoup anywhere in the region of 75% – 83% for minor kitchen upgrades and anywhere between 70% – 78% for major kitchen upgrades. Which is still good, however the factors mentioned above play a major role in how much you can realistically resell your home for.
Remodeling your kitchen is all about taking the first steps, and the first steps are usually the most difficult ones to take. Once you get in the thick of it, you’re well on your way to creating the kitchen you’ve always dreamed about.
Author Bio –
My name is Berry, and I’ve been a digital marketer for just about a year now. I spend my time working with local companies in my area by offering a range of online services.