While it is certainly great that property renovations will increase the value of your home when you go to sell, appreciating the time you have while you still live there is arguably more important. What is important to remember is that trends and satisfaction are generational, so while 47% of millennials are likely to choose white kitchen cabinets, only 41% of boomers are, according to Houzz. The point here is that the best option is always to trust the kitchen you envision in your mind. There are infinite directions to go when renovating, and here are some tips to help you get the most out of that experience.

Before We Begin: Consider DIY-ing the Project

DIY can be a romanticized idea of what can truly be a time-consuming, labor-intensive project. Kitchens are also particularly large in many homes, and may therefore require the most resources to paint, refloor, and install new features. DIY can be a lesson in budgeting and patience, though. You can get to know your partner or household members better by embarking on this disciplinary project together.

It should be noted that first-time home renovators may risk quality and precision when tackling a home makeover by themselves rather than consulting a professional service. Floors and paint may be manageable, but installing kitchen cabinetry is something else entirely. Fortunately, you can still bond and discuss finances within the household even if you choose not to DIY. In which case, you'll gain experience consulting different contractors, compromising on style and features, and collaborating on dreams for the future.

Spend Time Budgeting

Budgeting can often be overlooked by even the wealthiest of families. When searching online for inspiration and viewing dozens of possibilities every day, it can be easy to get carried away and forget about your serious financial constraints. While a dream kitchen with the most beautiful countertops and floors may be the peak of your desires, navigating your finances with your household and coming up with a realistic game plan may leave you more satisfied in the end. When planning extensive renovations, always be on alert for your impulsivity and unrealistic wishes.

Remember, the goal of a satisfactory renovation is not just to remodel your living space. Doing so in a way that does not crush your financial situation and prevent you from investing in other experiences may just be more appreciated in the end. This way, you can enjoy both the extravagance of a new kitchen and the relief that you could afford it.

Have an Idea of What You Want Before Searching Around

Knowing what you want can be a powerful constraint that keeps you under budget and connected to your dream space. For example, knowing in your mind what material countertop is best for you may help you make subsequent decisions, such as the color of the cabinets and floor. Also, deciding whether you would like to keep the layout you have or devise a brand new one is something to be decided on early on. Kitchen islands and peninsulas each influence the types of cabinets that make the most sense. For example, placing cabinets above a peninsula may make its contents awkward to access, whereas there are no difficulties with an island.

Create For You and Only You

No one's opinion of your space matters as much as those of the people who live in it. Therefore, open up to suggestions from friends and relatives, but at the end of the day, trust your gut. Work closely with your household to find something that works for everyone, because no one else will be in that space nearly as much as you. Self-satisfaction is worth more than pleasing others, so paint your cabinets and floors whatever color you want!

Peruse Styles as Well as Colors

The endless options of handles, hinges, and colors can be overwhelming. As previously mentioned, having an idea of what you want can be extremely beneficial and save you time and energy. For example, knowing you want a modern renovation as opposed to a vintage one will narrow down your options more than it would if you were open to everything under the sun.

With cabinets, there are multiple features to consider. Height, color, door style, type of wood, and hardware can all impact the space. For serious renovations, you may also have to consider how they'll be repositioned if, say, the oven and refrigerator were to each change places. For countertops, granite, soapstone, quartz, and marble each have a distinct look and each come in a limited number of colors. Researching the color options for each may help you inform which are possible given the dream color scheme of your kitchen. Floors should also be thoroughly researched, with equal consideration given to the wood options as well as the vinyl boards with a woodlike appearance.

Find a Contractor

The most helpful information to look for in a potential contractor is recommendations, reviews, their online gallery, years of experience, certification, and insurance. You as the customer need to be protected just as much as those doing the work. Insurance and certification ensure that you are not held at fault should any injuries occur on the job. Reputable companies will also likely offer free estimates and consultations, so always be on the lookout for those!

Adjust to Your New Space

It is completely normal to feel out of place in your newly renovated kitchen. The cabinets' colors may take some getting used to, just as the feel of the floor. In some cases, it may feel even more bizarre stepping into a place you remodeled yourself, which is one other benefit to DIY-ing this type of project. Hopefully, you've invested enough time and an appropriate amount of money to feel relief and spaciousness in your new kitchen, rather than the way you felt in your old layout. Changes such as these can open you up to invite guests over, cook, and spend family time together more often!

Decide What to Do Next

You may be content in your new space and have had your fill of renovations for a while. On the other hand, the best part of such a project just might be that it inspires you to keep your foot on the gas and tackle more things that scare you. Outdoor spaces, like kitchens, are very desirable features for homes on the market. Like kitchens, garages are spaces that could also benefit from cabinets. Whether yours serves as a room for cars, storage, a workshop, or a leisure and exercise space, you can rarely go wrong with a little extra organization.

It is amazing how much change and motivation can come from a single wish to replace your cabinets. One thing leads to another, and soon you are making great progress on upgrading your living spaces. Investing in your home's marketable structures is a great way to earn a significant return on investment when the time comes to sell. As opposed to negotiating your ideal price with a buyer, you may find yourself being offered higher prices in a bidding war.

If you want picture-perfect cabinets in your home, contact us today. Satisfaction is important to us, and we want to help you build a home that meets your stylistic and practical needs. Call Cabinets46 for more about our free consultations and competitive prices!