There’s likely at least one room in your house that you’re not quite satisfied with and would love to redo. For many people, that room is either the kitchen or a bathroom. On an annual basis, homeowners remodel over 10 million kitchens and almost 15 million bathrooms. There are a few reasons for this. First, a kitchen remodel or a bathroom remodel tend to have a good return on investment. Second, most people use the kitchen and bathroom a good deal and unlike a wonky bedroom, which can be worked around, the kitchen and bathroom need to be practical and functional. You can rearrange a bedroom, but lacking storage space or counter space can be an issue if you have a big family or you host regularly. If you’re considering a kitchen remodel or a bathroom remodel, you’ll want to be in touch with bathroom or kitchen remodeling contractors.

What are the Top Reasons for Doing Kitchen Remodels? 

Practicality is one of the top reasons for a kitchen remodel. Perhaps you don’t have enough storage or counter space, or your appliances are hopelessly out of date. You might also have an eye towards selling your home in the next couple of years and know that your kitchen is a weak point in your home. And since even a minor kitchen remodel can have an almost 83% return on investment, it’s often a smart place to put your money.

In other cases, your kitchen might just look dated. Maybe your kids have all moved out and so the French farmhouse look with rooster wallpaper isn’t quite working anymore, or you’ve got a couple kids with one more on the way, and you need more seating or bigger appliances to accommodate. And if you have faded or stained floors or out of date cabinetry, it can make the whole kitchen look tired.

Saving on energy bills can also be another reason to update your kitchen. More natural light saves on electricity and appliances that are energy-efficient can further reduce utility costs.

What Do I Need to Know About Undertaking a Kitchen Remodel? 

You should have a carefully mapped out budget — and like with any big project, allot at least 10% for unexpected costs, so you’re not surprised. If you don’t have to dip into that 10%, so much the better, but it’s there if you need it. Cabinetry, counters, and new appliances usually take up the lion’s share of the budget, so be aware of that.

You should also have an estimate for how long the remodel will take — if you’re making structural changes that include walls coming down (or going up) and any gas lines, pipes, or electrical wires being installed, you might not have use of that area for a while.

Do also keep in mind that you likely will need to get permits and inspections done if you’re doing a higher level remodel and if you live in an apartment or condo, your building might have specific requirements for the work that’s being done.

What Should I Look For in a Remodeling Contractor? 

First and foremost, see if you can be referred to a kitchen remodel contractor. Word of mouth is one of the best ways to get reliable assistance. They should also be appropriately licensed for the state and any extra certifications — say from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry or the National Association of Homebuilders — is an extra feather in their cap and something you should keep an eye out for.

A good rapport and easy communication style are also crucial — you need to trust them and you’ll be communicating about a lot of different pieces, so you need to make sure that they’re a good collaborator, communicate well, and that you have a good working relationship.

Don’t let another year go by with the same old drab kitchen! A kitchen remodel can be a big undertaking, but it’s well worth the time and cost, and the majority of homeowners who do a small remodel actually wish they’d done a bigger kitchen remodel! So take your cue from them and dream big!