The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in most homes, but making changes to it is often difficult, which leads many families to put off major kitchen renovations far longer than they should. Are you in this position? If you're not sure, here are a few indicators that mean your kitchen needs an upgrade.
1. You Can't Host
The kitchen plays a major role when you are entertaining people. For instance, if you don't have the counter space for large-scale food prep, you may have to limit the size or complexity of parties. A single sink may be overburdened by a big gathering, stranding you in the kitchen. And a closed-off kitchen isolates the cook from enjoying their friends while cooking.
If you face these or other logistical problems that impinge on your desire to host, readjust the kitchen to make parties possible.
2. The Layout Is Awkward
How easily can you move around your kitchen? Do open cupboard doors block other cabinets or work areas? Do people get in the way of each other when working together? Is your pantry far from the food prep areas or the refrigerator? Does the sink have little suitable counter space around it? Must you go around the island to take food from the refrigerator to the stove?
Layout challenges can easily be overlooked as you get used to managing them, but they waste your time, energy, and movement. This hinders enjoyment of the kitchen and makes it less functional.
3. Fixtures Are Aging
All the fixtures in your kitchen have a life span. Are yours approaching the end of their useful life? Dishwashers may work properly for about 9 years, refrigerators for about 13, and ovens for up to 15 years. Faucets, microwaves, ice makers, garbage disposals, and other kitchen fixtures will also wear out.
If your appliances are starting to break down or operate inefficiently, you should replace them. While you're going to this trouble, why not use the chance to make some needed changes and update other elements at the same time?
4. You Use the Kitchen Less
How has your usage of the cooking and work areas changed over time? This may indicate that you don't enjoy using the kitchen as you once did. Are you embarrassed to have dinner parties because the kitchen is outdated, dark, or unattractive? Has your desire to bake cooled off because you don't have storage areas for equipment? Do the kids have to do their homework elsewhere now?
Think about how much use you're currently getting out of the kitchen. If the kitchen isn’t the heart of the home it once was, now is the time to reclaim it.
5. Your Lifestyle Has Changed
You can outgrow your kitchen. Perhaps your family has changed, the kids have grown up, you've got a spouse or partner, or you've lost a partner. Maybe you work full-time when you once had more downtime. Or you might have expanded your cooking acumen over time and want more space. Whatever the changes, assess whether the kitchen still fits your lifestyle — or, for that matter, if it will fit your future.
When you look at your own kitchen utilization, does it show any of these signs? If so, now may be time to make some changes — no matter whether they're large or small. Learn more about kitchen renovation options by meeting with the remodeling pros at
Shamrock Plumbing
today. We will work with you to find the reasons your kitchen no longer meets your family's needs and fix them so you can enjoy your kitchen for years to come.
