6 Signs It’s Time to Upgrade Your Kitchen

The kitchen is an essential part of your home—and a high traffic area with natural wear and tear. Because of this, you may need or want to make some changes to your kitchen every few years. Here are 6 tell-tale signs that it’s time to upgrade your kitchen.

There are many reasons why you might want to upgrade your kitchen. It might be outdated, or you might need some functional changes. In any case, a kitchen upgrade offers three undeniable benefits to homeowners:

Why You Should Upgrade Your Kitchen: 3 Benefits

#1. Aesthetics

Most homeowners upgrade their kitchens because they want to change things up with their current style preferences. Kitchens can become outdated quickly, and new features and design trends are always popping up.

Plus, it’s amazing what refreshed countertops can do to update the look of your kitchen quickly and affordably. Since countertops have such a large, visible surface area, any change to them will make a substantial difference in the overall aesthetic of the room.

#2. Functionality

Hand in hand with aesthetics is functionality. Sometimes, homeowners realize that the current size or layout of their kitchen isn’t optimal for their lifestyle.

Whether you have a small kitchen and you’re looking to expand so you have more room to move around (and more storage space) or a large kitchen with a bad layout, a kitchen remodel can help update the overall practicality of your space–and you can get a design lift while you’re at it.

Improving the functionality of your kitchen makes a huge difference. In fact, Houzz’s Kitchen Trends Report revealed that homeowners with recently renovated kitchens live healthier lifestyles than people with outdated, less functional kitchens.

#3. Resale Value

Finally, some homeowners upgrade their kitchens to boost the resale value of their home. Buyers want move-in ready looks, especially in the kitchen.

When you upgrade your kitchen—specifically your kitchen countertops—you add ease of maintenance, a timeless appeal and incredible strength and durability to your space that’s sure to please buyers. In fact, Granite, marble, quartz or solid surface materials typically don’t “wear out” over time, which means the initial investment you make in a kitchen remodel will be well worth it.

The benefits are clear. But how do you know when it’s time to get started? There are specific signs to look for to see if now is the right time to upgrade your kitchen.

6 Signs It’s Time to Upgrade Your Kitchen

Each of these signs tie back to one or all three benefits previously discussed.

#1. You Don’t Have Enough Space

Are you running into family members as you try to cook dinner? Does the layout of your kitchen make it more difficult to go from your stove to your countertops to your refrigerator? Do your pots and pans barely fit in your cabinetry?

These functional problems are reason enough to consider a kitchen upgrade. There are ways you can make the most of your space with creative storage solutions, but if you’re bumping into family members in the kitchen and need an expansion and new layout, you will need a more in-depth remodel working with a professional kitchen & bath retailer.

#2. Your Countertops Are Cluttered

Let’s talk countertops specifically. Are they overflowing with cookware, utensils and appliances? Are you running out of space to prepare meals?

If you have the space in the area surrounding your kitchen, this might be an opportunity to expand and even add a kitchen island for additional storage.

#3. Your Countertops Are Damaged

Stone countertops are not easily damaged, but it’s also not impossible. While rare for most of these materials, a chip or scratch can be professionally repaired and then maintained so you can continue to enjoy them without having to replace the countertops entirely.

But even if your damaged countertops are repairable, this might inspire you to update your countertops altogether, especially if it’s been on your wish list for a while. Perhaps it’s time to upgrade from laminate to natural stone or something more durable or aesthetically appealing.

#4. Your Sink & Faucet Have Deteriorated

Over time, your existing sink could show signs of significant wear, or your faucet might be leaking and require a minor repair. Since these are essential fixtures of your kitchen, any noticeable deterioration might be a sign to replace them or upgrade them.

If you’re going to upgrade your kitchen sink and faucet, that opens an opportunity to upgrade the countertops around them as well.  If you decide to invest in a new sink and faucet, it may be the perfect time to extend your project to include the countertops you’ve been thinking about and do it all at the same time, which will ultimately be a savings of time and money.  Plus, when you update the countertops in tandem with these important functional accessories, you have more freedom with what sink and faucet you choose and can try different mounting and installation styles.

#5. You’re Planning to Move

If you’re getting ready to move, it’s a good idea to consider what updates you might need to make throughout your home in order to entice buyers and boost the resale value of your home.

#6. You Don’t Like Your Countertops

Have you recently moved into a new house, but you’re not a fan of the existing countertops that came with it? Have you lived in your home for a long time and always dreamed of an upgrade? Then this is your sign to make the change.

Your kitchen is often the focal point of your home where you gather with family and friends. Since you have to see it and spend time in it every day, you should enjoy how it looks. Aesthetically, upgraded countertops make a huge difference in the overall look and feel of your space, and it’s something you can do to give a facelift to your kitchen without breaking the bank.

Conclusion

Sometimes, you don’t need an explicit reason to upgrade your kitchen. Other times, there are clear signs that indicate an update is necessary. Either way, you have plenty of options: from a simple countertop refresh to a full demolition and layout change.

With the right planning and budgetary expectations, a kitchen remodel is a relatively straightforward process. Check out our countertop buying guide for homeowners to learn everything you need to know about approaching a remodel. To make the process even smoother, you can work with a Kitchen & Bath Retailer or Remodeler that works with your countertop supplier to help you pull all these pieces together and supply cabinetry and design services where needed.

Eastern Surfaces is here to answer your questions and help guide you through the kitchen upgrade process. Get in touch or schedule a visit to our showroom to learn more.