Is there a right and wrong time to remodel a kitchen? Should you wait until right before you sell your home? Is there a certain time of year that’s best for kitchen renovations?
The truth is, you can redo your kitchen whenever you want. As long as you have sufficient funding and time available for the project, there is no “wrong time” for home improvement. The tips below can help you narrow down the best time to remodel a kitchen, and you can use them as a guide for future decisions.
Plan ahead – Make a List of Kitchen Remodeling Goals
Before you can figure out the right time to remodel your kitchen, you need a list of goals. This will likely be a combination of short- and long-term goals, with priorities in each category. Perhaps your cabinets are in good shape, but your countertops are damaged. Maybe you have relatively new appliances surrounded by collapsing cabinetry. Make a list of everything you want to change so you can set a timeframe for the changes.
Set a Realistic Budget and Schedule Your Kitchen Remodel in Stages, If Needed
Your budget is probably going to be the biggest factor in your kitchen remodeling timeframe. You need to know what you can afford to do now and in the future. Then you can see how your design goals align with your budget constraints.
When you plan a kitchen remodeling budget, set aside at least 10% for contingencies. If you have $20,000 to spend on a new kitchen, at least $2,000 should be reserved for unexpected costs. That leaves you with $18,000 for the kitchen remodel.
It may be wise to plan your kitchen remodel in stages. If you cannot afford to cover all of your goals upfront, achieve the big priorities and push the other tasks to a later date. You may want a direct replacement of your cabinets and countertops this year, followed by new appliances next year. Your biggest goal may be to add more storage to your kitchen, then change out the existing finishes later on. The kitchen designers here at O’Hanlon Kitchens can help you plan a remodel in stages.
Update Your Kitchen before Selling Your Home
If you’re selling your home soon, this would be a great time to update your kitchen. That doesn’t mean you should completely remodel it. Chances are you won’t get a full return-on-investment if you remodel your kitchen right before you sell. However, you can update some of the finishes, fixtures, lighting, etc. to make the kitchen feel fresh and contemporary. Our designers can help you find the right balance between salability, budget, and ROI.
Don’t Remodel Your Kitchen during a Stressful Time (Holidays, School Starting, etc.)
If we had to identify a bad time for kitchen remodeling, it would be during a stressful period in your life. Every home renovation is stressful, even if it is quick and turnkey. You’re going to stress about the timing, money, materials, design decisions, and every other aspect. That’s completely normal! If you know you have a stressful event coming up, you may wait for that to pass before remodeling your kitchen. Plan for a time with limited commitments and maximum flexibility to ease your mind during the renovation.
Talk to Your Kitchen Remodelers about Their Schedule Availability
It may be a good idea to talk to your remodeling company about the best timeframe for them. They may have a busy time of year based on the demand for your area. Talking to them could also give you an idea about the turnaround time for your kitchen remodel. For instance, our direct replacement program has a 10-day turnaround, but a full kitchen remodel may take several weeks, depending on materials. Your remodelers can give you a time estimate based on the specific circumstances of your project.
If you’d like a consultation for kitchen remodeling in Maryland or Pennsylvania, contact O’Hanlon Kitchens at 443-285-0558.
