Kitchen Remodeling in Ann Arbor: Minor, Major, and Upscale

Kitchen Remodeling Jul 6

Remodeling a kitchen in Ann Arbor is both a great investment and a wonderful decision that will add value to a home and offer years of happiness. It all starts with a new kitchen design. Ann Arbor residents know a quality kitchen remodel creates a stylish and functional room that is a hub for activities where owners can make memories that will last a lifetime:

• Entertaining guests
• Spending time with loved ones
• Cooking favorite delicious meals
• Sharing family recipes
• Relaxing and enjoying that morning coffee
• And so much more…

Remodeling a kitchen in Ann Arbor includes many variables that can affect the entire process, to help homeowners make informed choices that best represent their kitchen remodeling needs and goals, read this short guide on what to expect from kitchen remodeling in Ann Arbor. This guide should help anyone set and stick to a realistic kitchen remodeling budget

The Three Tiers of Kitchen Design in Ann Arbor.

Updating a kitchen is much more than just adding a new coat of paint to the walls and kitchen cabinets. Ann Arbor homeowners looking at a kitchen remodel have three paths – minor, major, and upscale. Here, we will take a closer look at each tier and what owners can expect in terms of products, services, cost, and end added resale value. For comparison purposes, the example involves an existing 200-square-foot kitchen that appears dated but is still functional. The example presumes 30 linear feet of countertops and cabinetry. This guide should help owners make the right decision for their home and their family, giving them the kitchen of their dreams on a budget that they can afford.

Kitchen and Cabinets in Ann Arbor: Minor Remodel

Minor kitchen remodels aim to refresh the kitchen’s overall usability and appearance, without changing its existing footprint. It is a budget-friendly way to “give a “facelift” to an older kitchen. Minor kitchen remodels in Ann Arbor typically include:

• Refinish or reface existing cabinet boxes
• Replace cabinet doors, drawer fronts, and hardware
• New countertop

Kitchen and Cabinets in Ann Arbor: Major Remodel

A major remodel is far more extensive, involving a large overhaul of the existing kitchen. Options include:

• Semi-custom cabinets
• Kitchen island
• Quartz countertops
• Large sink with a single-lever faucet
• Energy-efficient, slide-in range and refrigerator
• Vented range hood
• Dishwasher
• Garbage disposal
• Built-in microwave

 Kitchen and Cabinets in Ann Arbor: Upscale Remodel

An upscale kitchen remodel in Ann Arbor typically includes luxury, designer specialty appliances, products, and installation materials that take aesthetics and functionality to the next level. During upscale kitchen remodels, the kitchen's existing footprint may be altered – knocking down walls, adding on, changing entries, installing windows, etc. This process can be used to expand the kitchen, to reconfigure it while maintaining the current size, and to make other major changes that are not possible with other types of remodels. Basically, a customer requesting an upscale kitchen remodel has multiple options to choose from. The cost listed is “average,” but it can be significantly higher.

• Custom-made cabinetry with high-end hardware, built-in sliding shelves, and custom interiors
• Natural or manufactured stone countertops, with imported glass or ceramic tile backsplash
• Technologically advanced, commercial-grade smart appliances
• Designer under-mount sinks and faucets
• Built-in water filtration systems

 More about Kitchen Remodel Resale Values

At each tier, the added resale value is a percentage of the initial cost. That means owners should always view any home improvement project as an investment. If the owner decides to sell the home in the near future, the return on that investment is increased interest in the home, easier mental ownership by prospective buyers, higher offers, and a quicker sale, usually for more money than would have been possible prior to the remodel. For those who do not plan on selling, the return on the investment is more years of living in an updated house, happier memories, and greater pride of ownership. Of course, it can also mean better ease of use in the kitchen, more peace of mind about materials or craftsmanship, and a generally improved sense of overall satisfaction with the home in general.

Which Kitchen Remodeling Tier Is Right?

Obviously, there are huge differences between each kitchen remodeling tear regarding quality, selection, and price. The choice that is right for one person is the one that comes closest to the kitchen they want and need while still staying within the budget. Keep in mind that there are no hard-and-fast lines separating new kitchen remodeling tiers in Ann Arbor. What constitutes a minor remodel for one person could be another’s major upgrade. The first step is discussing a kitchen vision with a professional consultant. With the right partner, it’s possible to create a stunning vision for that remodel while keeping the budget and timeline in mind. Homeowners are urged to discuss all the elements of a potential kitchen remodel and determine the major, non-negotiable points, and then build out from there. Homeowners also discuss the goals of the project, as this will have a major impact on the process. For instance, a remodel with the goal of increasing appeal and value may entail different steps than a remodel to make an outdated kitchen more usable for a family that plans to remain in the home for many years. Whatever the situation, a trusted remodeling pro will act as a guide through the entire process.