Major vs Minor Kitchen Remodels
By Dan Bawden of Legal Eagle Contractors, Co.
The kitchen is the heart of the home. It is where you will make memories with your family and friends and cook meals made with love for those you care about the most. But, if your kitchen is dated or not functional, you may not want to spend time in your kitchen or use it as much as you would like to. A kitchen remodeling project can help to increase the function and aesthetic of your kitchen. If you are looking into a remodel, you may hear about minor kitchen remodels and major kitchen remodels. This may leave you wondering what is considered minor and what is considered major. Here is what you need to know about major versus minor kitchen remodels.
One of the first decisions you will have to make when you are looking to renovate or remodel a kitchen is to decide whether to undergo a major or minor remodel. In order to make this decision, you must first understand what they consist of. Once you fully understand the two, you can make an educated decision on whether you will need a major or minor kitchen remodel for your space.
What Work Constitutes a Major Kitchen Remodel?
A major kitchen remodel generally consists of a kitchen remodel that is substantial. This could mean that your kitchen must be gutted and completely put back together, that you are re-doing the layout in the kitchen, or that you are replacing the majority of the items in your kitchen.
What Work Constitutes a Minor Kitchen Remodel?
A minor kitchen remodel is smaller in scope, size and cost from a major kitchen remodel. During a minor kitchen remodel, some of the items in the kitchen are left in place and/or reused, as is the basic footprint of the existing kitchen. For example, existing cabinets may be left in place or repainted, and only the flooring and appliances are replaced. A new backsplash may be installed, breathing new life into a dated kitchen.
Some renovation companies use price tiers to help define the remodeling work you are having done. In terms of cost, kitchen remodels are typically categorized into two or three cost tiers – often labelled minor or basic, midrange and major, upscale or luxury tiers.
Others, like the respected Remodeling magazine, divide kitchen remodels across scope (major vs minor) and quality of materials (midrange vs upscale). The cost of a remodel is the output of the chosen scope and quality.
This is a more helpful definition because, while there is a strong overlap between scope, quality and cost, it is possible for a minor (scope) and upscale (quality) remodel to match or even surpass the price of a major (scope) and midrange (quality) kitchen remodel. Thinking long-term, quality and scope also impact the frequency of kitchen remodels – major and upscale remodels are likely to better withstand the batterings kitchens endure each day. They will cost more initially, but you’ll get more out of them.
Ultimately, you need to consider how much of a budget you have and if your kitchen remodel will add value to your home. A kitchen remodel is not a small decision, and is not one you should take lightly.