What is the Difference Between Kitchen Remodeling & Renovation?

How Do I Know If My Kitchen Needs A Remodel Or Renovation?

It can be confusing when you consider doing a project to update your kitchen in your Minnesota home. When you search for the terms kitchen remodeling or kitchen renovation are often used as synonyms. This means you think they are the same even though they are, in fact, different. It helps us to understand your kitchen goals to figure out whether you need a remodel or renovation.  You may need some basic updates to bring your kitchen into 2023. 

We want to help you understand the difference between remodeling and renovation. This way, you can feel less stressed about your kitchen project by understanding what you need to get started on the right track.

What Is The Difference Between Remodeling and Renovation?

Kitchen Renovation

A kitchen renovation will restore your old or existing kitchen and bring it into good repair. Mainly with a kitchen renovation, the basic layout and function of the kitchen will remain the same. You may upgrade to new appliances, fixtures, and finishes, but the foundation or blueprint of the kitchen will remain intact.

So, in other words, no adding or subtracting to what already exists in your kitchen. A kitchen renovation can be a great solution for an outdated Kitchen that has good bones and fits your family’s needs.

A Kitchen Renovation Includes:

• Involves restoration or updates to existing kitchen
•  The kitchen project is typically smaller in scope
•  Reviving the kitchen without major changes to the layout
•  Typically Requires fewer people, with less design work, etc.
•  Permits are not usually needed to complete the kitchen project
•  Often costs less than a full kitchen remodel

A renovation can save on costs because you are not trying to change the footprint. This means things like electrical, gas, and water will remain in the same place. It does not mean your renovation cannot run into issues. But, they won’t come from rerouting electrical or plumbing.

Kitchen Remodel

With kitchen remodeling, the layout and features of the kitchen may change. For example, you might transform your cramped kitchen into an open-concept kitchen and add an island and storage solution. You may change where an appliance is currently to suit your needs. Another example is you want to remove a window to add more cabinet space or add a window for natural light.

A Kitchen Remodel Includes:

• Changes to the structure or layout of your kitchen
• Changing the use of the kitchen space and your home
•  May involve more contractors and designers to complete the kitchen remodel
•  Often needs permits to complete the kitchen project
•  It can be very costly compared to a kitchen update or renovation

In most cases, a kitchen renovation is more affordable than a kitchen remodel. There is less time and work involved because there is no need to reimagine the space or utility needs. Sometimes older homes must be remodeled to fit modern standards or city codes. Often a remodel can add property value, improve your kitchen function, and add more space or storage. It is all about figuring out what your family needs and what works for your budget for your Kitchen Project.

Should I Renovate Or Remodel My Kitchen? 

If the answer were easy, you wouldn’t be reading this Cabinet Store Blog. The choice of whether to renovate or remodel your current kitchen depends on you and your budget. You should take your future goals and top price into consideration. Think about the kitchen you have. If you believe the kitchen can’t be improved with a new layout, you may only need to update or renovate it to have the look you want to achieve.

If your kitchen doesn’t function well for you and your family. If it has wasted or unused space, or you want to create a different aesthetic, you might need a full kitchen remodel. Consider how much you have to spend on the project and how your efforts will impact the future value of your home. Your solution should depend on what makes you happy and what makes the most sense for your budget.

It should be mentioned that it is possible to over-remodel your home. If you overspend on a kitchen project, it might not actually add value to your home. It is possible to spend twice as much on a remodel than you would get from a potential buyer. If you are going to spend a lot of money, make sure it is what you want and not necessarily for resale value. It may make sense to look at some homes in your area. Does the kitchen impact the cost of the house? Functionality and updates might be the better choice if you are looking for a quick fix to resell your home.

A Kitchen Update May Be What You Need

Sometimes we get so focused on remodeling or renovating that we forget that there is a third option. You don’t have to renovate or remodel your kitchen to see a noticeable change. You could update it to change some elements of the appearance. Making changes to the lighting, cabinets, cabinet hardware, and/or backsplash could impact the kitchen’s look and feel. If you don’t have the budget for a complete remodel or renovation, try updating your kitchen instead.

Talk To A Kitchen Expert

 If you are still trying to figure out where to start with upgrading your kitchen.  If you know for sure that your kitchen needs a change, talk to one of our experts at The Cabinet Store + Culina Design in Apple Valley, MN. If you want to update your cabinets and countertops or replace your kitchen completely, we can help. Trust The Cabinet Store + Culina Design with your next kitchen project. Visit our 6,000+ square foot showroom, give us a call, or contact us about your kitchen today!