Is it Better to Remodel or Build a New Kitchen?

One of the most common home improvement projects in the U.S. is kitchen remodeling. It is also lauded as one of the most lucrative home renovations in terms of increased home values. According to statistics, a minor renovation to the kitchen allows a homeowner to recoup as much as 72 percent of the initial value while major construction work can recover 66 percent of their costs.

Remodeling is also ideal if the family only wants to add some more aesthetic appeal or function to their kitchens. For example, installing a new countertop or a more-sophisticated ventilation system doesn’t require a full-blown makeover. The family also has more incentive to remodel their kitchen rather build a new one from scratch if they plan on selling their house in the future, as remodeling is much cheaper than a new construction.

However, there are some circumstances wherein building a new kitchen is more practical than remodeling the old one. For example, a kitchen that suffered extensive water damage is better off replaced with a new one because no amount of remodeling work can fix soggy tiles, faded countertops, and extensive mold infestation. A growing household size can also be a reason to build a brand-new kitchen since large families typically need larger kitchens.

So when should you choose one over the other? It mainly depends on your budget and intended purpose. It would help greatly if you have an experienced contractor take a look at what needs to be done.