Design Notes
Two rooms in any home have the most potential to affect the property’s appeal and value when it is put on sale: the kitchens and bathrooms. Kitchens are valued because they function as a hub where people socialize and meals are prepared. Bathrooms are important because they are where people go to relax and unwind with a hot shower. The condition of a home’s kitchen and bathroom influences its market value.
Most homeowners recognize this. That is why kitchens and bathrooms top the list of remodeling projects homeowners undertake. When remodeling their homes, most owners would do both the bathroom and kitchen simultaneously if they could. However, this is often not possible due to cost and time constraints. So, for homeowners forced to choose between a bathroom and a kitchen remodel, which one should they choose?
To find the best answer, homeowners should first answer some questions. What is the purpose of the remodel? Is it to enhance the home’s appearance and value in preparation for selling it? Or is it to improve its functionality and enhance the owner’s enjoyment of the property?
Homeowners who are not about to sell their property will have more freedom to choose what they want than those who want to sell.
Dawson Management shares some advice on what owners should consider when deciding whether to remodel the kitchen or bathrooms first.
Cost and Budget
The number one factor is the cost of the project and the owner’s willingness to spend on it. As a rule, kitchen remodels tend to cost more than bathroom remodels, with a minor remodel costing around $19,000 and a major one costing around $57,000.
That is in contrast to $17,000 for a minor bathroom remodel and $40,000 for a major one. But these costs are by no means final; it is very possible to complete a decent kitchen and bathroom remodel for a fraction of the above amounts. Kitchen remodels tend to have a bigger effect on the home’s resale value because kitchens are more visible than bathrooms.
How Easy and Disruptive The Project Will Be
While a bathroom or kitchen remodel is ongoing, bathing and eating cannot normally occur in the respective spaces. It is essential to consider which room the family could not live without for the project’s duration. Bathrooms are more challenging to live without, even with a portable toilet, unless the home has more than one bathroom. Here is more detailed information regarding a bathroom remodel.
On the other hand, installing a makeshift kitchen, having food delivered, or eating out during a kitchen remodel is fairly doable. The project’s ease will depend on the scope of the remodel.
Speed Of Completion
How many days or weeks will the project take? The longer it takes, the more disruptive it will be and the greater the likelihood that it will cost the owner in other ways. A medium-scale bathroom remodel will take three to four weeks to complete, depending on the number of components replaced.
If changing the bathroom’s flooring, tiles, and plumbing is included in the remodel, it could take more than two months. Generally, a bathroom will take less time to remodel than a kitchen, but this depends on the project’s complexity.
Where People Spend The Most Time
Homeowners differ significantly in how they utilize their home’s bathroom and kitchen. If a family loves making gourmet meals in their kitchen, then the space will be highly priced. But splurging on a kitchen remodel doesn’t make sense if they prefer to have food delivered to them every evening.
Similarly, do the home’s occupants like to soak in bubble baths, or will a quick shower suffice for them? The lifestyle habits of the people who live in the house play a significant role in determining which projects are most beneficial. But this factor depends on whether the home is about to be sold.
Our very own hometown talent, nationally recognized photographer Randy McNeilly, has earned multiple prestigious awards for his exceptional artwork—proudly on display in the Greenbrook Design showroom.
Will kitchen islands go out of style? The answer is no. The kitchen island is often the focal point in the kitchen and one of the most sought-after features in a kitchen renovation; in fact, it is one of the most versatile areas in the kitchen. Need a place to do some homework? How about a family dinner or brunch? Looking for a surface where you can spread out when cooking? Some extra storage for large pots and mixers would be nice, too. All of this and more can be accomplished with a kitchen island; some might even call it a mini kitchen within the kitchen. This flexible workstation can be created to reflect any style, accommodate any size, and suit any need. Today, we want to answer some common questions about the kitchen island, explore the benefits, and explain why it will never go out of style.
As the COVID-19 pandemic slowly comes to an end, you may be ready to update your home and make a few changes. Perhaps being stuck inside during lockdowns gave you time to identify areas that needed cleaning, upgrading, or other home improvements. If you want to start rebuilding your house but aren’t sure how to get started, see how these tips can help, brought to you courtesy of Greenbrook Design.
When space is limited, it is valuable and greater thought is invested in creating a design that maximizes square footage to provide a functional space for the homeowner. Both manufacturers and designers alike are continuously thinking of new ways to give their clients the things they need, but using less space. One such item is the Murphy bed, yes, the one used in multiple comedy routines, but it has evolved into a stylish piece, yet remains as functional as ever. It is also comparable in price point to a traditional bed. Could the Murphy bed be the solution to your limited space problem? Let’s unpack exactly what it is and how it can help give you additional room in your home.
What to do when you don’t have the luxury of square footage? How can you create storage when there is not a lot of room, to begin with? Can you make small spaces work for you? These are good questions that we have helped our clients answer numerous times. While it may present more challenges than a larger home, it is possible to have the necessary storage for you to keep everything you need on hand. Small is not bad; in fact, it comes with multiple benefits, and a good design can help you maximize the space you do have to build a home that is exactly right for you. Let’s talk about some creative storage solutions for small spaces.







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Greenbrook Design