There are no hard and fast rules when remodeling a kitchen with the help of a kitchen contractor, but the best place to start is to decide what is most important to you. A gourmet cook may need high-end appliances whereas someone who likes to entertain may see a warming drawer or beverage fridge as a necessity. Cabinets, pantry space, and other storage are usually a priority for large families. It’s best to think about how you plan to use your kitchen and then focus your budget on the items that will best reach your goal.

Whether installing new kitchen cabinets or refreshing existing ones with kitchen remodeling companies, cabinets are one of the most expensive parts. However, it’s important to remember that cabinets increase the value of a kitchen. Painting cabinets, updating hardware, or completely changing them out can change the look of a kitchen completely.

Granite

One of the top choices for countertops is granite. It is durable and stands up to impact and abrasive damage. It can last for decades with proper maintenance. Due to their weight, granite countertops should be installed by a professional kitchen contractor.

Pros

• Heat and abrasion resistance
• Strength and durability
• A variety of colors and patterns

Cons

• Premium material
• Requires regular sealing
• Heavy and difficult to install

Marble

While known for its aesthetic appeal, it’s similar in price to granite and comes in a wide range of colors with marble veining or naturally occurring patterns made from mineral deposits. It's an excellent option for anyone that wants a unique countertop design.

Pros

• Resistant to heat, cracking, and breaking
• Attractive material with marble veining
• Durable and long-lasting

Cons

• Premium material
• Vulnerable to staining
• Requires sealing and maintenance

Quartz

Engineered stone quartz is a budget-friendly option if you want the look of natural stone, and it comes in a wide range of colors and patterns. This type of countertop is primarily made of quartz particles mixed with other minerals, creating a strong and durable product resistant to staining. It is, however, vulnerable to heat damage and can fade under direct sunlight. That means that the placement of this countertop, especially in Arizona, is important to note when designing your kitchen.

Pros

• Easy to maintain
• No sealing required
• Resistant to stains, mold, and bacteria
• Comes in various colors

Cons

• Vulnerable to heat, fading, and scratches

Here are some of our top tips for making the most out of your kitchen renovation:

• Prioritize functionality over style: Looking pretty isn’t going to help you if your space is not optimal for prepping, cooking, and entertaining. Take that into consideration when you are planning the workflow of your kitchen. It should be functional as well as beautiful.
• Expand storage capacity: Integrate smart storage solutions by utilizing designs like pullout pantry racks, dividers, corner drawers, and ceiling-mounted racks. There are many smart and unique items on the market today that can add more storage space!
• Have enough countertop space: Always ensure that you have a good amount of countertop space for food preparation to make for a smoother workflow. Having your kitchen contractor install a kitchen island is a great way to add more countertop space. Go all out with countertops!

According to ComfyLiving, most houses in the United States need remodeling and improvement because around 80% of them are at least 20 years old. If it's time to remodel your kitchen, Efficient Renovations can help! Call today for more information about our services.

Updating cabinets can be a cost-effective way to achieve a dramatic result without the high cost and inconvenience of a major renovation. In our experience, refacing costs about 30-50% less than the cost of replacing the cabinets, and the work is confined to the cabinet doors and drawer fronts. There are several approaches to refacing cabinets, but consideration of style, color, and the material of the old cabinets will factor into what approach is best. A good rule of thumb is to discuss the likes and dislikes of your cabinets with your kitchen contractor to decide if refacing is a good option for your budget while still achieving the look you want.