Kitchen Replacement vs Full Remodel: Which Option Is Right for You?

An outdated kitchen rarely makes itself known suddenly. It’s probably the kitchen door that keeps falling out of its tracks, the countertop showing a chip close to the sink, or maybe a poor kitchen layout that didn’t suit the way you cook all that well. Eventually, just about every house owner ends up with the same type of question: do I just get a new kitchen, or do I have to have the whole place pulled down and put up again? Getting the right answer will really influence how much you spend, how long it will take, and the level of disruption it will create for the rest of your life.

What Is a Kitchen Replacement?

A kitchen replacement usually keeps the kitchen’s layout the same, replacing only the elements that have been badly used or that have gone out of fashion.

Cabinets, countertops, backsplash tile, sink, faucet, and lighting will be stripped down and replaced whereas the walls will not be touched and the plumbing lines will not be moved. Without any major structural changes, a kitchen cabinet renovation is likely to be completed in weeks not months. Also requiring a lighter permitting is a renovation which doesn’t require changing the layout. If you are a homeowner who has grown tired of using old-looking and underperforming kitchen appliances yet still enjoys how your kitchen is set up, it may be wiser for you to go with this option.

Read More: How to Choose the Best Kitchen Remodel Contractor in Columbus, OH

What Does a Full Kitchen Remodel Involve?

Major remodeling is something even further beyond renovation. Walls are often removed to create a large area connecting to dining or living places, plumbing and wiring are shifted into the new location, basically a house is reconstructed by a new design.

This choice is made by homeowners who are ready to give up on a floor plan which is indeed their real issue: a narrow kitchen, a small island misplaced, or the problem is that the natural light doesn ‘t get anywhere despite how expensive the new cabinets could be. As major remodels are time-consuming and need the work of various craftspeople and getting permits for structural, electrical, and plumbing operations involved, they are the solution for a layout that can’t work for one reason or another.

Kitchen Replacement vs Remodel: A Side-by-Side Comparison

Seeing the two approaches next to each other makes the trade-offs easier to weigh.

What Does Each Option Typically Cost?

Cost is what ultimately determines the choice of the option. The difference between the two methods is quite notable.

In cabinet refacing, the old doors, drawers, and hardware are replaced but the cabinets remain the same. For a typical kitchen this would cost between $4, 000 and $10, 000. Whereas with a complete kitchen cabinet replacement, where even new cabinet boxes are added, one can expect to pay anywhere from $8, 000 to $15, 000 excluding countertops and other finishing touches. The whole kitchen replacement price including countertops, flooring, lighting, a new sink and faucet usually adds up to between $15, 000 and $40, 000. On the other hand, a complete kitchen remodeling project which includes layout changes, plumbing shifts and adding square footage would be much more expensive.

After design, structural modifications and premium finishes have been added, such type of kitchen transformation could end up costing over six figures and is hence considered more as a luxury rather than the norm.

Indicators Replacing the Kitchen Is Sufficient

• Cabinets are either sagging, sticking or water-damaged, but you are happy with the layout.
• The countertops have chips, stains or just don’t look modern anymore.
• The lighting in the space is too dim or you feel the lack of outlets as per how you cook.
• The kitchen appearance doesn’t match up with the current trends and looks old.
• The appliances no longer match the surrounding cabinets.

Symptoms That Reveal A Complete Remodel Is Needed

• The floor plan seems to oppose your efforts when you are preparing a meal
• No amount of sorting will give you either the counter or the storage you need.
• Expansion of the area or joining two rooms is taking place.
• Electrical or plumbing has to be moved to accommodate new appliances or layout.

How Columbus Kitchen & Bath Approaches This Decision

Each kitchen is different. That is where Columbus Kitchen & Bath comes in with their approach of a free walk-through instead of a set package to start your project with. The design-build team comes on board after a site survey which they combine with getting to know the client’s habits and needs. They will then present to you both options in a written form with clear price tags and durations as an example if you keep the same footprint of the kitchen or rather do a completely new layout. That is the kind of information which enables homeowners to compare a replacement of the kitchen with a full renovation with actual numbers for their home rather than using generic estimates. To have a clearer picture of a kitchen renovation in Columbus, OH, from the beginning to the end, check out this guide on kitchen remodeling.

Final Thoughts

Depending upon the space where you live, a home decision is whether the structure of your kitchen is right for you. Replacement of kitchen keeps functional things as they are and just adds a new look to them whereas a full renovation gets rid of what was not working well. Columbus Kitchen & Bath provides a free consultation to homeowners that is also written up so they can clearly see what direction will suit their home, timeline, and budget before any contract is signed.