Using Kitchen Cabinets to Enhance an Older Home
If you’ve got an older home, it can be a bit challenging to upgrade rooms like your kitchen in a way that fits the character of the home while also providing you with the practical upgrades you desperately need. Here are just a few examples of some of the challenges you’re likely to encounter when upgrading an older kitchen, and some of the steps you can take to give your kitchen the sprucing up it so sorely needs.
Cabinets
Cabinets are among the most important components of any kitchen remodel, as they not only have a lot to do with your kitchen’s functionality, but also its aesthetic appeal. Depending on how old your kitchen is and if it’s ever been redone in the past, you might be looking at either refinishing the cabinets or ripping them out entirely to replace them.
Some styles and finishes of kitchen cabinets just look outdated, and no amount of work on them will make them look contemporary in a way that will fit your new kitchen design. If this is the case, it’s worth it to allocate some of your money in your kitchen remodel to putting in brand new cabinets that give you the exact performance and space you need, while also doing much more for the aesthetics of your kitchen.
Adding backsplashes and under-cabinet lighting can also enhance the appearance of your cabinets and kitchen if done in a way that complements the styles of the cabinets you install.
Wiring and infrastructure
Another one of the biggest issues you’re likely to encounter with an older kitchen is old wiring and infrastructure. If the home is from the 1930s or earlier, there’s a good chance it’s been remodeled and/or expanded at least a few times by previous owners. Every time there’s a remodel, some of the basic infrastructure will be modified, but if not, you can be sure you’re going to need to upgrade wiring that has been in place since the early 20th century. This is critical both for performance and safety. This may be a significant expense, but it’s necessary.
Plumbing infrastructure is also going to be a major consideration. Old pipes may need to be replaced, or adjusted so that new pipes can be put in to run to new plumbing fixtures and locations. Any time you have to adjust the basic infrastructure of a home in this way, the project is going to become more expensive.
Heating
Heating can be another big issue with old kitchens, especially if there is no existing ductwork in place or if ductwork needs to be moved. If there’s no existing ductwork, you are likely relying on a radiator system, which means you’ll either have to work around the radiator or move it.
For more information about the various challenges you’re likely to face when working on upgrading a kitchen in an older home, we encourage you to contact Authentic Custom Cabinetry today. Kitchen cabinets, bathroom cabinets, office cabinets, and more. Contact us today for details!
Categorised in: Kitchen Cabinets