When you live in a home with a kitchen that is not working for your family, you have three options: live with it, move out or remodel it.

If you’re not in the mood to pack up and go, and in even less of a mood to be uncomfortable in your home, there are some things you need to consider before you dive head first into a full kitchen remodel. Primarily, you should start by finding a seasoned design-build firm to guide you through the process. A kitchen renovation can be overwhelming, but with the right team in place and a little bit of patience, your kitchen transformation will be complete in no time.

Still not sure if it’s time to take the renovation leap? Read on to find out if it’s the right time to remodel your kitchen.

1. Your family is growing

You may not be adding new additions to your family, but it’s still growing in size. If you find yourself elbowing your teenage kids while trying to cook dinner, it might be time to reassess how you use your space.

2. Counter space is a struggle

Speaking of space, do you constantly find yourself rearranging small appliances in order to prep for a meal? How often do you find yourself using the kitchen table as a catch-all or workstation? If the demand for free counter space makes you want to pull your hair out, it could be time for a remodel.

3. Major systems need an upgrade

After a home is 50 years old, major systems like your plumbing and electrical just start to wear down. Eventually, these systems will need to be replaced, and it is better to be proactive than wait until it turns into a dangerous problem. If your breakers trip frequently, or your pipes look worn and rusty, it may be time for an upgrade.

4. You’ve lived with your current kitchen for at least 1 year and you don’t like it

This is one of the best indications that you’re ready for a kitchen remodel. It’s always a great idea to live in your kitchen for at least a year to see how it flows and works with your family’s lifestyle. After a year, you’ll definitely know what works for your family and what you want to change about the layout to make it more functional.

5. It doesn’t fit your style

The place in which you live is personal, and if there is no sense of who you are in the space, it’s time to revamp. Just because a kitchen is highly functional doesn’t mean it can’t be stylish. With design-forward brands like Kohler, Sub Zero / Wolf and Ann Sacks, to name a few, your kitchen can be a functional and beautiful extension of your personal style.

6. You don’t want to move

Have you been scouring the listing sites like Zillow and realtor.com but just can’t find anything you like better than your current home? The biggest reason to renovate your home is because you love it, and you want to stay there for a while. Loving the home you’re in is incredibly important, and remodeling is the best way to get a custom kitchen from scratch without losing the rest of the home you love.

Are you ready to love the heart of your home again? We’re a design-build firm: a team of professionals that handles all aspects of your project from design through construction. We’d love to guide you through the remodeling process.