Your kitchen is the most used room in your home and the one that does the most work. It feeds your family, hosts your mornings, and anchors your daily routine in ways no other room does. When the time comes to remodel it, the decisions you make go well beyond how things look. The best kitchen remodeling contractors will tell you that the features that matter most are the ones that make the space work better every single day not just the ones that photograph well.
Here are ten features worth building into every modern kitchen remodel from the start.
An Open or Semi-Open Layout
If a kitchen is closed off it means the person cooking is isolated from the rest of the family, and this is why closed kitchens feel dated. Opening the kitchen makes the flow of the space better and increases the sightlines. This can be done by removing a non-load-bearing wall or adding a pass-through window.
A Well-Planned Kitchen Triangle
There are three primary areas or zones in a kitchen that need to be well thought out and planned, and they are the sink, stove, and refrigerator. A well-designed kitchen helps make these zones as functional as possible with as little obstruction as possible.
Ineffective triangle planning causes kitchens to feel irritating to use, even after a renovation.
Custom & Semi-Custom Cabinetry
Stock cabinets fit a kitchen, but custom and semi-custom cabinetry fit and make the kitchen functional. They feature ceiling-height cabinets to eliminate dead space, base cabinets with easy-access pull-out drawers, and usable corner space. Custom cabinetry can also include built-in organizers.
With the long snowy winters and extended time spent at home, investing in cabinetry that is functional and durable for decades in North Dakota kitchens is one of the best remodel investments.
Low-Maintenance Countertops
Because of all its benefits, quartz, a countertop choice that is non-porous and seal-free, is the most popular choice in modern kitchen remodels. It is also more affordable than most countertop options that meet the demands of a modern kitchen.
Granite, quartzite, and porcelain slab counters are good options for durable countertops because they also fit the criteria of a good countertop. Investing in a countertop that damages in less than ten years is a poor choice, no matter how it looks.
A Statement Backsplash
The most elegant and most affordable way to add personality to a kitchen and set the tone of the kitchen in a remodel is with the backsplash.
Large-format tiles, subway tiles, unique layouts, or tiles that run up the wall from the countertops all speak to different styles. It’s best to work with a skilled kitchen remodeling contractor to find options that work with the rest of the design.
Smart, Layered Lighting
Multiple types of light working together is what a well-designed modern kitchen needs. Lighting should be layered to include light that fills the kitchen, light that shines directly on kitchen counters, and light that adds character and warmth. The last type usually comes in the form of pendant lights and is often seen above kitchen islands.
LED lights installed under cabinets have become a staple in the trendy kitchen. They transform how a kitchen looks and how well it functions after the sun goes down. In some places, like North Dakota, that’s the case for most of the winter days.
Kitchen Islands and Peninsulas
A kitchen island or peninsula is a functional way to section off living spaces from the kitchen and usually includes casual meal seating, prep space, and additional kitchen storage.
The most important part of an island or peninsula is its size. A skilled kitchen remodeling contractor will help you determine if an island compliments or hinders your kitchen space based on the size of your kitchen and how you plan to move within the space.
Sufficient and Purposeful Storage
Having enough storage in the kitchen is only part of the equation, the type of storage matters too. Drawers are used instead of doors. Trash and recycling bins are built into the cabinets and are pull-out. Adjustable shelving is found in dedicated pantries or tall cabinets. Appliance garages are built to keep counters clear. Spice pull-outs are found next to the range.
Often, the distinguishing feature between an organized and a cluttered kitchen is the design of the storage, not the amount of storage.
Appliances with Greater Efficiency
From the last decade or so, appliances have come a long way. When designing a new kitchen, consider venting systems, ranges, dishwashers, and refrigerators as part of the design. Incorporating these systems under the new kitchen design ensures an aesthetically pleasing kitchen, rather than an appliance upgrade later to an awkwardly placed system.
Seek out appliances with the ENERGY STAR certification. There are real savings to be found in the utility costs over the life of the appliance helped by the considerable improvements in modern appliances.
Adequate Ventilation
Range hoods are part of the ventilation system that are often overlooked and are crucial for the livability of the kitchen. The only way to truly remove the smoke, steam, grease, and odors of cooking is to vent them outside.
In kitchens that are part of an open floor plan, the cooking odors are even more pronounced. Here, ventilation becomes a necessity.
It is something that improves air quality and makes cooking more enjoyable. It’s great to have during renovations. It is a great functional addition.
FAQs How do I know if my Kitchen remodel needs a full gut renovation or just an update?
The elements to consider are the layout and the condition of the plumbing, electrical, and cabinetry systems. If there is a good layout, decent cabinetry, and functional plumbing, a cosmetic remodel will suffice. Otherwise, a full gut renovation will be more beneficial. A kitchen remodeling contractor will be able to give you better clarity and advice for your specific situation.
Which kitchen remodel features add the most resale value?
New cabinetry, countertops, modern appliances, and good lighting are all big returns on investment when remodeling a kitchen. Improvements on the layout will also add value to the space, but remodeling the layout will be a bigger investment.
How long does a kitchen remodel typically take in North Dakota?
In the state of North Dakota, a mid-range kitchen remodel will take about 4 to 8 weeks to complete. This includes the installation of new cabinetry and countertops and new appliances. Remodeling the layout or relocating plumbing will require a longer time. For all projects, Build Once Construction will provide a timeframe.
Do I need permits for a kitchen remodel?
Permits will usually be required when there are plumbing or electrical systems being remodelled.
A professional kitchen remodeling contractor will include securing necessary permits and scheduling inspections in their project scope.
What is the budget for a kitchen remodel?
Kitchen remodel costs can vary significantly based on a variety of factors including the size of the kitchen and scope of the project. In North Dakota, a mid-range kitchen remodel will most likely be in the $25,000 to $60,000 range. Remodels that include major renovations such as custom cabinetry, high-end appliances, and additions of features to change kitchen layout, will be higher than this range. To minimize the chance of budget overruns, the kitchen remodeling contractor should be given a clear project scope and should be one that offers clear pricing.
At Build Once Construction we specialize in full-service kitchen remodeling across North Dakota including Grand Forks, Bismarck, Fargo, and Williston. Our experienced team manages every aspect of your renovation from initial design consultation through final installation, combining decades of industry experience with an unwavering commitment to quality craftsmanship. Whether you are dreaming of a contemporary open-plan kitchen or a traditional cooking space with custom cabinetry, we bring the skill, attention to detail, and transparent communication that every project deserves.
Final Thoughts
A quality kitchen remodel offers the kitchen from which the rest of the house can be accessed and offers us the daily routines we have grown accustomed to. Listed above are ten features that will place a kitchen remodel that has the look of an updated kitchen apart from a remodeled kitchen that serves the functional purpose of a kitchen from a remodeling perspective. A kitchen remodeled from a quality perspective with a quality kitchen remodeling contractor will ensure all remodeling and functional aspects have the look of quality and will offer quality for years to come.
Contact Build Once Construction LLC today and let our experienced team help you design and build the kitchen your home deserves done right the first time.