Kitchens

A Trusted Kitchen Remodeling Company Serving Northern Virginia & Northwest D.C.

Are you among the tens of thousands of Americans who intend to invest in a kitchen remodel this year? If so, you are about to embark on a fabulous journey, the result being the kitchen of your dreams. However, remodels are complicated and full of potential pitfalls. Who is going to help you make your dream a reality? Look no further than Metropolitan Contractors—the premier bathroom remodeling company of Northern Virginia and Northwest Washington D.C.

A Tailored Approach to Kitchen Remodeling

We at Metropolitan Contractors have the know-how, the experience, and the equipment to facilitate even the most ambitious kitchen remodeling projects. Since our founding in 1991, we've helped thousands of area homeowners design and build the kitchens of their dreams. We understand the important role the kitchen plays in a home—a gathering place where lasting memories are made. That’s why we’ll craft your kitchen according to your precise vision.

We begin by mapping out the parameters of your kitchen remodel, ensuring that it fits your scheme, meets your family’s functional needs, and that the project is a worthwhile investment into your home. Finally, we’ll carry out the remodel with the utmost precision and skill.

What Do You Hope to Accomplish with Your Kitchen Renovation?

Before you begin planning your remodel, it is wise to have a clear idea of your goals for the project. Is improving functionality the top priority? Then perhaps you want a more streamlined kitchen with high-end appliances and new wiring. Or are you more interested in crafting the perfect entertainment space? If so, elegant cabinetry, sleek lines and abundant shelving and counter space will likely play a role.

If your end goal is to increase the value of your home, a full kitchen remodel can go a long way towards accomplishing that. The reasons for your kitchen remodel could combine elements of several different overarching goals. Let’s review the three most common motives for kitchen renovation.

A Revamped the Floor Plan

An outdated floor plan can degrade the flow of your kitchen and make the space difficult to utilize. If you desire a better overall feel for your new kitchen, you may want to consider changing its layout. Common kitchen layouts include:

• The galley - named after the galley of a ship and best suited for tight spaces. Typically, galleys are thin corridor kitchens enclosed by two parallel walls. In homes with limited usable square footage, a galley kitchen may be the best design option, as they make for the most efficient use of space.
• Single wall kitchens - Also called a straight kitchen, this layout is the opposite of a galley kitchen. Instead of two walls that enclose a narrow space, everything that makes the kitchen—including appliances—is housed along one long wall.
• L-shaped layouts - This option makes the most of a kitchen’s corner space, utilizing two perpendicular walls that form an L shape. Homeowners appreciate this design because of the ideal distance it creates between the refrigerator and stove, which are commonly placed at extreme ends of the “L,” with the sink near the angle formed at its center.
• U-shaped kitchens - One of the most spacious layout options, the U-shaped kitchen supports all appliances, countertops, cabinets, and storage spaces along three walls. An island is often placed in the room’s center for additional surface area and seating.
• Island kitchens - These are highly functional, classic designs for an open-concept kitchen layout. Additionally, peninsulas, or islands that are connected to wall-based cabinets, can be a great way to achieve the island feel while also sectioning off a portion of your kitchen space.

Of course, there are other reasons you might be considering remodeling your kitchen besides updating the floorplan. These include:

Return on Investment (ROI)

Kitchens sell houses, so they say. And if you’re trying to sell your home, a kitchen remodel might be just the thing you need to get the best return on your investment. According to Trulia, kitchens and master baths are the two most important rooms to dial in before listing your house on the market.

How much you can typically recoup on a renovation has a lot to do with how much you spend and what kind of renovations you choose. For example, the national average ROI for a major upscale kitchen remodel is almost 54%. That means, for example, that you would recoup about $68,000 after spending around $126,000.

One way to maximize the return on Investment for your kitchen remodel is to create a huge impact while avoiding a huge price tag. Below are a few ways you can save money during your remodel:

• Paint or refinish your cabinets – Instead of replacing your cabinets, consider painting or refinishing them. Are the cabinet faces too outdated? If so, cabinet refacing may be a wise option.
• Don’t underestimate the backsplash – A new tile backsplash can bring a kitchen color palette together, and it usually only costs a few hundred dollars in materials.
• Paint your appliances – If your appliances are still in good shape but the colors look faded and dated, you can get them painted at a local body shop. Using your existing appliances instead of buying brand new ones is a great way to save money.
• Consider all your flooring options – Vinyl flooring has come a long way and is cheaper than installing real hardwood or slate floors. You can find styles that mimic high-end finishes for a sleek, modern, sophisticated look, at a fraction of the price.

Sometimes, all a kitchen needs is a system update. As such, another reason for a remodel could be simply to modernize and upgrade fixtures. Metropolitan Contractors can help you to achieve this end as well.

Updating Fixtures and Surfaces

Many homeowners think that a complete renovation is necessary to spruce up their outmoded kitchens. However, if you are satisfied with the existing layout of your kitchen, then consider simply upgrading its fixtures and surfaces. Adding some modern touches to your existing kitchen might be all you need to feel better about the space. Below are a couple popular design trends to consider for kitchen fixtures and surfaces.

• Copper finishes – Fixtures, such as faucets and sinks, when rendered in copper add a sleek, modern touch to your older kitchen.
• Tile countertops – Whether it’s with retro hexagonal or large-format tiles, redoing surfaces can make a huge difference in refreshing your kitchen space.

Make Your Budget Work for You

Generally, a kitchen remodel should cost between 5 percent and 15 percent of the value of your home. It is well worth the cost, as 20 percent of realtors surveyed by the National Association of Realtors© say a completed kitchen remodel helped to close a sale on a home.

Even if you plan on staying in your home forever, knowing what and how to budget to build the kitchen of your dreams is essential to the remodel planning process.

Follow your budget closely and be sure to incorporate contingency funds. All remodels, especially those on older homes, will contain hidden surprises and unforeseen costs. A useful budgeting tool is the One-Third Rule. This helps to guide your remodel by splitting up expenditures into thirds:

• One third goes to new or refinishing existing cabinets
• One third dedicated to finishes—sink, fixtures, appliances, countertops, flooring
• One third gets earmarked for installation and labor

What Improvements Should I Focus on for My Kitchen Remodel?

Now that you have a clear idea of why, how, and with what budget you want to remodel your kitchen, you may be wondering about the specifics of the project, priorities to consider, and items that will need to be addressed. Rest assured, Metropolitan Contractors will guide you through every step, and our experts will ensure that everything gets installed correctly, the first time. Below is a list of specific items that we will discuss during your consultation for a comprehensive kitchen remodel.

Shopping for New Appliances

Appliances are a major component to any kitchen renovation, taking up a significant amount of your budget and floor space. An overlooked appliance issue can throw a wrench into your entire remodel project. Also, upgrading appliances ensures energy efficiency, potentially saving you money in the long run. Look for the Energy Star symbol or similar notations of efficiency for potential tax credits, energy savings, and to learn if you need to have an electrician upgrade your circuit to accommodate any new appliances.

Flooring

Whether you go with hardwood, tile or laminate, we’ll help you choose kitchen flooring that is durable, waterproof and aesthetically appealing. After all, the kitchen is one of the home’s most heavily used rooms.

Cabinets

Cabinet upgrades are an absolute must for any kitchen remodel. Even with trends for open shelving prompting more people to forego upper cabinets altogether, there’s still no better way to hold up your countertops or add storage below than with fabulous cabinets.

Fresh Paint

Installing new cabinetry often requires painting. Cabinet removal can damage the drywall and expose unpainted areas. A fresh coat of paint can lighten, brighten, and give your space a completely new feel.

New Countertops

Countertops are another critical part of any kitchen remodel. Natural stone products like granite or quartzite are timeless, high-quality options. Solid surface products or laminates are less expensive but often not as durable, and often have specific restrictions. Ceramic tile and even concrete are lower-cost options, but you’ll want to make sure they work with your design first, and understand they may limit your resale options.

Electrical Updates: New Fixtures, Added Outlets & Hidden Wiring

When making your remodeling plans, don’t forget to upgrade your electrical wiring. In today’s homes, kitchens use more electricity than any other room. You may want to consider, among other voltaic improvements, adding more outlets, and enhancing the quality of the room’s illumination.

Backsplashes

Until the 1950s, kitchen backsplashes were just a few inches tall and meant only to protect walls from cooking and cleaning splashes. Since then, however, backsplashes have really come into their own, becoming a major component of kitchen design. The backsplash is often one of the last elements to be finished, but no kitchen remodel is complete without it.

French Doors

Perhaps it’s time to say goodbye to the traditional opaque door and introduce some more light into your kitchen. French doors create a sense of space as they flood rooms with sunlight. What’s more, new glass technologies mean that the security and insulation concerns of the past are increasingly outdated.

This is just a short list of kitchen remodel upgrades that we’ll discuss when planning your project. The options for upgrading and refreshing your kitchen are limitless, so be creative and maintain an open mind.

Why Choose Metropolitan Contractors for Your Remodel?

At Metropolitan Contractors, we understand the excitement and importance of remodeling your kitchen. That's why we stand out as your top choice for the job. Our full-service approach ensures that every aspect of your project is meticulously handled, from the initial design phase to the final touches. We've proudly restored and remodeled thousands of homes in our local communities, earning the trust of myriad homeowners. What truly sets us apart is our team of skilled artisans, dedicated to bringing your vision to life. Whether you dream of a sleek modern kitchen or a cozy traditional space, our experts will work tirelessly to transform your kitchen into a masterpiece that reflects your exact style and preferences.

We’re Qualified Kitchen Redesign Experts

Beginning in 1991 as a Class A Licensed and Insured General Contractor in Northern Virginia, we focused mainly on custom home renovations (interior and exterior), room additions, and common areas. However, over the years, our expertise has grown to encompass the realm of kitchen renovations. We have the necessary certifications and real-world experience to successfully estimate, design, and build beautiful and functional dream kitchens.

Specializing in Both Restoration and Custom Remodels

Our ability to blend our kitchen remodeling services with our home restoration solutions has set us apart from other contractors in the area. Whether it's repairing damage from water, fire, or simply breathing new life into an outdated kitchen, we’re the name to call on for a transformative kitchen renovation. Our skilled artisans meticulously craft every detail, from high-end finishes to functional layouts, ensuring that each kitchen reflects the homeowner's unique vision.

Partner With the Leading Local Kitchen Remodeling Company

If you are ready to entrust your home to the No. 1 kitchen remodeling company in Northern Virginia and Northwest Washington D.C., reach out to the pros at Metropolitan Contractors today. A member of our team will be happy to answer any questions you have regarding our kitchen renovation services.