Your kitchen is a special place where you spend time making meals, talking with friends and family, and having conversations with guests that go late into the night. The state of your kitchen, along with the aesthetics, can greatly influence whether or not you have a good time.
That’s why remodeling your kitchen might be one of the smartest things you do — especially if you live in Wisconsin, where many homeowners are investing in upgrades that make their spaces more functional year-round.
While some upgrades can improve the aesthetics, others can add financial value and improve your quality of life. Here’s how to determine what – if any – kitchen remodeling tasks you should pursue.
1. Understand what’s worth the investment
Technically, any remodeling job you want to pursue that you’ll enjoy in your home is always worth the investment if you have the budget. Many homeowners in Wisconsin Rapids, Wausau, and Milwaukee report an increase in happiness after remodeling their kitchens, because they’re more functional and look better.
However, if you’re trying to save money and don’t want to overspend, consider how the remodel will impact your ability to resell the property. For example, kitchen remodels are at the top of the list of projects that provide a strong return on investment. Homes with remodeled kitchens tend to sell faster because they eliminate one of the most expensive tasks on a home buyer’s to-do list.
2. Factors that influence remodeling costs
The cost of kitchen remodeling in Wisconsin can vary greatly, so it’s important to understand what drives the price. According to Angi, minor kitchen remodels could cost $10,000 to $20,000, while total remodels can range from $65,000 to $130,000 or more.
Larger kitchens, for example, require more cabinet work, flooring, and counter space, which naturally increases the cost. Material choices also play a role in the price, with quartz countertops costing more than laminate, and if you opt for custom cabinets, you can expect to pay more.
Your location also influences the price of a remodel. Some areas are more expensive because of labor and permitting fees — for instance, kitchen remodeling in Milwaukee often runs higher than in smaller cities like Wisconsin Rapids, due to labor demand.
3. How to choose budget-friendly improvements
The best way to choose budget-friendly improvements is to contact a local Wisconsin remodeling contractor and get an estimate for everything you might want to pursue. But generally speaking, cabinet refacing is cheaper than replacing your cabinets, and countertop replacements can be affordable when you choose the right materials.
If you’re looking for a fast way to make your kitchen look better, consider getting new stainless steel appliances. Even just replacing your range or refrigerator can go a long way to make your kitchen look great.
4. Major remodels that can create a whole new kitchen
If you have the budget to do a complete overhaul, you don’t need to stop at replacing your cabinets. You can also change the floor plan of your kitchen by removing walls, relocating appliances, and opening up the space a bit more with a completely new design.
While this costs more than smaller projects, it will bring lasting value to your home that you can enjoy and benefit from later when you sell. And if you pair your kitchen remodel with other updates — such as bathroom renovations, window upgrades, or siding improvements — you can further increase your home’s energy efficiency and overall appeal.
Homeowners in Wisconsin looking for expert guidance often turn to trusted local remodeling companies like Horizon Exteriors, who handle kitchen remodels, roofing, siding, and window projects to ensure quality work and lasting results.
5. How kitchen remodels affect resale value
Homebuyers usually put nice kitchens at the top of their must-have list, and a remodeled kitchen can make a significant impression. You may not recover every dollar, but you’re more likely to sell your home faster. A nice-looking kitchen means buyers can picture themselves cooking and entertaining people right away, and that’s going to get more interest — especially in Wisconsin’s competitive real estate market.
6. The daily benefits of a kitchen remodel
Even if you don’t plan to sell your home anytime soon, you’ll experience daily benefits after remodeling your kitchen. With an improved layout and better aesthetics, there won’t be as many traffic jams, and it will be easier to cook with multiple people in the kitchen preparing food.
A well-organized, aesthetically pleasing kitchen creates a calmer environment and makes hosting meals and daily meal prep more enjoyable. Personal enjoyment is a valid reason to remodel your kitchen — and in Wisconsin, where long winters mean more time spent indoors, a cozy, functional kitchen makes all the difference.
7. Set your budget based on priorities
Before diving into a major remodel, decide between what you need and what you want. For example, essentials like storage and layout might be priorities while luxury features are just nice to have.
Get multiple quotes from different contractors so you can get fair pricing. You should also put aside 10% to 20% of your budget for unexpected issues involving plumbing and electrical upgrades. Sometimes they’re necessary to complete a project.
The right remodel balances cost and value
You deserve to have a kitchen that looks good and makes you feel great. Remodeling your kitchen is a major decision, but it comes with big rewards. Whether you choose a minor update or a full renovation, your investment will pay off in both resale value and daily satisfaction.
And when you’re ready to start your project, partnering with experienced Wisconsin remodeling experts ensures your home’s updates — from the kitchen to the roof — are done right the first time.