Kitchen and Bath Remodeling in Lakewood Ohio
Lakewood, Ohio has many charming old homes with unique character. Homeowners who want to remodel kitchens and bathrooms in these properties face some specific challenges. But they also have the chance to create amazing transformations. We'll talk about the main challenges required permits, and tips to update old home styles. This will help you get the most out of your remodeling project in Lakewood.
Challenges with Remodeling
Fixing up kitchens or bathrooms in Lakewood's older houses brings unique challenges. Here's a list of typical problems homeowners run into:
Navigating Small Spaces:
Many Lakewood homes have small kitchens and bathrooms so homeowners must make the most of every inch. They often struggle to balance function with the original layout trying to fit modern comforts without wasting space. Built-to-fit cabinets compact appliances, and smart storage can make a big difference in these tight spots.
Preserving Historical Character
Lakewood houses often have a long architectural story. When updating a room many homeowners want to keep its old-world charm. This might mean keeping original wood trim, molding, or classic tiles. Mixing these traditional touches with new styles takes careful planning. The goal is to keep the home's unique personality while giving it a fresh, up-to-date feel.
Outdated Plumbing and Electrical Systems
Old houses in Lakewood often have outdated plumbing and electrical systems. These systems can't handle the needs of modern appliances, so upgrades become necessary. But these updates cost a lot and take time, as they need to meet current building codes and standards.
Asbestos and Lead Paint Concerns
Houses built before the 1970s might contain dangerous materials like asbestos insulation or lead-based paint. To remodel , it's crucial to identify and remove these materials. This often requires hiring specialists to do the job.
Necessary Permits
Lakewood has rules for remodeling, and you need to follow them. This means getting the right permits to make sure everything is safe and follows the law. Here's a list of permits you might need:
Building Permit: You need this to make big changes, like altering the structure adding space, or redoing kitchens and bathrooms.
Electrical Permit: This is a must for new wires upgrading power systems, or putting in new lights.
Plumbing Permit: You'll want this when you install new fixtures, move pipes around, or update old plumbing.
Mechanical Permit: This comes into play for work on heating and cooling such as tweaks to air flow or ducts.
Demolition Permit: If you plan to knock down walls or make big structural changes, you'll need this permit.
Zoning Approval: Projects that change how things look outside or shift the layout inside might need an okay from zoning to stick to city rules.
Historic Preservation Approval: When a house stands in a historic area or carries a historic label, Lakewood's historical commission might need to give the go-ahead before any work can start.
Updating Older Home Style and Layout
Many Lakewood homes still show the impact of design trends from the 1970s and earlier. These include kitchens cut off from other rooms old-fashioned tiles, and original cabinet work. A well-done renovation can modernize these areas while keeping the home's unique personality:
Opening Up the Layout
Kitchens from past decades often had closed layouts, which made them feel smaller. You can make your kitchen feel bigger and more connected to your home by knocking down a wall that isn't load-bearing or changing the space to create an open-concept design. This change doesn't just make the kitchen work better - it also has an impact on how spacious the whole house feels.
Modernizing Décor
Changing the look of older kitchens and bathrooms means getting rid of old-fashioned styles like linoleum floors or avocado green appliances. Adding new finishes such as quartz countertops, stylish hardware, and new light fixtures, can quickly give a room a fresh look. At the same time, things like subway tile and warm wood tones can bring in a bit of today's style without seeming out of place in a classic Lakewood home.
Balancing Old and New
People who want to keep some of the home's original charm can mix the old with the new. Keeping features like exposed brick original hardwood floors, or vintage tile patterns while updating other parts can create a stylish blend that honors the home's past. This method leads to a space that seems both timeless and suited to modern life.
Conclusion
If you are looking to remodel a kitchen or bathroom in Lakewood, Ohio, then you will need some local knowledge. Someone to guide you through the design of the best layout to re-imagine smaller spaces, preserving the house character, and dealing with Lakewood-specific challenges due to the age of the houses. If you are not ready to take such a project by yourself, schedule a consultation with Lake Breeze Kitchen and Bath Remodeling that has years of expertise to deliver the best space for your home!