A kitchen remodel is an excellent opportunity to enhance the functionality and safety of your cooking space. At the same time, it is one of the best upgrades when it comes to value addition. According to Angi, the average ROI of these projects in 2024 was a whopping 96%. Minor upgrades offer impressive returns, while major ones have an average ROI of 50%.
Even if you do not have ROI in your mind, improving one of the busiest spaces in your home makes sense. Everyday kitchen hazards can make things risky in this area, particularly for children and aging adults. However, thoughtful remodeling can effectively address most hazards and make cooking safe and enjoyable.
In this article, we will share helpful remodeling advice that can help eliminate common kitchen hazards.
Declutter and Organize
Clutter is a common problem in American households. According to the Pennsylvania Association of Realtors, half of US homeowners struggle with clutter. They believe that they have at least one room in an unsalvageable condition. Nearly 30% of homeowners think that they have outgrown their home.
A cluttered kitchen is a reason to worry because it does more than hampering efficiency. The extra stuff can increase the risk of accidents. A decluttering spree should be on top of your kitchen remodeling checklist.
Start by eliminating appliances and utensils you rarely use and store them elsewhere. Sending them to the pantry or storage room will free up space for essentials you use daily. The next step is to organize cabinets and drawers by how often you use items. Daily-use items should be within easy reach and less-used items can be stored in less accessible areas.
Organizing things will reduce the time spent searching for them. It also minimizes the risk of cuts or spills. Remember to maintain the pantry order by doing away with expired items. Keeping it tidy will prevent pests and contamination.
Reduce Fire and Burn Risk
Fires and burns are perhaps the biggest hazards in kitchens. Statistics are alarming as they show that 44% of home fires happen due to cooking. Also, cooking results in 42% of home fire injuries and 18% of home fire fatalities. Curbing fire and burn risks should be a priority when upgrading your cooking space.
The cooking range should be placed in a strategic position, out of reach for kids and pets. Countertops should also be high enough to prevent accidental spills. Design storage to keep towels, paper products, and packaging well away from heat sources. Have an accessible fire extinguisher in place to deal with emergencies.
When it comes to preventing burns, get rid of defective and dangerous appliances. Consider pressure cookers as an example because many pressure cooker explosion incidents have been reported in the US. While some happen due to old and damaged cookers, others are attributed to product defects.
According to TorHoerman Law, leading brands like Instant Pot and Crock-Pot have been named in these lawsuits. The best piece of advice is to check product recalls and avoid buying ones on the list when upgrading your cooking space.
Ensure Adequate Lighting
When revamping your kitchen with safety in mind, consider lighting upgrades for adequate illumination. Proper lighting ensures safety and functionality while cooking. The Spruce notes that good lighting is layered for ambiance and functionality.
For example, task lighting helps with food prep while general ambient lighting enhances the atmosphere. Likewise, accent lighting can be used to highlight display cabinets or wall decor. Elements like sconces, pendant lights, table lamps, under-cabinet lighting, and LED lighting can brighten your kitchen.
Also, design the space to maximize natural light with larger windows, skylights, or solar tubes. When upgrading fixtures, opt for energy-efficient ones. LED lighting offers bright, consistent illumination with lower energy use. With good lighting, you don’t have to worry about cuts or spills caused by poor visibility.
Have Good Ventilation
Proper ventilation should be a part of the remodeling plan as it improves air quality, reduces moisture, and prevents mold growth. You can install a cooker hood or extractor fan as a key upgrade. These devices capture steam, odors, and grease before they spread, and maintain a healthier environment.
Remember to combine ventilation with dehumidifiers as they lower humidity, especially in small or enclosed kitchens. Like natural lighting, let in fresh air to keep the space fresh and smoke-free. Avoid blocking vents and ensure that the ventilation systems are unobstructed to work effectively.
When updating your kitchen’s ventilation system, check and follow building regulations. This will keep your kitchen safe and protect you from legal hassles.
Revamp the Flooring
Slip and fall incidents are more common than you imagine, and they can be dangerous too. According to the CDC, 1 out of 4 aging adults sustain falls each year, yet only half of them seek medical help. Falling once means you have double the chances of a repeat fall. Not only seniors are at risk because young people can also slip and fall, particularly in spill-prone areas like the kitchen.
Kitchen flooring should be durable, slip-resistant, and easy to clean to prevent falls and maintain hygiene. When considering an upgrade, choose finishes and coatings designed to resist slipping. Water-based, solvent-free resins are environmentally friendly and safe for human health. They also provide strong resistance to oils and solvents common in kitchens.
Level uneven surfaces, repair cracks, and address uneven areas to reduce trip hazards. Also, select durable flooring that resists wear and tear in high-traffic kitchen areas.
FAQs
How to design a kitchen properly?
A kitchen should be designed with proper planning and professional expertise. Start by measuring your space and prioritizing must-haves such as counter space, storage, and appliance placement. When remodeling, plan the new layout considering workflow and ergonomics. Besides aesthetics and functionality, consider safety as well.
What is the kitchen design rule?
The classic kitchen design rule followed by experts is the “work triangle”. The layout positions the stove, sink, and refrigerator at optimal distances. The goal is to maximize efficiency and reduce unnecessary movement. This layout curbs congestion and makes cooking safe.
How can we ensure safety in the kitchen?
Safety in the kitchen is about being mindful. The first step is to maintain safety by design with good organization, proper placement of appliances, and smooth flow in terms of layout. Also, commit to safe habits like never leaving the stove unattended, keeping sharp objects out of reach, and using appliances wisely.
A kitchen remodeling project should not be just about creating a beautiful and functional cooking zone. Make it safe for yourself and your loved ones with these simple and mindful strategies. A little care when designing the space and using it makes cooking stress-free and safe.
