Why 2026 is the Best Time to Remodel Your Kitchen in Salem, OR

If you’ve been asking yourself, “When should I upgrade my kitchen?” or “Is now a good time to remodel?,” you’re not alone. Many homeowners in Salem are watching the housing market closely while also thinking about how their homes will serve them long term. Between economic uncertainty, changing design preferences, and evolving lifestyle needs, choosing the right time to remodel matters more than ever.

The good news is that 2026 presents a smart opportunity. With shifting housing market predictions for 2026, steady demand for updated homes, and access to experienced kitchen remodeling companies, remodeling now can help protect your investment, improve everyday comfort, and prepare your home for the future.

In this blog, you'll see:

6 Reasons Why You Should Begin Your Kitchen Remodel
Better Daily Use
Update Outdated Kitchen Designs
Planning Ahead with Less Stress
Increase Home Value and Secure Rates
Using the Best Contractors in Salem
Plan for Aging in Place
Is Kitchen Remodeling a Good Investment?
Your Renovated Kitchen Begins Here
Salem's Trusted Kitchen Remodeler
Working With Righteous Renovations

6 Reasons Why You Should Begin Your Kitchen Remodel

Knowing when to upgrade your kitchen isn’t always obvious. Many homeowners delay remodeling because of cost concerns or uncertainty about the housing market. However, waiting too long can lead to higher expenses, fewer contractor options, and a kitchen that no longer supports your lifestyle or family dynamic.

If your kitchen feels outdated, lacks storage, or has a layout that makes cooking and gathering difficult, those are clear signs that it may be time to remodel. In Salem, many homes still feature older layouts that don’t reflect how families live today.

The best time to remodel your kitchen is when you can plan ahead instead of rushing into decisions. Homeowners who plan proactively typically experience smoother projects, better design outcomes, and fewer surprises during construction. Here are 6 reasons why remodeling your Salem kitchen makes sense for 2026. 

1. better daily use

An outdated kitchen can make everyday tasks harder than they need to be. Poor layouts, limited counter space, and inefficient storage add frustration to daily routines. Remodeling allows you to design a kitchen that works better for how you cook, entertain, and live.

2. Update Outdated Kitchen Designs

Kitchen designs in 2026 focus on timeless style paired with long-term functionality. Popular kitchen design trends include warm wood cabinetry, smart storage solutions, durable countertops, and layouts that balance beauty with practicality. Remodeling now helps ensure your kitchen won’t feel outdated again in just a few years.

3. Plan Ahead with less stress

One of the biggest advantages of remodeling now is the ability to plan ahead. Homeowners who take a proactive approach typically experience smoother transformations, better communication, and fewer unexpected issues.

Understanding your kitchen remodeling timeline helps set realistic expectations and reduces stress throughout the process. A kitchen remodel typically includes a planning and design phase, permitting, and the construction phase. Each step plays an important role in keeping the project organized and compliant with local requirements. If you know you'll want a remodeled kitchen in 2027, now is the time to start. 

4. Increase Home Value and secure rates

The 2026 housing market outlook suggests continued uncertainty. While home values in stable markets remain strong, interest rates and buyer behavior may fluctuate. In uncertain conditions, updated kitchens become even more important. Investing in the cost of a kitchen remodel is a great way to shore up your home's value, and beginning now helps lock in prices. 

Homes with outdated kitchens often sit longer on the market or require price reductions. Remodeling now helps future-proof your home, protecting its value whether you plan to sell in a few years or simply want peace of mind knowing your investment is secure.

5. Using the Best Contractors in Salem

Experienced kitchen remodeling companies often book out well in advance. Remodeling in 2026 gives you better access to skilled kitchen remodeling contractors, more flexible scheduling, and a less rushed planning process. Waiting too long can limit your options and increase stress.

6. Plan for aging in place

If you’re planning to stay in your home long-term, remodeling now allows you to prepare for the future. Wider walkways, improved lighting, accessible storage, and easy-to-use appliances can make your kitchen safer and more comfortable as you get older without needing another major remodel later.

Is Kitchen Remodeling a Good Investment?

Remodeling your kitchen in 2026 offers the combined benefits of daily enjoyment and long-term value protection, even if you don’t plan to sell anytime soon.

Kitchen remodeling is worth it because it improves how your home functions now while also protecting its value for the future. An outdated kitchen can make everyday tasks more difficult than they need to be, while a well-planned remodel improves the layout, storage, and overall usability. In an uncertain housing market, updated kitchens also help homes remain competitive, as buyers tend to prioritize move-in-ready spaces over projects they’ll need to tackle themselves. Even if you don’t plan to sell soon, remodeling lets you enjoy the space today while staying ahead of market changes rather than reacting to them later.

Your Renovated Kitchen Begins Here

Your renovated kitchen begins with a space that works better for everyday life. From improved layout and storage to updated finishes that reflect how you live today, an intentional remodel transforms your kitchen into a more functional, comfortable, and valuable part of your home. By planning ahead and remodeling with intention, you create a kitchen that supports daily routines now while staying relevant for years to come.

Salem's TRUSTED Kitchen Remodeler

Choosing the right contractor is critical to a successful remodel. Not all kitchen remodeling companies offer the same level of experience, communication, or craftsmanship.

A local Salem kitchen remodeler understands area building codes, permitting requirements, and common home layouts, helping ensure your project runs smoothly from start to finish.

Working With Righteous Renovations

Righteous Renovations is a trusted kitchen remodeling contractor serving Salem homeowners with a focus on quality, transparency, and long-term value.

Many remodeling kitchen Salem projects begin during times of the year when homeowners can focus on planning and coordination rather than scrambling to meet deadlines. No matter the season, starting early gives you more flexibility with design choices, materials, and contractor scheduling.

Homeowners working with Righteous Renovations can expect:

• Clear communication and realistic expectations
• Professional design guidance
• Skilled craftsmanship
• Respect for their home and schedule

Righteous Renovations makes kitchen remodeling in Salem feel straightforward and transparent. We guide homeowners through our proven process, from initial planning to the final walkthrough, and our portfolio showcases real projects that reflect our craftsmanship and attention to detail. We also provide a clear cost guide so you can make informed decisions. Serving Salem and the surrounding areas, we bring local expertise and personalized service to each project, no matter which remodeling service you choose. 

Contact Us

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and start planning your kitchen remodel in Salem.