Many homeowners begin with a simple goal: updating an outdated kitchen or bathroom. These are two of the busiest rooms in the home, and remodeling them can make everyday living more enjoyable.
As the project takes shape, it’s common to discover opportunities that extend beyond those spaces. An outdated floor plan, limited storage, aging mechanical systems, or disconnected living areas often become part of the conversation. Instead of addressing one room at a time, many homeowners decide to improve several areas at once.
At Bohan Contracting, we’ve worked with homeowners throughout Maryland who started with a kitchen and bath remodel and realized a broader renovation would better support the way they live.
A Kitchen Remodel Can Reveal Bigger Opportunities
The kitchen is often considered the heart of the home, but in many older houses, it’s separated from the spaces where families spend most of their time.
A kitchen and bath remodel may begin with replacing cabinets or expanding an island, but homeowners frequently discover that the layout itself is holding the home back.
Signs the Layout May Need More Than a Kitchen Update
- The kitchen feels isolated from the living room or dining room.
- Storage is limited throughout the first floor.
- Traffic constantly moves through the cooking area.
- Natural light doesn’t reach the main gathering spaces.
- Adjacent rooms no longer fit your family’s needs.
Addressing these concerns may involve removing walls, relocating rooms, or redesigning nearby spaces to create a better flow throughout the home.
Bathroom Remodeling Often Extends into the Primary Suite
Bathrooms are another place where a single-room renovation can quickly grow.
A homeowner may want a larger shower or updated vanity but soon realize the surrounding spaces could also work better.
That might include:
- Expanding the bathroom
- Adding a walk-in closet
- Improving bedroom storage
- Relocating the laundry room
- Creating a more practical primary suite layout
Looking beyond the bathroom often results in a space that feels more complete instead of partially updated.
Historic Homes Require a Thoughtful Approach
Historic homes throughout Annapolis and Anne Arundel County present unique remodeling opportunities.
Many homeowners begin with a kitchen and bath remodel, only to find that improving one room naturally leads to updates in surrounding spaces. Older floor plans, original construction methods, and aging infrastructure often influence the overall design.
Historic remodels in Annapolis are about more than replacing finishes. They require careful attention to the home’s existing character while creating spaces that fit modern lifestyles.
Original trim, hardwood flooring, millwork, and architectural details can often be incorporated into the new design, helping renovated spaces feel like they have always belonged.
Older Homes May Need Behind-the-Scenes Updates
Opening walls during a remodel sometimes uncovers work that isn’t visible when the project begins.
Common discoveries include:
- Aging plumbing
- Outdated electrical wiring
- Older HVAC systems
- Limited insulation
- Structural modifications from previous renovations
Completing these improvements while construction is already underway can help avoid future disruptions.
Waterfront Homes Deserve a Connected Design
Many waterfront homes throughout Maryland were built to capture beautiful views, but their layouts don’t always make the most of those surroundings.
A kitchen and bath remodel can become an opportunity to strengthen the relationship between indoor and outdoor living.
Homeowners often choose to:
- Add larger windows overlooking the water
- Improve sightlines between living spaces
- Extend the kitchen toward an outdoor entertaining area
- Create covered patios connected to the home’s interior
Waterfront additions that blend seamlessly with the original home require thoughtful design. Rooflines, materials, windows, and architectural details should complement the existing structure so the addition feels intentional rather than separate.
Creating Better Flow Throughout the Home
Many older homes were designed with smaller, more divided rooms than homeowners typically prefer today.
A larger remodeling project creates opportunities to:
- Open gathering spaces
- Improve circulation between rooms
- Increase natural light
- Add storage where it’s needed most
- Make better use of existing square footage
These improvements often have a greater impact than replacing finishes alone.
Consistency Makes a Difference
When only one room is renovated, nearby spaces can suddenly feel dated.
Updating connecting elements throughout the home helps create continuity without requiring every room to be completely remodeled.
Areas to consider include:
Flooring
Using consistent flooring across connected living areas creates a smoother transition between rooms.
Trim and Interior Doors
Matching trim styles and interior doors helps tie remodeled spaces together.
Cabinetry and Finishes
Complementary finishes allow each room to have its own character while still feeling like part of the same home.
Remodeling Multiple Spaces Can Reduce Disruptions
Every remodeling project involves planning, permits, construction, and time spent living around the work.
When homeowners already know they’ll eventually remodel several areas, completing those improvements together can often reduce:
- Repeat demolition
- Multiple permit applications
- Separate construction schedules
- Repeated interruptions to daily life
While every project is different, combining renovations is often worth discussing during the design phase.
Planning for the Future
Many homeowners also use a larger remodel to prepare their home for the years ahead.
Rather than returning later for another renovation, accessibility improvements can often be incorporated into the current project.
Popular aging-in-place features include:
- Wider doorways
- Curbless showers
- Improved lighting
- Main-level living spaces
- Residential elevators
Combining an elevator with a larger remodel is often more practical than installing one after construction has been completed because structural work and interior finishes can be coordinated at the same time.
Is a Whole-Home Remodel the Right Choice?
Not every kitchen and bath remodel needs to expand into a larger renovation.
If those are the only rooms that no longer meet your needs, focusing on those spaces may be the best solution.
However, if your home has multiple areas that could benefit from updates, taking a broader view may create a more cohesive result while reducing the need for additional remodeling in the near future.
An experienced design-build team can help evaluate your home, discuss your goals, and determine the scope that makes the most sense for your lifestyle.
Remodel with Confidence
Whether you’re planning a kitchen and bath remodel or a larger renovation, the right approach starts with understanding your home’s potential.
At Bohan Contracting, we help Maryland homeowners create thoughtful remodeling solutions that fit their homes and the way they live. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and start planning your project.
Frequently Asked Questions About a Kitchen and Bath Remodel
When does a kitchen and bath remodel become a whole-home project?
A kitchen and bath remodel may expand into a whole-home project when homeowners discover outdated layouts, aging plumbing or electrical systems, or additional spaces that no longer meet their needs. Looking at the home as a whole can help create a more cohesive design.
Can Bohan Contracting remodel historic homes in Annapolis?
Yes. Bohan Contracting has experience with historic remodels in Annapolis, helping homeowners update kitchens, bathrooms, and living spaces while preserving the home’s original architectural character whenever possible.
Can waterfront additions blend with the original home?
Yes. A well-designed waterfront addition should complement the home’s existing architecture, materials, and rooflines while creating a stronger connection between indoor and outdoor living spaces and taking advantage of water views.
Can I add a home elevator during a kitchen and bath remodel?
Yes. If your remodel includes multiple areas of the home, adding a residential elevator during construction is often more practical than installing one later. Coordinating the structural work as part of a larger renovation can simplify the process.
Can Bohan Contracting help with a kitchen and bath remodel in Maryland?
Yes. Bohan Contracting provides design-build remodeling services throughout Maryland, including kitchen and bath remodels, whole-home renovations, historic home remodeling, waterfront renovations, and aging-in-place solutions.
Rich Nelson, an Annapolis resident for 34 years, has been a vital part of Bohan Contracting since 2017, bringing over two decades of construction experience. Starting his career in 1994, Rich has developed a deep understanding of the industry, from project management to customer-focused solutions. His leadership roles and commitment to delivering high-quality results make him an essential member of the team.