Kitchen Remodeling

mmurphy384 asked:


I’m going to do a moderate kitchen renovation. We’re keeping the same floor plan, but would like to replace the cabinets, counters, floor + appliances. It’s not going to be some fancy european gourmet kitchen . . just a 2008 version of what is already there.

Given the limited electrical and plumbing work, I’m fairly confident I can direct much of the work myself.

I have considered hiring a “Certified Kitchen Planner”, but have no idea of their rates or fees or if they add much value. I’ve heard that they get substantial disounts from cabinet makers. If they can give me the plan, I’m happy to shop around for the best cabinets and manage the remodelling myself.

Has anyone done this??? Is it cheaper/better to just go to Lowes or Home Depot (as in, is the full package deal that a high volume dealer like Home Depot better than something an independant certified kitchen planner can provide)?

Wanda

Justin Havre asked:


Perhaps it is the primal spirit in us, bringing out the homing instinct, but it seems that everyone likes the idea of having a newly renovated kitchen! Experts tell us that it need not cost a lot of money and that it will likely return at least three quarters of it back to you when you sell the home.

While many home-owners can push the kitchen renovating bill up and over the $40,000 mark, it is possible to spend half that. According to Money Magazine, the average kitchen can be renovated for less than $20,000.

This includes new counter tops, a new island, a fitted pantry, new lighting, the latest appliances and refurbished cabinets. Many home-owners do not realize that brand new cabinet doors are fairly inexpensive and almost free of labor costs.

Another option is to have your cabinet doors “re-faced”. This entails the removal of your cabinet doors and drawers, a wood veneer is then applied and they are returned to your kitchen.

If spending this $20,000 will, in fact, add an extra $15,000 to the value of your home, then what’s holding you back? To bring your kitchen up to date, Money Magazine suggests that a kitchen island and a pantry are the latest ‘must-haves’ for kitchens.

If you do not have an island, you may wish to consider taking out a wall to make room for one. Perhaps this could be where you would build in a pantry if you do not have a closet that you can convert. If you are not keen to take a whole wall out, take out the section that will allow you to insert an island. It is inexpensive to get a builder to add a reinforced steel beam in the ceiling.

The magazine also suggests that a bland island is unimaginative and that it should serve a secondary function as well as being there for extra counter top space.

Often a small sink or cook top is incorporated into an island. Many families choose an island with a narrow breakfast bar designed on one side and add high stools; this avoids eating in the dining room.

Lighting fixtures fitted underneath the wall cabinets which light up the countertop are a very inexpensive luxury touch. Fluorescent strip lighting is also more economical to run than regular bulbs, so an economical plus.

Unless your home is in the top neighborhood, you will probably not benefit from the high end appliances. However, name brands, warranties, newness and looks all count, but this still keeps you in the medium price range.

If you have money left over, top of the line faucets with all the bells and stoppers can be very impressive. Oh yes - and the painting and decorating is all down to you!



Gladys

Gary Nealon asked:


The industry experts will say that a kitchen remodel yields the highest return on investment of any room in the house. The problem is when you are doing any renovation project, especially a kitchen remodel, it is very easy to get carried away and go way over your estimated budget. The average kitchen remodel costs somewhere around $40,000 but can be as high as $100,000+. So how do you know if you are over spending on your kitchen renovation?

The first step is to take a look at comparable houses in your neighborhood. Try to determine the value of your house relative to the other houses in your neighborhood. If the average house in your neighborhood is worth $300,000 putting in a $100,000 won’t produce the return on investment that a $20,000 kitchen would. So it is important to know the value of your house and the average selling price in the neighborhood. While a high dollar kitchen may work well for you now, it may end up costing you money when you go to sell the house.

Take the time to research contractors and materials. Labor is going to be one of the most expensive components of your kitchen renovation. Price it out to several different reputable contractors and try to bundle projects were possible to maximize the savings. Any work you can do on your own will just add money to your bottom line. Depending on how high end you are planning on going, the cabinets and countertops are going to be the next biggest investment (really high end appliances can also be up there). Shop around for your cabinets, and don’t snub your nose at lower priced cabinets. Focus on the features and the quality of materials. Ironically, some of the lower priced cabinets will have the same, if not better, quality as the name brand (the difference is, you are not paying for the high overhead).

When all else fails, call in an expert. There is nothing wrong with calling in a real estate agent to get an idea of what your house is worth and what a remodel will do to the value. A good real estate agent will be able to tell you a ballpark of what you should spend to stay within the price range of your local area.

So before starting your kitchen remodel, take the time to do some research, come up with a solid plan, and stick to your budget. If you can do that, you will not only get a great kitchen, but you will also add value to your house.



Joyce

Article Manager asked:


The renovation is one of the most difficult tasks to be accomplished. Sometimes, it becomes the headache and a reason for tension in ones life. However, for some people takes it very easy to renovate their complete house or any portion of the house. Why there is so much difference in the views for the same thing? It is only because some people do the proper planning in advance and execute it in the same manner. But some people do the renovation with no experience and planning. It is recommended to the inexperienced people to take the services of the professional decorators; specifically for some of the areas of the house like bathroom or kitchen. These areas require an expertise in designing the layout as it involves a number of things to be installed.

The kitchen renovation requires a specialized skill to design its layout. The proper planning for plumbing, lightings and placement of the kitchen appliances of daily use are needed to be considered. This type of work can only be done by a professional experienced kitchen decorator. Professional kitchen decorators have the full knowledge of the things required in the kitchen such as appliances, stoves, ovens, refrigerators and the kind of issues may arise while moving on with the renovation work. A contractor will do the task of kitchen renovation with full preparations and prior arrangements.

An experienced renovator will also help in planning the things and will give valuable advice on how to carry out the work with out any hurdles. He can also suggest you better designing ideas and placement of appliance in the kitchen at the most convenient place. A good renowned kitchen decorator offers various services to its clients. He performs number of tasks on behalf of the client to make the project convenient to them. The selection of cost effective appliances, installation of cabinets and other needed accessories of daily use of the kitchen are some of the included points in the contract.

They start their work with proper planning; beginning from the measurement of the size of the kitchen to drafted a layout with all the ingredients and execution of the same in the most cost effective options. The contractors usually maintain good contacts with the wholesalers of kitchen appliances and equipments. This helps them in acquiring the products at best possible price for their clients. Assigning the project of kitchen improvement to the contractor will prove a good decision as the clients will get the professional services with in the budget. Trust your contractor and convey your needs and ideas to him and stay relaxed till you see a new improved kitchen.



Tyrone

michaelbeisser asked:


I live right outside of Philly and want to do some renovations…and eventually sell my place. Should I add a 3/4 bathroom or redo the 70’s style kitchen? Which will improve my resale value?

Travis