Follow these seven strategies to get the most financial
gain on your kitchen remodeling project.
By Truealty Services
Homeowners spend more money on kitchen remodeling than on any other
home improvement project, and with good reason. Kitchens are the hub of
home life and a source of pride.
To help ensure you get a good return on your kitchen remodeling project,
follow these seven tips:
#1 Plan. And plan well.
Planning your kitchen remodel should take more time than the actual
construction. If you plan well, you can minimize the amount of time you’re
inconvenienced by construction mayhem. Plus, you’re more likely to stay on
budget.
How much time should you spend planning? The National Kitchen and Bath Association recommends at least six months. That way, you won’t be tempted
to change your mind during construction and create change orders, which
will inflate construction costs and hurt your return on investment.
Some tips on planning:
Study your existing kitchen: How wide is the doorway into your kitchen?
Many homeowners make the mistake of buying an extra-large fridge only to find they can’t get it in the doorway. To avoid mistakes like this, create a drawing of your kitchen with measurements for doorways, walkways,
counters, etc. And don’t forget height.
Think about traffic patterns: Work aisles should be a minimum of 42 inches wide and at least 48 inches wide for households with multiple cooks.
Design with ergonomics in mind: Drawers or pull-out shelves in base
cabinets, counter heights that can adjust up or down, and a wall oven instead of a range are all features that make a kitchen accessible to everyone — and a pleasure to work in.
Plan for the unforeseeable: Even if you’ve planned down to the number of nails you’ll need in your remodel, expect the unexpected. Build in a little
leeway for completing the remodel. Want it done by Thanksgiving? Then plan to be done before Halloween.
Choose all your fixtures and materials before starting: Contractors will be able to make more accurate bids, and you’ll lessen the risk of delays because of backorders.
Don’t be afraid to seek help: A professional designer can simplify your
kitchen remodel. Pros help make style decisions, foresee potential problems, and schedule contractors. Expect fees around 10% to 17% of the total budget for the project.
Planning your kitchen remodel should take more time than the actual
construction.
#2 Second guess your “wants” on appliances
It’s easy to get carried away when planning your new kitchen. A six-burner
commercial-grade range and luxury-brand refrigerator may make
eye-catching centerpieces, but they may not fit your cooking needs or
lifestyle. Appliances are essentially tools used to cook and store food. Your kitchen remodel shouldn’t be about the tools, but the design and functionality of the entire kitchen.
So, unless you’re an exceptional cook who cooks a lot, concentrate your
dollars on long-term features that add value, such as cabinets and flooring.
Then choose appliances made by trusted brands that have high marks in
online reviews and Consumer Reports.
#3 Try your best in keeping your kitchen’s footprint
Nothing will drive up the cost of a remodel faster than changing the location of plumbing pipes and electrical outlets, and knocking down walls. This is usually where unforeseen problems occur. So, if possible, keep appliances, water fixtures, and walls in the same location.
Not only will you save on demolition and reconstruction costs, but you’ll also cut the amount of dust and debris your project generates.
#4 Conceptualize your
lighting well
Lighting can make a world of difference in a kitchen. It can make it look larger and brighter. And it will help you work safely and efficiently. You should have two different types of lighting in your kitchen:
1. Task lighting: Under-cabinet lighting should be on your must list since cabinets create such dark work areas. And since you’re remodeling, there won’t be a better time to hard-wire your lights. Plan for at least two fixtures per task area to eliminate shadows. Pendant lights are good for islands and other counters without low cabinets. Recessed lights and track lights work well over sinks and general prep areas with no cabinets overhead.
2. Ambient lighting: Flush-mounted ceiling fixtures, wall sconces, and track lights create overall lighting in your kitchen. Include dimmer switches to control intensity and mood.
#5 Be Quality-Conscious
Functionality and durability should be top priorities during kitchen remodeling. Resist low-quality bargains and choose products that combine low maintenance with long warranty periods. Solid-surface countertops, for instance, may cost a little more, but with the proper care, they’ll look great for a long time.
And if you’re planning on moving soon, products with substantial warranties are a selling advantage.
#6 Add Storage, Not Space
Storage will never go out of style, but if you’re sticking with the same footprint, here are a couple of ideas to add more:
Install cabinets that reach the ceiling: They may cost more — and you might need a stepladder — but you’ll gain valuable storage space for Christmas platters and other once-a-year items. In addition, you won’t have to dust cabinet tops.
#7 Communicate Clearly With Your Remodelers
Establishing a good rapport with your project manager or construction team is essential for staying on budget.
Drop by the project during work hours: Your presence broadcasts your
commitment to quality.
Establish a communication routine: Hang a message board on site where
you and the project manager can leave daily communiqués. Give your email address and cell phone number to subs and team leaders.
Set house rules: Be clear about smoking, boombox noise levels, available bathrooms, and appropriate parking.
Be kind: Offer refreshments (a little hospitality can go a long way), give praise when warranted, and resist distracting them with conversation, jokes, and questions when they’re working. They’ll work better when refreshed and allowed to concentrate on work.