Greg Gagnon asked:


If you are like most homeowners, you probably view your home as your most important investment. Diligent homeowners often treat their homes like stock portfolios or savings accounts and always try to add value to their properties. While there are many ways to increase the value of a home, one of the most utilized methods for homeowners is the remodeling project. However, despite the remodeling successes of many homeowners, remodeling a home is not always a guarantee of added value or increased interest from potential buyers. Hence, homeowners may want to take care in how they renovate their homes, especially when there is volatility in their local housing markets. With that in mind, there are few remodeling projects that are more likely to add value to a home and allow the homeowner to recoup the costs when selling.

Based on numerous studies of the real estate market, here are the best remodeling projects to increase the value of your home and generate the most interest from prospective buyers:

Kitchen - As one of the most used rooms in any home, upgrades made to the kitchen are always appealing to prospective buyers. Studies show, however, that the homeowners earn the most value when performing modest upgrades including new cabinets, countertops, floors and well-priced appliances. Hence, homeowners often don’t need to worry about including luxury products when remodeling the kitchen.

Bathroom - In many cases, remodeling an existing bathroom can raise the value of the home as much as any other project. As bathrooms can typically be remodeled very affordably, this has long been a favorite project of homeowners looking to increase the value of their homes. Though the eventual recouped value seems to be contingent on region, most homeowners who remodeled existing bathrooms experienced better return on their investment than those that added new bathrooms to their homes.

Windows - Though not as visible as remodeled kitchens or bathrooms, there are few remodeling projects that improve the overall quality of a home better than new windows. For instance, smart home buyers will recognize that new windows will not only make the home more comfortable and attractive, but will also save on heating and cooling costs.

Siding - Though new siding and other exterior improvements may not be possible or necessary for some homeowners, no other remodeling project generates a better response from prospective buyers. Nationwide, the value recouped by homeowners that installed new siding is matched only by successful kitchen remodeling projects.

On the other hand, there are also some remodeling projects that may not provide the best value for homeowners. Real estate experts typically point to expensive additions - such as home theatres, swimming pools and wine cellars - as the riskiest remodeling projects. The key to determining if such luxurious projects will add sufficient value to the home and allow the homeowner to recoup the value lies in assessing what is right for the neighborhood. For instance, a home with two bathrooms could gain significant value when a new bathroom is added if all the surrounding properties have three or more bathrooms. Likewise, if you reside in a region where swimming pools are an expected luxury - such as the desert southwest - prospective homebuyers probably won’t see your addition as an unnecessary liability.

Most importantly, keep in mind that renovations and remodeling projects may not be as simple as they seem. It is wise to weigh the risks and to consider what is best for the local market before starting any project. If you are unsure what types of remodeling projects would add value in your neighborhood, you may want to consult a real estate agent to get a better understanding of what local buyers are looking for.



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Anna Hart asked:


Bathroom remodeling is one of the best ways of preparing a home for sale. After kitchen remodels, bathroom remodels are next in raising the sales value of your home.

Bathroom remodeling ideas need not be reserved for a house that is to be sold, however. You can enjoy a bathroom remodel now, and know that it will be an advantage when the time comes to sell the home.

The home’s bathrooms are the rooms of heavy use. As such, they get a lot of wear and time. They also are seen many times each day. Bathroom remodels can keep your baths looking good and functioning properly.

There are many ways that you can remodel a bathroom. Here are a few ideas.

1. Wall Tiles: Most contractors will tell you that 4 by 4 inch wall tiles are outdated. Replace them with 8 by 13 inch glazed ceramic tiles. The new tiles will be attractive and will help prevent mold. They will also keep your lower walls from being damaged by splashes from faucets. As part of your bathroom remodeling, paint the upper walls, and run a decorative border of tiles between lower wall tiles and the upper, painted wall.

2. Floor tiles: Visible, light flooring can create a feeling of increased space. If your bathroom remodeling project is, at least in part, because your bathroom seems small, install 12 by 12 inch light-colored floor tiles diagonally. The lines and the light color will give the illusion of much more space.

3. Heated Floor: Before you lay those floor tiles, consider heated floor as part of your bathroom remodeling project. Your whole family will appreciate them, and when it comes time to sell your home, heated bathroom floors will be an enormous selling point.

4. Vanity: Use your bathroom remodeling as an opportunity to get clean, free lines. Replace the vanity with a new “floating” type that does not touch the floor. Choose one with a granite or marble countertop. If you like the granite when you’re done, your bathroom remodeling project can prepare you for replacing kitchen countertops later. You may want a granite vanity top with one of the new vessel sinks.

5. Faucets: Faucets at the sink and tub are a wonderful place to begin a bathroom remodeling project. Once thought utilitarian, faucets have become stylish fixtures. At little cost, you can replace yours with vintage Victorian faucets, or sleek bamboo faucets resembling the bamboo fountain in an Asian garden.

6. Toilets: Relocating a toilet can call for major bathroom remodeling. Replacing it, however, is a simpler task, and can quickly update an old bathroom. If you want to further update your bath, consider adding a bidet. This bathroom remodeling project may require a contractor.

7. Lighting: Much bathroom remodeling falls short of its goal because overhead lighting is allowed to remain. While moisture resistant can lights above tub or shower can be helpful, an overhead light should be replaced by wall lights to increase the value of your bath.

8. Shower: If space allows, consider adding a separate shower to your bath area. Keep the tub for a spa-like retreat, but install a shower, too, with body sprays. If you like the natural, spa idea, look for a shower that has stone surround tile. This bathroom remodeling idea is bound to increase the value of your home.

9. Colors: The simplest bathroom remodeling project, and often an effective one, is to change the colors in the bathroom. If the bathroom remodel is being done to increase home value for sale, avoid unusual color combinations. Apply the tried and true 60-30-10 rule to your colors: 60 percent of your bathroom should be a dominant color, 30 percent a secondary color, and 10 percent an accent color.

Bathroom remodeling ideas are many because people have many different tastes. Different locations also inspire different ideas. Bathroom remodeling in Seattle is bound to be different from bathroom remodeling in Pensacola. Many things will come to bear on your bathroom remodeling ideas, but in the end, you should create something peaceful and functional for you and your family.



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Brooke Hayles asked:


Do you want to change your home? Thousands of people everyday think about just that. They decide that they want a change. So instead of buying a new home, they decide to remodel the one that they have.

Other people who consider remodeling have just outgrown the space that they have and need more. When you are planning a home remodeling project, it can be a very stressful time. There are so many things to consider. You can eliminate the majority of the stress of home remodeling by hiring a remodeling contractor.

A remodeling contractor is a professional trained in remodeling a room or an entire home. They have knowledge and expertise to complete the job quickly and to your satisfaction. He or she often has sub-contractors that they work with to ensure the job is done properly.

It is important that you find a remodeling contractor that you have something in common with. Finding someone who has the same tastes as you will lessen any stress that you may have. Take the time to talk to and get to know several different contractors. Tell them what your plans for the remodeling project are and listen to what they come up with. A good contractor will pick up on what you want even if you do not know how to describe it.

After you have hired a contractor for remodeling your house, he or she will design a very detailed plan for your home. The details will include estimates, introduce you to the sub-contractors that will be assisting on your remodeling project and how long the project should take to complete.

It can take a lot of pressure and stress off of you and your family to hire a remodeling contractor. When you hire a remodeling contractor, you have the final say and the contractor has the responsibility. You can ask the contractor to keep you informed of the progress that is being made and if everything is on schedule.

Contractors have a lot of contacts. You can benefit from this as the contractor may be able to get you special discounts on items you will need for your project. They may also be able to sell the accessories and fixtures that are removed from your home remodeling project.

There are many things that can affect the estimate that is given. If labor or supplies are not available, it could either delay your project or raise the estimate if the contractor has to go elsewhere for laborers or supplies.

It is crucial to your home remodeling project that you discuss everything with the remodeling contractor. Ask him or her if there are any hidden charges that will be added to the final bill. If they tell you that there are not, get it in writing.

Also, there are always hidden costs in remodeling that you need to be prepared for. However, if you have checked the references of your kitchen-remodeling contractor and have built up a rapport, you can trust him or her to do the best they can. Which means you can enjoy the remodeling experience and the finished effect!

Summary:

Remodeling you home is a big financial responsibility. Make sure that you check the references of the remodeling contractor you are hiring. Do not think that you are insulting the contractor, most are proud of the work that they do and enjoy showing it off.



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Ann Triune asked:


You might be thinking of custom kitchen remodeling. This is one of the best home improvement projects that any homeowner could ever think of. Then again, you should know that it is no simple project. There are so many things that you have to consider when you want to remodel.

Advantages

One of the first things that you have to look into is what remodeling can give you. You need to be certain that you can benefit from it. Otherwise you may end up spending more time and money on something you’ll regret. Here are some of the advantages of custom remodeling:

- The kitchen is one of the places that people most often go to just to relax and enjoy. With custom remodeling, you can create the ideal atmosphere in your kitchen. Your remodeled kitchen will reflect your very own unique taste.

- Customizing your kitchen will ensure that you get the exact size of fixtures and furniture where you want them to go. You no longer have to stick with a cabinet that sticks out too much or drawers that have to be trimmed just to fit in the available space. With custom kitchen remodeling, everything fits perfectly.

- Many custom remodeling companies will allow you to work within your budget. You don’t have to switch from one ready made option to another just to make sure you don’t go over your budget. With custom remodeling, your remodeling company or contractor will do the estimating for you.

Disadvantages

If there are great advantages to custom remodeling, there are also some disadvantages. You need to know about them too just to make sure that you still want to pursue remodeling.

- Although remodeling companies will consider your budget, it doesn’t mean that everything will come cheap. Custom-made cabinets and furniture will always cost a little more than those that are ready to install. This means you do have to prepare a sizable budget.

- Custom remodeling may also take some time and effort. With ready-made cabinets, all you have to do is to screw in the bolts. Custom pieces however, have to be made according to your specifications. Depending on your design, your remodeling project could extend to a few weeks.

- One of the greatest disadvantages is getting a remodeling company that can’t do things exactly as you want them to. There are numerous companies out there so choosing just one won’t be so easy. You would have to spend a lot of time just looking for the perfect company or contractor.

Custom remodeling can be the best decision you will ever make. Your satisfaction however, depends largely on your ability to get a good remodeling company. Take the time to compare companies before settling for one. You can also look for home improvement site reviews and ask in forums for recommendations from actual clients.

Don’t hesitate to go into custom kitchen remodeling. Do remember though to think long and hard over your options. You only want what’s best for you and your kitchen.



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Clive Chung asked:


You can remodel your home with ease if you have a good step-by-step home remodeling plans. The home is often the largest investment a person or family will make. The decision to alter that investment by paying out more money isn’t easy - but it can be worth it. Whether you are remodeling to sell the home or just to make it more comfortable for the coming years, remodeling can be a good decision. It’s one that requires planning and patience. Remodeling professionals suggest the following ten-step program when considering any home remodeling plans.

Step 1: Asses your current situation

Do you have the funds, time, and patience to remodel your home? Does it make sense to remodel or simply move into a larger home? According to the American Homeowner Foundation, moving can be extremely expensive, typically involving a 6 percent commission on the sale of the current home, plus another 2 to 4 percent for closing, moving, and other costs. This organization suggests that if you like your present neighborhood, you should instead look into what improvements you could make for 8 to 10 percent of your current home’s value before you seriously consider moving as an alternative to remodeling.

Step 2: Decide how long you intend to stay in your present home

Are you remodeling so you can sell faster or get a higher sale price? Or are you remodeling to create a more comfortable environment for a long-term situation? The answers to those questions will determine how much money you should spend and the scope of the remodeling project you should realistically undertake.

Step 3: Start defining the areas of the home that you want to change.

You should have some idea of what the remodeling project will entail before you call a contractor. Cut pictures out of magazines. Make a list of rooms that need to be altered and the reasons for those changes. This information will help speed the design phase of your remodel.

Step 4: Clear plenty of time on your calendar for the project.

It’s unrealistic to attempt to remodel your entire kitchen the month before Thanksgiving! You should establish a realistic timetable with your contractor that allows for delays due to weather, supply shortages, or other glitches that may occur.

Step 5: Find a reputable contractor

The only way to protect yourself during a remodeling project is to hire a professional contractor. Make sure that you choose a contractor who is insured, licensed, and a member of a professional trade association.

Step 6: Create a budget

Decide how much you can realistically to sell, your budget should not exceed any projected increase in market value of the home that is the result of remodeling. If you plan on staying in the home for a lengthy amount of time, you should spend a little more to get what you want.

Step 7: Request a comprehensive proposal from your contractor

The proposal should tell you how much the project is going to cost and what types of products will be used. If you proposal comes in above your budget limit, talk to your contractor about other options. Sometimes you can accomplish the same look with other products or design techniques.

Step 8: Get a complete, written contract before the work begins

The contract should cover the description of the project, timetable, payment schedule, types of products, etc., with provisions for the responsibilities of the contractor, subcontractors, change order procedures, warranties, and alternative dispute settlement clauses.

Step 9: The payments to work stage

Be very wary of any contractor who wants a large amount of money up front. Normal contracts split payments by decreasing percentages of total cost and are tied to significant work stages in the project. Please note, however, that a large amount of money is usually required at the start of kitchen remodels to cover the costs of ordering appliances.

Step 10: Take a deep breath and keep your perspective

Remodeling can be noisy, time consuming, and disruptive to the normal home environment. It’s important to keep your sense of humor and stay focused on the end result, not the process that takes you there.



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Home Remodelers Group asked:


When you think of home remodeling, you probably think of extending a room or changing cabinets in a kitchen or modernizing an older home. Yet there is a whole new market of people needing home renovations - the elderly.

Renovations for the Elderly:

According to a recent CNN report, home renovations for the elderly are on the rise. These types of renovations are the fastest-growing segment of the remodeling industry, said James Lapides of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). NAHB’s recent study concluded that 75 percent of remodeling companies have seen an increase in requests for so-called “aging-in-place” work.

The “Certified Aging in Place” Specialist program, offered by the NAHB Remodelers Council to teach professionals how to modify homes for older adults, has increased in enrollment, according to Lapides. Representatives of NAHB and the AARP created the program in 2002. Over 1,000 participants have learned building techniques and structural awareness for accommodating physical needs. (CNN, “Builders: Home Renovations for Elderly on the Rise”, by Grace Wong)

Statistics Show Elderly Want to Stay in Their Homes:

According to the AARP, 83% of people over 45 own their own homes. A 2003 AARP survey, “These Four Walls,” sampled this group and found that 75% expect to stay there for the rest of their lives. 51% envision making changes so that can happen.

In addition, The National Association of Home Builders conducted a survey of remodelers and learned that:

• 75% reported getting more requests for “aging in place” projects

• 60% had done “aging in place” projects. Of those:

• 43% were for customers aged 45 to 54

• 76% were for customers aged 55 to 64

• 67% were for customers 65 and older

Remodelers reported that clients wanted aging-in-place remodeling because:

• 75% were planning for future needs

• 53% were living with older parents

• 46% had acute, age-related disabilities

• 23% had acute disabilities unrelated to aging

(realestate.msn.com, “Elegant Remodels Allow ‘Aging in Place’”, by Marilyn Lewis)

A Remodeling Project:

Some families are bringing older relatives to live with them and extending a part of the house to accommodate that change. Others are making modifications for physical reasons, such as widening doorways for wheelchairs, lowering bathtub walls and adding support bars. Other modifications simply include updating an older home because of wear and tear. However, the going trend is to do it all with style.

An example of an accommodating remodeling project occurred in a California backyard. A playhouse was rebuilt to become a livable apartment for one family’s 70 year-old father with Paget’s disease. Building aspects of the apartment include a walk-in shower with no obstructing ledge at the entrance, two-inch-square commercial nonskid tile, lever handles instead of doorknobs and an anti-scald device to keep water temperature even. (realestate.msn.com, “Elegant Remodels Allow ‘Aging in Place’”, by Marilyn Lewis)

Suggestions for Remodeling:

If you are contemplating a remodeling project, keep the future in mind. You can make simple changes now for what may be needed many years in the future. Sam Clark, a builder and author of “The Real Goods Independent Builder: Designing & Building a House Your Own Way” and “Remodeling a Kitchen”, provides the following suggestions for changes to make to your home to accommodate the physical bodily changes that occur over time:

• Remodel your home so that you can live on the ground level if necessary.

• Widen doorways to accommodate wheelchairs.

• Plan the front entry to be as level with the ground as local building codes allow. Eliminate stairs with sloping sidewalks.

• Try to think way ahead. For example, in a bathroom remodel, install reinforcement for grab bars.

• Plan for a lot of storage within the “optimal reach zone” - the space between 20 inches and 44 inches above the floor to a depth of 20 inches away from your body.

• Use drawers instead of cupboards where possible.

• Install lever handles throughout the house.

• Use hard flooring or choose an attractive, low-pile commercial carpet.

• Place electric outlets higher than usual and switches lower.

• Install a shelf outside the front door so you can put down packages while searching for keys.

Additional tips from the Home Remodelers in New Jersey (www.homeremodelersgroup.com) further suggests vinyl siding. Vinyl siding is made to look like real wood and it never needs painting, preventing any hazardous maintenance or painting. Vinyl windows are also suggested; they are easy to clean and energy efficient.

For additional remodeling articles, visit http://www.homeremodelersgroup.com/?source=articles



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Stephen Dolan asked:


Remodeling a bathroom is one of the most common home improvement projects because homeowners prefer a toilet and bath area where they can relax from a difficult day’s work. Be aware that whatever fixtures, accessories and furniture you wish to add to your bathroom should add warmth and relaxation to the room. Many of us have increased the amount of time we spend in the bathroom and because of this require extra space; here are some points to consider before you start remodeling and enlarging a bathroom.

Tips and Tricks in Bathroom Remodeling

Focus on your walls, ceiling and tiles because these three items can greatly influence the outcome of your project. The materials you will buy largely depend on your budget. For people who have a budget of $200 or less, you can easily give a new life to your bathroom by doing the work by yourself and focusing on the walls, ceiling and accessories.

Since you only have a few dollars to spare, you need to choose on the color or theme you want to implement for the ceiling or walls. People who can not do the work themselves should consult a contractor. Make sure you get quotes for the work from several contractors.

A Remodeling Plan Is the Most Important Item

Of course, to be successful, you need to design your remodeling project just right before you swing a single hammer. With all things in bathroom remodeling design, if you design with an eye for common sense and space, you will be successful in your attempt to create a room that’s both stylish and functional. When you decide where smaller fixtures, such as the towel rack or even the toilet paper roll, go in the bathroom remodeling design, keep in mind that they should go in places that are sensible.

Once again going back to function over form. The towel rack might look nice by the door, but if it’s out of arm’s reach of the bathtub, then you won’t be happy whenever you get out of the shower, for example.

The first entry that should go into your bathroom remodeling planner is a floor plan of your new bathroom with all of the correct dimensions included. You can complete this on paper, or by buying software that is specifically for this purpose. In addition to the major work, also listed on your bathroom remodeling check list would be any components, such as cabinets, fixtures and countertops.

Once you have determined the exact cost of your project using the bathroom remodeling check list, you should budget another 10 percent of the total cost for contingencies. For instance, when you are cutting out the wall for a latest fixture you accidentally cut through a water pipe and your new drywall is ruined. The contingency budget can pay to replace the cut pipe as perfectly as the ruined drywall.

Finally, even the budget in a room as small as the bath can get out of control if a plan is not set and adhered to. Your bathroom remodeling planner should include a budget of the necessary materials and the labor that will be required. With a comprehensive bathroom remodeling planner, you will be on your way to purchasing the job done right.

Getting the Most Out of Working with a Contractor

You should not really attempt to do a job that is more technical than your abilities. In the long run, the contractor will have to come in and fix it which will cost more money. If your remodeling project is more complicated than painting and replacing the light fixtures, it is probably in your best interest to hire a contractor.

The problem, of course, is where to find a good contractor. The best place to look for a bathroom remodeling contractor is to ask friends, coworkers, and neighbors who have had remodeling work done recently. Next, call all of the contractors on the list and show them what needs to be done. It is appropriate and important to ask for references. Check with some of the references and find out what they liked and didn’t like. Bathroom remodeling contractors get work by their previous work. If they aren’t good, they won’t have very much work to do.

Once you have decided on the right contractor and the right price, the topic of payment will soon come up. Ask the contractor how long the project will take and how much is the labor. In most cases, people don’t want to pay the contractor before the work is started. If payment is made before any work has started, the incentive to finish the project will have been lost. Some contractors may want to buy the materials themselves so there is much to talk about with the contractor.

While your contractor is responsible for remodeling a bathroom, it is your responsibility to ensure all materials have been delivered. Before starting the project, inspect all items and accessories. To prevent delays, ensure that all deliveries are complete. Once the job is finished to your satisfaction, make the remainder of the payment in a timely fashion.

You can now take your first relaxing shower and enjoy the long-term benefits of the investment you made. There is no greater joy to a homeowner then to remodel and enlarge a special room such as the bathroom. So, enjoy every minute of it by following a plan and finding a good contractor.



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Article Manager asked:


Many homeowners have come to know that remodeling the home is an affordable and cheaper option than to buy a new home. With the cost of new house going up day by day, remodeling is considered to be the best option of getting new look and feel from one’s old house. Home Remodeling design trends for homeowners in Florida have changed and instead of thinking bigger they’re choosing to be smarter. Through renovating, their motivation is not only to update the look and feel of the home, but also to improve the comfort and utility of their space to meet the changing needs of their lifestyle.

Remodeling helps to enhance the look of your home and the task of remodeling is performed to replace the old and traditional material with the fresh and latest one. Florida has many trained and experienced remodeling professional who hold specialization in remodeling of homes as per the clients taste and requirements. Team of experts carries out the designing and construction works after studying the location of the property and do the renovation as per the need of the customer. Some of the major areas of the house that are renovated are kitchens, bathrooms, room additions, floor plan with latest designs and also reconstructing the damaged area of the house. One of the common remodeling that is done in a house in is its entrance. The entrance of the house is renovated by stately covered porticos, columns etc. These not only provide aesthetic up gradation to the house but it also increase the economical value of the house.

Home remodeling team first shows the pre-designed structures to the clients so that they can get their approval and after that only they start the construction work. Careful planning of the home renovation reduces the unexpected things that occur during the renovation. Today’s major need of home remodeling in Florida is to have an airy, well ventilated house with lesser extra walls. The need of fresh air circulation in all the rooms is considered at the first step of planning. These home renovation company of Florida consider all the requirements of clients and perform the renovation as per their needs.

In Florida number of bedrooms and baths vary from person to person and the dinning room and kitchen are connected through the big rooms of the house. Some of the major aspect due to which remodeling is required are, many houses in Florida are not able to handle the scorching sun of summers. Houses should be energy-efficient in its construction. These types of houses surely require remodeling so that the owners can avail maximum comfort and relax at their home. Remodeling also raises the value of your house and the purpose of remodeling the house varies from person to person and the further usage of the property.



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Dan Fritschen asked:


A kitchen remodel can be an exciting and creative activity for a homeowner; as with every remodel it is advisable to start with a budget in mind and work according to a plan. There is a lot you can do with a kitchen remodel; kitchen cabinets, sinks, exhaust fans, sinks, kitchen islands, curtains, lighting, countertops, backsplash, faucets, furniture, tiles, etc can be replaced or repaired to give a whole new look to your kitchen. You should get an idea of the costs involved in a remodel and then plan the remodel to fit your budget.

Before starting a remodeling project, it is important to obtain a building permit well in advance because municipalities may take time to process the permit application.

Kitchen roofs can be kept a little higher so as to give the kitchen a different feel from the rest of the house and the kitchen can be moved adjacent to the dining area so that service from the kitchen is made easy.

In kitchens, where space is a constraint a remodel offers the opportunity to remove items and accessories that are rarely used and create some space. The kitchen space can be made more appealing visually by varying the height of the countertops and using cabinets of different sizes with different styles of doors. Contrasts can be achieved by using light wood stains for the islands and darker ones for the cabinets. A remodel is also the time to hide unsightly appliances by installing panels that can cover or disguise ovens or refrigerators. Another way to make appliances blend with the surroundings is to install stainless steel appliances; this is because stainless steel reflects the colors of its surroundings and is therefore not very noticeable.

The space to be allocated for counters can be a tricky decision; ideally you should allocate sufficient space for the counters and the counters should have enough width and depth to provide working space as well as space for appliances. The cabinets should be so placed that the contents of the cabinets are accessible from the place in the kitchen where they are likely to be used most often.

Traditional kitchen cabinets come with raised panels and in a range of finishes and wood choices. Contemporary kitchen cabinets offer an uncluttered look with well-defined lines; the building materials include wood, glass, plastic, and other materials. Kitchen sinks are mostly made of stainless steel which is a resilient and inexpensive alternative. Enamel covered cast iron sinks provide a traditional look. Quartz composite and granite-based sinks offer a high shine and are durable.

Kitchen islands can be added to spacious as well as not-so-spacious kitchens; with smaller kitchens, an island provides added countertop space for placing cooking pots and cutlery. Kitchen islands also offer space for a small family to gather, a kitchen island on wheels enables one to move the island around and alter the space settings. While remodeling, one can try to alter the lighting if required so that it illuminates the stove, countertops, cabinets, sink and other work areas.

Homeowners planning a kitchen remodel can apprise themselves of some of the latest remodeling trends that include built-in coffee centers that are sleek and take little space; stove hoods in various sculptural shapes made from materials such as steel and glass; the trend in cabinetry is toward minimalism with floating units, cabinet fronts with touch-latches that reduce hardware requirements; and surfaces made from materials such as bamboo, glass, and aluminum; cooking ranges that are dual-fuel and use both electricity and gas; Italian cooking gadgets such as gelato makers, stainless steel truffle shavers, and a panini grill for making sandwiches are popular items to add to a kitchen when remodeling; homeowners are also increasingly opting for smart appliances such as refrigerators with Internet capabilities; concealed dishwashers that can wash and store the dishes; countertops are being customized to suit the homeowner’s tastes — wood is being used for low-use areas, concrete with embedded glass is being used, marble pastry slab inserts, etc are some examples of the variety of materials being used for counters.

You should ensure that the flooring is in place before moving on to the cabinets and countertops, tile and slate are preferred flooring options for homeowners as these prevent mold and moisture from accumulating. Cork is also being used as a flooring material for kitchens; it is soft and reduces noise. Other design alternatives for homeowners include openings and pass-throughs in the kitchen that facilitate movement and give a feeling of space, adding aged beams to the ceiling to get a rustic look, and using glass for kitchen doors.

Several activities of a kitchen remodel can be done as a DIY project, these include the preliminary cleaning up and removing of appliances and gadgetry to be discarded or replaced. You can rip up the flooring too, if relaying the flooring is on the remodeling agenda. Getting involved in the cleaning activities that open up the kitchen space allows homeowners to develop ideas about how to use the freed up space in a new way. Activities such as putting up the drywall, relaying the floor, painting the walls, etc can be carried out as DIY activities. If you wants to add the fixtures too then it should be done in consultation with an electrician and plumber. You can save money by installing appliances such as refrigerators and microwaves. Getting insight online into the various aspects of a kitchen remodel is a good way to begin what can be the most satisfying of all your remodeling experiences.

Copyright 2008 by ABCD Publishing



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