As one of the highest-traffic rooms in a home, as well as one of the rooms most often subject to the changing whims of fashion, style, and technology, many home renovation projects focus on the kitchen. At times, when families grow in size, an expansion of the kitchen may be necessary. Alternatively, when children leave the house, kitchen upgrades may be desirable as homeowners are reintroduced to the ability to host parties and dinners. Whether for function, style, home value, or any other reason, there are a number of things to consider when planning a remodel.
The first thing to consider is the level of skill of the homeowner. This will obviously dictate in large part the cost of the remodel, or, if on a fixed budget, the scope of the remodel. For a relatively handy homeowner, the planning of a basic remodel may necessitate nothing more than a trip to a store for a 20 minute chat with an expert. For the homeowner who has trouble operating a hammer, finding a contractor will likely be necessary. If tentative plans involve major changes to a kitchen, such as the rerouting of plumbing, a change in electrical needs or any construction that could change the structure of a home, a contractor will almost always be necessary.
When choosing a contractor it is a good idea to speak with friends, relatives, or colleagues who have recently undertaken similar products. If no such people are available, feel free to ask contractors for a few recent references - this is a normal request, and any reputable contractor will not be put off by it. Making sure to visit a local appliance store to see what their model layouts look like, how big and what newer appliances look like, and to get a general idea of how much materials and appliances may end up costing is helpful as well. Chatting with staff at the appliance stores is a great source of information; given the fact that they deal with people in similar situations all day, they may well have good ideas from other customers to pass along.
If expansion is the reason for the remodel, take a look at products available that maximize the space already in use. Options for enlarging a kitchen are generally limited - either space will need to be taken from another room, or an add-on with have to be built onto the house. The latter will be very expensive, and the former could be as well, if structure changes such as the removal of a wall have to be made. Architectural and design-based magazines are a great (and cheap) source for space-saving and remodeling ideas.
When remodeling a kitchen, appliances will likely be replaced. It is imperative that when considering replacements, a realistic assessment of the needs of the household chef be completed. Commercial quality stoves with eight integrated gas burners look great on reality television programs filmed in the kitchens of restaurants that turn 200 tables per night in Manhattan, but most homeowners do not need such equipment. Appliances are also a place where the cost of a remodel can be partially offset. With rising energy prices, energy efficient appliances can drastically cut down energy bills, as well as help protect the environment.
By:Alexander Fishback
