Home owners spend more money on kitchen remodeling than on any other home improvement project, according to the Home Improvement Research Institute. And with good reason. Kitchens are the hub of home life, and a source of pride.
A significant portion of kitchen remodeling costs may be recovered by the value the project brings to your home. Kitchen remodels in the $50,000 to $60,000 range recoup about 66% of the initial project cost at the home’s resale, according to recent data from Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value Report.
A minor kitchen remodel of about $20,000 does even better, returning more than 72% of your investment.
To make sure you maximize your return, follow these seven smart kitchen remodeling strategies.
1. Establish priorities
The National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) recommends spending at least six months planning your kitchen remodeling project. That way, you won’t be tempted to change your mind during construction, create change orders, and inflate construction costs. Here are planning points to cover:
Cooking traffic patterns: A walkway through the kitchen should be at least 36 inches wide. Work aisles should be a minimum of 42 inches wide and at least 48 inches wide for households with multiple cooks.
Child safety: Avoid sharp, square corners on countertops, and make sure microwave ovens are installed at the proper height—3 inches below the shoulder of the primary user but not more than 54 inches from the floor.
Outside access: If you want easy access to entertaining areas, such as a deck or patio, factor a new exterior door into your plans.
A professional designer can simplify your kitchen remodel. Pros help make style decisions, foresee potential problems, and schedule contractors. Expect fees around $50 to $150 per hour, or 5% to 15% of the total cost of the project.
Next: 2. Keep the same footprint
PrintFacebook
Share
EmailTwitterFacebookDiggLinkedin.. John Riha
John Riha has written seven books on home improvement and hundreds of articles on home-related topics. He’s been a residential builder, the editorial director of the Black & Decker Home Improvement Library, and the executive editor of Better Homes and Gardens magazine. His 1972 suburban house has been an ongoing source of maintenance and renovation experience.
.1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Next .
Track Your Progress
Added to Binder
Mark as Read
Mark as Completed
..Comments(3) .
I have a lot to remodle, I'm put'n tile in for the backsplash in the kitchen. I am taking care of my Dad, (he's bedfast) when it comes time to give him a shower, (took out my garden tub added a shower floor) I put him in a wheel chair and push him into the shower. I want my Mom home but she can't move at all. She still knows everthing, just can't move. trying to figure out how I could take care of her without lifting her. I have a small feed store and my son Jack is runing it for me, and I would like to be able to go to work and still be able to let my Dad I'm right here for him. once the money starts coming in I want to build a hallway from the house to the back of the store and a room where I can keep Dad there so he want feel left out. Lots of work I have to do.
Posted by Frances on August 30, 2011 . This article has helped in our planning ideas. Some of the suggestions will save me time and money
Posted by Steve on July 14, 2011 . You forgot to suggest the stratagy of creating accessibility when remodeling . Incorporating universal design ideas in your project wether it be a kitchen ,bath ,laundry etc.can add value to your home and also open up your home to new aditional markets when it does become time to sell.
Posted by Charles Braun on January 21, 2011 .
.
If you enter anything in this field your comment will be treated as spam .
Type your comments or share a photo...
remove .
5000 characters remaining
Upload a Photo New .. We Recommend
You might like:
Smart Options: Kitchen Flooring (HouseLogic)10 Ideas to Squeeze in More Kitchen Storage (HouseLogic)7 Smart Strategies for Bathroom Remodeling (HouseLogic)7 Best Remodeling Projects for the Money (HouseLogic)Q&A: Author Sarah Susanka Talks Budget-Smart Remodeling (HouseLogic)Is a Tankless Water Heater Right for You? (HouseLogic)
Print Checklist
Get what you want out of your kitchen remodel:
. Evaluate your kitchen remodel priorities. Establish a kitchen remodel budget. Research product warranties. Obtain at least three competitive kitchen remodeling bids.Please select a To-Do
Check All NewsletterFacebookTwitterOwn smarter—get tips and insights to enhance the value of your home.
Read more: http://www.houselogic.com/home-advice/kitchens/tips-for-kitchen-remodeling/#ixzz1h76Nz8huLisa Ekanger Your Hometown Realtor!
In such building projects, home builders usually begin with the kitchen. Looking for style and durability, most homeowners will choose granite for their kitchen countertops. However, stone countertops such as granite are nearly impossible to acquire for those with a low budget.
ReplyDelete