Sunday, March 28, 2010

10 TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL KITCHEN RENO

1. Take the time to assess how your family functions in your current kitchen. Writing down your needs & special requirements, as well as the positive & negative points of your present kitchen will be a great starting point for your designer.

2. Don’t under-estimate the importance of good planning in avoiding costly mistakes. All aspects of the kitchen design & reno should be planned before any work begins.

3. If you’re planning your kitchen yourself, look at decorating magazines, visit showrooms, tradeshows or model homes to learn about trends, styles and materials you would like. Take into consideration your lifestyle and the style of your home.

4. Allow sufficient lead-time. Consider that manufacturers require 4-8 weeks to fabricate cabinets and that final measurement before manufacturing takes place only after demolition of your current kitchen.

5. When planning your project, consider the cost of new appliances, plumbing, electrical, lighting, materials, doors & windows, flooring, backsplash, paint and decoration.

6. Generally, between 6%-10% of your home’s declared value represents a reasonable cost for the purchase and installation of your kitchen cabinets and countertop.

7. Set up a temporary meal preparation area to use while waiting for your new kitchen. Even if you’re planning to do a lot of BBQing, you’ll still need food prep. and wash-up areas, as well as some storage for dishes & utensils.

8. When choosing flooring, match the tone of the kitchen flooring to that of an adjoining dining room or family room for a smooth transition. Conversely, a 12”x24” limestone flooring laid in a brick or subway pattern in the kitchen will provide dramatic impact next to a dark hardwood floor.

9. Countertops link major appliances together. With stainless steel or black appliances, choose medium to dark-toned countertops; with white appliances, very light countertops work best. And a tip for our cold climate: consider under-counter heating for granite or marble breakfast bars.

10. Be flexible; be patient. And remember: a great kitchen is not only a great return on investment for your home, but it’s the heart of most households.

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