Here are some great tips to consider before renovating your kitchen.
Thinking of renovating your kitchen? You’re not alone. The kitchen is one of the most popular rooms of the house to remodel.
Whether you’re updating your kitchen with a fresh coat of paint and more storage or you’re in for a complete overhaul, here are three questions to ask before you get out the sledgehammer.
1. What does your dream kitchen look like?
Make a list of everything you want in your ideal kitchen, including the floors, countertops, appliances, fixtures, backsplash, etc. Flip through interior design magazines or look online for inspiration.
2. How much of your dream kitchen can you afford?
A basic kitchen upgrade
What’s included? The kitchen footprint stays intact, but the space gets a basic, DIY cosmetic makeover including new budget-friendly appliances, a lick of paint and new hardware and fixtures.
Cost, on average: $5,000 to $15,000
A midsized renovation
What’s included? It’s a step above a basic upgrade that may include new flooring, cabinets, countertops and appliances in addition to new paint and fixtures.
Cost, on average: $15,000 to $35,000
A major remodel
What’s included? This is a major overhaul that involves changing the current footprint of the room, such as tearing down walls or relocating appliances. Everything in the space is new, from cabinets and appliances to hardware and fixtures.
Cost, on average: $35,000 to $75,000
3. Do you have to hire a professional?
While most homeowners can do minor improvements themselves, it’s often best to leave the bigger jobs to the professionals. 49% of homeowners planning a kitchen remodel intend to gut their existing kitchen, and 42% plan to update the existing space.
Sources:
1. Houzz “How Much Does a Kitchen Makeover Cost?”
2. Houzz Kitchen Trends Study: October 2013
3 Ways to Make Your Kitchen Greener
According to the Houzz Kitchen Trends Study, 49% of homeowners say that using eco-friendly appliances and materials in their kitchen is important.
If you want to make your kitchen renovation project more eco-friendly, follow these tips:
For greener cabinets:
• Choose adhesives or glues that have no- or low-Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) and formaldehyde-free.
• Refinish cabinets with no- or low-VOC, water-based paints and stains.
• If you use reclaimed wood, find out where the wood came from. Old wood may contain toxic chemicals.
For greener countertops:
• Look for countertops that are made from recycled or sustainable materials.
• Avoid using formaldehyde-based glues and adhesives during installation.
• Seal stone with water-based, low-odor sealant. For greener flooring:
• Traditional linoleum is durable and easy to maintain.
• Cork is another green option, but make sure that you use cork that was manufactured in Spain and Portugal, where environmental and health regulations are stricter than in other foreign countries.
• Bamboo is a great choice. Just make sure it wasn’t made with formaldehyde-based binders.
Look for the Energy Star® certification on the appliances you buy. These appliances are energy efficient, which may mean more money in your pocket.
If you need a great recommendation for a kitchen renovation contractor, or if you need help help you selling or buying a home in Andover, North Andover, Haverhill and Beyond, please call me, I’d love to help! Ron Carpenito (978)494-0346.
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