In our last post we gave you some tips on choosing how to wisely spend your remodeling dollars – when to splurge, when to cut costs. In this post we’ll give you some specific hints onplanning a kitchen remodel, which is usually one of the most costly home improvements (as well as the most common). And it’s an area of home improvement where value is extremely important. When it comes to kitchens, spending more doesn’t always translate into an increase in value. Keeping in mind the things we shared with you previously, you can factor in some of these specific areas as well:
- Floor Materials: No matter what your budget or approach, generally choose natural materials over vinyl or other synthetics. Most home buyers are drawn to hardwood or tile floors, but there is a range of prices, so do some homework on return before you spend. For instance, an appraiser will value all tile at the same amount per square foot, regardless of whether it’s a $1 or $30 price tag. Good quality floor tiles can be found in the $3-$5/sq.ft. range. Laminate wood flooring is a less expensive option than solid hardwood, but it doesn’t hold up as well in the long run, so your choice here should be governed by how long you reasonably anticipate living there. Carpeting is a no-no; while it make look warm and appealing, in the kitchen it’s a clean-up nightmare.
- Cabinetry: Your options here are stock, semi-custom, and custom. A stock cabinet can cost $100; the equivalent custom cabinet might be $1,000. Standard stock cabinets are relatively economical, but your options and features are limited. On the other hand, semi-custom cabinets offer many of the same upgrades such as slide-out drawers. Generally speaking, custom cabinets won’t deliver near the return on investment that semi-custom lines will, but they can cost double the price. Whatever you choose, look for features such as soft-close doors and drawers as well as solid construction and an attractive, quality finish.
- Lighting: More than some other aspects of kitchen remodeling, lighting really comes down to personal taste. If you really like elaborate fixtures, make sure they’re they kind easily removed and replaced so that you can take them with you when you move. Otherwise opt for more mainstream styling. Make sure you’ve got sufficient lighting to illuminate work spaces (track lighting and under-cabinet fixtures work well) as well as a few central overhead fixtures for lighting common and eating areas.
- Counter tops: Even more than cabinetry and flooring, your options here are extensive – from stainless steel to laminate to genuine stone such as granite. Granite is currently the most popular choice with home buyers, followed by marble, concrete, and manufactured stone such as Silestone (manufactured from quartz). Price range – $40-$200/sq.ft. installed. As with tile, the price tag won’t be reflected in the appraisal amount, so generally choose an moderately-priced material if you’re concerned about value.
Kitchen remodeling projects don’t have to break the bank to give you a space you’ll love to work in as well as a beauty that will be attractive to both you and a future buyer. If you have questions about specific types of kitchen remodeling, give us a call.
