Remodeling a Kitchen

Remodeling a kitchen is a bit like cosmetic surgery. You greatly
anticipate the end result, but it's the getting there that worries
you.

Yet, despite all the concern, planning and costs involved, there are
few investments that will deliver the kind of return that a kitchen
remodel will – both in terms of economic return on investment and
enjoyment. According to a 2008 survey of real estate professionals, a
kitchen remodel is among the top 10 projects with the greatest payback
for the dollar invested. According to the survey, a minor kitchen
makeover that includes new cabinet doors, painting, installing new
energy-efficient cook top and oven, new countertops and cabinet
hardware, wall covering, and new vinyl floor covering costs about
$22,000 and yields an average payback of about 80%.

And kitchens sell houses. Realtors agree that the kitchen is one of
the first places a prospective home buyer will look. Often a well-
appointed, modern kitchen will sell a house despite minor flaws
elsewhere in the home.

Aside from economics, a lot can be said for the effect that a kitchen
remodel can have on the quality of life in the home. A well-thought-
out design with modern energy-efficient appliances, easy-to-care-for
finishes, and useful well-managed storage components can make life in
the kitchen a pleasure.

Once you have decided to remodel and have set a budget, the next and
most important step is planning. Often a homeowner will spend too
little time planning, resulting in too much time being spent in the
construction phase. Poor planning can result in inferior design,
unsatisfactory finishes, construction difficulties, major cost
overruns, delays in completion and disputes with the contractor.

One way to avoid being a victim is by getting help from a
professional. An architect, designer, or design-build contractor can
assist in the layout and design of the new kitchen. They will be aware
of building codes, industry design standards and can assist with the
selection of building materials and finishes. The cost for the design
and planning phase of a kitchen remodel should run between five and
ten percent of the overall cost of the project.

Your design professional or building contractor should be able to tell
you what permits will be required to perform the work.

The next step in planning your kitchen remodel is selecting a
professional to perform the work. Get recommendations from friends or
neighbors who have had similar work performed. If you live in a state
where contractors must be registered or licensed, make sure yours is
and has the necessary insurance, such as worker’s compensation and
general liability.

Don't begin the work until you have everything in writing. Insist on a
written contract. The contract should contain a firm price, a payment
schedule, start and finish dates, and an accompanying set of plans.

Finally, continue to stay involved after the work has begun. Keeping
the lines of communication open will probably do more to ensure a
successful result than anything else.

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