One of the best ways to increase the value of your property is to remodel or update the kitchen. A shabby, poorly designed kitchen reflects badly on the house in general and can drastically affect its overall prospects and livability factor.
Budget: The first thing you want to do is calculate how much you want to spend on this project. Remodeling a kitchen can be one of the most cost intensive projects you are likely to undertake as a homeowner but don't let that put you off because done properly; you're probably not going to have to do it again for a very long time to come. Think of it as an investment, something that will increase in value with time.
Choosing a contractor: This is probably the most important step in the project. You'll need to shop around to see which contractor offers the best quality service at the best price. A great way to research what different contractors offer is by going online. HandyCanadian.com is an excellent site which offers invaluable advice on how to choose a contractor. HandyCanadian also provides a list of reputable contractors. Most contractors have websites which show examples of their work; some even have before and after photographs of their work, helping you get an idea of their skill and expertise.
Another helpful thing to look for is do they have any customer testimonials on their site? Do their customers seem satisfied? Are they recommending the contractor?
Check with your local municipal licensing office, they may be able to give you a list of recommended contractors and companies. You should also check with the municipal licensing office if the company you've chosen is licensed and you can find out important information such as how long they have been in business and if any complaints have been filed against them.
Planning: While you are waiting for your permits to be approved, think about design. Do you want a clean cut minimalistic modern look or are you looking for a more classic traditional look. How much storage space do you need? Your contractor should be able to help with this by giving you suggestions on how to maximize the use of available space. You should try to base your choices on efficiency and ease of use. Also decide on what kind of counter top you want. Natural materials are elegant and give a rich look to your kitchen but synthetic materials are more durable and offer a wider range of textures and colors.
Flooring: Decide on which kind of flooring you want for your kitchen. Keep in mind that your kitchen floor should not only be attractive it should also be durable and easy to clean and maintain.
Lighting: Lighting is one of the most neglected aspects of redecorating despite the fact that proper lighting performs miracles for creating the right mood or ambience in a living space. Kitchen lighting can be recessed or exposed or a combination of both. Remember to plan your lighting to best serve your needs.
Appliances: If you're an avid cook then you're probably going to need many different kitchen appliances for your hobby, but if you're a casual chef you'll probably only need a microwave, cooking range and fridge so plan and budget accordingly; you want to choose your appliances carefully as you won't want to find yourself having to replace them due to lack of forethought.
Planned properly, your new or updated kitchen should provide you with years of use and enjoyment. It is, after all, the hub of the house, almost everyone in the house uses the kitchen for some reason or another!
Posted by: TrustedPros
