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We’ve spoken at length about kitchen remodels offering a great return on investment. Maybe a picture of a sleek kitchen in a magazine or online has inspired you to take on a renovation.

The old adage goes that a picture is worth a thousand words. In this case, that picture is worth around $40,000 or $50,000.

“The pictures in magazines are kitchens that cost $50,000, $60,000, $70,000,” says Susan Wain, owner of Modern Family Kitchens, an Ikea design service in Portland, Ore.

Even the pictures from Ikea, the Holy Grail of DIY enthusiasts everywhere, are around $25,000, according to the Denver Post.

But don’t fret, being aggressive with your shopping and being open to compromise are a couple of ways to cut down on costs.

While kitchens present a good investment, there are many other remodels that don’t pay off when it comes time to sell, according to TIME online.

Home owners should tread carefully when thinking about adding a swimming pool, rooms that are too specific, and high-maintenance landscapes.

No matter what your remodeling goals may be, getting kids excited about the process is a tall order.

Including children in some small parts of any renovation, whether it be selecting a paint, carpet, or casting the deciding vote in a decision on materials, can add a little fun to the remodeling process.

Have a good week!

The remodeling industry is benefiting from the improved economy and stock market. With more confidence and cash, homeowners across the U.S. are thinking big when it comes to renovations.

As the Boston Globe reports, “Spending on home remodeling, which peaked at about $145 billion in 2006, is on track to surpass that high by the end of the year, according to figures compiled by the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University.”

Of course, not everyone is interested in large-scale changes.  Those with a modest budget in mind should look into freshening up a kitchen, modernizing a bathroom, or making an attic more user-friendly, according to the Tulsa World.

One place that packs a lot of bang for the buck is the front door. Reworking the main entryway can make a home more attractive to buyers.

Speaking of modernized bathrooms, Angie of Angie’s List fame says more people are moving away from bathtubs and toward luxurious showers.

“If you are a homeowner that wants to age in place, grow old in your home, a shower can be a safer alternative for you,” she says.

In any remodel, though, the name of the game is making things as easy as possible. Here are a few tips for making sure that your next home renovation doesn’t turn into a nightmare.

Remember to carefully choose a contractor, keep the lines of communication open, and plan efficiently. At MK Remodeling & Design, we’re happy to help with all three!

Have a good week!

Choosing to remodel your home or business is a decision that should not be taken lightly. Even the best thought out jobs encounter hiccups.

Knowing your budget, doing your research, consulting an expert, and checking to see if city approval is needed are some of the tips outlined in Remodeling Real Talk here.

Still on the fence about remodeling? That’s OK! Making a list of pros and cons helps with any decision.

A Las Vegas columnist talks a reader through the process in her Design Smart column. She cautions that not everything is as easy as it looks on TV, and that good communication with your contractor is key.

If you are thinking about remodeling a bathroom, this article offers fantastic advice that will help you achieve all your goals. Talking things over with a professional is one tip. (Are you picking up on a theme?)

Talking about trends

We’ve spoken before about how kitchen remodels offer serious return on investment. As this article details, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry has highlighted clever cabinetry, cool lighting, and wine storage as the year’s biggest trends.

Take a look at the expanded list and the accompanying photos here.

Have a good week!