Planning

The kitchen is often considered the center of the home. You entertain guests in the living room or family room. But the kitchen is where your family gathers. This is where meals are prepared and usually eaten. Around the table, your family shares the events of the day. If there is an issue, this is where it is all figured out.

When friends come for events or holidays, they often make their way to the kitchen to visit or help out. This is why the look and feel of your kitchen are so important. Having a nice kitchen adds to your enjoyment of the home, but there are other considerations when it comes to the kitchen.

Raising your property value

Financial expert, Dave Ramsey reports that 80% of home buyers list the kitchen as one of the main considerations. If you plan on living in your home, you will enjoy the modern look and ease of use of a new kitchen. If you choose to sell your home, small but significant changes dictate the selling price. Buyers are usually open to spending money on a home that will not require them needing to update the kitchen.

Where to begin

Every project needs a starting point. When it comes to a kitchen remodel, you must consider the following:

• Your budget
• Your priorities
• Your contracting company

Of course, you will have to determine a budget. When remodeling a kitchen, little things can cost a lot. You must keep your budget realistic. Remember, if you have the lion’s share of the room finished, you can add to the room later. But, you do not want to be halfway through the project and find the money is gone.

This brings us to your priorities. There are some items that usually must be updated to make your kitchen look chic and modern. They include:

• The cabinets
  • The cabinets are usually the first thing that catches our eye. They form the backdrop and setting of the room. Everything else is designed around the cabinets. Whether for yourself or for a future buyer, beautiful white shaker cabinets are perfect. They bring light to the room. They are clean and crisp and they accent everything else in the room.
• You will probably want to hire a contractor to do at least some of the work on the kitchen. Even if you can so some of the work yourself, installing cabinets can be tricky to line up and secure. Be selective with your contractor and be selective with the products you are buying. Look up the brand and be sure you are purchasing quality. Quality merchandise last longer and performs better. They keep their look and attract home buyers or home visitors.

By following these basic rules, you will have a wonderful kitchen that will serve you for many years.

• The appliances
  • The appliances can date a room faster than any other item. Not only will the appliances ruin the look of your new kitchen, they may limit your options. If you want a grill or stovetop on the island, that will stand out. Immediately upon seeing it, the buyer will look to the stove. If you want an updated hood over the stove, which comes in many metallic finishes, the appliances should match.
  • The counter tops should be replaced to unless you already have granite or quality wood countertops installed. Granite lasts a long time and does not go out of style. Be mindful of the colors. White cabinets are perfect for any kitchen. Bring out your colors with your kitchen accessories. Be sure to look at open front cabinets for a long cabinet or around a window. You can use dividers to slide in plates or stack them. Coffee cup hooks are great too. There is room for small items to bring the wow factor like an area where you grow small potted herbs.
  • The floor will need to be replaced if it is dated or if it is worn. Again, if you are living there or selling, natural finishes are beautiful and easy to install. Consider a wood, cork, concrete, or bamboo for the natural finish you are seeking.

About the author: Wendy Dessler is an Outreach Manager on behalf of Best Online Cabinets.