How can you remodel a kitchen while keeping an eye on the
bottom line? Today, a variety of
products and remodeling methods help homeowners change or update the look of
their kitchen for far less than the thousands of dollars it may cost to gut a
kitchen.
When contemplating a kitchen remodel, one rule of thumb
suggests never spending more than 15% of a home's current value on the
project. In fact, spending less while
creating a more functional and elegant room is possible if the project is
researched and budgeted carefully.
One way to dramatically change the look and style of a
kitchen can be accomplished by resurfacing kitchen cabinets. In fact, some manufacturers offer
peel-and-stick veneer for do-it-yourselfers to make the job simpler. No matter if it's peel-and-stick veneer or cut to size, it is always better to measure twice and cut once. The job can also be outsourced to professional kitchen remodelers. In this
case, carpenters remove doors and drawer fronts and cover all exterior surfaces
with a veneer of prefinished wood. The new doors and drawer fronts are made to match. With this method, costs may range from $100 to $300 per linear foot of
cabinetry.
Thermofoil doors are another relatively inexpensive option. These doors are created by using
heat and pressure to seal a thin layer of plastic coating to fiberboard,
resulting in an incredibly durable door. The doors can be made to match any interior design or décor.
It is also possible to replace just the panels on cabinet
doors, while leaving the boxes intact and in place. Filler panels available today include glass
that can be clear, etched, tinted, or patterned. Metal doors are also becoming popular and can
be made from stainless steel or patterned tin. Even replacing cabinets altogether is less expensive than gutting a room and moving plumbing and electrical lines. A smaller change that can leave a big impact is concentrating on one major upgrade in the kitchen; such as new window treatments or adding colorful pendant lights to create a stunning effect.
New countertops can also provide a dramatic change in a kitchen, and prices can range from very inexpensive to costly, depending on the materials chosen. Laminates are among
the most economical of countertop surfaces, and are considered stain and heat
resistant. Solid surface countertops made from acrylic are stain, moisture and heat resistant, and inhibit the growth of bacteria. Because this material is molded, a sink can be integrated into the countertop for a seamless installation. Granite continues to be a popular, although a more expensive choice, because of its strength, stain and scratch resistance, and the visually pleasing effect of natural veins, specks, and swirls. A change in flooring color and material can make a kitchen feel brighter and even larger, often for surprisingly less. Vinyl flooring is affordable,moisture-resistant and durable.
For a larger investment, ceramic or natural stone floors are also a good choice for a kitchen. Ceramic tiles are produced by firing of clay in a kiln at high temperatures. Different types of clay are used to produce different textures and colors. Tiles made from natural stone are also a
popular choice, including marble, granite, and slate.
To finish the remodel, bold colors can make a statement and tie various kitchen accents together. Rather than using color sparingly, it can be spread across the entire kitchen. Some of today's most popular colors include teal and mushroom.
Source:Nashville
Home Inspection, John Watkins