If you are thinking about creating a new kitchen, you should know that you are in good company! According to information from the U.S. Census Bureau, Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University and Remodeling Magazine , in the U.S. alone, there are over 10 million homeowners planning to build or remodel a kitchen in the next 12 months. As I have mentioned in previous columns, remodeling your kitchen is one of the best investments you can make in your home, and if you do the right research, your return on investment will be well worth your time energy and money.
Collect Ideas
During the research process you should begin to think about what type of kitchen options you would like to include in your remodeling project. Start tearing out pictures from home and kitchen magazines, which can be found at most bookstores, as well as in any home improvement store. Visit kitchen showrooms and write down the products and styles that interest you. Talk to the certified kitchen remodelers at each of the showrooms you visit and don't be afraid to ask questions. At this point, you may want to consider purchasing a binder or expandable file keep you organized. Organizing your project will make your kitchen remodel easier from start to finish.
Fill Out Worksheets
Next, you should fill out some kitchen worksheets, which provide questions to stimulate the how, what, when, where, why, and who of your project. You can find these worksheets on the NKBA web site www.nkba.org as well as in design and remodeling magazines and books. It is important for you to go through the exercise of answering the worksheet questions because it will help you to determine what is and is not important to you about your new kitchen.
Consider Your Neighborhood
Keeping your wants and needs in the forefront, your kitchen remodeling project should not exceed 15-20% of the fair market value of your home. Consider how your remodel will increase the value of your home vs. the other homes in your neighborhood. If your remodeled kitchen raises your home's market value far above the average, you will likely lose this additional investment if you sell your house in the next year or two. You don't want to over-improve your kitchen unless you plan to enjoy it for the long haul. If the long-haul is your plan, you may be able justify an expense up to 25%.
Early on in the research process, you will likely be wondering "What is this going to cost me?" You may not know until you progress a bit and select the specifics, but there are many considerations. If you want to increase your home's short-term resale value, you will want to spend enough to create a new kitchen that will "show well" but not be over-improved. If you are going to stay in the home for the long haul, you will need to compare how much you can afford with the overall increase in your quality of life.
The research phase is only the beginning of your home remodeling adventure! But, if you plan appropriately, organize well and follow the aforementioned steps, you will be well on your way to a successful and beautiful kitchen remodel.
Source:http://www.alliedkitchenandbath.com/kitchens.htm
