The Cost of Remodeling a Kitchen
If you are interested in having a contractor come in and gut your kitchen and start over, expect to spend somewhere in the neighborhood of $20,000 for starters. The costs are going to depend on the size of the kitchen and the materials that are used but be prepared to budget thousands of dollars for the project. In addition to being expensive, it can be a very time consuming process that ideally should be completed before you move into the house or when you are gone on an extended vacation.
A recent survey of remodeling costs done by Remodeling Magazine estimates that a typical 10×20 kitchen low range remodel job will cost about $20,000, midrange jumps to $50,000 and a top of line upscale remodel will run over $100,000. The costs vary by regions of the country with prices on either coasts at the upper end of the spectrum. The good news is that study after study shows that much of the money you spend remodeling the kitchen (if not all) can be recovered when you go to sell the house. Updating the kitchen is one of the most important things any homeowner can do to improve the value of their property.
There are a number of factors that go into the budgeting for a kitchen remodel. Will you keep your current appliances or must all of them be replaced? Can the cabinets be salvaged by painting them or resurfacing them or do you want to rip the old ones out and start over. There are also design issues, do you want to add more space by putting an addition onto the home or by knocking out a wall. These options and many more are all possibilities that should be discussed with your contractor.
The contractor can also tell you if there are other construction concerns. If you have an older house the odds are that the home has settled over the years and the kitchen floor may no longer be level which could throw off the installation of new cabinets. Floor joists may have to be reinforced or the contractor might be required to use concrete floor leveler to even out the sub-floor which is going to add to the cost of the remodeling job. The condition of the walls after removing the cabinets can also be an issue. If the plaster is crumbling or the drywall has cracks or extensive holes, it may have to be replaced.
Plumbing is another critical component to the kitchen which can become a concern when remodeling. If you decide to move the location of the sink, build an island sink or a wet bar then water pipes will have to be run to the location along with a drain pipe. Installation of the dishwasher is another factor to consider because it needs to be hooked into the water line. Electric is another important consideration. A special 220 line needs to be run to the location of your stove and oven plus you will want to add a new circuit for other major appliances like the dishwasher and microwave.…
Kitchen Remodeling Ideas
Have you ever walked into your kitchen and felt something was missing? More than likely, you feel this way because something is missing. Often, this is because the look of the kitchen is a little old. It needs to be spiffed up and made to look unique once again. The best way to do this would be to remodel it. But, wouldn’t that cost a lot of money? Honestly, it could cost a lot of money but you need not feel that you must spend a great deal on it. There are a variety of ways that the kitchen could be effectively remodeled on a minuscule budget.
Repainting is always one of the best ways to remodel a kitchen with little cost. You can paint the walls as well as the cabinets. (You could also consider wallpapering the kitchen as well) Painting is probably the cheapest strategy to follow provided you do it yourself. In this instance, you would need to only pay for materials. Hiring a painting crew would certainly run up the costs.
And speaking of cabinets, you do not need to replace the entire cabinet if you want to make a change. You can always just replace the doors of the cabinet and this could have a great impact on the kitchen. And it will certainly prove to be much cheaper than replacing the entire cabinet.
Have you considered replacing your appliances? When you have old and outdated refrigerators and dishwashers they can really wear down the look of the kitchen. Taking these old appliances out and installing new ones would be a wise idea. Then again, some may wonder if this can be done cheaply. As long as you kind find affordable resources for kitchen appliances, you will be able to take part in this plan without a huge expense. Buying used (but well maintained) appliances could also be an available option.
A new floor can totally revamp the look of a kitchen in a stunning manner. Of course, there will be those that will say redoing the flooring is not easy to do cheaply. Again, the cost saving venture comes into play when you do what is needed by yourself. Many flooring system have been designed for those with limited flooring skills to be able to install the flooring on their own with limited difficulty. Purchasing such kits will definitely help the cause of remodeling without great expense.
The windows of a kitchen can often be altered in various ways to improve the style of the kitchen. This could involve installing new windows or merely just adding nice curtains to the windows. Does that sound minimalist? Well, it may seem minimalist on paper but when actual enacted it can deliver great results.
As you can see, it is not all that tough to remodel a kitchen without great costs. A few simple “tricks” can deliver some amazing results.…
Why Bathroom Remodeling Pays
Bathroom remodeling is one of the most popular home improvement projects undertaken by homeowners throughout the U.S. By working with an experienced bathroom remodeling contractor, you can plan for a bathroom remodel that will increase the value of your home, reduce your energy costs and save water. Using environmentally friendly materials can also help to save the environment. This is why bathroom remodeling pays.
Updating and upgrading your bathroom, especially a master bathroom, increases your comfort as you live in the home. It also increases the value of your home by 61 – 74% of the cost of the remodel. Although you will not get this money back immediately, you can expect to recover this much of your cost when you sell your home. That, by any standards, is a good return on investment.
Careful planning with a qualified bathroom remodeling contractor will give you the opportunity to choose construction materials that are environmentally friendly in terms of how they are made and in terms of saving natural resources by reducing usage. Consider, if you will, that by choosing a low-flow or dual flush toilet you can save as much as four gallons of water with every flush (depending on the fixture you are replacing). Considering that each person flushes an average of nine times per day (minimum), a family of four would save 180 gallons of water every day. And low flow faucets and showerheads also save significant amounts of water.
Now let’s assume that your home is all electric. By upgrading the insulation in your bathroom, changing your window to a triple-paned vinyl framed window with Xenon gas between the panes, you will reduce your energy usage for heating and cooling by one-third in the bathroom. Then install an energy-efficient ventilation fan, an energy-efficient spa tub or shower, and energy-efficient lighting fixtures, and you can reduce your demand for electricity even more. If the bathroom you are remodeling is heavily used, your energy savings increases.
Next think carefully about the materials you will use for your remodel. Your contractor will be able to help you decide which materials are best for your needs and your location. Some of the materials you might want to consider are: environmentally friendly drywall, recycled glass tile, cork floor tiles (for comfort and beauty), natural paints, and engineered wood.
And you can consider other options for your bathroom that will improve energy efficiency, such as: an instant water heater for sinks, a whirlpool tub with an in-line water heater, radiant floor heating, insulate walls behind shower and tub, UV blocking window coating, a skylight or roof window (or tunnel/tube light) to bring in more natural light or motion activated light switches.
These are just a few of the materials, additional features, and considerations for you to discuss with your contractor. This should be enough information to help you understand why bathroom remodeling pays. In fact, by carefully considering your options, the materials you will use in your remodel and special features, you can expect to recover the cost of your remodel within a couple of years by combining the increased value of your home, your energy savings and your reduced water and sewer expenses. There’s no question that bathroom remodeling pays big.
Consider bathroom remodeling in your home. Work closely with your contractor in making choices and planning your remodel. You might be surprised to see just how much difference it will make!
Copyright 2009 by ABCD Publishing…
The Basics Of Remodeling A Bathroom
A bathroom is a room that is used very frequently, which usually means that it will be subjected to a lot of wear and tear over time. As the bathroom is often used by visitors too, it is important to keep it looking attractive and in good working order.
A bathroom remodel is only limited by your imagination and budget, but there are a few main areas to consider that can make a vast difference to the look and function of a bathroom.
Tiles are a very important part of any bathroom renovation, as they will protect the walls around the sink and bath from splashed water. Ceramic or porcelain tiles are ideal for this and are easy to keep clean. There are many styles and patterns to choose from, so it shouldn’t be too difficult finding a style to suit your bathroom.
Floor tiles are also great for protecting the floor, and again come in a variety of styles and designs. They can be a bit cold to step on, so it may be wise to place a rug over them, or even install under floor heating if you have the resources.
Lighting is an area that shouldn’t be underestimated when remodelling, as it can make a huge difference to the look and functionality of a bathroom. Ideally, you will have a combination of lighting that can both light the bathroom in general, and provide the stronger lighting required around the mirror.
The cheapest and most obvious way to transform your bathroom is to give it a new coat of paint. Soft and subtle colors are best for this as they can make the room appear lighter and more relaxing.
Any bathroom fixtures, such as the toilet, faucets, bathtub or vanities that are worn or damaged should repaired or replaced to make sure your bathroom is a pleasure to use as well as look at.…
Ideas For Remodeling Without Taking a Bath on Costs
Home improvements are quite popular and one of the most remodeled and upgraded rooms in people’s homes is the bathroom.
There are literally thousands of bathroom remodeling ideas but all projects begin with the same type of process and that is choosing a theme. The theme you choose will guide all of your choices from that point on. Things like which wall cabinets you choose or the types of tile flooring you will consider will all be guided by the motif that is chosen.
If your theme is an ultramodern and sleek look, you may choose the most modern of the polished chrome Moen faucets and place them over a top-mount sink that looks like a glass bowl on your vanity.
Other choices that fit a modern theme may follow the polished chrome look such as medicine cabinets that feature mirrors to reflect the clean look of the room.Bathroom remodeling ideas with a more old-world feel may lean toward using antique vanities in the room rather than the usual storage found in most baths.
These pieces are warm and elegant and far more like fine furniture in the room than a built-in mass-produced piece. Lighting is something that is available in all possible styles and materials and for every motif that is out there, options abound.
You can add bars of light over the mirror or pendant lights over the vanities. Recessed lighting is an option and do not overlook the option of small table lamps that can add a warmth and softness with their homey touch.Designer touches are the things that can elevate the bath to a more spa-like feel and those can be found in everything from beautiful fabric shower curtains with patterns that warm and enhance a room, to unique accessories that will add touches of color to carry your theme throughout the room.
There are also extra long shower curtains now that allow for the newer tubs that are deeper and more spa-like, always a luxurious item to have in a home bath.
The vast array of things available may seem a bit overwhelming but bathroom remodeling ideas have come a long way and there are now bathtub liners available that allow changes in your current look without the need to demolish what is currently in place.
These are just a few of the points to ponder when deciding to upgrade and add exciting decor to the room that gets so much use in your home.…
4 Crucial Tips For Remodeling Your Bathroom
Remodeling a bathroom can be a huge job, but there are some things that can make it easier for you. The bathroom is one of the most rooms in the home and many people end up remodeling their bathroom at some point in time. Maybe you are tired of the old décor or you need to make better use of the space in the bathroom. Whatever the reason you are thinking of remodeling, you definitely want to make sure you do the job right the first time or you will end up wasting thousands of dollars. Here are a few great tips for remodeling your bathroom that can help you make sure you get the most out of your bathroom remodel.
Tip #1 – Keep it Functional
First of all, when you are remodeling the bathroom in your home, make sure you keep it functional. Sure, you want the bathroom to look great, but you have to think about function. It can help to think about what you need out of your bathroom. Is this a bathroom for the kids, a bathroom for guests, or are you remodeling the one off the master bedroom. Think about who will be using the bathroom and it can help you make sure you keep it functional for the people who will be using it the most.
Tip #2 – Make it a Soothing Escape
While function is definitely important, when you remodel your bathroom, you also want to make it a soothing escape. The bathroom is more than just a necessary room. You want to create some atmosphere and give yourself a place that you can escape to for some relaxation at the end of the day. Decorate with colors and a theme that you find relaxing. If you enjoy taking baths, then make sure you incorporate a tub large enough for you to relax in. Keep it functional, but go beyond function to design a beautiful room where you can escape for some well deserved relaxation.
Tip #3 – Consider Doing the Work You Can Yourself
If you have the time and the know-how, consider doing all the work that you can on your own. Having your bathroom remodeled can get pretty expensive, especially if you are having a contractor take care of all the work for you. Just taking care of some of the work yourself can save you a whole lot of money. Sure, there may be some areas you are not experienced in, such as plumbing or electrical work, so it is worth it to pay to have someone else take care of that. However, you can do a lot of the other work yourself for big time savings that free up money to put on other parts of the project.
Tip #4 – Always Decide on a Budget Before Starting
Probably one of the most important tips for you to remember when you are going to do a bathroom remodel is to decide on a budget before starting the project. Many people have no idea how much a bathroom remodel is going to end up costing them. They don’t create a budget and end up spending far more money than they really can afford. It’s a better idea to come up with the amount you can spend first and then come up with a remodeling plan that sticks to that budget. This way you don’t create a lot of debt when remodeling, yet you still get a nice bathroom that you can afford.…
Easy & Creative Kitchen Remodeling Ideas
When given the chance to remodel an area of one’s house, the kitchen is usually the first one that is chosen because it is where a lot of the family spends quite a few hours of their day. All of their meals are here, homework is done at the kitchen table, the preparations for meals are done here, and meetings are held here with various people from kids to traveling in-laws.
Aside from the living or dining room, this place is the most used room in the house. So, to have it remodeled is a great idea, especially if the house is more than 10 years old, the kitchen will definitely need updating, because of all the new energy saving ovens, stoves, refrigerators, dishwashers, and microwaves that are now available. If one is planning to sell their home soon, remodeling the kitchen would add value to the house and add to the functionality of the kitchen.
Most people like to update their kitchen cabinetry at least once a decade. This gives them the chance to keep their kitchen in style because styles do not change that rapidly in home decor and it can be expensive. The first thing to consider when updating the cabinetry is the quality of the cabinets. It would not do to have cabinets that got wet one time and the facing began to peel off of it.
So, ask for the cabinets that can endure a lot of water and liquids, because there will be spills and they will not just be the typical glass of water. There will be soda pop, juice, milk, and a variety of other liquids spilt on the cabinets that could possibly strip away its beauty. A good question to ask the sales associate in the store before buying any cabinets is: Will these cabinets be stripped if lemon juice, vinegar or soup is split on it? If the answer is yes, try to pick something else.
Another quality consideration is the temperature of your kitchen. How hot does it usually get when cooking? Does the oven turn into a melting point that causes everything, including you to sweat? If so, consider the damage that could do to your new cabinets. Would you really want to have to replace them in a year or so because they are so warped from the heat that you cannot open them? Ask the sales associate what temperature heat the cabinets can withstand before they warp or are damaged.
When remodeling, one needs to consider the option of having custom cabinets made versus buying cabinets off of the showroom floor. Sure, the custom cabinets will look amazing in the kitchen and should be made of materials that are strong enough to handle the abuse of your kitchen, but will the debt of those custom cabinets be paid off before you are ready to renovate the kitchen again? With standard cabinets, you can afford to buy them and install them without breaking the bank. So, keep your budget in mind when shopping around for new cabinets.…