Now is a great time to invest in your home, and renovating your kitchen is usually the most cost-effective upgrade you can make. As the room where families spend the most time together, the improvements can be enjoyed on a daily basis and much of the renovation costs can be recouped when you do decide to sell.
Get the most out of your remodel by keeping the answers to these common remodeling questions in mind.
Q: Where's the best place to begin?
According to My Home, My Money Pit by Tom Kraeutler and Leslie Segrete, you should start at the end – by determining how you want to use the remodeled space. Although your primary inclination will be to pick out the style of kitchen you like best, you need to first consider how your kitchen fits your lifestyle and how you need it to function. Think about whether or not you have ample space to work efficiently or enough storage for your kitchen tools. If you use the space to pay bills and handle other household business, think about adding an office area. Once you know what you need from your new kitchen, you'll be able to solve the problems when you're remodeling.
Q: What makes a kitchen remodel more or less expensive?
Kraeutler and Segrete say that cabinets can be the single largest expense in a kitchen remodel. If you're looking to cut back on expenses, existing cabinets can often be repaired, reinforced or refinished instead of replaced. Just be sure to check your cabinets' construction; if they're made of veneers, they can't be sanded or stained, so painting will be your only option. Surfaces are also another arena where you can splurge or save – it all depends on the materials you choose. Look for more cost-effective options for counters, backsplashes and floors to keep your budget in check. But like any major purchase, you should only spend what you can afford.
Q: What is the kitchen "work triangle" and why is it important?
When remodeling your kitchen, keep the "work triangle" in mind – the kitchen area from the refrigerator to the main cooking area to the sink. It's important because all of the key kitchen activities – food preparation, cooking and clean-up – take place in adjacent locations, improving the functionality of your new kitchen by streamlining the meal-making process.
Look to include budget-friendly options that allow you to upgrade your work triangle without incurring a huge expense. Include an undermount sink and pullout faucet to increase efficiency. Moen's stainless steel sinks are available in multiple sizes and configurations and are constructed from durable stainless steel, ranging from18 gauge to 22 gauge. Moen stainless steel sinks feature SoundSHIELD™ noise-protection undercoating for a quieter experience while working at the sink.
Pair your new sink with the Align Chrome One-Handle Pre-Rinse Spring Pulldown Kitchen Faucet from Moen, a single-handle faucet featuring a pullout wand for easy access to all corners of even the largest sinks. Available in two finishes, including the versatile SpotResist Stainless and Chrome, the Align Spring Faucet fits any fresh new décor. It makes prep and clean-up effortless.
Q: What is the most desired kitchen feature?
The kitchen island has become the must-have item in any kitchen. Since it's centrally located, the island is easily accessed and ideal for various kitchen tasks. The island can also double as an eating and entertaining area – making it a smart, stylish and functional addition to any space.
