Keeping your remodel in check
When it’s time for you to take on the pressures of a remodel, make it as easy for yourself as possible. First, determine exactly what you need. Examine your kitchen. Maybe your wallpaper is out of date, or the light fixtures do not appeal to your current sensibility. Perhaps the tile is just south of too damaged. No matter, because you can’t just start tearing everything out, you must be mindful of your budget. Yes you need to address changes that are indisputably necessary. But will the upgrades you make translate to an increased value for your home? That’s a good concept to focus on. Also, knowing when to say “when” is important. Unless it’s completely necessary, there is probably no need for a complete overhaul. Determine what you can work with and make the smartest choices possible. Always consider resale value. You may have zero intentions to move, but you never know what circumstances may arise.
Of course everyone wants plenty of room for storage but is there such thing as too much room? You want to maximize the efficiency of your space and still not be caught short. A bit of savvy will help you work it out. Figuring out the logistics – working what you want in with the necessities (a refrigerator, cooktop, oven, sink & dishwasher) opens the door for a lot of possibilities. You need to start by narrowing it all down.
First, don’t worry about “keeping up with the Joneses”. Don’t even bother with wanting to surpass them. Sure, the idea of having the most lavish kitchen on the block may sound appealing, but is it practical? Will it serve you when it comes time to sell? The decisions you make in regards to your kitchen should always be designed with profitability in mind.
You need to be mindful of the established style of the home, because the kitchen should reflect it tastefully. Sure, you may personally be in an industrial phase, but putting a lot of chrome steel into a rustic environment would not serve you in the long run. Besides sticking out like a sore thumb, it would be a complete turn off to your average potential buyer. Choose an appropriate look.
As with a mismatched kitchen, so too can random personal touches of quirkiness become equally as jarring. Sure, you just want to show your support of rights for everyone by incorporating all the colors of the rainbow into the kitchen. That’s a great idea, but you’re better off realizing such a concept with the use of accessories that may be removed if necessary. A wild color scheme that is integrated into the construction is a personalization that could alienate others. The next owner will almost certainly replace it all and that can be an unwanted hassle.
It’s important to balance your needs with your wants. You see all the great technology that’s out there but would you really make exceptional use of it all? For example, look at warming drawers. They are all the rage. But will you really have groups of people over often enough to justify installing them? They’re not cheap – cut down on costs by keeping yourself in check.
What does the future hold? Do you plan to stay in the home for another decade? If not, and there is a move in your immediate horizon, it would be a wise idea to undergo a minor remodel, even if it is just a bit of sprucing up. You want it appear its best when it comes to selling. On the other hand you may plan to stay forever, but anything can happen. Circumstances in the neighborhood can change and suddenly it’s an unpleasant or unsafe place to live. In which case a major overhaul will feel like a mistake in hindsight.
Now, what if you own a home that is essentially old? It’s outdated, even faded. It’s a good idea to consider doing an entire home remodel in such a case. It doesn’t make much practical sense to have a brand new kitchen in what is essentially a rundown home. So, identify the primary elements that need repairing and updating throughout and move from there.
Naturally, you’ll need to be mindful of your budget. Don’t blow the majority of it on a single item, no matter how impressive it is. Keep the focus on the collective, together all of the elements of a kitchen serve to work together, functioning as a single unit. Once you have a clear idea of what’s necessary – and a compromise of what you want as opposed to what you need – you are ready to embark on your journey. An excellent rule for maintaining the integrity of your wallet is to add all of your expenses together for a total that is about ten to twenty percent below your budget. This will give you the room necessary to work with in case of unexpected expenditures.
