KITCHEN REMODELING BASICS:
A Homeowner’s Guide
Kitchen Remodeling Basics A Homeowner’s Guide
nussconstruction.com
Kitchen remodeling can be life-changing. Just imagine having a kitchen that looks and functions exactly as you desire. However, a lot of homeowners are on the sidelines about it, unsure if it’s something they should pursue. Are you in the same boat? Don’t worry! This three-part ebook series is here to give you the lowdown on kitchen remodeling basics, outlining why you should do it, what you can do to make the most of it and how you can find the right professional for your home investment.
Kitchen Remodeling Basics A Homeowner’s Guide
nussconstruction.com
PA R T 1 : Why Do a Kitchen Remodel? A kitchen remodel may have been something that’s been on your mind for a while, but why exactly should you do it? These reasons make a good case: 1. It Can Help You Save on Energy Costs Old appliances may be costing you more money than they should each time you use them. Alongside improving your kitchen’s layout, a remodel gives you the chance to harness technological advancements in refrigerators, disposal units and dishwashers that offer better function without the added energy consumption. Your local government may even have programs in place to reward homeowner efforts to take advantage of green home solutions, letting you enjoy more incentives.
Kitchen Remodeling Basics A Homeowner’s Guide
nussconstruction.com
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2. It’s Great for Increasing Property Value Even when you’re not looking to sell, increasing the property value of your home is always a good thing. A kitchen remodel can help you with that because it improves form and function. Should you do decide to sell later on, you have good odds of landing a great deal because your property will be drawing attention for the right reasons. 3. It’s Cheaper Than Moving If your kitchen is no longer meeting your needs, it can affect your the overall experience of your home, making moving houses sound like a good idea. However, between the costs of finding a new property and the actual move versus remodeling the problem area that is your kitchen, the latter is the more practical choice. Unless you have another pressing reason, you’ll be better off staying put and getting a kitchen remodel.
Kitchen Remodeling Basics A Homeowner’s Guide
nussconstruction.com
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Kitchen remodeling is a way of investing in yourself, ensuring that you and your family have what you need everyday. Use this opportunity to identify what you’re looking for exactly, and you’ll be sure to make the most of what a kitchen remodel has to offer. To get started on planning your kitchen remodel, it’s important to know which components to focus on during the project. Learn more in Part 2 of this ebook series!
Kitchen Remodeling Basics A Homeowner’s Guide
nussconstruction.com
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PA R T 2 : Key Kitchen Components to Focus on During a Remodel Whether you want a traditional kitchen or looking for one with a more modern vibe, these components will have to be addressed to ensure the success of your kitchen remodeling project: •
Layout - The kitchen work triangle is your friend.
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Backsplash - You’d be surprised at how much the right backsplash can contribute to breathing new life into your kitchen. Fortunately, there are more options available now than ever, ensuring you have more than enough to choose from to find the right one for you.
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Countertop - Look for a countertop material that is durable, beautiful and easy to maintain.
Kitchen Remodeling Basics A Homeowner’s Guide
nussconstruction.com
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Flooring - Patterns can add a much-needed twist to your kitchen, putting the focus on your flooring as a main feature.
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Color - Do you want a lot of color for a happier atmosphere or a more neutral palette for timeless appeal? Your answer will help you decide on a color scheme for your new kitchen.
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Lighting - Combine different types of fixtures and light sources to achieve a lighting scheme perfect for your kitchen.
Worthy Add-Ons If you host parties at your home, you do a lot of cooking, and this may mean getting some help from time to time. If you entertain frequently enough, all the food prep you do may warrant a second sink. Placed outside the main cooking zone, it gives a second cook an area for prepping food and cleaning up without getting in your way.
Kitchen Remodeling Basics A Homeowner’s Guide
nussconstruction.com
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You should also opt for paneled cabinet ends. Costs will depend on the paneling you choose, but the way the exposed ends of your cabinets are covered can make or break your kitchen’s new look. To eliminate slamming cabinet doors, soft-close drawer glides will be your friend.
Quick Tips •
Paths around the kitchen should measure at least 36 inches wide while those in cooking zone between 42 and 48 inches wide. If needed, adjust kitchen islands accordingly.
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Got kids? Make sure you have shelves and drawers at their height, where you can easily store snacks for easy access.
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Plan to have more counter space between your sink and cooktop if you cook a lot. Don’t forget landing spaces on each side of the stove and refrigerator as well.
Kitchen Remodeling Basics A Homeowner’s Guide
nussconstruction.com
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Break up monotonous cabinetry by incorporating varying storage solutions between standard cabinet blocks.
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Create a focal point by picking just one kitchen design to highlight and adding other details to complement it.
With an idea of what your dream kitchen should be, it’s time to bring your remodeling ideas to life. Head on over to Part 3 of this ebook series to learn more about choosing the right contractor.
Kitchen Remodeling Basics A Homeowner’s Guide
nussconstruction.com
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PA R T 3 : Choosing the Right Remodeling Contractor The success of your kitchen remodeling project largely depends on the contractor you work with, making it imperative that you choose the right one. Fortunately, you won’t have a problem finding remodeling contractors in your area. You do, however, need to make some effort in weeding through your options to find the best kitchen remodeling contractor for your project. Don’t know where to start? Let these tips help you out: •
Get in touch with the local home builders’ association in your area for a list of member remodelers. You can also ask family and friends for recommendations.
Kitchen Remodeling Basics A Homeowner’s Guide
nussconstruction.com
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Make sure the kitchen remodeling contractor you’re interested in has a permanent business location and is in good standing with local suppliers and banks. Having insurance coverage for general liability and workers’ compensation are also a must.
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Be mindful of how a contractor talks to you. This is a glimpse into how they will be communicating with you should you decide to hire them.
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Consider experience. The more years a kitchen remodeling contractor has been in business, the more experience they’ll have, helping ensure your home will be in good hands.
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Ask your potential contractor for a list of previous customers you can contact. Beware if they hesitate to or won’t provide you with references.
Kitchen Remodeling Basics A Homeowner’s Guide
nussconstruction.com
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Be wary of unusually low bids. Savings don’t always translate into quality, and quality lasts.
It’s not easy, but taking the time to get to know your options lets you get a good grasp of what the contractors have to offer, helping you better assess if a kitchen remodeling contractor will be a good fit for you. Got questions? Don’t hesitate to ask them! A reputable, reliable contractor will have no trouble easing your worries.
Kitchen Remodeling Basics A Homeowner’s Guide
nussconstruction.com
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NUSS CONSTRUCTION COMPANY 119 Church Road, Marlton, NJ 08053
(856) 988-9982 www.nussconstruction.com
Kitchen Remodeling Basics A Homeowner’s Guide
nussconstruction.com