It’s Time to Remodel

SIMPLY SARATOGA RECENTLY SPOKE WITH CAPITOL KITCHENS AND BATHS AND IT’S TIME… To Remodel the Kitchen and Bath

Do I need to do the whole room?

I believe that it is important to clearly define terms first. A RENO or Renovation is typically the complete redesign and re-furnishing of a space. A Facelift is what’s achieved when you change out certain elements to get an altered look. A good and common example of this is installing new countertops and decorative hardware or painting your existing cabinets white. It depends on the situation but as an Interior Designer, I can tell you for a fact that Renovations are more highly requested and more valuable to the equity of your home.

My bathroom tile may be outdated, but it looks to be in good shape – should I keep it?

Especially when we are talking about materials like old bathroom tile, the question is not “Is it in good shape?” The actual question is “Is it structurally sound?” Tile was installed very differently in decades past than now. Nowadays we use vetted waterproofing systems and products that ensure that water isn’t getting behind that tile and leaking down the inside of your walls causing structural damage and dangerous mold issues. Safety first! You can’t put a price on the health and wellbeing of your family nor the structural integrity of your home. My best advice is not to be “penny wise, pound foolish.” You will be prouder of the space you created and feel far safer in the knowledge that there aren’t lingering structural issues when you install new tile.

My kitchen cabinets don’t look too bad, can I just spruce them up?

I get this question often and it comes down to these two main factors; practicality and cost versus benefit. FUN FACT: Replacing just the doors and drawer fronts is 75% of the overall cost of replacing whole cabinets. They are the most expensive part of the cabinet to make whether you buy from a national cabinet manufacturer or someone making them out in their garage. Consider the age of the cabinets and the original quality. Do they have soft close door hinges and drawer glides that are standard on cabinetry nowadays? What is the weight bearing limit to your drawer glides? What is the storage capacity of your current cabinets? Is your current layout functional to your lifestyle? These are the important questions to ask when considering replacing your cabinets. Replacing them adds equity to your home with new well-made products. Painting what you have gives you the same old cabinet, just in a new color.

How do I start?

A good first step is deciding what your max budget for your project will be. Once you get that figured out, share it with your designer and your contractor. This information is a vital statistic and not meant to be kept a secret from the two people who are trying to help you keep your budget on track. If you do,

BEFORE

AFTER

you will only be wasting your time and theirs on considerations that you may not be able to afford. After you establish the budget, get inspired. Even if your budget doesn’t allow for the specific item on your Pinterest board, you could probably have something similar, in a different brand. Your designer is the most valuable resource you have in sourcing the right products for your style and budget. Schedule the initial consultation, this is where you sit down with your designer and discuss your project scope, your budget and the things that are most important to you. Your designer will then start introducing you to products within your style and budget, to get the design process running on all cylinders. At the follow up meeting, everything that was discussed previously will be gone over again, final products will be selected, and the design will be presented and finalized.

Should I care more about resale value or just follow my dream?

This is definitely a question that needs to be answered on an individual basis. Resale value (equity) will always plays a factor in renovations. Doing the renovation in the first place will increase equity. That

KITCHEN LIGHTING 5 %

FAUCETS & PLUMBING 4 %

LABOR & INSTALLATION 20%

CUSTOM COUNTERTOPS 10%

does not necessarily mean that you will get your money back if you stud your backsplash with diamonds. Use common sense on this one. Installing laminate DOES NOT build equity or value into your home. Installing granite or quartz countertops does. You could install the most expensive countertops possible and although you will see a slight return, you will not get your money back on a luxury purchase.

Are there certain items that are just totally worth the splurge?

You are encouraged to love the products that you select during the design process. It is supposed to be a fun, interactive and beautiful experience. If you find something that is important to you then splurge on it. Just don’t give away your child’s entire college tuition fund to do it. This can look different for everyone, it could be a more expensive door style, decorative hardware, sink, faucet or even countertops. Your designer will help you navigate all these decisions and take your personal situation into account.

Are there percentages to follow…… x for appliances, x for lighting, x for mechanicals?

Percentages can be helpful for some general guidelines but don’t get too wrapped up in them. They do not consider brand, details, quality or special features. The products that you will be exploring (and their subsequent pricing) will. Your designer will help you navigate these waters better than anyone else. Design professionals are immersed in the industry and know the products and the benefits best. After all, designing environments and lifestyles is their life’s work.

Closing words…

CABINETS & HARDWARE 3 2%

This process is not meant to be stressful or overwhelming – it’s meant to be fun! If you choose the designer that is the right fit for you, then you will be on your way to the most successful project possible, but please don’t try to do this without one!

Are you ready to start your kitchen or bath remodel?

Visit CapitolKitchensAndBaths.com to schedule your free Virtual Design consultation and download our Planning Guide. S S