Kitchen Remodel: The Focal Point of the Modern Home
Kitchens are the heart and soul of family life in most homes. They are often a family room as well as a meal prep station. They are where hunger meets satisfaction regarding food and comfort. As your family grows and even as children grow and bring families of their own, the need for a kitchen remodel becomes more and more apparent. After living in a home, no one is a better expert than you on exactly what improvements are needed. As the economy improves, home renovations that have been postponed make more sense for people rather than buying a new home or trying to sell an existing home. Since mortgages are still difficult to obtain, home improvement loans are often easier to obtain. With fewer customers qualifying for home mortgages, banks are becoming more competitive in other loans, such as home equity loans. Interest rates remain the lowest in many years. In fact, by refinancing your existing loan to a 15-year term and adding remodeling costs, you can even lower your current monthly mortgage payment while you upgrade your home.
Kitchens and bathrooms are the two most popular rooms for remodeling, perhaps because they are so important to the running of a home. They also have most of the appliances and fixtures that can wear out over time. Kitchen remodeling not only increases your family’s enjoyment, it can also increase the resale value of your home. A renovated kitchen can also enhance your home as a rental property. New kitchens are often a big draw for prospective buyers and are one of the highest “return on investment” areas in any home. They are also the litmus test for many when evaluating the overall quality of a home. With new home construction barely at a standstill, there is an availability of workers who are willing to offer reasonable discounts on renovation work. Also, many new appliances and products that have been made for a new real estate market that cannot easily absorb them and where remodelers can negotiate reduced prices. Newer appliances tend to be more energy efficient, which lowers utility costs. By researching and coordinating your workers (essentially acting as your own general contractor), you can also lower your costs. By doing this, you will also have more direct contact with your carpenters, plumbers, electricians, etc. and be able to communicate your wishes more effectively.
Older kitchens are usually small, separate rooms in a house, often without dining areas or a breakfast bar. They were designed for the functional kitchen and not for aesthetics or ambience. Remodeling can open them up as part of the family room, which is more comfortable, attractive, and contemporary. Cabinets make an important aesthetic statement and can be custom, stock, or refurbished. A dramatic change can be made by replacing that old Formica countertop with Corian, granite, marble, or tile, which add color and texture. Adding a decorative sink and facet is also another eye-catching update that adds elegance to your kitchen. Old kitchens often lack adequate lighting. A skylight, under-counter lighting, recessed canned lighting, or a chandelier-style pendant light can be both functional and distinctive, as can larger windows. It can also increase storage space for both small appliances and food. Floors can be upgraded from vinyl to hardwood or tile, which have a high-end look and are more durable.
