Kitchen Remodel Tips from the Pros

by | Feb 17, 2015 | 2, 4, Articles

<h2 style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt"><font size="3" color="#990000">Kitchen Remodel Tips from the Pros</font></h2><p><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 200%; font-family: ‘Verdana’,’sans-serif’; letter-spacing: 1pt">(ARA) – 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 kitchen can be enjoyed on a daily basis and much of the renovation cost can be recouped when you do decide to sell.</span></p><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 200%; font-family: ‘Verdana’,’sans-serif’; letter-spacing: 1pt"><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Get the most out of your remodel by keeping the answers to these common remodeling questions in mind.</p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><strong>Where’s the best place to begin?</strong></p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">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.</p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"> </p><div style="text-align: center"><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,29,0" width="425" height="282"><param name="movie" value="../images/banners/2b.swf" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="menu" value="false" /><param name="wmode" value="" /><embed src="../images/banners/2b.swf" wmode="" quality="high" menu="false" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="282"></embed></object></div>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><strong>What makes a kitchen remodel more or less expensive?</strong></p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">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.</p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Surfaces are also another area 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.</p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><strong>What is the kitchen "work triangle" and why is it important?</strong></p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">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.</p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">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 Lancelot stainless steel sinks<span>  </span>are available in multiple sizes and configurations and are constructed from durable 18-gauge stainless steel. All Moen stainless steel sinks feature SoundSHIELD noise-protection undercoating for a quieter experience while working at the sink.</p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Pair your new sink with the Colonnade pullout kitchen faucet from Moen, a single-handle faucet featuring an ergonomically designed pullout wand for easy access to all corners of even the largest sinks. Available in four great finishes, including the versatile LifeShine Classic Stainless, Colonnade fits any fresh new decor. It also offers several flow patterns, making prep and clean-up effortless.</p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"> </p><div style="text-align: center"><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,29,0" width="425" height="282"><param name="movie" value="../images/banners/2a.swf" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="menu" value="false" /><param name="wmode" value="" /><embed src="../images/banners/2a.swf" wmode="" quality="high" menu="false" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="282"></embed></object></div>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><strong>What is the most desired kitchen feature?</strong></p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">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.</p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">For more information on Moen’s stainless steel sinks or Colonnade pullout kitchen faucet, visit www.moen.com or call (800) BUY-MOEN (800-289-6636).</p>  <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 200%; font-family: ‘Verdana’,’sans-serif’; letter-spacing: 1pt">Courtesy of ARAcontnet</span></p></span>