Janet Cook
February is about giving and receiving love—and how would you feel to have a new customized kitchen or bath?! A recent national survey found that 94% of people who did a kitchen remodeling project said they enjoyed their home more. Those who did a bathroom remodel gave a joy score of 9.6 (on a scale to 10). Consider these four tips to stretch your remodeling budget before you get started in your planning to get the house you love!
Hire a professional. A licensed general contractor will know building code and have trade professional partnerships to complete your project in a timely manner. An experienced project designer will offer solutions to elevate your design and guide you to budget-conscious selections that will look great. DIY projects often involve costly mistakes and the stress of how long it will take to complete.
Keep the weight-bearing walls and the same plumbing layout. Needing to add a beam to carry the load of the house is an expense that will be tucked out of sight. Money can be saved if you keep the sinks, toilet, shower, tub in the same place. However, if you really want better sightlines, more natural light, and better traffic flow, seriously consider if you will still be happy not eliminating that wall, etc., over time. You do not want to regret not getting it done during the remodeling, which is cheaper than redoing it later!
Use a remodeler who is a cabinet dealer. The largest part of a kitchen remodeling budget is cabinets (30%). They can get a higher quality cabinet for about the same price as big box stores. They’re probably also a window dealer and can help you get better values on flooring, countertops, and tile as well.
Spend on value. Using an experienced professional and telling them your max budget and your needs and wishes, they can help you get the most for your money. They will advise how to allocate more on a focal feature and how to save so you can get those extras you want to include.
Happy Home Remodeling! Happy St. Valentine’s Day!
Janet Cook, Certified Health Coach and Aging in Place Specialist, president of Cook Remodeling (celebrating their 44th year), invites you to check out their website for photos and more ideas.