By Laura Firszt More content now
Homeowners believe in many myths about “kitchen remodeling,” kitchen remodeling ideas that don’t necessarily make sense. [mobilerazzodotcom/Morguefile]▲
My neighbor and I had our first disagreement last night. The theme: “Kitchen Remodel: To Do Or Not To Do?” We live next to each other, each in an apartment with an identical kitchen design from the 90s. I would like to update mine; He firmly believes that getting a taste for renovation is dangerous, which is why you crave a new kitchen remodel every five years.
That got me thinking. Seems like homeowners believe many “myths about kitchen remodeling,” ideas about kitchen remodeling that don’t necessarily make sense. For the sake of objectivity, read on as we answer popular myths with the facts.
MYTH: Kitchen remodeling is not worth the effort. In five years it will go out of style anyway.
FACT: Your kitchen remodeling is not just about looks: a well-planned kitchen design makes this important space more efficient, easier to clean, and a welcoming place to gather with your family and friends.
Be sure to choose materials in attractive neutral colors and classic styles for a kitchen remodel that will look fresh and appealing for years to come.
MYTH: The best time to do a kitchen renovation is right after you close a house before you move in.
FACT: Buying a home is expensive (probably the most expensive purchase you’ve ever made) and comes with a lot of associated costs like furniture, landscaping, etc. It makes financial sense to wait a few years before you can afford the kitchen remodeling you want.
Also, once you’ve lived in your home for a while, you’re much better equipped to plan a kitchen design that optimizes the available space and suits your family’s traffic patterns and routines.
MYTH: “Go big or go home.” You need to do an elaborate, floor-to-ceiling kitchen remodel to get the best return on investment if you’re looking to sell your home.
FACT: Potential buyers tend to care more about the condition of your home than whether you have the latest and greatest in kitchen décor. And a small kitchen remodel usually has a better ROI than a large one (80.2 versus an average of 65.3 percent), according to Remodeling Magazine’s Cost Vs Value report.
MYTH: You have to remodel everything or the older parts will look shabby.
FACT: An experienced redesigner can help you plan a small kitchen renovation, in which new elements are skilfully integrated into old ones – for example, replacement shelves that are color-coordinated with your existing kitchen cabinet doors and wall colors.
MYTH: Quartz countertops are better than granite. OR: Granite countertops are better than quartz.
FACT: Both quartz and granite are high quality, high performance materials for your countertops. Everyone has advantages and disadvantages. Research granite and quartz countertops and decide which one you personally prefer.
MYTH: The only solution for dreary, dreary kitchen cabinets is the (expensive) replacement.
FACT: Kitchen cabinets in good condition can be freshened up in the following time and money saving ways:
– Repaint with latex or chalk paint.
– rework. Gelfleck requires minimal grinding and is easy to use.
– Rework (just replace your kitchen cabinet doors and drawer fronts).
MYTH: Unusual functions for kitchen cabinets – such as pot and pan organizers or pull-out corner fittings – are just bells and whistles … AKA a waste of money.
FACT: Installing kitchen design features that save you time and hassle means the money is well spent. This is the conclusion of the Research Institute for Cooking and Kitchen Intelligence, whose survey found that the biggest regret of homeowners when remodeling the kitchen was not to include additional organizational aids.
MYTH: There is no such thing as an environmentally friendly kitchen remodel.
FACT: With the following tips you can easily green your kitchen conversion:
Replace obsolete devices with efficient Energy Star certified models to reduce power consumption. Then recycle the old equipment for parts or scrap metal.
Once kitchen cabinets are removed from the wall, use them again to organize your basement or garage storage space. Or donate them to Habitat for Humanity.
Choose responsible, sustainable materials for an environmentally friendly kitchen remodel. For example, wood for kitchen cabinets should be FSC approved. Also avoid toxic substances like low-VOC adhesives, paints, and stains.
– Laura Firszt writes for networx.com.
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