Remodeling a kitchen can be a giant task that often can seem overwhelming. Not only in the scope of the work but also from a bank account standpoint. Things get a little easier if you break the project in to the several smaller projects that make up a successful kitchen remodel. Instead of trying to change everything at once break the process into smaller sections! Split the projects into Layout, cabinets, countertops, lighting, appliances and finishing. From a simple counter top upgrade to a complete renovation, a kitchen remodel is one of the most popular projects for homeowners and easiest ways to increase your home's value. A major consideration in any project is cost. Cost should always be in line with the value of the home. Don't forget that besides purchasing new materials the costs of a complete kitchen remodeling can also include the removal of existing materials such as kitchen cabinets, flooring, tiles and possibly walls. The four main material costs are cabinets, counters, appliances and floors. Tile depending upon size, shape, thickness, and strength can cost as little as $2 per lineal foot, or as high as $90 for designer tiles. Stone counter tops can run anywhere between $175 to $400 per lineal foot, depending upon stone type, to over $600 per lineal foot for imported exotic marble. If the estimated cost of your kitchen remodeling exceeds the amount you want to pay, cut down on expenses by doing some of the work yourself! While licensed trades people must perform some work, such as electrical and plumbing, you can reduce the cost by taking out the old kitchen cabinets. Another major area of not only improvement but also cost is appliances. Appliances are often the centerpiece of a kitchen and can be the most expensive part of your remodel. The good thing about appliances is they often come in standard sizes allowing you the freedom of not having to buy them all at once, but as money becomes available. A perfectly good kitchen remodeling can be ruined by leaving that old junker appliance in to save some money. You would be much better off going with a laminate counter top rather than granite if it means getting a new fridge. Time to tackle the cabinets! Before you call the carpenter and order up those fancy custom built cabinets remember your budget. While immensely popular due to the many different styles and finishes they are available in they also take much longer to install and are much more expensive. Check out builder surplus stores or possibly consider unfinished pre-built cabinetry as a lower cost alternative. Putting together several different styles of prebuilt cabinets can achieve the same style as custom. Far and away the most popular kitchen remodeling project is the countertop upgrade. Ranging from replacing the old with new laminate, moving up to granite or corian, all the way to imported marble if that's how you roll! Granite countertops are an easy upgrade if you are not looking for a complete kitchen remodel, especially if you are trying to update a home before putting it on the market. Be sure to take proper lighting into account as you approach the finishing touches. Accent or ambient light can be a major contributor to the overall look and feel of a successful kitchen remodeling. Want a great effect for just a couple of dollars? Install some rope lighting on top of your cabinets for a great effect without a ton of custom wiring. Take advantage of your main and task lighting as well. A well done kitchen remodeling can easily be ruined by improper positioning or lack of proper lighting. Whether you have decided to undertake a kitchen remodeling for your own pleasure, or if you want to increase value before putting your home on the market, it can still be a daunting task. Be sure to plan ahead so that when you are done you can enjoy the new spin on your old living space, or the extra dollars in your pocket at closing. Finally make sure to stick to your budget! especially in the early phases. Look for clearance items at the depot style stores, and builder surplus centers always have good prices. In addition it is fine to hire sub-contractors for the technical stuff, what you don't need is a contractor to oversee the sub-contractors. You can handle that task yourself!
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