Does your kitchen need a redo?
With the economy, many people are remodeling. Recently released
numbers from building data company BuildFax show that in May remodeling
activity was the highest on record.
The kitchen is the most popular room to renovate. With the average re-do
costing $15,000, mistakes can be costly. And Consumer Reports experts say with
kitchens, it’s easy to make mistakes, especially when it comes to storage
space. Bob Markovich says his first piece of advice is don't skimp!
"Carefully plan how much storage you'll need and where to put
it," Markovich said.
For instance, dishes and glasses need four to six linear feet of cabinet
space above or near the sink and dishwasher. Pots and pans need the same, and
store them close to your cooktop.
Markovich says center islands can be tricky too, "a common design
goof is making the island too big." He says the countertop should be three
feet wide to no more than 10 feet. As for depth, for functionality, it should
measure at least 26 inches, and up to 48 inches.
And make ventilation a priority. “Picking the wrong range hood can also
leave you steaming," Markovich said.
You might be tempted to save space by choosing a microwave with built-in
venting. But Consumer Reports tests find they don't clear smoke and steam as
well as a good hood.
Big farmhouse style sinks were popular for a few years, but now, people
realize they’re not as functional as a double sink. And while you can spend
hundreds of dollars on high end faucets, experts warn you’re not going to
recoup those costs, plus Consumer Reports tests show price has little to do
with performance.
As for countertops, do not pick one that stains easily. Consumer Reports
says that's why it's best to skip oil-rubbed butcher block, bamboo and
limestone for kitchen counters.
Consumer Reprots says a key to making sure
you get your kitchen remodel right, is to take enough time, as much as several
months, to nail down the details! And a caution, changing your mind after the
work begins can really add up. A Consumer Reports survey found change orders
add about $1,500 to the average project. So, before give the go-ahead for
changes, find out exactly how much they will cost. Five on Your Side hears many
complaints from people who were unpleasantly surprised about the cost of change
orders. But with careful planning and attention to detail, you can sidestep
some possible major mistakes and get the kitchen you've always wanted.