If your kitchen needs a remodel, how much should you spend to bring it up to par? The answer depends on how long you plan to live in the home before moving.
If you plan to stay only a couple of years, then don't make expensive changes. Choose a simple, clean design that involves no moving of walls or custom work. Choose materials that will appeal to most buyers.
If you plan to stay up to eight years, go for quality, but not the top of the line. You will probably move and technology will change before you can recoup your cost. Focus on making your kitchen an easier one to entertain and prepare meals, without making drastic changes.
If you plan to stay over eight years, concentrate less on future buyers and more on what your
According to Avid Ratings, which does an annual survey of home-buyer's preferences, the number one must-have for home buyers is a large kitchen with an island that is open to other living spaces. Sounds like a must-have to me! The overall size of the home that buyers want has gone down, but they want more of it to be in versatile family or entertaining space. other features in the top 10 include a main floor master suite, ceiling fans, a home office, energy-efficient appliances, a two car garage, and stone or brick exteriors. Check out the
A plumber, tiler, electrician, flooring installer, painter and cabinet installer will be called on to transform your bathroom--unless you're terribly talented, handy, and patient.
If you see the bathroom as strictly utilitarian, you may choose to do a superficial cosmetic redecorating job. But if you're adventuresome, this smallest room in your home can showcase the design of your wildest creativity.
Colors or patterns you'd be afraid to use in another room can ...
The kitchen is the hub of the home, serving many functions. Food preparation may be the main activity, but it is not the only one. Today, the kitchen serves as a family gathering spot, meal-planning area, computer base, and social center.
Remodeling a kitchen will most likely be the most expensive and longest-lasting project a homeowner will undertake. But don't let this scare you off. In spite of the 3-day magic change-outs accomplished before your eyes on fantasy TV shows, a
For those of you who are looking for ideas to make your ceiling anything but popcorn, there are some wonderful alternatives that look fabulous. Here is a few suggestions you may like:
- Flooring. Wood flooring that looks good under your feet will look just as good above your head. This is especially true for lighter woods.
- Beadboard. My sister has beadboard on her kitchen, dining, and family room ceiling. It is painted white and looks fresh and classy.
- Shoji screens bolted to the ceiling also adds an asian flair to your home.
When you think of a material for a new kitchen countertop, does paper immediately come to mind? For me neither. But we would both be surprised to learn that paper is one of the sustainable choices for green countertops today. A product known as Paperstone made from 100% post-consumer recycled cardboard or office paper is making a name in countertops this year.
Made in sheets available in thicknesses of 3/4", 1" and 1-1/4". Paperstone is very strong, warm to the touch, abrasion resistant, and absorbs very little water. While available in a li...
