Whether you are planning for a complete kitchen and bath remodeling or just a minor update, there are many questions to consider before you hire a contractor. You should consider your budget, how accessible the work will be, and whether or not you want to make any design changes.
Cost vs. value
Whether you are planning to sell your house or not, remodeling your kitchen or bathroom can increase the value of your home. However, remodeling can be expensive. It’s important to know the return on your investment (ROI) before you make a decision.
Remodeling Magazine has released the Cost vs. Value report for the 35th time, and it includes detailed estimates on how much the most common remodeling projects cost and how long it will take to recoup that investment.
It includes data from 150 major U.S. markets, including home sales, housing starts, and local GDP. However, there are regional differences that make it difficult to compare. The report also notes that applying national trends to address-level remodeling is misleading.
For instance, while it can be tempting to spend more for the best upgrades, the return on investment on these projects is not always high.
On the other hand, some upgrades, such as insulated garage doors, can add curb appeal and security to your home for a few thousand dollars. It’s important to consider these improvements when you are remodeling your kitchen or bathroom.
For example, while installing a heated floor may seem like a small luxury, it can actually boost your home’s value.
If you are planning to sell your house in five years, you may want to consider remodeling your kitchen and bathroom. These projects can recoup more than 80 percent of the money you spent.
The cost of remodeling a kitchen can range from $79,000 to $157,000, but the average cost is up a few thousand dollars from last year. While most homeowners are focusing on the interior, the most lucrative projects for home remodeling are exterior improvements.
Design for accessibility
During kitchen and bath remodeling, it’s important to consider design for accessibility. It can be a practical and stylish solution to accommodate your family’s needs. It can increase the resale value of your home and help you stay in it longer. It’s important to remember that there’s no single way to achieve this. You’ll need to work with your designer to find the best layout.
Kitchens are a place where families come together, so it’s important to ensure they’re accessible to everyone. Accessibility can include movable worktops, adjustable sinks, and pull-out storage. Design for accessibility also involves balancing storage needs and workspace requirements.
An accessible kitchen design should include work areas at the right height. Sinks should be between 28-34 inches above the floor, and there should be a minimum nine-inch-high toe space beneath the counter. Most wheelchair footrests can be accommodated by this space.
There should also be a knee space beneath the counter that’s at least nine inches high. The area should be 19 inches deep. This space should also extend a full 27 inches in front of the counter.
You can also make your kitchen accessible by installing fixtures that reduce the effort required to reach everyday items. Some fixtures that can help include a pull-out cabinet for cleaning supplies, a portable stool for use in the shower area, and a shower-spray mechanism with a hose for easy washing.
The National Association of Remodeling Industry (NARI) offers training to ensure that your remodeling project meets ADA standards. The organization also provides a list of manufacturers that offer products that meet the ADA standards.
It’s important to remember that designing for accessibility doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. The best time to plan for accessibility is during the design stage.
Consider accessibility when accommodating aging parents or a family member with limited mobility
Whether you’re planning on renovating your existing home or putting your aging parents in an assisted living facility, consider accessibility. The kitchen and bath are two of the most used rooms in the home, so you need to make sure that they’re accessible and comfortable.
The best way to ensure that your home is accessible is to consult a professional contractor who has experience designing accessible spaces. This should include a thorough understanding of local building codes. If you plan on remodeling the kitchen, you should also consider putting in a low counter top height to accommodate the needs of seniors who are wheelchair bound.
You should also consider the best kitchen appliances for accessibility. For instance, you might be interested in raising your dishwasher to 6 to 8 inches above the counter top. In addition, you should make sure that your appliances have a clear floor space of 30×48 inches forward. You might also want to consider purchasing ready-made inserts.
As a general rule, the kitchen is the heart and soul of the home. It’s also where most of the family gets together. If you’re planning on adding a new kitchen to your existing home, you’ll want to consider everything from cabinets to countertops. You might also want to consider installing a walk-in shower with a grab bar.
Considering accessibility when remodeling the kitchen and bath will allow you to add new luxuries in an elegant fashion, while also making sure that your parents and the rest of the family stay safe and happy. The ADA is a great starting point to make sure that your home is a welcoming place for everyone. Luckily, you don’t have to spend thousands of dollars to make your home more accessible.
Setting a budget
Whether you’re planning a kitchen remodel or a bathroom renovation in melbourne, setting a budget is an important decision from the beginning. A renovation budget should be based on the value of your home and what you expect the remodel to cost.
The National Kitchen and Bath Association suggests a budget of 15-20 percent of the value of your home for a kitchen remodel. This is the general rule, but the exact number will depend on your needs and desired functionality.
To determine a budget for your kitchen remodel, begin by making a list of what you want. Consider upgrading your cabinets, flooring and countertops. Cosmetic upgrades like updating your faucets, drawers and doors will also help refresh the look.
Your budget should also take into consideration how long you plan to live in your home during the renovation. If you plan on staying in your home during the renovation, you’ll want to account for the cost of eating out, boarding pets, and other expenses.
You should also consider the cost of shipping materials and appliances to your home. Getting fixtures and finishes from the contractor is a great way to save money, but you can also do it yourself.
Remodeling magazines and online resources will give you ideas on what you’re looking for and what will be the most affordable. You can also visit appliance stores to get advice.
For large renovation projects, you may want to hire a contractor. This way, you can save up to 30% on your remodeling project. But you’ll have to research which contractors are the best. You can also use a spreadsheet to track your spending. This will help you stay within your budget.
Questions to ask before hiring a contractor
During the kitchen and bath remodeling process, homeowners must be prepared for challenges. A number of unexpected things can make the process more complicated, but there are some questions to ask before hiring a contractor that will help you get on track with your project.
First, you should look for a general contractor that is familiar with the permitting process in your community. Some contractors are members of professional organizations. They will know who to call to get referrals.
Next, make sure your contractor has comprehensive business liability insurance. This will protect your property and your family in case of injury or property damage. It should include worker’s compensation. You should also ask if your contractor has insurance to cover any subcontractors.
Lastly, ask about a warranty for work performed. Many contractors will provide a warranty for items constructed by their crew, and some will provide an additional warranty.
The best contractors will be willing to answer questions to make sure you are comfortable with your contractor. You should also ask about the contractor’s experience with similar projects. This can give you a good idea of what the final product will be like.
The best contractors will also be able to give you a construction schedule. This is especially important when you are planning to be away for a period of time during the remodeling process. You should also ask about the quality of the materials they plan to use.
In general, the quality of the materials used during a home improvement project will be a major factor in how well it turns out. Be careful of contractors who do not specify materials. They may not know the best way to do it.