Ask any real estate agent where to invest for the best payoff when selling your home and they will surely tell you it’s the kitchen. The kitchen is the most important room in the house. Investing in this room will not only increase your enjoyment when utilizing the space, but it will also increase the value of your home and attract potential buyers when it comes time to sell.

The question many future homeowners considering a remodel have is not so much why to do it, but rather how and where to start. In this article, we’ll provide you with the top five things to consider once you’ve decided “Okay, I’m ready for a new kitchen! But where do I start?”

  • How much money should I invest before the cost surpasses the return when it comes time to sell my home?
    • A brand new, top of the line, state of the art kitchen is definitely a luxury – but if it goes way beyond your price range, you may need to reconsider and adjust your budget accordingly.  Some advice:  If you’re thinking of selling, and know a kitchen upgrade is a must. ALWAYS be sure to speak to an experienced real estate agent first to ensure you’re making the right remodels in order to sell. They can guide you in conversations to have with the company you decide to hire for your kitchen remodel.
  • Am I better off tearing the entire kitchen down to the studs and starting from scratch? Or just focusing on one specific feature (i.e. turning a laminate countertop into a granite countertop)
    • This depends on the current condition of the kitchen.  How are the floors? Are they linoleum or hardwood? Do the walls have peeling, outdated wallpaper? Do the cabinets look original to the home? Having a kitchen remodeling expert come in and assess your specific situation will save you a ton of time…and potentially thousands of dollars. They will be able to direct you to what materials are worth investing in.
  • I don’t have a budget in mind, and I’m not sure what the average budget for a project like this is – what parts of my kitchen should I invest the most in and where should I try to save money?
    • Again, this is very dependent on your specific kitchen and financial situation. Your realtor could certainly tell you what is make or break for potential buyers.  And a kitchen designer can bring your kitchen up to date and work with your budget. But you should first research the Cost Vs. Value 2017 site listed below based on your demographic. http://www.remodeling.hw.net/cost-vs-value/2017/
  • What do I like about my current kitchen that I want to either remain or update?
    • Just because you are remodeling your kitchen doesn’t mean you necessarily don’t like certain aspects of it. Perhaps you like the placement of the island, the material of the cabinets, or still want to keep your pantry etc. Just make sure you are clear with whomever you decide to work with on the remodel, that you still like the function of certain parts of your existing kitchen and would like them in your new kitchen as well.
  • How long does a kitchen remodel take? How long can I be without a kitchen and will I be able to plan the remodel around holidays, vacations, and kids in school?

    • It depends on the size and scale of your project, and the materials you choose. Also factor in permitting and inspections for building, plumbing, and electrical. There is also ordering and shipping time, all before the actual install is underway. A kitchen remodel can take up to 5+ weeks. Be sure to have a plan in place to ensure you and your family can get by for that amount of time.  And always be prepared for that timeline to change because many things can arise during a project that has an entire group of people working to bring together every aspect of your kitchen. Be patient, a project should be done correctly. You don’t want an instant kitchen and problems. Always make sure you hire a licensed and insured company to remodel your kitchen.

At Kitchens By Lombco, we have a team of designers and builders who will work with you to ensure that your kitchen remodel goes as smoothly as possible and your end result is exactly how you imagined.  Our greatest asset is you, the customer – and as such we continuously strive to provide not only the kitchen of your dreams but the service to match it as well.  

When you’re ready to begin the process of remodeling your kitchen, we would love for the opportunity to provide you a no-obligation quote.  Just give us a call at 978-858-0700 and ask for John or Melanie.  Or, directly email melanie@kitchensbylombco.com to set up a consultation.