Kitchen Remodeling Guide

[Robert Kurka]

If you're planning to renovate or build a new kitchen, you're in luck because there are so many exciting design ideas and innovative features to consider. Whether you're a passionate cook or simply enjoy spending time in the kitchen, a new kitchen can make a big difference in your daily life and add value to your home. Here are some ideas to help you create a kitchen that's functional, beautiful, and a joy to be in. Open Layout: An open kitchen layout is perfect for those who enjoy entertaining guests and spending time with family while cooking. It's also great for those who prefer a spacious kitchen with plenty of natural light. The open kitchen layout provides a seamless connection between the kitchen and the living space, making it easy to cook and socialize at the same time. Smart Appliances: Smart kitchen appliances are becoming more popular and sophisticated every day. From intelligent ovens and refrigerators to dishwashers and coffee makers, there are plenty of options to choose from. The best brands to choose from are  #1. Thurmidor  #2. Bosch #3. Kitchen Aid #4. GE. These appliances can be controlled remotely using your smartphone or voice commands, making it easier to manage your kitchen tasks. Built-In Storage: Storage is essential in any kitchen, and built-in storage solutions can help keep your kitchen organized and clutter-free. Consider installing pull-out shelves, lazy susans, and cabinet organizers to maximize your storage space. Lighting: Good lighting is essential in the kitchen. Task lighting, ambient lighting, and accent lighting are all important to create a functional and visually appealing kitchen. Pendant lights over the island or sink, under-cabinet lighting, and recessed lighting are all great options to consider.

[Andy Sabisch]

There are some great tips in the initial post on this thread but it is key to know you market to ensure you do not over improve and wind up with the most expensive house in the area.  Like many of the flip shows on TV anymore, if you are selling properties in the $500K+ range, touches like these are a requirement.  However, there are many parts of the country where renovated homes are selling in the under-$200K range which makes finishes like these a deal breaker if you hope to make any money on a flip.  Personally, while we enjoy watching these shows, our markets would never work for their additions as we could buy 2 properties for what they put into one to renovate it.

We left the Jackson, MS area recently and you had both extremes - one of the poorest counties in the state adjacent to the richest county in the state.  In Jackson, very few areas broke the $200K mark and most were under $100K.  When we did flips, we stuck to the in-stock cabinets from Lowe's or Home Depot, basic quality counter tops, etc. and the homes sold quickly.  Granite, islands, customs cabinets, etc. would have killed us in any attempt to sell.  The areas where the money was were almost all newer homes (10 years or less) which made finding flips a real hunt but there were some to be found.  There you could add upgrades but you really had to watch the numbers.

Here in NE PA, the median price is in the high $100's to mid-$200's.  Many are older homes where a reno stands out but again, we need to watch the comps to make sure we are not the most expensive house and can't sell.

Bottom line is know your market and what your budget will support and avoid being the show piece in the neighborhood that impresses but wont sell because of what you have invested.  Go to open houses and talk to agents to see what buyers are looking for to further guide your design choices.