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Choosing the Right Kitchen Countertops

Getting Started: Searching for the perfect surface for kitchen countertops doesn’t have to be difficult. Here are some pointers about the most popular countertop materials.

By Alicia Garceau

Tempting though it is to choose a countertop based on looks alone, a material’s durability, maintenance and, of course, cost are also important factors to consider when making a selection for a kitchen remodel.
FIND A GOOD FIT
Homeowners have to assess the way they live before settling on a countertop surface, says Jeff Cannata, past president of the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) and president of Designer’s Showcase Kitchens & Baths Inc. in Carol Stream, Ill. “If they have three kids and they’re making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches on the countertops every day, they might not want to go with that white granite.”

COUNTERTOP CHOICES
The good news is if homeowners have their hearts set on a certain look, but the material just doesn’t match with their lifestyle, odds are there’s another material that does.

Granite, the top choice in countertops, is available in a variety of shades — such as blacks, whites, greens, corals and beiges — and no two pieces are exactly the same. Granite is available in two finishes. A polished finish results in a shiny look and often darkens the appearance of the stone, while honing is soft and matte. Costs for granite depend on many variables, including color, finish and origin of the stone.

“If you pick a granite that’s relatively easy to get, it could be affordable. If you pick a granite that I have imported from Zimbabwe, and [it] only ships once a year, that can be pretty expensive,” Cannata says.

Other natural stone materials, like marble, limestone and soapstone, are softer than granite and require delicate use and greater care. All stone countertops must be sealed periodically.

Engineered stone countertops come in a wider variety of colors than natural stone countertops, are more durable and are a cinch to maintain. They’re “just bullet proof,” Cannata says. However, engineered stone won’t save any money over granite: the two materials cost roughly the same.

Solid surface countertops have a lot of appeal. They come in countless colors, are seamless, resist stains and scratches can be buffed out. One word of caution, though: Hot pans can damage solid-surface countertops.

Concrete countertops, which can be completely customized with pigments, are gaining popularity. Concrete is available in several different finishes: trowel (smooth), ground (sanded to expose the sand aggregate) and pressed (a tool is used to reveal marble-like veining). Extreme or abrupt changes in temperature may cause concrete to warp or curl, damp sponges left on the counter can cause discoloration and acidic spills may etch the surface. To keep a concrete countertop looking its best, it’s advisable to seal them it to four times per year and wax with a paste every two to three months.

Wood countertops, like butcher block, instantly warm up a kitchen. They are easy to clean and any scratches can be sanded out. Water damages butcher block quite easily, though, so wood countertops must be oiled frequently to seal the surface.

Laminate is the most affordable countertop material on the market and comes in an array of colors and designs. Laminate can scorch if a hot pan touches the surface and has a reputation for scratching easily. However, the product has made strides in scratch-resistance in recent years, Canatta says.

ON THE EDGE
Square edges are standard on most countertops, but decorative edges like radius, bullnose, bevel, egg and ogee — while a bit more expensive — are another way to customize a kitchen. Availability of edges varies based on countertop materials.

MIX AND MATCH
Can’t decide on just one material? Then mix and match surfaces. In her designs, Sarah Ann Busby, owner of Sarah Busby Designs in Elk Rapids, Mich., often uses a different material on islands than the rest of the countertops to differentiate the space. Another option is to inset another material into a countertop for specific tasks. Butcher block is common for chopping as is marble for baking.

Before making a decision on countertop material, see the surface in person, whether that means visiting a showroom or viewing samples in-home.

Shedding Light on Kitchen Lighting

Getting Started: A lighting plan should be an integral part of a kitchen remodel. Here are some of the main factors to consider.

By Alicia Garceau

“Lighting is often the last thing considered in a [kitchen] design and the first thing cut from a budget,” says Randall Whitehead, a nationally known designer and author on the subject of residential lighting. But to look its best and function well, a kitchen must be properly lit — and that involves more than just specifying stylish fixtures. A good plan blends lighting into the architectural and decorative details of the room.
AVOID GLARING ERRORS
When it comes to kitchen lighting, the most common mistake is trying to light the entire room with one ceiling-mounted fixture. The result ends up being what Whitehead calls a “glare bomb,” which visually overpowers everything in the space. Recessed lighting, if installed in a generic grid, isn’t much better.

“A lot of people do it incorrectly, and they’ll end up with too much light in some areas and shadows everywhere else,” says Max Isley, a certified kitchen designer and board member of the National Kitchen and Bath Association.

PLAN FOR A LAYERED LOOK
No single light source can provide all the necessary light for a kitchen. A well-lit kitchen layers and blends four different types of light. Every kitchen remodel should include the following:

Task Lighting. It is the workhorse of illumination and provides adequate light for tasks like chopping vegetables and reading recipes. Optimum placement of task lighting comes between a person’s head and the work surface, which makes lighting located below the upper cabinets so effective. If a kitchen remodel includes a pantry, make sure to specify task lighting there as well.

Ambient lighting. It creates a warm glow that fills a room, softens shadows and helps to make people feel instantly welcome in a kitchen. If cabinets do not reach all the way to the ceiling, that space is a great spot for ambient light. Of the four types of lighting, ambient is most often overlooked.

Accent lighting. It gives depth and dimension to a kitchen. Examples of accent lighting include fixtures placed inside glass-front cabinets to illuminate China, glassware, and other collections as well as recessed, adjustable low-voltage fixtures used to spotlight art.

Decorative lighting. Whitehead likes to refer to this type of lighting as architectural jewelry. It adds sparkle to a space.
DIM THE LIGHTS
As in any room in the house, the ability to adjust light levels in the kitchen is ideal. When cooking or cleaning up, a bright punch of illumination makes the job easier. For lingering over a meal and conversing, dimmed lights create great ambiance. One dimmer in the kitchen won’t do the trick, however. Make sure the design calls for separate dimmers for each type of lighting: task, ambient, accent and decorative.

CONSIDER USING A LIGHTING DESIGNER
Consider adding a lighting designer to your remodeling team. (Visit the International Association of Lighting Designers website at www.iald.org to find a professional.) A lighting designer will study the kitchen’s layout, as well as other elements of the design, such as ceiling height, natural light and surface finishes, to determine the amount and placement of light needed in the space.

If your budget doesn’t allow for a lighting designer, Whitehead’s latest book, Residential Lighting, A Practical Guide, includes an extensive section on kitchens.

PLAN AHEAD
One last kitchen lighting tip from Whitehead: “Even if you don’t have the budget for…a series of pendants over the center island, at least install the three junction boxes [during the remodel],” he says. Then fixtures can be purchased at a later date and easily added to the kitchen.

Choosing the Right Kitchen Sink and Faucet

Getting Started: Drowning in a sea of kitchen sink and faucet choices? Here’s how to make sense of it all.

By Alicia Garceau

Every kitchen needs a sink and faucet. When it comes to selecting these staples, style is secondary, says Max Isley, owner of Hampton Kitchens in Cary, N.C., and a National Kitchen and Bath Association board member.
Isley’s primary task is to help clients select a sink and faucet that will work well and withstand years of daily use. To that end, Isley always asks clients how they plan to use the kitchen sink. “It will make a big difference in which one I will recommend,” he says. Here’s what you should keep in mind when making your own choices:

SINK OPTIONS
Kitchen sinks are typically made from stainless steel, enamel-coated cast iron, solid surfaces and composites. For clients who choose solid surface counters like granite or engineered stone, Isley recommends a stainless steel sink because of its undermount capability. Also if homeowners tend to be hard on sinks (Isley asks clients if they’re prone to throwing things into their sink), stainless is often the best choice. When shopping for a sink, keep in mind that lower-gauge stainless steel makes for a better quality sink. Some people find stainless steel sinks noisy, but that’s a problem that can be addressed by choosing a design featuring sound-absorption technology.

Once the standard in kitchen sinks, enamel-coated cast iron still has a place in today’s kitchen. “They’re probably the prettiest of all the sinks on the market today,” Isley says. However, he cautions that enamel can scratch and wear over time, which may not make this sink the best choice for people who are tough on sinks.

If ease of cleanup is important, a solid surface sink that’s an integral part of a countertop is the option to investigate.

“Even with the undermount sink, you’ve still got that joint between the countertop and the underside. Solid surface sinks create a much smoother clean up area to deal with,” Isley says. While minor scratches can be buffed out of a solid surface sink, the material is prone to chip, and transferring hot pots and pans directly from the cooktop to the sink can damage solid surfaces.

Composite sinks, a newer style of sink, are another option for kitchens. There are several types of composite sinks on the market, with polyester/acrylic being just one of them. Coming in at a lower price point and with many colors to choose from, this sink might appeal to homeowners on a budget. However, polyester/acrylic sinks aren’t as durable as other sink options and drop-in sinks can be more difficult to clean.

NUMBER OF SINKS
Traditionally, most kitchens feature a double-bowl sink.

“Obviously, double bowls — especially two equal size bowls — were made for washing dishes. We really don’t wash dishes much in the kitchen,” Isley says.

Homeowners still hand wash large pots, pans and baking sheets, so Isley advocates for at least one oversized sink bowl. If space is an issue and double bowls are a must, an oversized bowl and a small bowl combination should be adequate. If space isn’t an issue, Isley recommends one oversized and one standard sized bowl.

FAUCETS THAT FUNCTION
With the great number of faucets on the market, there is a design for everyone. “Style is strictly a personal taste issue,” Isley says. He doesn’t dictate what clients choose design-wise — people like what they like, after all — but he does guide them when it comes to function and finishes. Most faucets use cartridge, ball or ceramic disc valves. A faucet with a ceramic disk valve and solid brass base materials will be the most durable. Though many attractive faucets have two handles, Isley always pushes for single-lever faucets in the kitchen. He also suggests clients include a spray arm for filling pots with water or rinsing the sink, whether it’s part of the spout or a separate piece. Consider other convenient extras, like a garbage disposal and hot water dispenser.

Isley steers clients away from brass finishes. “[Brass] works well for a low-use area, but in a high-use area like a kitchen, I’d rather use chrome, polished nickel, brushed nickel or pewter. The new bronze finish is also very popular,” he says.

Before making the final decision, Isley suggests a trip to the local plumbing showroom to get a feel for how a sink and faucet will function.

Resources

Max Isley Hampton Kitchens, www.hamptonkitchens.com
Cary, N.C.

National Kitchen & Bath Association, www.nkba.org

The ABCs of Kitchen Appliances

Getting Started: Confused by all the options available when it comes to picking the right appliances for your kitchen remodel? Here are some basic features to look for.

By Alicia Garceau

It’s important to find appliances that fit both your decor and lifestyle, and that’s a task that can seem overwhelming on a visit to a showroom with hundreds of makes and models. But here are some of the main features you should look for when you go shopping:
THE BASICS
Every kitchen needs the essentials: a refrigerator, dishwasher, stove and oven.

Most refrigerators come in one of three configurations. The traditional top-mounted fridge, with the refrigerator on the bottom, is the most common, so there are a wide range of models to choose from. Bottom-mounted refrigerators, where the refrigerator is on top, put food at eye level, which is a plus for people who use fresh ingredients to cook. Finally, side-by-side models also put food at eye-level, but keep in mind that the interiors are sometimes narrower. The configuration and size of a refrigerator, measured in cubic feet, will depend on a person’s lifestyle. For example, someone who cooks with fresh ingredients will have different refrigeration needs than someone who uses mostly frozen food. Add-ons like a frost-free feature, water dispenser, ice maker and built-in television are also available. Additional features will increase the cost of a refrigerator, so skip those that aren’t truly useful.

When it comes to dishwashers, convenience options like a delay timer and energy-saving features, such as economy cycle or half-load capacity, should be considered. Dishwashing drawers, which can be used in one- or two-drawer configurations, are a good choice for smaller kitchens and are often used as secondary dishwashers.

Most kitchens include more than one cooking appliance, such as ovens, cooktops and ranges. Today’s ovens are anything but basic. Many multitask, combining traditional cooking with convection, which uses circulated air to speed cook time, or speed cooking, which uses halogen lights to reduce cook times. Induction cooktops, an alternative to gas and electric, have developed a broader appeal in recent years. Using this method, electricity flows through a coil to produce a magnetic field under a ceramic cooktop. When an iron or magnetic stainless pan is placed on the ceramic surface, the pan, not the cooktop, heats up. Ranges, which are usually gas or electric, also come in duel-fuel models that offer induction cooking in addition to gas. Some ovens also double as microwaves.

KITCHEN EXTRAS
Today’s appliances go beyond the essentials. Once the “hottest” cooking technology, microwaves are now more commonly used for reheating food. “Most people are hardly using them, so we put them a little more out of the way,” says Sarah Ann Busby, National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) vice president and owner of Sarah Busby Designs in Elk Rapids, Mich. Warming drawers, under-cabinet refrigeration for wine, built-in coffeemakers and trash compactors top the list of kitchen extras.

APPLIANCE APPEARANCES
After identifying the appliances needed for the kitchen remodel, consider free-standing versus built-in models. “Appliances that do not stand alone in their own body — a wall oven, for example — are built-in,” says Ed Pell, manager of market research for NKBA. Yet another option is whether to make appliances integral by concealing them behind cabinetry panels. In both cases, kitchen style and budget will play into these decisions.

FABULOUS FINISHES
Stainless steel finishes continue to be all the rage. Homeowners can expect to pay a premium price for appliances in this popular finish. Several appliance manufacturers offer alternatives that look similar to stainless, but require less maintenance and cost a bit less. Appliances in oiled bronze finishes recently debuted on the market. Whereas stainless steel is well-suited to contemporary kitchens, bronze is particularly compatible with traditional decor. Yet another option, black appliances, can create a sleek look at a lower price point.

ENERGY EFFICIENT
Once a finish is settled on, it’s time to examine energy efficiency. “Energy efficiency is becoming more and more important,” says Everrett Collier, president of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry and co-founder of San Francisco-based remodeling company Collier Ostrom. He recommends Energy Star-rated appliances to all of his clients because appliances that save energy translate to smaller utility bills.

“[The amount of money] varies from appliance to appliance, but you’re going to save many, many dollars,” Collier says. “The beauty of it is it’s all laid out on a big yellow sticker when you go to shop for appliances, so you can see what the savings are.”

Finally, gather specification sheets for all appliances under consideration and compare available features, designs, capacities and warranties before making a final decision.

Sorting Through Kitchen Cabinet Choices

Getting Started: Before you spend a big chunk of your remodel budget on cabinets, make sure you”re choosing wisely. Here’’s how to pick the best cabinets for your kitchen.

By Alicia Garceau

Cabinets usually devour the bulk of a budget during a kitchen remodel. Because they are a major investment (and one that’s not likely to be made again anytime soon), you’ll need to sort through the available options and make choices with confidence. Here’s how:
FRESHEN UP
If existing cabinets are of good quality, are in excellent working condition and the layout functions well, the most affordable option is to freshen them up by restaining or painting. Another alternative, refacing, involves installing a new veneer on the exterior of the cabinet box and replacing the doors and drawer fronts, and should be handled by a professional. The process is much faster than installing new cabinets because the cabinets remain intact and the work is done onsite. However, be forewarned that when it comes to cabinets, doors and drawer fronts account for the greatest expense.

“Sixty to 70 percent of the cost of the cabinet is the door,” says Jeff Cannata, past president of the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) and president of Designer’s Showcase Kitchens & Baths Inc. in Carol Stream, Ill. “So, if you’re paying for someone to put a new door or a new drawer in… it might be more affordable to shop new.”

And with new cabinets, there’s an added bonus: the freedom to explore different layout possibilities.

NEW AND IMPROVED
The decision has been made to install new cabinets, but there are other choices ahead. Are custom cabinets required, or will stock cabinets fit the bill? Custom cabinets are built to exact specifications and offer endless options with regard to materials, designs, finishes and accessories. Choosing custom cabinets requires the longest lead time and is the most expensive route.

Semi-custom cabinets are just that: semi-custom. While the cabinets are made to the homeowner’s size requirements, the manufacturer produces them in predetermined increments. Often a spacer may be needed to conceal unused wall space, and that sacrifices storage. The range of materials, designs, finishes and accessories will not be as broad with semi-custom cabinets, but they cost less than fully custom cabinets.

Stock cabinets, which are the least expensive of new cabinet options, are pre-made and come in standard sizes. Though stock cabinets often get a bad rap in terms of quality of construction, there are many on the market that are made of solid wood.

“I will say that eight out of 10 kitchens could probably be done with stock cabinetry. And what I mean by that is a good designer can design with any line,” Cannata says. “Anyone can say, ‘Oh, I need this cabinet to be 21 ½ inches.’ But a good designer should be able to design using a 21-inch cabinet.”

No matter what type of cabinet is selected, it’s important to evaluate the quality of hinges, doors, drawer systems and finish. Homeowners should choose cabinets that offer at least a five-year warranty, according to Al Pattison, president of NKBA.

CONSTRUCTION AND STYLE
Next, consider the construction type and door style. Framed cabinets, which are popular in traditional kitchens, have a front frame around the cabinet opening. The door attaches to the frame. Frameless, or European-style cabinets, have no front frame. The door attaches directly to the side of the cabinet. Frameless cabinets, which are often used in contemporary kitchens, offer an advantage over framed cabinets. Because there is no front frame, there is open access to the cabinet interior.

When it comes to door styles, there are several choices. Traditional-overlay doors cover some of the frame, full-overlay doors cover the entire cabinet frame and inset doors sit inside the cabinet frame.

ACCESSORIZE
After giving thought to the cabinets’ exterior, turn some attention to their intended use and interior features.

“It used to be that we would place cabinetry in the room and make it functional,” says Pattison. “[Now] every cabinet has a purpose.” Pull-out drawers for pots and pans, oversized drawers for baking sheets and designated cabinets for trash and recycling are some examples. Accessories like lazy Susans, built-in spice racks, drawer organizers and other cabinet extras make the kitchen a much more efficient and enjoyable place.

HARDWARE
As a finishing touch, add pulls, knobs and handles to cabinets. Hardware comes in a wide variety of styles at all price points and contributes to a truly customized look.

Kitchen Flooring Essentials

Getting Started: Floored by all the flooring options out there for kitchens? Here’s a primer on what’s available.

By Alicia Garceau

Appearances are important when it comes to new floors, but don’t choose a material based on looks alone. Narrow the choices to a few contenders and then take a trip to a flooring store or home center for a test drive.
“Most of your activity in the kitchen is done while standing. So, I would look for something that’s easy on your legs,” says Sara Ann Busby, vice president of the National Kitchen and Bath Association and owner of Sara Busby Designs, a kitchen remodeling company in Elk Rapids, Mich.

Go ahead, take off your shoes and stand on the floor in your stocking feet. Is it comfortable? Now put your shoes back on and go for a walk. How does the floor sound? Today’s kitchens are more open and bigger than ever, and that can make noise a problem. “A hard surface can be not only hard on the legs, but awfully noisy,” Busby says.

Because the kitchen is typically the busiest spot in the house, you will want a floor that wears well, too. Children, pets, heavy foot traffic and kitchen spills can all take a toll, so when weighing flooring options, think about a floor’s durability and ease of maintenance.

Here’s how the various options stack up:

WOOD
Wood fits a variety of decor styles, is warm underfoot and easy on the legs, and is a quiet floor option. The maintenance and durability of a wood floor depends greatly on what species of wood is being used and how that wood is finished. One of the worries with wood is that it may scratch, but remember that wood floors can always be sanded and refinished.

LAMINATE
For homeowners who like the look of wood, but want a floor that is extremely durable and requires little maintenance, laminate is an option. Laminate is factory-finished, and it can be put in over an existing floor, making installation a snap. While laminate has its advantages, it lacks the warmth typically associated with natural wood and some people may find it noisy.

CERAMIC TILE
Ceramic tile allows for a great deal of customization in terms of colors and patterns. Though tile is easy to clean with a damp mop, the surrounding grout can be difficult to maintain. Busby recommends using the largest tiles possible to minimize grout lines. Ceramic tile can be hard on the legs (and even harder on dropped dishes!), doesn’t help with sound control in a kitchen and can be cold underfoot.

VINYL
For the budget-minded remodel, vinyl sheeting or peel-and-stick tiles can be a good bet. Vinyl is easy to install and is available in an endless array of colors and patterns. One of the drawbacks to vinyl floors is that the edges can curl.

GREEN OPTIONS
“The Green movement in this country is taking off,” says Everett Collier, president of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. Nowhere is that more apparent than in residential flooring options.

Believe it or not, linoleum, synonymous with the 1950s, is making a comeback due to its green appeal. Made from linseed oil, cork dust, wood flour, tree resins, ground limestone and pigments, it is environmentally friendly.

Bamboo, another green option, provides the look of wood, but is made from bamboo grass, a rapid-renewable resource. If you choose bamboo because it’s eco-friendly, make sure the factory finish is formaldehyde-free.

Cork flooring, which is made from the bark of cork oak trees, is a harvested resource and therefore also eco-friendly. Available in sheets and tile, cork is soft and warm underfoot and is extremely quiet. Properly sealed, cork can withstand moisture and can be vacuumed and damp mopped. Minor dents seem to pop out; however, deep scratches will permanently damage the floor.

Of course, there are advantages and disadvantages to each type of flooring. The key is to weigh the pluses and minuses and choose the material right for your kitchen.

Developing a Functional Kitchen Floor Plan

Getting Started: Creating a user-friendly kitchen calls for a personalized space plan. Here are some expert tips on how to create one.

By Alicia Garceau

A kitchen might have the most beautiful cabinets, technologically advanced appliances and high-end finishes, but if the layout doesn’t meet the needs of a homeowner’s lifestyle, the rest doesn’t matter. Here’s how to plan an effective layout to meet your needs and fit your space:
MAKE IT WORK
When planning a kitchen remodel, it’s important to give careful consideration to how the space will be used.

“We’ll talk about [a client's] cooking style and the appliances that they are going to want,” says Sara Ann Busby, owner of Sara Busby Designs, Elk Rapids, Mich. “We’ll talk about [whether] they want people in the kitchen with them, or do they want people sitting on the other side of the bar, talking while they cook, that kind of thing.”

How a kitchen should function is an extremely personal matter, and a floor plan needs to be customized to reflect that.

CHECK OUT THE GUIDELINES
While no two kitchens are alike, there are state and local codes that apply to every kitchen design. The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) also provides guiding principles that result in a more functional space. For example, if a kitchen has only one sink, NKBA recommends that it be located adjacent to or across from the cooking surface and refrigerator. The sink should be surrounded by a 24-inch-wide landing area to one side and at least an 18-inch-wide landing area on the other side. When it comes to dishwasher placement, the nearest edge of the appliance should be located within 36 inches of the nearest edge of a clean-up/prep sink to ensure maximum convenience.

For NKBA’s complete kitchen design guidelines, visit their website.

TRIANGLE VS. WORK STATION
Traditionally, the stove, sink and refrigerator are placed at points of a triangle for efficient movement in the kitchen.

“We’ve certainly added appliances to the mix,” Busby says. “We’ve added more cooks in the kitchen, so [the triangle] isn’t quite as relevant.”

While the tried-and-true triangle still works for smaller kitchens with one cook, there’s a better design for bigger, busier kitchens: work stations. With this approach, each standard task station (prep, cooking, storage and cleanup areas), as well as the more specialized ones (baking and canning, for example), is centered around a major appliance and its landing area of at least 15 inches of adjacent countertop.

ISLAND LOCATION
Islands, which continue to be popular, are a great way to add informal seating, as well as extra prep space and storage, to a kitchen. Rather than a flat expanse of countertop, today’s islands often feature different levels and customized details like prep sinks, second dishwashers and warming drawers. Islands offer a good place for open shelving for cookbooks, built-in wine storage and lit display areas. Any kitchen design that includes an island must allow for at least 42 inches of space around it.

KEEP IT LIGHT
In order for a kitchen to function properly it must be well lit; that means layering and blending four different types of light: task, ambient, accent and decorative, says Randall Whitehead, a nationally known lighting designer and author on the subject of residential lighting. “No single light source can provide all the necessary light for a kitchen.”

How to Hire a Kitchen Contractor

Getting Started: A little legwork is required to find the best contractor for your kitchen remodel. Here’’s what you should do before making the hire.

By Alicia Garceau

Finding the right contractor for a kitchen remodel might seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. A few simple steps can mean the difference between complete confidence in a contractor and doubts that cause sleepless nights.
ASK FOR REFERRALS
Hands down, word of mouth is the best way to find a qualified professional to tackle the job. Ask relatives, friends and neighbors who they have had good experiences with. Also ask what made it a positive experience, how the contractor handled problems and whether he or she would use the same contractor again.

LOOK AT CREDENTIALS
With recommendations in hand, do some preliminary research, whether via a phone call or a visit to the remodeler’s website. Find out whether the contractor holds all the required licenses from the state and local municipalities, as well as designations from any professional associations like the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA), the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) or the National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB). Any remodeling professional worth his or her salt will have invested in the coursework and passed rigorous tests in order to earn a particular certification. Be aware, however, that all certifications are not created equal.

“I would find out what the certification is and what it took to get it,” says Sara Ann Busby, owner of Sara Busby Designs in Elk Rapids, Mich.

INTERVIEW CANDIDATES
Narrow down the list of contenders, and set up meetings. Is there a magic number of contractors you should interview?

“Ultimately, the right number could be one,” says Al Pattison, president of NKBA; he recommends talking with no more than three. “With too many quotes, it gets too confusing trying to make a decision.”

A list of questions to ask potential contractors can be found on NARI’s website . How a contractor answers questions is extremely important, but communication goes both ways.

“One of the most important things [a homeowner] can find in a designer and a builder is somebody who listens to them,” Busby says. “…one of the things that’s made us successful is we don’t do all the talking.”

Chemistry also weighs heavily into the selection of a contractor. “This is a longstanding relationship. You have to trust the person you’re working with,” Pattison says.

CHECK REFERENCES
Once a rapport has been established, ask to see some of the contractor’s projects. If they meet with approval, request references and then call to verify them.

GET IT IN WRITING
After zeroing in on one contractor who seems right for the job, take a look at the documents he or she has prepared for you. Do they look professional? Scrutinize the contract. Does it seem fair and balanced? Make sure that the written agreement includes a bid price and payment schedule, the scope of work, a site plan, a sequential schedule of primary construction tasks, a change-order clause, a written procedural list for close-out, an express limited warranty, a clause about dispute resolution and a waiver of lien, which would prevent subcontractors and suppliers from putting a lien on a house should their invoices go unpaid by the contractor. If everything checks out, go ahead sign on the dotted line with confidence.

Kitchen Remodel Budgeting: The Bottom Line

Getting Started: Here’’s how to set — and stick to — a realistic kitchen remodel budget.

By Alicia Garceau

You’ve spent hours paging through design magazines, imagining every aspect of your dream kitchen. Now it’s time for a reality check: the budget. Sure, it’s not as fun as contemplating countertop choices, but giving careful consideration to budgeting can keep a project from turning into a financial nightmare.
SET A BUDGET
While the national average cost for an upscale kitchen remodel is roughly $82,000, according to Remodeling Magazine’s 2005 Cost vs. Value report, you may spend more or less depending on a number of factors. First, conduct a thorough and honest examination of your finances to reveal how much you can afford to spend. The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) offers a worksheet that makes this easy to do. With that number in hand ask yourelf, “How long do I plan to stay in my home?”

“I have a flexible rule of thumb,” says Everett Collier, president of NARI and co-founder of San Francisco-based remodeling company Collier Ostrom. “If a person is going to stay in a home for five years or less then the improvements should be viewed as improvements on investment. If you’re going to be there for a longer period of time, you want to look at what’s going to make you and your family the most comfortable.”

Depending on how you answer that question, your budget might need to cover a kitchen facelift (for example, a new countertop and a fresh hue for the walls) or a complete kitchen overhaul.

No matter how long you plan to stay, give careful consideration to what the remodel will do to the value of your house, and then compare it with others in the neighborhood.

“You want to look at your neighborhood—whether it’s a very expensive neighborhood or a modest neighborhood. That will help you determine what you’re going to spend [and] whether you’re going to over-improve your property,” Collier says.

HOW TO SPEND?
How you spend your money is a matter of personal discretion. Sara Ann Busby, owner of Sara Busby Designs in Elk Rapids, Mich., and National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) vice president, has some practical advice on where to spend and save. “I think the things to spend on are the ones you don’t want to replace [again] soon,” she says.

To keep costs down, Busby recommends evaluating how important extra “goodies,” such as interior fittings on cabinets and intricate crown moldings, are to the overall look and function of a kitchen. “In a big kitchen they add up,” Busby says. A cost-saving alternative may exist, or you may be able to do without the item entirely.

Also, when budgeting, don’t forget a line item for labor costs, which usually end up around a third of a project’s total budget, says Jeff Cannata, president of Designer’s Showcase Kitchens & Baths Inc. in Carol Stream, Ill., and past president of NKBA.

BUDGET FOR THE UNEXPECTED
Always leave a little wiggle room in the budget for the unexpected. There are all sorts of budget-busting surprises lurking behind the walls and floors of homes (especially if it’s an older residence). Last minute changes, known as change orders, cost time and bust budgets, too. You might elect to upgrade your choice of countertop halfway through the project. Though you can’t predict the unknown, you can prepare for it financially. As a cushion, Cannata recommends leaving 10 percent of whatever number has been budgeted for labor costs.

HOW TO PAY?
There are many ways to foot the bill for a kitchen remodel, but a home equity loan may be the most popular because it’s tax deductible. Other options include refinancing, no-equity loans, FHA loans, personal loans, loans from retirement plans or borrowing against a life insurance policy. Whatever type of financing you choose, make sure to shop around for the best rate. Even if you have cash in hand, oftentimes borrowing at a low-interest rate makes more financial sense than pulling your money out of an investment account yielding a higher rate of return.

“When you have money in the bank, sometimes it’s smarter to use someone else’s money rather than your own,” Cannata says.

KEEP TRACK
Once the project begins, track actual spending on a computer spreadsheet or a simple piece of paper, and compare it often to budgeted amounts.