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Tips on What's Worth Upgrading - From a Custom Home Builder
Smart home building tips for the Kitchen
This questionnaire will help you determine where to spend your money in the kitchen as you build - and what you can do differently, later.
1. Where do you spend your time in the kitchen? Factor in ease-of-use and functionality.
2. Who hangs there with you? Do you need an island, breakfast bar , or conversation corner? Do the countertops need to incorporate extra width or arches, or will something simple do?
3. How important is the overall look and feel - layout, cabinets, countertops, flooring, lighting, cooking, sink capacity?
4. How much traffic flow through capability is necessary?
5. How much usage will the room get? Do you need the strength of granite, or will a laminate be sufficient?
6. What's a reasonable cabinetry package for your budget? Do you need a higher-end wood like cherry or exotics, or will a maple or oak package with lots of extra storage options be better for you?
7. Cooking for a crowd? Need two ovens, deep freeze, heavy duty dishwasher?
Some things are more costly than others to change later. Here's what to focus on:
Layout
The layout is extremely expensive to do all over again. Expanding the kitchen to gain more space involves major renovations that can cost three times more later than during initial construction.
Adding an island or moving major appliances
Another costly renovation; unless your kitchen has a lot of extra space, an island added later can actually reduce your ability to maneuver.
Deciding the oven would be better in another area means rewiring and restructuring, plus changes to cabinetry (which may not match the originals).
Major structural changes to a kitchen can be the most costly change in the house.
Adding windows
The ability to add windows or sky lights later can depend on the construction of your home. It's not always possible to put it where you want it, once the home has been completed, due to structural issues. This is one of the things you'll want to get right, the first time. Not sure? Talk to your builder about "preframing" a future window.
Adding lighting
If you're going to want a lot of lights in the ceiling, under the cabinets, or in special areas, this is something you'll pay a lot less for if you have it wired when the house is under construction. Doing it later can involve a lot more time and complexity.
However, you don't need to spend a lot of money up front on the latest designer lighting fixtures. If the prewire is in place, you can add many of the fixtures later.
Start simple, with basic lighting.
Putting in a bigger pantry
If you want a big, walk-in pantry, you're going to pay a whole lot less to start right out with that. Unless you're willing to knock out some walls and lose some space later in the adjoining family room, dining room or hallway, there's just no way to add another room in the middle of the house without a lot more work than you're going to want to adjust to.
Cabinets
If you decide on inexpensive cabinets, don't be under the mistaken impression they can be changed out easily later on.
The process can involve much more than the cupboards - including removal of countertops, flooring, trimwork and appliances. Ask your builder how to choose a quality cabinetry that you'll be happy with, without breaking the bank - and start with these tips:
Type of Wood - Consider oak or maple as an alternative to more expensive hickory or cherry choices. A well-made cabinet can be just as appealing in a variety of different species, at varying costs.
Glazes and Special Finishes - a glaze can add 15-35% or more to your total cabinetry package. Consider accent pieces as an alternative if you're on a tight budget. A pair of glass doors or a contrasting accent door hardware can spark up the decor at a lower cost.
Storage Solutions - Have your builder tell you whether that built-in recycle center or wine rack involves an extra charge. It may be just what you want - but find out what it's costing, just in case.
Countertops
The difference in cost can be huge depending on what kind of countertop you use. Recycled glass countertops may sound economical, but can cost three times as much as granite. Your builder can walk you through the choices, benefits and costs of every option out there, so you know just what you're getting - and paying.
Countertop questions to ask your builder:
What kind of countertops are best for each room?
What would it take to change countertops in a few years?
What are my best ways to save money on countertops?
Will a few changes in design save some money on countertops?
Flooring
Starting with a laminate floor won't break the budget later if you decide to go tile or hardwood. The floor is one of the easier things in the kitchen to change later - and many kinds of flooring can be done with some "do it yourself" skills.
Appliances
As long as you don't want two ovens instead of one, or a bigger appliance than what you're starting with, changing out appliances is not going to involve ripping apart the entire kitchen. But before you decide to start with the most economical brands available, determine other cost factors such as energy saving and estimated life cycle.
Ask your builder if you can supply your own appliances - then shop around for the very best pricing.
Keeping Upgrades in Line
Talk to your builder about your lifestyle, and let him help guide your choices, from layout through amenities. Ask your builder if they'll let you take a second look at all your choices before making a final decision - sometimes it's easier to decide when you can sit down with the price tag for each feature.
Read about 2012 new home kitchen trends, styles, and ideas:
Kitchen Cabinets - 2012 Kitchen Cabinet Styles
Kitchen Tile Backsplash - Today's Top 5 Designs
Formal Dining Rooms - Disappearing, or Here to Stay?
Top 5 New Home Kitchen Design Trends
Finding Your New Home in the Raleigh Area
Stanton Homes makes it easy! We'll guide you through the entire process - select from thousands of different floor plans, and hundreds of different locations, with a focus on new custom homes in the upper $100s to the $500s. Custom design build options available too!
Call 919-278-8070 or visit www.StantonHomes.com to find out more about new homes in the Raleigh area today.
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Articles copyright Stanton Homes 2006-2011. Unauthorized use is not permitted. Provided for informational purposes only, no claims are made by Stanton Homes regarding the validity of any statements. Please note: all listing information per MLS, and current as of posting date. Information subject to change. Stanton Homes does not make claims to ownership of any lot listings, but can work with homebuyers to purchase available lots and build. Home plans to be approved on an individual basis, subject to neighborhood restrictive covenants and lot restrictions. Ask for further information regarding any community, lot or floor plan. Photos represent typical homes and details of each neighborhood, to help highlight different options available in the Raleigh/Triangle area. No claim of ownership is made to homes or land pictured.
You make some great points here, and lots of information my buyes can use when building new. Thanks for the post.
Lisa
Wow! Wish I read this article before I had my kitchen redone several years ago. What I messed up on is that I should have gotten a women's perspective about the design of the kitchen because what I messed up on what not having enough space. So I learned my lesson to get several opinions from men and women before starting the next kitchen remodel.
Thanks for the article again. Great job!
Beautiful presentation! Very good information- thank you for taking the time to do this.
That is a nice presentation! Thanks for sharing all the great ideas! We are considering a kitchen remodel in the somewhat near future!
Penny - very good points and great questions to consider when remodelling. Thanks for the post!
Penny, I think home owners realize when a kitchen works or doesn't, but it's not accident. You're right a great kitchen takes planning.
Steve
Penny, it's so easy to go over budget if you don't think through what is most important. This post takes the guess work out of the decision process when making kitchen selections and design choices.
Great information! That must have been time consuming. Buyers do need to think about these things when purchasing. Buying can be intimidating to most people.
Penny - Great tips. I wish we have a bigger kitchen. We love a big kitchen and lots of counter space. That is a must in a custome home. Thanks for sharing.
Very nice Penny--whether new or remodeling.. this will be helpful to play forward with clients. Thanks
Wow.
This is an extremely thorough and detailed blog post with exceptional information.
Thanks!
Really good post with very comprehensive information to consider relating to kitchens.
Hello,
Fantastic post with excellent information on kitchens! Very nicely presented!
Rita
Great bit of advice! The last house I lived in ( I am now in a condo) was custom designed by my husband & we were able to enjoy it for 18 years. The kitchen was designed with our lifestyle & preference in mind and was a constant source of enjoyment!
Richard - never hurts to get a couple extra opinions. We all have different habits in the kitchen, and women (in general) tend to cook more than men do!
BethAnn - glad you found the article helpful.
Don - kitchen remodels can be a big challenge, but I'm sure you're up for the job!
Steve - a little planning ahead makes a big difference, no matter what the budget is. Talk to someone who has experience in all kinds of price points, and let them know what you're looking for.
Sharon - with a little restraint, a kitchen can be a wonderful gathering place WITHOUT breaking the budget.
Great suggestions...can I make one ? We went to a Parade of Homes house a million years ago that had a portable island....ahhhh....have suggested and "sold" that over and over...wheel it on the deck..into the dining room, great room for a serving center or bar...counter surface in the kitchen...love it !
Thanks for the well thought out and well organized ideas! This is a great post to share.
I'm upgrading my kitchen right now, adding granite countertops and tile flooring. This is a great article for homeowners to follow.
What an exceptional post. I have just re-blogged it. Looking forward to reading your future posts. Thank you, Mark
Lovely article, and one that we don't see enough of here. I would add that in Oklahoma it is amazing how people equate quality appliances with a stainless steel front. I hate to shatter illusions that it is what's inside that counts.
Great article. We are almost finished with our kitchen overhaul, flooring is the only thing left. So many choices! But I am looking forward to my new hardwoods.
Lots of good information. It's amazing how much enjoyment one gets after getting a new kitchen. I encourage folks to do the kitchen renovation and enjoy it, verses making changes later to get the house more marketable for sale. Do and enjoy! It's the most used room in the house.
You've written a great list to think about. Thanks for sharing.
All the best, Michelle
Penny this is one of the most thorough and informative articles I have seen on ActiveRain, great job and thanks for providing it.That picture you inquired about on my post is of the new convention center.
Scott - it helps to keep a running list of everything you'd like to see. Get price tags attached to all the details, then decide what's most important to include. Your builder should be able to guide you to some of the best solutions for your dollar.
Mike - the kitchen is certainly the gathering place for many of us!
Monique - being able to customize the kitchen makes a BIG difference, and is one of the first places our clients choose to change. We're able to make changes with a very minimum of cost, one of the advantages of working with a custom builder!
Penny, as always you are a wealth of good solid information! Terrific post! Congrats on the well deserved feature post!!
This is a great post. Well written and informative.
Sally - a portable island can be a good idea for some, depending on exactly how large your ideal island is.
Kay - good luck with the remodel! Sounds like you chose well initially and are just looking to update flooring and countertops, good choices.
Mark - thanks!
Really valuable information with many good points. I have many clients who want to go overboard in one area and then neglect other areas due to over spending. I will have to keep this article to pass along to them. Thanks!
Very good information here. Thanks for sharing.
Excellent info. Makes me want to re-do my kitchen all over again.
Really enjoyed your article. Stainless steel appliances are still the most coveted appliances, and they've really come down in price. You are so right that looking for an Energy Star appliance will pay off in the long run. Updating a kitchen with a new backsplash is also an inexpensive fix, and there are some incredibly beautiful choices out there these days. I think its important to bite the bullet and invest in a good quality countertop, such as granite, as it will hold its value in resale. Thanks for such a great list.
Fantastic blog! You really have to think it all the way through! You certainly did in this post! Thanks!!
Thats a great blog post! Keep up the good work and I look forward to reading more of your posts.
Best regards, Dave
www.WestallRealEstate.com
Terrific information. Interestingly a recent report on rennovations/remodels indicated that moderatge kitchen do overs got a better return than did upscale efforts. Probably not much of a surprise since kitchens are very personal spaces.
Michael
Penny,
Great information and very thorough too. The kitchen is one of the top return on investment spots in the home when a homeowner is considering a remodel. Your post is a great guide for someone to use when looking at a remodel or even when designing a new home. The kitchen layout and materials are very important and way too often get overlooked.
Penny,
Great info - I am going to print out and keep for future reference.
kp
I am in the middle of helping a buyer right now on a new construction home. I will forward this to them! THanks.
Hi Penny -- There are a ton of choices and it's an exhausting process, yet fun if done well. Measure twice and cut once as the old saying goes.
Oh my goodness, so many decisions, I can't imagine building a home - think I would go brain dead.
Wow, there's a lot of great information in this post on how to make the right, cost effective decision.
Mike - if you're going to add a few extra feet to one room in the home, the kitchen is the place to do it!
Joe - yes, stainless steel doesn't necessarily mean quality. Look for ENERGY STAR, and make sure to select something with decent ratings. There are affordable options, but it's also easy to completely blow your budget on appliances.
Thanks everyone for the comments - looks like the comment notifications haven't been making it to my email, so I'll respond as quickly as I can!
Great information to pass on to new buyers... especially those who are trying to envisions a renovation. Thanks
Excellent advice. I firmly agree with having the home pre-wired to whever lighting may go in the future. This saves money and headaches.
Great post with excellent advice. Good things to think about with your planning and usage.
Sally - yes, good countertops and a nice backsplash can make a big difference, at a relatively low cost. A tile backsplash can also be added fairly easily later, if costs need to be lower up front.
Hi Penny!
I agree with everyone on the well thought out post! Thanks for the detailed information!! I had to take my time reading it but it was a good article!
Nice information that every buyer needs to know!
Thanks, Tom Davis
Great post Penny and some really great photos. I think the kitchen is probably the most important room in the house, I always think of it as the "heart" of a home.
Sally - I was just meeting with some of our appliance suppliers, and was surprised to hear that black appliances are back to being the most popular - stainless steel is now in second place!