Understanding the Remodeling Process

The kitchen and bath are the most essential rooms in a home. These spaces should be comfortable and welcoming, while reflecting both the homeowner's personality and a safe and efficient design solution.

The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) understands that the remodeling process can be quite overwhelming and confusing. From choosing a designer and selecting a style, to establishing and sticking to a budget, kitchen and bath projects can be daunting to any homeowner. Here are several tips from the NKBA to help simplify the process:

1. Look closely at the space. The first step is to decide what is the main purpose of your remodel. Are you looking to add extra space, upgrade the kitchen/bathroom, improve security, make changes for health reasons or just to improve your living space? Is there room to expand or redesign the existing floor plan? Get input from all members of your household to find out their wants and needs. Be sure to consider the short- and long-term implications of your renovation decisions. For example, will your choices increase or decrease the house's resale value?
2. Map out the terrain. As you make your observations, write down your daily routine on paper. The best way to evaluate the functionality of a space is to create a clear picture of what works and what doesn't work. As you do this, be sure to note all obstacles that now keep your current kitchen or bathroom from meeting your needs. Start to look closely at how you and your family use the kitchen and bath. Note traffic patterns and how accessible the important features are to all family members. It is important to decide what you want to change most and what you can keep or update later. Question everything. Don't overlook the obvious.
3. Start gathering ideas. Look through magazines and save photos of rooms, products and floor plans that catch your eye. Collect fabric, wall covering and surface samples. Visit design centers and manufacturer/supplier showrooms. Don't limit yourself to what you think you can afford at this point. Build an idea file of the things that appeal to you. The idea file will help you create a context, a look and feel that best reflects your personal tastes and will act as a stimulus and constant reference point for your plan.
4. Set a budget. You've seen what you like. Now you're getting a sense of how the things you like coincide with how you actually use the space. The next logical step is to look at what this will cost. Money is always an object, so this is a good time to determine how much you want to invest in your kitchen or bathroom. What is the total amount you are willing to spend and how much can or are you willing to borrow? Establishing your priorities early will help decide where to spend the money.
5. Find a qualified NKBA Professional. NKBA Members specialize in kitchens and bathrooms and can add value to your investment by applying their experience and expertise to the job. Consumers can easily locate one of over 36,000 NKBA Members by logging onto www.nkba.org and searching for an NKBA Professional in their area.

NKBA Members are the finest professionals in the industry and can help to make your dream kitchen or bath a reality. To find a member near you or to order your free Kitchen and Bath Consumer Workbook, call (800) THE-NKBA or visit www.nkba.org.

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Kitchen Renovation: The Plan Comes First

By Dawn West

You've looked at your kitchen one too many times and thought, "I wish I had a dishwasher, a garbage disposal, new cupboards, a window..." Whatever your wish, you've finally decided you're ready for a little kitchen renovation action. Coming up with a solid kitchen remodeling plan before you take action is absolutely essential. Start by considering three big things: function, aesthetics and feasibility.

Function
The first question to ask as you're developing your kitchen remodeling plan is: "What drives me crazy about this kitchen every time I'm in here?" Think both big and small. Do you need more storage space? More seating for your family? More light switches? A spray hose for washing dishes? Make a list of everything that would make your kitchen perfect. Include both the absolute needs... "I can't wash another dish by hand. I need a new dishwasher!" and maybe even a "want" or two... "I would love a great kitchen stereo system to listen to while I slave away over a hot stove!" Once you have your list, you can move on to the next consideration.

Aesthetics
Kitchen renovations are never just about function. They're also about style and design. Who doesn't want a drop-dead gorgeous kitchen? Some things to consider about your kitchen's appearance: Are you tired of dark cupboards? Do you want smooth marble countertops? Are you ready for some stunning Mexican tile flooring? You can turn to all sorts of places for aesthetic ideas including books, magazines, friends' kitchens. Clip pictures of what you like and make your own "dream book." This is a great way to find out what looks appeal to you. How well do your "needs" list and "wants" list mesh? As you begin to see how those lists can fit together, your kitchen remodeling plan will start to take some shape.

Feasibility
Once you know what you want your kitchen to do and what you want it to look like, you've reached the hard part of kitchen renovation planning: facing the question "Can it be done?" This question has several components. The first is structural. Sure, you want to knock out that wall and open up your kitchen to your family room, but is that a load bearing wall? The second is financial. You just love that expensive Italian marble, but you also need to be able to afford food to put in your new kitchen, so Italian marble is out. Can you afford to hire a remodeling professional? Can you afford not to? It's a game of trade-offs. Spring for the tile flooring, cross the bay window off your list and a plan starts to form. When function, aesthetics and feasibility merge, your new kitchen can become a reality.

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