Show Advertising supplement produced by the Newspaper Agency Corporation The Salt Lake TribuneDeseret Morning News Saturday March 8 2004 N9 Kitchen renovation requires much planning By James and Morris Carey For AP Weekly Features A renovated kitchen not only will make meal preparation and cleanup more efficient it can greatly improve the appearance and value of a home as well Over the last couple of decades we have as remodeling contractors remodeled hundreds of kitchens No two kitchens are the same Although fundamental layout and design may be similar in many cases specific design elements and features vary from project to project according to an owner's particular needs and desires The style and finish of cabinets counters appliances flooring plumbing fixtures painting and other elements are a combination of the style of the home available space and budget limitations The kitchen renovation process isn't for The key to a successful the process The first project is a three-ste- p the second planning and the third — you guessed it — planning Although this might sound vague as the homeowner your job is to do as much as you can before the counters and cabinets are torn out to minimize confusion and make the job go smoothly Considering the complexity of most kitchen renovations there will be enough details to be concerned with during the project — no matter how thorough the planning The planning can be fun and make the renovation project go more smoothly and you will be more satisfied with the result Where does one begin? Start by making a list of what you least like about your kitchen Common complaints are the kitchen is too small too dark appliances or don't work properly are the floor is shot there's not enough storage cabinets are the wrong color or species and artificial lighting is poor Then make a list of the features you would like to incorporate such as new cabinets filled with convenient storage accessories maintenance-friendl- y flooring and counters a shiny new sink and faucet rt new appliances task lighting etc When it comes to dreaming the sky is the limit However you will need to come down to earth when your budget is a considered Fortunately kitchen renovation is one of the best investments you can make Thus you might be shooting yourself in the foot by cutting too many corners Looking for ideas? Model homes home shows home centers contractor showrooms and design studios are resources for gathering information and product samples Home and garden magazines are also an excellent resource Find something you like tear out the page and put it in a "kitchen renovation" file Next incorporate your "dreams" into a design This usually involves assistance from a kitchen design professional This can be an independent professional or an individual associated with a design-buil- d remodeling firm an appliance retailer or home center Beyond sensitivity to style faint-heart- le state-of-the-a- dollar-for-doll- ar and finish the design professional will have an understanding of fundamental design elements such as the "work triani gle" — an imaginary path that connects the kitchen's three primary work areas — the sink the refrigerator and the range or cook top Keeping the triangle suited for the way you use your kitchen will yield efficient use of space The designer will use solid design principles to make your wish list and budget work together And budget is the next step in the planning process If you're like many folks you have champagne taste and a beer budget Fortunately with the rise in property values many homeowners have ample equity against which to borrow That coupled with historically low interest rates means many people can have their dream kitchen and end up with a monthly mortgage payment equal to or lower than their existing payment The final step in the kitchen renovation planning process is to choose an installation professional to pull all the details together — to make your dream kitchen a reality Often the installation team and the design professional are the same This is usually the case with a design-buil- d remodeling contractor or a home center that offers optional installation when sup- Renovating the kitchen isn't for the d However an updated kitchen plying products Choose a contractor or will greatly improve the efficiency appearance and value of a home installation team with whom you feel comfortable working and has a proven track record Friends and neighbors that have had similar work done are a good Ustings from $74000 to $20000000 Condos New Construction Land Commercial Income Properties & Farms resource Never let price be your guide U " """'Choosing the low bidder might be a big mistake Typically all else being equal the average of several thorough bids is " Tm j your best choice So what's hot and what's not when it comes to kitchen design? Lowe's commissioned a quarterly Trendex survey of 500 it WAYN2 COUNTY homeowners to provide a current gauge of homeowners' kitchen remodeling and renKOTO SANDY MLS 417655 MLS 395755 ovating design preferences According to 7452 sq foot commercial This 6 Bedroom 4 Bath home the survey "creating a spacious inviting with handicapped is packed with extras! 4800 building atmosphere while incorporating natural access kitchen square feet w central vacuum range sleek design elements into decor" is the hardwood floors jetted tub central air and laundry central air and intercom general theme that American homeowners swimming pool Estate Sale 2084 Sample Cove (7885 S) are seeking What features does the ideal $1250000 American kitchen include according to the $495000 Reduced to $550000 survey? Wide open spaces an island (76 percent) a walk-i- n pantry (72 percent) natural or laminate wood cabinets (88 perGARYM cent) natural stone countertops such as HUNTSMAN granite (47 percent) stainless steel appliances (46 percent) chrome fixtures (29 GUI CRS SALESPERSON OF percent) tile (43 percent) or hardwood THE YEAR CERTIFIED flooring (37 percent) plenty of natural INTERNATIONAL lighting such as skylights (55 percent) SPECIALIST CAPABLE OF WEST JORDAN and a professional quality audio-visuWORKING WITH ALL MLS 420641 LANGUAGES system (58 percent) Like newl Open floor plan When asked whether their dream kitchen Complete finished basement would feature a personal chef or if they Great redwood deck off back www IunumtnGroupcom would rather do the honors themselves of home Mountain views most homeowners (68 percent) would 7757 S Berry Glen Clr CO choose to don the chefs hat (4820 W) For more $193900 tips and faint-hearte- "Featured Properties" of Huntsman & Associates SHE al nt information visit our Web site at wwwonthehousecom hUntsmn iitol I' |