by donald dusinberre imartsyfartsy@gmail.com
The kitchen and bathroom are by far the most vital rooms in the house. They’re the most vigorously used areas of any home, and they will never outlive their usefulness. You can sleep in the living room or eat in the hallway, but you can’t sauté vegetables in the bedroom and you can’t shower on the porch.
Whether you want to update the appearance, improve the functionality, or increase the value of your home, the most effective places to make improvements to your home are definitely the kitchen and the bathroom. There are countless ways to improve these spaces, so you’ll need to either consult an expert or do a great deal of research on your own. Keep in mind that if you go to a home center to do your research, they will most likely recommend the product lines with whom they are partnered.
It is important to know as much as you can about your options. There will be a huge difference in price between the cheapest and most expensive choices, so it’s best to know what you require from your materials and match your needs to the proper product. For instance, there are quite a few categories of countertops, including solid surface, cultured marble, laminate, stone/granite, tile, and engineered quartz. Some of the inexpensive choices may work perfectly fine for some applications, while others may require more exacting (and expensive) products. Don’t be deceived, though. There are some choices that are both more expensive and less practical.
If you’re on a shoestring budget, or just want a small change, try some simple and relatively inexpensive changes, like replacing your old knobs and pulls (handles) in the kitchen with a newer style. Or buy yourself a new toilet paper holder, soap dish, and towel bars for the bathroom.
To answer the toughest and most important questions concerning kitchen and bathroom remodeling, I visited Kitchen World, the kitchen and bathroom experts located on St. Augustine Road. Lisa Hilton, CKD, was helpful in answering all my questions. As a Certified Kitchen Designer, Hilton is highly qualified to see your kitchen or bathroom remodel through to the end with the latest in products and ideas.
EU: What are the signs a homeowner might look for to determine if they need a new kitchen or bathroom?
Hilton: Sometimes kitchens are completely functional but completely outdated. But when there are signs of wear and tear, drawers are not opening properly, and hinges are sagging on doors, these may indicate the need for a new kitchen or bathroom. Previously, kitchens were designed to last approximately 20 years, but we’re now seeing a longer life out of kitchens because of the quality and versatility of the products being offered today.
EU: Take us briefly through the process of remodeling a kitchen or bathroom with the services you provide.
Hilton: Our first step would be to invite homeowners to our showroom. Once they arrive at our showroom, we team them with a designer to help begin their “kitchen education.” We realize that this is a major investment for any homeowner, and being educated, not just with the materials but the entire remodeling process, helps set expectations. A customer’s satisfaction in the end product is most important to us.
Next, the designer will set an appointment to visit the homeowner to do a preliminary inspection. At this point, as well as during the initial showroom visit, we’ll be interviewing the homeowner to get a feel for how they live and use their kitchen, which will allow us to complete the personalized design phase of the project.
Once completed, the homeowners will come back to the showroom to review the designs and make changes and selections. Once the cabinetry is ordered, installations and deliveries will be scheduled. Installation times can vary depending upon the size and complexity of the project.
Our designers will work with the homeowners and oversee the entire installation, from the initial showroom visit until completion.
EU: What is the most important thing for a homeowner to remember when contemplating a remodel?
Hilton: Planning is essential in any remodel. Working with a professional designer is the key to a successful project. We help the homeowner along the way while saving them time and money by avoiding costly mistakes.
Establishing a budget is another important step in planning a remodel. According to the NKBA (National Kitchen and Bath Association), the remodeling budget for a kitchen should be between 10 and 15 percent of the overall value of the home. Not only will this maximize the return on investment, it will also help the designer and homeowner keep focused when selecting which materials to add to their new spaces.
EU: How have kitchens and their functionality evolved over the years?
Hilton: Kitchens tend to evolve as our social aspects and family life changes. Over the past decade, we have seen larger, more open floor plans. In older homes, kitchens tend to be secluded from the rest of the home and contain only the three basic centers: the sink, stove, and refrigerator. Nowadays, kitchens tend to be more open and central within the home. We see more breakfast bars and open islands to allow guests to be a part of the meal preparation process. Computer centers, wine chillers, warming drawers, and second sinks are also becoming more frequent, allowing families do more in today’s kitchens.
EU: If a homeowner could make only one change, what is the single most important change they could make to their kitchen or bathroom?
Hilton: Homeowners should examine the functionality of their kitchen, as well as keep material selections comparable to the value of the home. Try adding rollout trays and other cabinetry accessories to make life easier in your kitchen. Depending on the condition of your kitchen, perhaps a new countertop is all that is required to give that kitchen a new breath of life. New lighting and paint can make a world of difference in an outdated bathroom and give it a few more years until a major remodel needs to take place.
To contact Kitchen World or Lisa Hilton, CKD, visit them at 4556 Saint Augustine Road, Jacksonville, FL, 32207, or call 904.731.8325.
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