Kitchen Counseling 101

Kitchens are one of the perennially popular rooms to remodel and one of the most expensive.

But, there's more to a kitchen remodel than the budget and cost recovery. Most kitchen designers say there are trade-offs that each owner has to make in order to get the kitchen of their dreams. Most of it revolves around the following set of questions. When you answer these questions you'll get a sense of what's involved in good kitchen design.

What do you NOT like about your current kitchen?

Make an itemized list. If you're like many homeowners in need of a kitchen update, your list will include things such as:

• There's not enough counter space
• It's too dark
• The cook can't converse easily with guests
• Counter space is inconveniently located
• There's no room for two people to work at the same time
• The stove, sink and 'frig are too far apart
• The dish storage is too high for the kids to reach

What are your must-haves? Do they contradict each other?

For instance, if you want a more open floor plan and better access to the rest of the family activities, you need to be prepared for the fact that whatever mess the kitchen is in will be visible to all.

What's the budget?

Select the three biggest features you'd like to change and be sure you're able to afford them before going overboard. The Cost Value Report provides ballpark cost ranges for remodeling contractors. Those same statistics can work well for you, too.

What Does the Cost-Value Report Say About Kitchen Remodels?

A Mid-Range Kitchen Remodel

Figure on a round number cost of $40,000. Here's what it will include:

• Update an outmoded 200-square-foot kitchen
• installation of a functional layout of new cabinets
• laminate countertops,
• standard double-tub stainless steel sink with standard single-lever faucet
• energy-efficient wall oven
• cooktop
• ventilation system
• built-in microwave
• dishwasher
• garbage disposer,
• custom lighting
• new resilient flooring
• painted walls, trim, and ceiling
• 30 linear feet of semi-custom wood cabinets
• a 3-by-5-foot island

The Upscale Version

Expect to spend something over $68,000 for the upscale kitchen makeover. It will include:

• Update outmoded 200-square-foot kitchen
• 30 linear feet of custom cherry cabinets
• stone countertops with imported ceramic tile backsplash
• built-in refrigerator
• 36-inch commercial-grade range and vent hood
• built-in warming drawer
• trash compactor
• built-in combination microwave and convection oven
• high-end undermount sink with designer faucets and built-in water filtration system
• new general and task lighting, including low-voltage under-cabinet lights
• cork flooring
• cherry trim.

Frameless, Shallow Cabinets Recommended

Kitchen designers offer such tips as frameless cabinets and drawers for their superior storage and accessibility. Another good rule of thumb is to avoid cabinetry that's much deeper than 12 or 13 inches. It's too easy to lose things in the recesses of your cupboards. If you MUST have 24-inch deeep cabinets, be sure they include rollout shelving.

Finally, don't forget little things, like toe kicks at the end of a counter or peninsula. That small undercabinet space will make standing and working, or just standing and chatting with the chef more comfortable.