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How do I decide which room to remodel first?

Kitchen Remodeling Contractors

No matter how beautiful and modern your home is, it’s going to feel dated after a few years. Let’s be honest: trends come and go. Anyone remember when red accent walls were all the rage?

New Kitchen RemodelAesthetics aside, you should consider remodeling areas of your home so they stay fresh and appealing in the event you ever want to sell it. Or, if you’ve just moved in, a remodeling project allows you to customize your home and leave lasting personal touches – which really makes it feel like yours.

Now. Let’s get started. But… where to begin?

That’s the million dollar question for you and any homeowner considering making some big changes. All you have to do is Google “which room should I remodel first?” and more than 113 million results show up. Look toward the top of the search results and you’ll see that many home improvement experts suggest that a kitchen overhaul is a wise first step when starting construction projects around the house.

Now that you know a kitchen remodel is at the top of your list, you’ll need to find a contractor to do the work. Visit Contractor Scan to find a reputable, reliable local pro to tackle the job at a price you’re comfortable with.

The kitchen is more than a place to cook. It’s where families connect, share, laugh and live. Kids do their homework in the kitchen. Some folks watch TV in the kitchen. It’s truly the heart of the home.

A kitchen remodel costs an average of just over $21,000 nationally, according to experts. It tends to yield about a 70 to 80 percent return on investment. That means you’re likely to get a good chunk of your money back when you put the house on the market, since a house with a beautiful, modern kitchen is more likely to sell than one that is dated.

Visitors – including potential home buyers – usually see the kitchen first. Bathroom doors can be shut, but kitchens are front and center for everyone to see. A really great kitchen can set the tone for the rest of the house.

Now that you’ve decided on the kitchen for your first remodeling project, it’s time to get organized. Here’s a checklist of some things to remember:

  • Think about what you want in a kitchen. A foodie and amateur chef might want a different kind of kitchen than, say, a busy soccer mom who is always on the go. Look through magazines and home improvement websites and visit your local retail building center. Select looks, colors and textures you like and ask questions.
  • Determine your budget. Be realistic and never invest more than you can recover when you sell your home. Give yourself a little wiggle room in the event of emergencies, mishaps, higher-priced materials and other unexpected costs.
  • Tackle kitchen cabinets first. Consider what type of wood you want to use and how much storage you need. If you can’t afford to replace your kitchen cabinets, repainting them and installing new fixtures can make a huge difference.
  • Choose countertops. There are so many options to choose from! Concrete, quartz, granite, laminate and stone are just a few. Installation costs tend to vary depending on what type of material is used.
  • Choose flooring that is durable in high-moisture and high-traffic areas. Wood floors are becoming more popular, though ceramic tile remains a common choice. Laminate offers a variety of styles and colors. Laminate and ceramic are easy to clean in the event of cooking spills or muddy feet.
  • Pick out appliances that fit your needs. Have a big family and need a lot of food storage in the fridge? Do you freeze a lot of meals? How often do you cook verses ordering take-out? There is a lot to consider, and thankfully a lot of beautiful appliances to choose from with features that make sense for anyone.
  • Select paint. Since kitchens are a busy area of the home, they need extra cleaning. That includes the walls. A satin or semi-gloss finish is best for the kitchen. Satin finishes are easy to clean and stand up to grease, dirt and mildew.
  • Choose faucets and sinks. Stainless steel, porcelain-enameled cast iron and copper are just a few. Define how you use faucets and sinks. Do you wash dishes or use the dishwasher? Some materials can scratch, so think about whether or not you need heavy-duty, durable finishes.
  • Be choosy about lighting. Recessed lighting is perfect for ambient or general kitchen lighting. Chandeliers are elegant. Pendants are great for kitchen islands.
  • Hire a contractor and check him or her out. Contractor Scan can help you find the perfect local professional to take on your kitchen remodel. Visit contractorscan.com to get started.

Remodeled BathroomHave fun! This is your dream home. Make the most of it with a great remodel and the right contractor.

About Contractor Scan

Contractor Scan takes the guesswork out of finding the best in the industry to complete your home improvement project. We search for and screen talented, trusted and reliable local contractors for you – which saves you time and money. Visit contractorscan.com to quickly and easily find a great contractor to help improve your home.

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