Home Remodeling Plans - Do Your Homework And Find Someone Trustworthy

Helen Yanulus
Pocono Life Writer

Americans spent an estimated $210 billion on residential remodeling in 2005, and the most popular areas to renovate are kitchens and baths.

Mike Gillenkirk, owner of Kitchen Tune-Up of Pocono Pines, said, "It's a huge industry. If you take your remodeling dollars and apply them anywhere in the home, the most cost-effective is in the kitchen and bath areas."

That's because the way people use their homes has changed.

"From a kitchen standpoint, it has evolved into a gathering area, the center of the home," Gillenkirk said. "They're entertaining there and want space that is inviting, comfortable and up-to-date."

Gillenkirk has found that the majority of decision makers in his clientele are women over age 45. He has asked them, and all his customers, why they want a change.

Usually the quality of what exists in the room isn't up to par, and they would like to change that. Sometimes, clients need more room and need to redesign the space to accommodate that need. Some simply want to change the look of the cabinets.

On average, Gillenkirk estimated that people spend between $20,000 and $50,000 to completely renovate their kitchen, particularly if the room needs to be redesigned. The cost is much less for refacing cabinets and other cosmetic changes without changing the design, which may be priced under $10,000.

So when investing in a home, Gillenkirk had a few helpful tips to get the homeowner through the process.

Examine the design. "Ask, 'Am I happy with the size of my kitchen? Can I live with the present design?' " Gillenkirk said. Changing the design can be costly but worth it in the end. This is truly a matter of budget.

What are your dreams? Do you want something dramatically different? Do you want to knock out a wall for more space? Even though some dreams may be costly, by deciding what is important to you will help you to come up with a list of must haves versus would like to have. "Make sure your voice is heard, and you get out all you want in your new kitchen," Gillenkirk said.

Are the cabinets in good shape? They may be in good condition, but you may be tired of the look. This might qualify for refacing, which is less costly than new or custom cabinets.

Decide on a budget. What can you spend? Where will you get the money? Savings, a home-equity loan and financing by contractors are some options. Also, be prepared for unforeseen circumstances, such as bad wiring or a rotting subfloor. Those may add to the cost of the job.

Find a good contractor. Seek out referrals from family and friends. "A referral from someone who has worked with the contractor is the best way to go," Gillenkirk said. Also, check references and get two or three bids. "Don't get hung up on the price. It's tempting to grab the lowest price supplier, but look at a variety of things, including the trust of the salesperson, the pictures of completed work, reputation," Gillenkirk said.

Find someone you trust. "Trust is so important. If no one is there, the work has to be done during the week. The homeowner must provide a key," Gillenkirk said.

Be prepared for a mess. "You have to break a few eggs to make an omelet. There will be a disturbance in the home. Ask the potential contractor, 'Do you clean up each night?'"

Don't be afraid. Gillenkirk said, "People should not be scared off by what they see in slick magazines and on HGTV. Kitchen makeovers can be a lot more affordable."

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