The
kitchen and bath are the most essential rooms in a home. These
spaces should be comfortable and welcoming, while reflecting
both the homeowner's personality and a safe and efficient
design solution. The National Kitchen & Bath Association
(NKBA) understands that the remodeling process can be quite
overwhelming and confusing. From choosing a designer and selecting
a style, to establishing and sticking to a budget, kitchen
and bath projects can be daunting to any homeowner. Here are
several tips from the NKBA to help simplify the process: |
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Look Closely at the Space:
The first step is to decide what is the main purpose of your
remodel. Are you looking to add extra space, upgrade the kitchen/bathroom,
improve security, make changes for health reasons or just to
improve your living space? Is there room to expand or redesign
the existing floor plan? Get input from all members of your
household to find out their wants and needs. Be sure to consider
the short- and long-term implications of your renovation decisions.
For example, will you choices increase or decrease the house's
resale value? |
Map out the Terrain:
As you make your observations, write down your daily routine
on paper. The best way to evaluate the functionality of a
space is to create a clear picture of what works and what
doesn't work. As you do this, be sure to note all obstacles
that now keep your current kitchen or bathroom from meeting
your needs. Start to look closely at how you and your family
use the kitchen and bath. Note traffic patterns and how accessible
the important features are to all family members. It is important
to decide what you want to change most and what you can keep
or update later. Question everything. Don't overlook the obvious.
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Start
Gathering Ideas: Look through magazines and save
photos of rooms, products and floor plans that catch your eye.
Collect fabric, wall covering and surface samples. Visit design
centers and manufacturer/supplier showrooms. Don't limit yourself
to what you think you can afford at this point. Build an idea
file of the things that appeal to you. The idea file will help
you create a context, a look and feel that best reflects your
personal tastes and will act as a stimulus and constant reference
point for your plan. |
Set
a Budget: You've seen what you like. Now you're
getting a sense of how the things you like coincide with how
you actually use the space. The next logical step is to look
at what this will cost. Money is always an object, so this
is a good time to determine how much you want to invest in
your kitchen or bathroom. What is the total amount you are
willing to spend and how much can or are you willing to borrow?
Establishing your priorities early will help decide where
to spend the money.
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Find
a Qualified NKBA Professional: NKBA Members specialize
in kitchens and bathrooms and can add value to your investment
by applying their experience and expertise to the job. Consumers
can easily locate one of over 36,000 NKBA Members by logging
onto www.nkba.org and searching for an NKBA Professional in
their area.
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NKBA
members are the finest professionals in the industry and can
help to make your dream kitchen or bath a reality. To find
a member near you or to order your free Kitchen and Bath Consumer
Workbook, call (800) THE-NKBA or visit www.nkba.org.
This article was submitted by David J Dietz of DJ Dietz Designs
llc of Reedsburg Wi., with permission from the NKBA. DJ Dietz
Designs llc is a member of the NKBA and has a Certified Kitchen
Designer on staff. They can be reached at 608-524-4899, or
www.djdietz.com |
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