Kenneth Lewis Blog

Now is an excellent time to remodel your kitchen.  With summer about to start, the economy starting to pick up, now is the perfect time to start planning the kitchen project.  Kitchens are one of the most used spaces in the home, the “heart of the home”; used for homework, dinner parties, and coffee breaks.  How we use them plays a role in how we update them.

Before you begin your kitchen remodel project, ask yourself some questions:

• What do you want from the kitchen remodeling project? What is your budget in both time and money?
• To determine the scope of work think about the following:
• How many people work in the kitchen regularly?
• What condition are your cabinets in behind the old paint or ugly knobs and pulls?
• What is your cooking style?
• Who uses the kitchen and what do they do there?
• How important is easy cleanup?
• If you could splurge on one luxury, what would it be?

Don’t forget that you have options when it comes to cabinets. If you don’t need an entirely new kitchen layout, you may not need new kitchen cabinets. Cabinet refacing and refinishing are the perfect option for you. This dramatically cuts down on both the time you spend on the remodel and the amount of money you spend on the remodel.

When deciding to begin the project, remember that your home is still your biggest investment.  And you want to have the highest return possible on that investment, especially if are selling sometime in the near future.
 
Fortunately a kitchen remodeling project is something that recaptures nearly 100% return if you stay within the maximum 15% of the home's current market value.  

The entire kitchen project (including cabinets, appliances, countertops, flooring, lighting) should cost no less than 5% and no more than 15% of the current value of your home with approximately 50% of the total cost allocated for kitchen cabinets if you are buying new.

If you go through this exercise and determine that you either don’t have a large budget, or you don’t need to redesign the layout of the kitchen, contact Cabinetry by Kenneth C. Lewis.

Excerpts from The Baynet

Only a small minority of homeowners undertake a massive kitchen remodel that entails gutting the room and starting from scratch. Since the kitchen is the most expensive and inconvenient room to renovate, it’s commonly tackled bit-by-bit. With careful planning and organization it’s possible to transform your space and budget costs and achieve that dream kitchen you envisioned.

Cabinetry: New cabinets are often the most expensive part of a kitchen remodeling project. However, they don’t need to be. If your cabinets are in good condition and are made of solid hardwood, then you should consider cabinet refacing or cabinet refinishing.

By stripping and refinishing your old cabinets or replacing the cabinet doors with new, your cabinets will have a brand new look. It is very possible to combine new doors and drawer fronts with refinishing cabinets for a totally new design.

Replace the countertops: Countertops can really change a kitchen. Granite countertops is an investment that will not be wasted. If you can't afford granite slab, consider granite tiles for your countertop instead. Instead of replacing the sink, consider changing the faucet for an updated look.

Flooring should be the last step: The most common mistake homeowners make in the planning process is prematurely replacing flooring. Resist the urge to replace flooring until the other renovations are complete.

Local10.com

Usually in Massachusetts, home repairs and renovations season usually doesn’t start until May. This year is different. Homeowners already are beginning their home renovations and repair projects.

The early start to the renovation season has lots to do with the unseasonably mild weather and early start to spring. But there is another reasons for it too.

Staying put

It may be a buyer’s market for house hunters, but not everyone is in a position to take advantage of the low prices and low interest rates. As a result, some homeowners are staying put and putting their money into their existing homes. Many homeowners are choosing to reinvest in their kitchens and the exterior of their homes.

Homeowners most often opt for kitchen remodeling, decks, exteriors and outdoor living spaces.

Kitchens are the center of a home. It’s not just a place to prepare food. It’s where a house becomes a home. But more and more homeowners are doing kitchen face lifts, rather than an entire, expensive remodel.

For a more economical solution, when the size and foot print of the kitchen are fine, replace the countertops and spruce up the cabinets with cabinet refacing and refinishing.

For information on kitchen cabinet refacing and refinishing, contact Kenneth C. Lewis Cabinetry.

FDLReporter

As the weather starts to warm and flowers start to bloom, so does the desire of homeowners to get to their home remodeling to-do lists and projects.
 
The top trends in home remodeling based on industry statistics and customer requests indicate that people are choosing to do a series of smaller upgrades around the house rather than tackle larger renovation projects.

The most popular home remodeling job remains a kitchen makeover. Kitchens are the most popular room in the house to remodel. Homeowners in the market to sell their home recoup an average of 81% from their investment in a kitchen remodel. But smaller kitchen upgrades are what are becoming more and more popular. Cabinet refacing and refinishing are the perfect solution to a kitchen that has good layout and just needs upgrading.

Kitchen upgrades offer convenience for those homeowners wishing to stay in their home. Granite countertops, farmhouse sinks, and newly refinished kitchen cabinets are all popular choices.

Bathroom remodels are always a must-do project. Usually costing less than a kitchen remodel, many homeowners are turning their bathrooms into a spa. Updating a bathroom with new tile, vanities with granite or quartz countertops and dual rain shower set the tone for relaxation after a long day at the office.

A large amount of homeowners are doing remodeling projects that enhance their living space. For information on your kitchen or bath remodeling project, contact Kenneth C. Lewis Cabinet Refinishing.

NJ.com

Spring is the time that many homeowners start to consider kitchen and bathroom renovations, but right now is the perfect time to consider these renovations.  Plumbers have better availability after the winter heating season and skilled workers are still available before the busy summer season. So when spring cleaning reveals older and worn cabinetry and vanities, call Cabinetry by Kenneth C. Lewis.

A full kitchen renovation can cost quite a bit of money based on a variety of details along with the condition of the existing plumbing and electric.  Kitchen upgrades and smaller renovations with a big effect can be done for much less.  Great ways to change the look of your kitchen on a tight budget could include replacing cabinet doors, counter-tops, hardware, flooring and painting to name a few.

Likewise, partial bathroom projects or smaller bathroom renovations with a "WOW" factor can be completed for much less than a full make-over.  Vanity refacing or refinishing, a new toilet and sink, or just a new faucet, and painting are a few suggestions.

For more cost effective kitchen and bath renovations, contact Cabinetry by Kenneth C. Lewis.

Forget about the living room; the kitchen is the social hub of a home. Today's homeowners want their kitchens to reflect their personal tastes and accommodate their daily lives.

A dream kitchen is one that reflects the way you live. The best advice for anyone looking to remodel their kitchen is to think about how you use it, and how it affects your lifestyle. Do you need a new kitchen layout, or will newly refinished cabinets and countertops suit you fine?

Everyone uses the kitchen to prepare food, but many homeowners use their kitchen for entertaining, crafting, or just spending time with their families.  Often the existing kitchen cabinets are fine, just in need of a face lift with cabinet refinishing or cabinet refacing. This changes the whole look without a whole remodel.

Home Chefs
Food preparation and cooking are the primary functions of a kitchen, but creating an environment for gourmet cooking is a special treat for homeowners who consider themselves "at-home chefs."

Entertainers
For Most parties, everyone ends up in the kitchen. Homeowners who like to entertain should consider whether or not their kitchen is attractive for entertaining. There are several features that can help make the party successful.

A kitchen island helps make entertaining easier. Not only can an island provide extra seating and serving space, it can include great storage.

Open shelving  and glass doors on your cabinets also adds a great design element for a kitchen used for entertaining. These shelves allow the homeowner to display beautiful dishware and glasses; and guests can help themselves to a plate for appetizers or a glass for wine.

Moms
Moms know that having young children can make the kitchen a challenging space, but there are features to make this room more kid friendly. Soft-closing drawers and doors can protect against hurt hands.

Original article RSI Media

These days with the home market the way it is, more and more homeowners are staying put rather than selling with these low home prices.

But staying put doesn’t mean they are not upgrading. Homeowners are remodeling their homes to make them what they want them to be.

Upgrading and redecorating a house can be done in small steps, or in one overhaul, depending on your available time and finances, and the upgrades you want to do.

For example, redesigning your kitchen with new appliances, cabinetry, flooring and wall color will require a lot more time, money and decision making on your part than refinishing or refacing your cabinets and putting in new countertops. However, the effect is the same.

If you have a kitchen where you love the layout, and what you really need is a face lift, contact Kenneth C. Lewis Cabinetry.

Are you considering beginning a kitchen remodeling or renovation project in the next few months? If so, head to the New England Home Show in February. Kenneth C Lewis Cabinetry will be there and we would love to speak with you about Cabinet Refinishing or Cabinet Refacing.

Cabinet Refinishing is a less expensive way to address your old and shabby kitchen cabinets.  You can still have a beautiful or elite looking kitchen, and cabinet refinishing is a less time consuming option and a great way to send money. And the cost can be lower if your cabinets and doors are in good shape.  Many decorative effects can be achieved during any cabinet refinishing project with paint or stain.

Cabinet Refacing is a bit more expensive than cabinet refinishing, but far less expensive than replacing your kitchen cabinets entirely. Cabinet refacing involves the replacement of the door and drawer fronts. A veneer of new wood is also applied over the existing cabinets.

Both of these options are easier, less time consuming and much less expensive. For more information contact us, and come see us at the New England Home Show in February.