Remodeling or completely renovating a kitchen can be a big task, but it also has the best return on investment of any home improvement.

But these improvements dont come cheap. A 2013 U.S. Census Bureau report noted the cost of an average kitchen remodel was $5,000, with the price tag for complete renovation at $27,353.

Given these costs, remodeling experts say there are ways to save in order to have money to splurge on key items.

Begin with a detailed floor plan, said Ariel Darmoni, managing partner at 123 Remodeling, a general contractor firm featured in Houzz and on HGTV.

Its going to be so much more if you dont have a floor plan that works for you, because making changes later costs more. You can also save money if you dont have to move plumbing and electric, even if youre taking down walls, he said.

Dont skimp on important life-safety improvements like mold remediation and ventilation, said Beverley Kruskol, owner of M.Y. Pacific Building, a general contractor who has worked with high-end renovations, including for Mario Batalis restaurants in Los Angeles.

Tile, flooring and lighting can be both economical and beautiful, Kruskol said.

Tile is a great place to save money. There are thousands of styles, and theyre so amazing, she said.

Porcelain and ceramic tiles can be used on both floor and in kitchen backsplashes, said Suzanne Falk, of Suzanne Falk Interior Design and a ghost designer on HGTVs Kitchen Crashers.

Tile is cheaper than hardwood flooring, and Darmoni prefers tile floors in kitchens because wood floors can be easily damaged by water leaks from dishwashers.

Big-box retailers sell attractive tiles for a fraction of the cost versus whats sold at designer showrooms, Falk said. For people who have their heart set on high-end tile, she recommended highlighting it in a specific area, such as a backsplash around the range, and then framing it with subway tiles, which Falk said are her go-to tiles.

Distinctive, affordable lighting options are available at retail stores versus paying up at a showroom, they said.

Compared to what was available four or five years ago, you can get beautiful lamps at a fraction of the cost, Kruskol said.

Choose a nicer faucet over a sink, Darmoni said, but look at the faucet construction. Better-made faucets have durable metal cartridges inside, which are the valves that turn on the water and mix temperatures.

High-end appliances might be a worthy splurge; however, Kruskol said homeowners should think about how they use them and how long theyll be in the home.

If youre in a condo, I dont think you need to spend the money to get a Wolf range, but it depends on your lifestyle, she said.

Homeowners who arent doing a gut rehab and really are scrimping can get new doors and hardware for their existing cabinets, Kruskol said, which can quickly update the look. Even refinishing existing doors can refresh a tired kitchen.

The two areas worth a splurge are cabinets and countertops, they said. Consider stepping up to semi-custom cabinets from a local cabinet supplier and avoiding the big-box retailer.

Working with a local cabinet supplier to design creative storage can help eliminate a lot of the wasted space in kitchens, Kruskol said. Upgrades such as pull-out shelves and Lazy Susans are useful, but Falk warned about getting carried away with other costly upgrades like appliance garages and built-in spice drawers. These can look nice but may not be practical, she added.

Another benefit to using semi-custom cabinets is they can be designed to fit a homes inevitable imperfections in a way prefabricated cabinets cant, said Darmoni and Falk.

All three said consider upgrading to natural stone countertops versus manufactured styles. Not only do they look beautiful, but they will last for years. Granite has always been popular, but high-end materials such as quartz and quartzite are becoming affordable.

The one stone they dont recommend for kitchens is marble.

Its porous and stains easily. For instance, if you put a coffee cup on it, it gets a ring that doesnt go away, Kruskol said.

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At Home: Where to save, splurge in kitchen remodel - Topeka Capital Journal

This press release was orginally distributed by SBWire

Warrington, PA -- (SBWIRE) -- 05/26/2017 -- Spring and summer are the perfect times of year for any home improvement projects to take place. The warm weather is a great change of pace and results in more people spending time outside. However, finding the right contractor to do the job is a lot more difficult. One company that has built a dependable reputation among the community is Joseph's Affordable Plumbing.

For over 40 years, Joseph's Affordable Plumbing has been a reliable leader in plumbing and heating in Glenside, PA. Outside from specializing in plumbing and heating, Joseph's Affordable Plumbing also specializes in bathroom and kitchen remodeling.

"We definitely see an increase in home remodeling once spring starts to roll around," said Joseph Greenstein of Joseph's Affordable Plumbing. "Getting work done on your house during the winter can be really tough. The winter months are already brutal enough due to the weather, plus you have to add in all the holiday commotion. Once the cold weather breaks and you're able to spend more time outside and less time inside where the work is being done, the easier it is to get a room in your house remodeled."

Interested customers looking for a company skilled in drain cleaning in Philadelphia, PA, kitchen and bathroom remodeling or maintenance for any plumbing and heating issues are strongly urged to get in touch with Joseph's Affordable Plumbing immediately. Potential customers can visit their website at http://www.josephsaffordable.com/ or give them a call (215)-310-5945 today!

About Joseph's Affordable Plumbing Joseph's Affordable Plumbing offers three generations of plumbing experience. The company services Northeast Philadelphia, Mount Airy, Germantown Glenside, Elkins Park, Huntingdon Valley, Feasterville, Roslyn, Warrington, Warminster, and many other surrounding communities. Joseph's Affordable Plumbing offers a wide away of plumbing services that include drain cleanings, hot water heater repairs, sewage pumps, and emergency plumbing seven days per week.

For more information, visit http://www.josephsaffordable.com/.

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Joseph's Affordable Plumbing Offers Kitchen Remodeling Services This Spring - Digital Journal

Austin, TX - Specialist Kitchen design and remodeling company Kitchen Central, is delighted to announce that they have experienced significant growth in the last 12-month period.

The company which is based in Austin Texas feels that this is due to their attention to detail, and outstanding customer service team. Purchasing a kitchen is a significant investment, but should also be an enjoyable experience. The company has developed a customer centric, streamlined process, that incorporates a 3d planning system.

Every customer is given a personal representative, who will walk them through the process, and help them to visualize the finished product, prior to ordering. Kitchen design can be a challenging and technical process, but with the correct tools and information, a fulfilling experience is readily achievable

We are delighted with the growth and expansion our business has experienced over the last 12 months, said Gazi Kose of Kitchen Central. Our aim has always been to deliver the perfect kitchen for every customer, but we also feel it is essential that the experience itself is enjoyable. All of our staff are trained and knowledgeable, and perhaps most importantly of all dedicated to the customer and their requirements. We will offer advice and expertise when it is asked for, but we never forget that it is the customer who needs to be happy and make the final decision. The vast majority of our new business comes from customer recommendations, which we see as a validation of the customer service and quality of product that we deliver.

Kitchen Central is a kitchen and bathroom design and installation company based in Austin Texas. Formed in 2009, they have many years of experience, and their market leading customer service team, are always available to help the decision process. With a large percentage of repeat customers and new business as a consequence of client recommendations, the company has continued to grow and expand year on year.

If you are looking for a new kitchen then visit their website at kitchencentral.com

Media Contact Company Name: Kitchen Central Contact Person: Gazi Kose Email: info@kitchencentral.com Phone: 512-354-2230 Address:3010 W Anderson Ln City: Austin State: Tx 78757 Country: United States Website: kitchencentral.com

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Texas Kitchen Remodeling Company Enjoying Significant Growth Year on Year - Digital Journal

By Teri Ann Loeser

Kitchens & Baths by Artie Small License No. H1719370000 (516) 785-8393

General contractor Artie Small learned his craft at a very young age. Starting in his teens, he worked with his father, who was in the home improvement business for 30 years until passing in 1983. Artie Small excelled in bathroom tile repair, finding the source of leaks, and eventually branched out into bathroom remodeling. In the early 90s, he joined forces with Ray Jutt, a master carpenter, and expanded to include kitchen remodeling. Now they also handle interior carpentry, windows, doors, moldings and sheetrock work.

Happiness is a watertight shower, said Small, who will take on most any job, from a leaky faucet or broken tiles, to a whole bathroom or kitchen remodel. Sometimes, repairs are done to hold clients over until they can afford their dream job. Small works with professionals he has known for decades - master plumbers, electricians and carpenters. In addition to being hands-on himself, he coordinates and supervises all phases of the work.

Small will come to a residence and work with a client to plan a remodel. Customers can view books, or see finished jobs via computer. He works with Blackman Plumbing Supply, which has multiple showrooms, and he encourages customers to save pictures from magazines for ideas. Computer renderings can be provided for kitchen and bathroom layouts, if needed. The business keeps up with the latest techniques and materials to ensure lasting beauty and performance. And, they have the ability to make design and structural changes on the fly to please a customer. We solve problems with integrity, without taking shortcuts, added Small.

The care and quality of our kitchen installations caught the eye of a well-known high-quality cabinet manufacturer, Craft-Maid, in Pennsylvania. Over the years, we have become their go to company for all their warranty work in the Tri State Area. Long lasting relationships with local suppliers and manufacturers have been built as well, which allows for special considerations when acquiring special products and services.

Kitchens & Baths by Artie Small works hard to understand the customers needs, build trust, and keep the business very personal. All verbal estimates are free. A nominal fee is charged for written estimates and insurance documents, which is credited to the proposed work being done. They take pride in keeping the worksite neat and clean. References can be provided. Calls are usually returned the same day. The business has been serving Nassau County for over 30 years.

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Expert craftsmanship, from repairs to remodels - liherald.com

Kitchen Designs by Ken Kellys focus is on DESIGN, and this is what sets us apart when creatingbeautiful kitchens. Our design process is intentional and customized to your specific needs, your desired aesthetic, and the architectural integrity of your home. Our design team has created some of the most beautiful custom kitchens onLong Island and in the surrounding areasthat aretrendsetting inthe industry. Our owners, Ken and Grace, sit on industrydesign councils and travel throughout America and Europe finding the best products andtechnology available on the market. When browsing the project gallery, please note that large kitchens are easier to photograph; althoughwe do high-end custom kitchensfor those whohave that kind of budget,our specialty and expertise truly helps those on abudget as well. It gives us tremendous pleasure knowing that we can give youthe highest quality possible and the best design for your investmentno matter how large or small of a project.Enjoy the kitchen design gallery. If you prefer to flip through photos only, scroll down to the photos only section.

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Custom Kitchens | Kitchen Designers | Long Island | New ...

My husband and I really did our homework when it came time to remodel the entire first floor of our... read more house (kitchen, bath, dining room, living room, windows, doors, and floors). We spent numerous time researching and meeting with contractors for ideas and estimates. With a flexible work schedule, we had time to meet with many. The moment we met Robert from Royal Kitchens and Baths, we knew he was the one. Robert showed the patience and understanding of what my husband and I were trying to accomplish and he had wonderful ideas for those details that we were indecisive about. To make the decision process even easier for us, his pricing was extremely fair and attractive. Once we signed and the work began, his crew was outstanding. They were professional, clean, and talented. Another thing we were impressed about during the construction was that Robert was often at our house monitoring the work and, at times, even performed some tasks. The project was completed in a timely manner as Robert explained to us prior. The quality of work was beautiful. My husband and I are so happy with the results and was fortunate to have no issues. Robert remained patient with us and accommodated us throughout the project as, at times, we requested some changes in the original plans. Our friends and family that were familiar with how our house looked before the construction can't believe it is the same house. And for all our friends and family who came to our house for the first time after the construction, each and everyone of them made compliments about its beautiful looks and design. Thank you, Robert!!!

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Kitchen Remodeling - Royal Kitchens & Baths

SEATTLE (AP) A man, who federal prosecutors label a cheat and a bully, will spend time in prison for tax crimes.

Brent Meisner, who was found to have left about $170,000 in income off his 2009 tax return, was sentenced Friday to 1 years prison, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer reports.

Meisner, a former executive with an Alaskan Native corporation subsidiary, was convicted of the tax crime in February.

Though Meisner was acquitted of conspiracy and extortion-related charges in Tacoma, Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Reese Jennings and Siddharth Velamoor maintain Meisner defrauded Doyon Ltd., a Fairbanks corporation wholly owned by Alaska Natives.

"Meisner was not merely a tax cheat," the prosecutors said in court papers. "He was a bully, a narcissist, and a white-collar gangster. He felt entitled to things to which he clearly was not. He took things from others, justifying the theft with an oversized sense of self-entitlement and self-worth."

Doyon was established in the 1970s to protect the land rights of Alaska Natives who were In danger of losing their property when Alaska became a state in 1959.

In 2008, Doyon bought Cherokee General Corp., a construction company that specialized in government work. Meisner was hired as president of the company, which was renamed Doyon/Cherokee.

As president, Meisner selected subcontractors. He was able to boost the business of other firms by picking them for lucrative government jobs awarded to Doyon/Cherokee.

In 2009, Doyon/Cherokee was the prime contractor on large projects at several Seattle-area military installations. According to prosecutors, Meisner had "tremendous power in deciding which subcontractors would get work, who would supply materials, and who would not."

Jennings and Velamoor accused Meisner of taking a $200,000 kitchen remodeling job in his home in Gig Harbor as a kickback from Department of Defense subcontractors. Meisner was convicted of tax crimes after he failed to report the remodeling work to the IRS.

Port Angeles Defense Attorney Karen Unger, who represents Meisner, asked that her client be sentenced to probation.

"Mr. Meisner has spent his entire life as a responsible and hard-working individual. He managed to serve his country, find a career, without the benefit of a college education, and earn the kind of income that he would never have knowingly jeopardized."

Meisner is no longer allowed to obtain government contracts due to his involvement in the matter.

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Man accused of cheating Alaska Natives sentenced to prison - Native Times

Renovation (also called remodeling) is the process of improving a broken, damaged, or outdated structure. Renovations are typically either commercial or residential.[citation needed] Additionally, renovation can refer to making something new, or bringing something back to life and can apply in social contexts. For example, a community can be renovated if it is strengthened and revived.[1]

The renovation process can usually be broken down into several processes:

Technology has had a meaningful impact on the renovation process, increasing the significance and strength of the planning stage. The availability of free online design tools has improved visualization of the changes, at a fraction of the cost of hiring a professional interior designer. The decision regarding changes is also influenced by the purpose of renovation. In case of a fix and flip objective, an ROI (return on investment) can result from changes to fix a structural issue or design flow yield[2] or to use light and color to make rooms appear more spacious.

Many people renovate homes to create a new appearance for their home, or so another person can live in the residence.[3] Builders often renovate homes because it is a stable source of income.[4]

Wood is versatile and flexible, making it the easiest construction material for renovations, and wood buildings can be redesigned to suit changing needs. Few homeowners or professional remodellers possess the skill and equipment that is required to alter steel-frame or concrete structures.

Forest certification verifies that wood products have been sourced from well-managed forests. Most certification programs provide online search options so that consumers can find certified productsthe Certification Canada program includes a search option for all of the certification programs that are in use in Canada.[5]

In North America, most structures are demolished because of external forces such as zoning changes and rising land values. Additionally, buildings that cannot be modified to serve the functional needs of the occupants are subject to demolition. Very few buildings on the continent are demolished due to structural degradation.[6]

The Athena Institute surveyed 227 commercial and residential buildings that were demolished in St. Paul, Minnesota, between 2000 and mid-2003. Thirty percent of the buildings were less than 50 years old, and 6% were less than 25 years old. The four top reasons for demolition were area redevelopment (35%), buildings physical condition (31%), not suitable for anticipated use (22%), and fire damage (7%). Lack of maintenance was cited as the specific problem for 54 of the 70 buildings where physical condition was given as the reason for demolition.[6]

Most builders focus on building new homes, so renovating is typically a part-time activity for such tradespeople. The processes and services required for renovations are quite specific and, once plans are signed off, building a new home is relatively predictable. Renovations usually require all of the sub-trades that are needed for the construction of a new building. During renovation projects, flexibility is often required from renovation companies to respond to unexpected issues that arise. Projects involving renovation require not just flexibility, but a plan that had been agreed upon by multiple parties. The planning process will involve feedback from financial investors of the project, and from the designer. Part of planning will also entail the collection of data for the completion of the project and then the project plan will be revised and given consent before continuing with renovations.[7]

Renovation has several impacts, including:[8]

Requirements for renovation include property or site to reconstruct; structural plans; knowledge of sewage disposal, water supply, and flood zones; project plan; funding; and builders.

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Renovation - Wikipedia

WACO, TX--(Marketwired - May 16, 2017) - DreamMaker Bath and Kitchen's home improvement franchises saw big gains in average sales last year. In 2016, average gross sales reached $952,153 for franchises open the entire calendar year, 14.28% higher than 2015. High-quality service and efficient systems are driving tremendous home improvement franchise performance that outperforms the rest of the industry.

Growth outpacing the industry

It's a great time to get into the remodeling industry, and an even better time to get into DreamMaker Bath and Kitchen. Since 2011, average sales at the franchises have improved 92.15%, more than three times the overall industry growth of 28%, according to the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies. DreamMaker Bath and Kitchen franchisees are getting a bigger share of an expanding market, thanks to the processes and cost-cutting efficiencies owners can utilize.

The experts back up the numbers by declaring DreamMaker Bath and Kitchen a leader in the remodeling industry. Franchise Gator recently named the company to its Top 100 Franchises of 2017. Validation from franchise industry experts like Franchise Gator helps show that DreamMaker Bath and Kitchen is an excellent opportunity for investors.

Long-term growth trend

It's that long-term performance that really proves the worth of DreamMaker Bath and Kitchen as a franchise investment. It hasn't just been one good year; there has been consistently strong growth in franchisees' sales over five straight years.

Those long-term trends make the investment opportunity more appealing by showing how the business can grow and continue adding value over the years, building the franchise into a profitable asset for owners.

Stronger margins add more value

With streamlined systems and established vendor relationships, DreamMaker Bath and Kitchen helps franchise owners keep costs down. That makes it a great choice for established remodelers looking for ways to cut costs and get better deals with vendors, without squeezing margins too tightly or sacrificing the quality of their work.

DreamMaker Bath and Kitchen's systems are also designed to enable custom work. The franchise isn't built around remove-and-replace or prefabricated solutions. Franchise owners create the bathrooms and kitchens their clients truly want, leading to great client satisfaction, strong word-of-mouth and better business results.

To learn more about starting a DreamMaker Bath and Kitchen home improvement franchise or converting your existing remodeling company, visit dreammakerfranchise.com.

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DreamMaker(R) Bath & Kitchen's average sales up 92% over past 5 years - Markets Insider

Dallas Fort Worth Texas, MAY 12 2017 The customers have spoken and the results are in, Cowboy Remodeling is simply the best remodeling company in the Dallas Fort Worth area!

The good news is that Cowboy Remodeling has launched their new Website! The Dallas Fort Worth area is lucky to have the quality top notch home remodeling services that Cowboy Remodeling brings to the table.

You might be feeling like its finally time for that much needed bathroom remodeling project? Dont forget about your dream kitchen! If you are looking for a quality re-modeler that wont break the bank, you have found your remodeling company.

Whether the job is big or small Cowboy Remodeling can help you. Perhaps youre just in need of some new hardwood flooring? Whether you need new counter tops, cabinets or flooring, Cowboy Remodeling can service all of these needs for you and more.

What breaks apart Cowboy Remodeling from the rest of the guys is that they really want to do the best job they can for their customers. They want to contribute to your home and they do this by addressing all of your needs. Their seasoned professionals are not only experienced but they value listening to their customers. While many re-modelers just get in and rush to get the job done, you will find that Cowboy Remodeling will take their time to do the best job possible. Cowboy Remodeling doesnt just do bathroom remodels, kitchen remodeling and hardwood remodeling, they also do interior remodeling, outdoor remodeling and floor remodeling. Did I mention the huge selection of products they have to choose from? They offer different types of materials for your counter tops. You can choose from natural stone, ceramic tile, and plastic laminate. Doing your kitchen cabinets? You can choose from prefabricated or custom made. This is just mentioning a few of their options. Check out Cowboy Remodeling for more options to fit your needs.

Remodeling can be a dreaded time in any homeowners life. Between picking colors and different assortments of tiles and hardwood flooring and counter tops you can begin to find yourself on overload. This is good reason to go with a company that prides themselves on customer support and satisfaction. Building long term partnerships is just what they want to do. Remember to pick Cowboy Remodeling for your kitchen remodeling, bathroom remodeling, and other remodeling needs.

Contact Cowboy Remodeling Phone: (469) 518- 7573 Website: https://www.cowboyremodeling.com You can email them on through the contact form on their website. You can also follow them on social media through Facebook and Twitter

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Cowboy Remodeling Announces Their New Website Launching! - MilTech