Renovate or relocate? Priced out of perfect homes, homeowners are choosing to create them instead

The pandemic has made a lot of people reconsider where they live and what they want and need in a home.

In fact, nearly 40% of Americans are considering a move this year, and a third say the pandemic completely changed what they want in a house, according to a survey by Lending Tree.

If buying a new home isn't an option for you and youre finding your house doesnt suit your needs anymore, youve probably considered renovating.

Maybe you could take out a wall and create a more open space. Maybe refinishing the basement wouldnt be as hard as getting involved in the hectic housing market.

But theres a lot to consider if youre weighing your options between buying a new house and taking on a new renovation project.

The housing market is a confusing place right now. More houses are finally becoming available, but prices are still up 10% over last year, according to Redfin. And with interest rates rising, it isnt just hard getting on the property ladder now, its tough trying to move up it as well.

It's so hard to actually find the perfect house in the perfect neighborhood, says Eric Finnegan, vice president of research and demographics at John Burns Real Estate Consulting, which delivers analysis on the housing market to clients such as builders, realtors and investors.

And that's just gotten harder since COVID. And for a bunch of reasons, its probably going to be hard for the next three to five years.

And despite the frenzied market or because of it many people are putting money into remodeling their homes.

Renovation activity and spending hit a four-year high in 2021, according Houzzs U.S. Houzz & Home Study: Renovation Trends. More than half of homeowners renovated last year, pushing the median spend on renos up 20% to $18,000.

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In 2020, Americans put $420 billion into remodeling their homes, according to the National Association of Realtors and the National Association of the Remodelers Industry 2022 Remodeling Impact Report.

And millennials are playing a big part in that.

One of the ways millennials are getting the homes they want is by creating them.

Normally, an entry level buyer would trade up to a larger home after about five to seven years, says Finnegan.

But his research shows many millennials are deciding to stay put, and remodel instead of moving. He calls it the trade up in place phenomenon.

Since it's so hard to find a house right now, they're saying, OK, I'm not going to actually do the trade up, I'm going to stay where I am. I'm going to plan on staying here another 10, 15, 20 years, and just upgrade everything.

But taking on a remodel comes with its own set of issues.

Finnegan says about one in 10 households is engaged in a large-scale remodel, and as demand for supplies and labor goes up, so does the cost.

Remodelers are basically having to raise their pay rates to their workers to keep them from being poached by remodelers across town, that's one part of the dynamic, says Finnegan.

Add to that supply chain disruptions, high demand for materials, and more recently, the high cost of gas and diesel.

Now [remodelers have] been booked out into 2023. So they're actually looking to just focus on this part of the market that can afford remodeling projects now. And so they're actually able to raise their prices, some of them for the first time in a while.

Waits for contractors are several months-long and quotes on pricing are changing all the time.

Normally, when a remodeler submits a quote, they'll leave it open for maybe 30 or 45 days because the homeowner is getting bids from a few different contractors, says Finnegan. That remodeler is shortening that quote window because their prices are going up.

The upside is that remodeling can add a lot of value to your home, and there are some projects in particular that see strong returns when it comes time to sell.

Refinishing your hardwood floors has a cost recovery of about 150% according to the remodeling impact report, while adding new hardwood floors has a cost recovery of nearly 120%. Insulation can bring you a 100% return on your investment.

Every dollar that you're putting in, you're getting back if you were to sell that home, says Jessica Lautz, vice president of demographics and behavioral insights at the National Association of Realtors.

On the lower end of the cost-recovery spectrum, adding a new primary bedroom has a 56% return, a new bathroom is 63%, while kitchen upgrades come with a 67% return.

Though those returns may not be realized for years, depending on when you sell, there is also a joy factor to be considered, says Lautz. The report also asks homeowners how much joy their changes brought them in their home.

Honestly, this year's iteration of the report, the joy scores were all a little higher, says Lautz. I think people are just happier to have this change, and do something with their home that really made them feel good.

There are ways to keep the costs of a remodel relatively low, says Casey Finn, founder and CEO of the DIY Playbook.

Finn and her husband remodeled their Chicago condo without any building experience. They renovated a bathroom, added built-ins and other customized touches.

We sold it within 24 hours, we got five offers, and an all cash offer; we went with that one, Finn says. And we made like $100,000, just by doing a lot of DIY and then selling it because people just didn't see anything else like that in the market, because everything was just kind of builder basic.

Now theyre now onto their second home in the Chicago area.

It's in a great neighborhood, but it was probably the ugliest house on the street, Finn says. And that's what we were looking for and we're like we see the potential here.

For the most part, Finn and her husband do a lot of the work themselves but hire out when they need to. For specialty jobs, such as electrical and plumbing, they hire out to ensure its done correctly with the right permits.

But when it comes to just cosmetic upgrades, or tiling, or woodworking, things like that, we take on those projects ourselves to save money, she says. And to just get the gratification that comes with doing projects yourself.

Finn says planning is the most important part of any project. The first thing she does is make a budget with a 10% to 20% buffer for whatever could go wrong.

People don't talk numbers. And to actually know that's how much a kitchen renovation is going to cost is really helpful.

It also helps you understand where youre saving money.

For example, we did some built-ins. And I got a quote from someone, I think it was like maybe $7,000 to do that. And I think we did it for about $1,500.

She adds that was before lumber prices skyrocketed.

We saved so much money doing it ourselves.

The internet these days is a treasure trove of information on DIY projects. Between Instagram, YouTube and blogs, theres almost nothing you cant learn.

I'm a blogger, but I read other people's blogs, and I say, Wow, that's how they did that build, I'm gonna put my own spin on it, says Finn.

Shes also not afraid to ask the professionals.

But theyve shared in the struggles of renovating during this time as well. After experiencing delays with a kitchen remodel, waiting for cabinets to arrive, Finn says she booked her contractor months in advance for help with a bathroom reno.

For Finn and her family, remodeling has been the right decision. She estimates they have added hundreds of thousands worth of value to their home over the course of their renovations, and thats not including the joy factor.

But we've also spent a lot of money too, she says. You can't expect to get every single dollar back, but when you're able to enjoy it, that makes such a difference.

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Renovate or relocate? Priced out of perfect homes, homeowners are choosing to create them instead - Yahoo Finance

Chef Andys Galley 57 to temporarily close, Black & Tan Grille will reopen

By Nick WoodActing Editor

For Andy Mueller, better known to Press Times readers as Chef Andy, the opportunity to partner with downtown real estate developer Steve Schneider to bring back the restaurant he helped found almost 25 years ago was serendipitous.

Black & Tan is, I believe, my single biggest culinary accomplishment as a concept, Mueller said. Twenty-five years later it still has staying power because its not a static menu it changes seasonally. Were really going to take an approach of sourcing as many things local and seasonal as we can get.

Schneider said when he teased the idea of Black & Tan revival on Facebook, the response was overwhelming.

He said there were three questions that came up: number one, who will the chef be; number two, can I get the original Black & Tan steak; and number three, can I use my old Black & Tan gift certificates.And so the answer to all of those questions goes back to 1998, Schneider said, referring to the chef, Mueller, the original menu and the fact that they will honor old Black & Tan gift certificates?

With that said, Mueller announced that his current restaurant, Galley 57 on Old Manitowoc Road in Bellevue, will temporarily close.

The last day will be August 27.

Gift certificates will be honored until close, and once the new venues get up and running, they will be honored at one of the new establishments, Mueller said.

The good news? Mueller is bringing his entire staff of 23 seasoned employees to the Black & Tan.Im fortunate and blessed to have the staff I have, because now theyre coming in here and all they have to do is learn the POS (point of sale) system and where things are, because theyve already got the service down. Theyve got the work ethic, theyve got the drive, the passion, the personality, everything it takes. Theyre absolutely amazing.

Its as close to a plug-and-play restaurant launch as there is, and they expect the staff to grow to around 60 by the end of September.

If there is such a thing as being seamless, I think were close. It never is seamless, but boy, if you think it could be? Thats a pretty cool feeling that youre not going in with a panic.

Meuller said the reason the partnership with Schneider is such a good fit is that a lot of times chefs have big dreams of owning their own restaurant and then get bogged down in all the details.

Thats when burnout comes, Mueller said. Enter Steve Schneider, who is known for his financial savvy, his business savvy, who enjoys those kinds of things, and now I can focus back on food.

And Schneider says until now, his team has lacked the experience and know-how in the restaurant business.

Why I havent been able to put this together in the last 11 years that Ive been fumbling around with restaurants is that you need someone with the experience and know-how and the ability to create a culinary team, and develop that team, and thats what Andy brings to the table, Schneider said.

In its former life, the Black & Tan had a bar area on the first floor of the Bellin Building, 100 S. Washington St., with the dining area on the second floor.

Thats about to change.

The entire second floor is currently under renovation and will add a new bar area, so everything will be on one floor.

But the pairs new venture, Schneider Mueller Restaurants, has aspirations far beyond relaunching the Black & Tan.

The Daily Buzz Espresso Bar, located on part of the first floor, is also part of the group.Plans are to expand it to the entire first floor and add a full service kitchen to offer another dining option, craft cocktails, and a more casual place to dining.

In addition to owning the entire Bellin Building, Schneider also owns the Vic Theater building, formerly Confettis Nightclub, along with most of the buildings on the 1000 block of Main Street, including the offices of his main business, Bug Tussel Wireless; the former Ralphs Antiques store; and he is expecting to close soon on the Ten O One Club building.

Were re-opening Black & Tan Grille, expanding Daily Buzz and reopening the Ten O One Club, and thats all before the end of the year, Mueller said. Black and Tan will be first, because its the closest to being ready. Daily Buzz expansion is going on now and its just a matter of how the dominoes fall with the kitchen remodeling and getting things lined up to open.

And the Ten O One Club plan has a few more details to work out, Mueller said, but its close.Its all part of the pairs long term plan to expand and diversify the downtown dining and entertainment scene.

What were doing is going to be iconic, Schneider said. Its going to be a destination project where people are going to be attracted from outside of Green Bay to come downtown. Were going to have something for everyone if you like a supper club, if you want fine dining, if you want a quick bite to eat or if you want a VIP experience, were going to have something for you.

Regarding price point, Schneder says you have to offer something for everyone, and welcome everyone no matter what they spend.

A historian at heart, Schneider recalls Otto Kaap, proprietor of the iconic Kaaps restaurant on Washington Street.

Whether you wanted a fine dining experience or a quick bite to eat, Kaaps had something for you.Even if you only had a nickel, Otto would sell you a pickle and welcome you in just like any other guest, Schneider said.

That kind of atmosphere, where everyone is welcome and everyone mingles, is exactly what Schneider and Mueller intend to recreate.

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New partnership aims to revive iconic downtown dining experiences - The Press-Times

Mel is with Molly Bardwell, design consultant from ACME Cabinet Company and she is going to show us the process of taking the kitchen you have and turning it into the kitchen you want.

Molly says an open concept is really popular lately and with the older homes in Buffalo most of the time a wall has to come down in order to do that. She says they start that process by coming into the persons home, assessing the area, talking to them about their needs, how they use their kitchen in their day-to-day life. Then she says we go back to the office and play around with the dimensions and cabinets and find something they love.

Functionality is also really important. Molly says they listen to the customer and figure out how they use they their kitchen. Something like pull-outs in a pantry are a good use of vertical space and they are really accessible for children.

Molly says all of their cabinets come standard with soft-close doors and drawers so there is no slamming your fingers in them or no loud banging of opening and closing. She says you do have the option of glass doors in all three of their lines.

She says trash pull-outs are really popular and another great accessory is the spice pull-out. Molly says it is really handy to have it right by the stove so when you are cooking you can very quickly season as needed and its another great use of vertical storage and nice to have.

Molly says they work very closely with your contractor just to make sure everyone is on the same page. If they do have any questions during the process, Molly says we have our project liaison, who will come in and help out as needed. Molly goes on to say the contractors are the most important part of the job beside from the design. She says it really does take a village but together we can do it.

For more information visit acmebuffalo.com or give them a call at 716-381-8888.

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Tuesday tips for a dream kitchen - The process of remodeling your kitchen - WKBW-TV

DES MOINES, Iowa With the pandemic and the changes in the housing market within the last few years, you probably know someone who has done a renovation or bought a new home.

According to findings from a survey on Houzz.com, a home design and remodeling site, from 2020 to 2021 the amount people have spent on home renovations has gone up about 15 percent.

Lynn Johnson, a local real estate agent, said that renovations run from basic to extreme, but there are a few things you should be evaluating right off the bat depending on whether you want to sell your home or stick around.

If you really are looking to sell your home, what are some things that you know about your house. Things that you already dont like are also going to be things that buyers are not going to like. But if youre looking to stay in your home, make it your own, with a neutral palette, said Johnson.

Kitchen and bath remodels are the most popular and they usually cost the most but have the highest return on investment.

Johnson wants people to know that they can remodel things without breaking the bank. Purchasing new handles and faucets for your bathroom or kitchen areas or painting outdated wood cabinets are good places to start.

As for when to accomplish these projects, now is the time.

When that weather starts to warm up after the first thing, thats when we hit a new market or spring market starts, and sometimes were well into the spring market before we even realize it, said Johnson. Its one of those things where we were in it and weve been in it for two weeks and you dont want to miss out. So do your projects now. But I would also consult with a professional. Sometimes what you have in mind that you like is not what the buyers want. And those are different trends that are really a big deal.

Johnson does recommend consulting someone like a designer or stager for more extreme home projects, especially if someone is trying to increase the value of their home.

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Looking to sell? Or stick around? Home renovation recommendations for any situation - WHO TV 13 Des Moines News & Weather

Your home has become a refuge, a school, an office and more over the last two years.

Whats the best way to make it better and improve your investment?

Replace the roof?

Expand the owners suite?

Add a fancy bathroom?

Remodeling magazine creates an annual cost-versus-value report, comparing the cost of home renovations and the return on investment at resale.

The 2021 report explores which projects add the most value to your home. In Lancaster County and throughout the country, most of the top projects are exterior upgrades. That makes sense. The curb appeal of a garage door and siding can make big impressions. And while decks are popular, they did not make the cut with the increased cost of materials.

The Top 5 in Lancaster County are:

Replacing an old 16-by-7-foot garage door in Lancaster County costs an average of $3,847, one of the cheapest renovations. The return, based on the percent recouped in the sale of the home, is the highest: 96%.

Wrapping the front of a home with stone veneer (an average cost of $10,247) is another project on the lower end for the cost of renovations. The return is 88%.

Replacing 1,250 square feet of siding (an average cost of $15,683) brought a return of 74.8%. In Lancaster County, thats a slightly better return than fiber-cement siding.

Replacing the same amount of siding with fiber-cement will cost about 17% more than vinyl siding (at an average cost of $18,715) but the return is still high at 70.9%.

Only one high-return project came from indoors. Renovating kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms have so many options, its tough to have a wide appeal, according to Remodeling Magazine. However, a minor kitchen remodel still is a top-return project.

With an average cost of $25,302, the return is 70.8%, more than double the major and upscale kitchen renovations.

What is a midrange, minor kitchen remodel? Remodeling magazine defines it as a dated 200-square-foot kitchen with new shaker-style wood cabinet and drawer fronts, including new hardware. Replace cooktop/oven range and slide-in refrigerator with energy-efficient models. Replace laminate countertops; add a mid-priced sink and faucet. Add new resilient flooring and paint.

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Renovating? These home projects have the highest return on investment for Lancaster County - LNP | LancasterOnline

Inwood, Iowa For the first time since the Grand Falls Casino was opened, the Lyon County Riverboat Foundation has held a grant ceremony somewhere other than the casino. And they gave out over $600,000 in grants.

The ceremony was held at the Lake Pahoja Education Center, which was built with the aid of a grant from the foundation. Instead of hor doeuvres from the culinary staff of the casino and resort, they were provided by Sharis Kitchen & Catering in Rock Rapids.

Some of the larger grants given were nearly $220,000 to the Lyon County Fair Association toward the remodeling of the 4-H Building, $100,000 to the City of Rock Rapids toward the extension of the Recreational Trail system, about $52,500 to Rock Rapids Kiwanis toward playground equipment, and $40,000 to the Larchwood Baseball Club toward a new outfield fence. Other organizations receiving funding included Inwood Fire/Rescue, the Rapids Theatre Preservation Society, the Matlock Fire Department, Northwest Iowa Community College, the Little Rock Town & Country Club, the City of Alvord, the City of George, Immanuel Lutheran Church of Rock Rapids, the Larchwood Public Library, the Siouxland Food Bank, and the City of Inwood Recreation Department.

The board has not been awarding any new multi-cycle grants for the last few years, according to foundation president Randy Waagmeester. He says they continue to make payments on two of them from past years, however, including a payment of $75,000 to Rock Rapids Kids Club for their daycare and $100,000 to the Merrill Pioneer Hospital Association toward the hospital that was built in Rock Rapids.

The other side of the grant coin is the money thats given to government subdivisions in Lyon County every quarter. Those present also heard an update about how much has been given out to those entities in 2021, and since the inception of the foundation. Those amounts can be found under the competitive grant table below.

Grants to cities are based on population. Grants given to cities this year ranged from a total of nearly $60,000 for Lyon Countys smallest town of Alvord to a total of nearly $72,000 for the countys largest town of Rock Rapids. Each school district has received about $196,500 in 2021, and Lyon County government has received about $83,000.

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Riverboat Foundation Gives Out Over $600000 In Competitive Grants - KIWARadio.com

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Here we are, close to the end of the year and facing the oncoming holidays. Do you secretly dread the hustle and bustle or are you excitedly anticipating all the sights, sounds, smells, and activities? Whatever holiday you celebrate, this is a busy time of year for everyone. Sometimes life events happen during this busy time, like a move, or a new baby, or even the passing of a loved one that amplifies the intensity of the season.

With that in mind, here are some tips that can help make your home inviting and comfortable and can help you to relax and enjoy the season.

Nows a great time to purge the things you dont need from your closets, in the storage room, stuff piled in the guest room, and in the garage. Get rid of the clutter piling on desks, counters, and corners of the room. Wow, it feels so good to de-clutter.

If you dont want to do it, hire a company to come and get things cleaned up. Particularly the areas you often skip, like baseboards, fans, window tracks, inside the oven, and inside the fridge. This is a great time of year to get the carpets and the windows professionally cleaned.

Easily freshen up the guest room with some new linens, clear a space in the closet or dresser for their things. Make sure there is a night light and a bedside clock. It is a nice touch to place some flowers or a small holiday arrangement in the room.

Generally, when people gather, they end up huddling in or around the kitchen. Clear counter space by putting small appliances in cabinets or in another room and put a diffuser with holiday scent in the corner. This is a great time of year to make sure the oven has been cleaned and the inside of the fridge cleaned out. Make room for the leftovers and the goodie plates from friends and neighbors.

Give yourself permission to hire someone to help with the things that you cant do or just dont want to spend your time on. Some tasks are best done by professionals. Dont push yourself to tackle tasks that may end up causing injury, like getting up on ladders etc.

If you are hosting, remember, people come to visit and renew relationships. The meal does not have to be complicated to be enjoyed and remembered. Set a pretty buffet on the island with a few decorations and let people self serve. This frees up time for you to enjoy the evening also.

A great way to get people talking and reminiscing is to run a continuous slide show on the TV, with some quiet holiday music in the background. People LOVE to see themselves and their loved ones over the years. This also helps people who dont know each other well, interact and inquire about whos in the picture. This is easy to do with various slide show programs available or even a photo DVD set on repeat. I sometimes have added in beautiful holiday scenes randomly placed between the pictures of family and friends that I knew would be there. This sets a warm and festive atmosphere in the room.

What better feeling than to come back to a home that is de-cluttered, clean, and ready for the new year.

With a little effort and a little planning, you can go into the holidays confident that you have created a warm, welcoming, and clean home. If you would like Prescott Maid to Order to help you get ready to relax and check cleaning off your list of things to do, simply call us today at 928-899-8518. For more information visit http://www.prescottmaidtoorder.com.

Articles in Ideal Living are made possible by Ability Remodeling of Prescott, AZ.

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Tips for Creating a Warm and Inviting Home for the Holidays - Signals AZ

Dana McMahan| Special to Courier Journal

Many of us have spent a lot of time in our kitchens since March of 2020. That time may have caused a few of us to look at those spaces for cooking and gathering with new eyes … and has probably prompted more than a few of us to think about ways to make our kitchens more welcoming, functional, and beautiful.

Im certainly not immune, even though I completely renovated my own homes kitchen just a few years ago. So when I had the chance to join the U.S. delegation to an international ceramic tile show in Bologna, Italy a 600 exhibitor and 62,000 visitor event called CERSAIE in October, well, that was an easy yes (especially since I was already going to be on that side of the pond anyway!). While I love all things kitchen in general, my ulterior motive was to seek inspiration for the kitchen of a Victorian home Im remodeling in Beechmont and the kitchenettes of some apartments Im transforming to long-stay hospitality offerings (Yes, when Im not writing, Im running renovations and lodging!).

And … wow does not begin to describe CERSAIE. Theres a term called Stendhal Syndrome where the presence of too much beauty can lead to a sense of being overwhelmed by it all. That may sound melodramatic, but I can promise you its a real thing. I nearly had whiplash from three days of gaping at one jaw-dropping Italian-designed showroom after another at the massive event. (Side note: can anyone tell me how it is that such a small country can have such an outsized impact on the world of design?)

While sadly I couldnt exactly pull the stunning tiles off the walls to bring back to the U.S., my mission to find inspiration was richly rewarded. Here are four kitchenremodel ideas and where you can find some of the products or close-enough imitationsright here in Louisville.

The running refrain in my mind on seeing the tile displays was that this transcends a functional floor or wall covering. Sure, technically its just tile. But really? Its art. The most sumptuous, deliriously beautiful art.

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It took looking twice or more to discern if we were looking at a large-scale art installation, or a tile mural, at many of the showrooms. Honestly, it felt like a museum or art gallery more so than a trade show. And how wonderful to think of surrounding yourself with art like that! Its been a slog of a couple of years, and soaking up beauty like that was a form of self-care I didnt know I needed. Maybe youre not ready for the panther mural that mesmerized many of us, but thinking of tile both its color and texture as your medium can open up a world of possibilities as you redesign your kitchen. At a minimum, an unexpected pattern to your tile placement (go diagonalor zig-zag) can add a fun twist to a kitchen design.

Whens the last time you thought about gauzy pinks, sky blues, and soothing greens? Soft, warm, and romantic was the name of the game when it came to the runaway winners on the color trend front. Even though tile is technically a hard surface, the happy colors lent an organic, almost soft feel to the surfaces. Everywhere we looked were hues of mint, sage, and rose (echoing trends across the world and back home with Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams announcing October Mist and Evergreen Fog as their Colors of the Year).

Between all those enticing colors and then drenching myself in pastel hues at a Wes Anderson designed cafe in Milans Fondazione Prada, I came home and went straight to Dages Paint Co., 1140 E. Oak St.,to pick out a pale pink, light green, and cheerful light yellow color scheme to redo an apartment kitchen with.

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I have one word for you: botanicals.

If there was one monstera leaf-patterned tile at CERSAIE, there were a hundred. The trend speaks volumes about what were all looking for right now: tranquil, comforting nature. If youre not ready to commit to a years-long relationship with a plant pattern on your tile just yet, theres an easy starting point. Head to Mahonia, 822 E. Market St.,or Forage, 1201 Goss Ave.,for plants to bring your kitchen to life.

I definitely came home seeking more greenery to flood my own kitchen. And really, its kind of a doh moment; most of what we eat comes from plants in some shape or form. Why not surround ourselves with reminders of the natural world that sustains us and provides sustenance? Or maybe begin with a lower commitment like a backsplash, or stick with some green and blue jewel tones that echo nature if you want to play it safe.

DEMONSTRATION: COOKING Surface Prime from ABKStone

Watch this Italian chef whip up a gourmet meal dramatically firing a dish and all directly on a countertop.

Dana McMahan, Special to the Courier Journal

Friends: I have seen the future and Im still picking my jaw up off the floor. Everything I thought I knew about kitchens was turned upside down when I saw a chef whipping up a gourmet meal dramatically firing a dish and all directly on a countertop.

Wait, what? Yes.

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He was not a wizard or magician, though it looked like it. He was cooking on an amazing technology that incorporates induction cooking directly into a countertop. The heat only transfers through cookware so get thisthe counter is cool to the touch. He chopped foods, lit a sauce ablaze, and when he wiped it all down, it was transformed to what looked like a kitchen counter any of us would have. The product, COOKING Surface Prime from ABKStone, is rolling out in the U.S. and its marketing team tells me distributors can request it, so we may be seeing it in Kentucky in the not-too-distant future!

Ok, but what if you really do want some of that luscious Italian tile? In my own search, Ive found that Louisville Tile carries some of the products like those Im pining for after CERSAIE. Florim, Ragno and Panaria are among the lines offered.

So if you need me, you can probably find me there dreaming up Italian-inspired kitchens.

Tell Dana! Send your restaurant Dish to Dana McMahan at thecjdish@gmail.com and follow@bourbonbarbarellaon Instagram.

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From pastels to botanicals, these 4 Italian tile designs are worth copying in your kitchen - Courier Journal

Brian Ach/Invision/AP/Shuttersto / Brian Ach/Invision/AP/Shuttersto

Like millions of Americans, you cant get enough of the home renovations on reality TV. Watching properties receive amazing transformations in the span of an episode is nothing short of amazing but it doesnt come cheap.

Read:Craziest Things That Kill Your Homes ValueWhat Adds More Value to Your Home:Indoor or Outdoor Upgrades?

No doubt, some homeowners do score a free onscreen renovation, but most have to foot the bill themselves. Specific rules vary by show, but some require notably hefty budgets for participation.

Thats right you probably thought people opted to go on these shows in exchange for a free home revamp, but that isnt typically the case. Sure, theyre likely scoring steep discounts, along with gaining the expertise of industry-leading remodeling experts, but theyre paying for it.

If you watch HGTVs Farmhouse Fixer, you know Jonathan Knight best known as a member of the New Kids on the Block and his designer, Kristina Crestin, transform old farmhouses into dreamy residences. However, you might not realize the homeowners are required to have a renovation budget of at least $150,000.

Additionally, homeowners must be willing and able to move out of the property during the renovation process a common requirement for these shows. Therefore, unless theyre able to stay with friends or family, they likely have to foot the bill for temporary housing, along with renovation expenses.

If youre a fan of Boise Boys stars Clint Robertson and Luke Caldwell, you know their new HGTV series Outgrown has the best friends renovating homes to fit expanding families. However, this doesnt come cheap, as homeowners are required to have a minimum budget of $75,000.

Home Again With the Fords

Pittsburgh-based HGTV stars Leanne and Steve Fords new series, Home Again With the Fords, follows the sibling team as they update old homes for their clients as they move back to where they grew up but its going to cost. Specifically, an $80,000 renovation budget is needed for consideration.

Now in its 13th season, HGTVs Love It or List It starring realtor David Visentin and designer Hilary Farr follows homeowners as they update a property that is no longer working for them, then decide whether to stay put or sell it. The expert design and construction assistance is likely much-appreciated, but not cheap, as homeowners must have a budget of at least $75,000.

Nate & Jeremiah by Design

Theyve since moved on to other reality TV projects, but Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent starred on TLCs Nate & Jeremiah by Design from 2017-2019. On the show, the celebrity designers helped couples renovate challenging living spaces that made their homes largely unpleasant to live in for a price.

To be considered for the show, homeowners were required to have a budget of $40,000-$60,000. While this might seem pricey, its likely a bargain rate from each of their respective interior design firms, considering their A-list status.

Fixer Upper fans are likely beyond excited Chip and Joanna Gaines will be bringing back their beloved home renovation show on their new Magnolia Network in 2022. Casting is open to homeowners who live within 30 miles of Waco, Texas, but only those with a serious renovation budget need apply. All homeowners featured on the Fixer Upper reboot were required to have a renovation budget of at least $50,000. This means you can expect to see some pretty spectacular home updates on the new season.

New Unnamed Show

A new show that has yet to air, High Noon Entertainment and an unnamed major television network are currently casting homeowners in the San Antonio, Texas, area whove lost that loving feeling for their house. The casting call seeks homeowners who initially loved a unique aspect of the property i.e., a second-floor kitchen but now realize it doesnt work. If this sounds like your current situation, you could have your home transformed into a place that better meets your needs if you have the cash to fund the project. All homeowners must have a renovation budget of at least $75,000 to be featured on the show.

Learn:26 Home Makeover Ideas That Each Cost Less Than $500

Unsellable Houses

A break from the standard rule, homeowners that appear on HGTVs Unsellable Houses are not required to provide upfront funding for renovations on their property. Based in the Northern Seattle area, twin sisters Lyndsay Lamb and Leslie Davis are real estate agents who invest their own money to do light renovations on homes that have been sitting on the market for some time.

When the house is sold, the sisters recoup their initial investment and split any additional profits with the homeowner. While the homeowner ultimately pays for the renovations, its likely helpful to not have to come up with the cash before the improvements are made.

Check Out:35 Useless Expenses You Need To Slash From Your Budget Now

If youre a homeowner who enjoys reality TV renovation shows, youve probably envisioned what it would be like to appear on one yourself. Whether you want to update a nonfunctional space or spruce your home up to sell, theres almost definitely at least one show that will check all your boxes.

However, be prepared to invest a serious amount of cash in your renovation. Having your home featured on TV can be fun, but its certainly not cheap.

If you can swing the renovation budget, you will benefit from the expertise of industry-leading professionals with the ability to transform your space into your dream home. Youll also get to enjoy your 15 minutes of fame, which will give you major bragging rights.

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Last updated: Nov. 2, 2021

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Who Pays For Home Renovations on Your Favorite HGTV and Other Shows -- and What Do They Cost? - GOBankingRates

If youre looking to add some pizzazz to the room that your family and guests spend the most time in, youll want to redo the kitchen, the lifeblood of every home.

Start with a wish list and assess your needs, recommends Giovanni Naso, owner of the eponymous Bellport-based Giovanni Naso Interiors. Next, hire a designer wholl draw up floor plans and elevations so that you can visualize the space.

Some questions to consider: How much do you cook? Do you need spice drawers? Do you have lots of pots and pans and need rollout drawers? Do you boil a lot of water and need a waterspout over the stove? Is your style modern, traditional, or shabby chic?

Open Floor Plan

If your kitchen is closed off from other rooms, consider knocking down walls wherever possible, as an open floor plan is ideal for traffic flow and keeping family members together while entertaining, Naso advises.

It also has proven to bring better resale value to your home, should you sell it, he adds.

Counters, Cabinets & Center Island

Counters in white or white with light grey veining are trending now, as are hues of grey and blue, notes Naso.

Quartz takes the place of porous marbles or Carrara that stain and are not user friendly when it comes to serving red wine and leaving lemons on the counter, Naso says.

Cabinet colors should match or complement the counters; choose from flat panels for a modern look with wood veneer in high -shine or satin finish. For a more traditional look, go with Shaker style.

If you have taller ceilings, having a taller cabinet displays elegance, Naso says. If your ceilings are soaring, then its nice to have a tall cabinet with some space above because soffits are dated.

Naso always encourages adding an island if the kitchen space can accommodate one.

It allows for additional storage and doubles as a place to sit and serve, he says. Three stools look great to the eye and if you have a smaller island, groups of three work best.

Floors and Lighting

Naso recommends commercial grade 12-millimeter luxury vinyl tiling for kitchen floors. The tiling, which comes in many tones and textures, is practically indestructible, water resistant, scratchproof, and comes with whisper technology underneath, which helps soften the sound and adds comfort when stood on for hours.

To light up the room, use a combination of recessed lights on the ceiling and pendant lights over the island or a chandelier for a more luxurious look, Naso advises.

Appliances and Hardware

If appliances are outdated or broken and need to be replaced, stainless steel is a good neutral option.

The more modern kitchens we design have everything tucked away and hidden to provide a seamless cabinet facing so all disappears in a blink of an eye, Naso says.

Hardware is the jewelry of the room and should be chosen to add a finishing touch to cabinets, he adds.

We choose elegant and understated combinations of pulls and handles that complement one another, usually matching them to the faucet and or dishwasher/refrigerator, if they dont have cabinet doors.

One more tip from Naso: For greater efficiency, store utensils in a two-level stacked drawer.

This story first appeared in the Long Island Press.

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Tips for Remodeling Your Kitchen: The Heart of the Home - Dan's Papers