2020: The year of the home improvement

Posted: Wednesday, December 4, 2019 9:01 am

2020: The year of the home improvement Brandpoint (BPT) Mountain Grove News-Journal

(BPT) - A new year is an opportunity to bring fresh life into your home through renovations, both large and small. Want an updated kitchen? A patio addition? New floors? Every homeowner has a different vision for their space, so make 2020 the year your home improvement dreams come true. But where should you start?

Affording your renovations

The cost of home renovations deters many from updating their homes, but there are financing options that can make costs more manageable. Consider a home equity line of credit (HELOC), which gives you the flexibility of a credit line you can access as you need funds for your renovation projects. At Bank of America, you can get a HELOC with no fees to open or maintain it. You pay only for the funds you use.

Now that you have the finances sorted out, what home projects should you consider?

But, what if you arent a homeowner yet?

If you're not yet a homeowner, make 2020 your year to own your home. Upfront costs dont have to be a barrier.

The Bank of America Community Homeownership Commitment(TM) helps eligible homebuyers with the upfront costs of purchasing a home by offering:

For more information about the Community Homeownership Commitment, HELOCs and other ways to make your 2020 home dreams a reality, visit http://www.bankofamerica.com.

Posted in Home Improvement on Wednesday, December 4, 2019 9:01 am.

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2020: The year of the home improvement - Mountain Grove News Journal

Refinery29 is proud to partner with theNational Association of REALTORS(NAR) to share real womens stories about finding, buying, flipping, and paying off their homes. Ahead, read one womans testament to homeownership, and discover the power of a REALTOR.

It should come as no surprise that a couple in the suburbs might decide to take the plunge and buy a home together. But heres the thing: When my partner and I began the process, we werent married. We werent engaged, either. And we had never lived together. In fact, neither of us had ever lived anywhere aside from our childhood homes.

Sure, marriage isnt a prerequisite here but as partners, we were admittedly a bit non-traditional in our approach to a mortgage. After six years together, we were making the decision to take on the biggest financial commitment of our lives thus far without even knowing what it was really like to share a bedroom.

When we told friends and family, they were often openly disapproving. To them, it felt impulsive and irresponsible. But in spite of all the naysayers, we both felt, deep down, that this was the right choice for us. While living with our respective parents and siblings retiring each night to our childhood bedrooms we both desperately craved a space of our own. Neither of us was paying rent, our savings were growing substantially, and we often fantasized about what our life might look like under a shared roof.

At the time, I was working as a full-time editor in New York City making $65,000 a year, and my partner was working in construction making $110,000 a year. Between us, we had about $30,000 in savings, and we were ready to put that towards a down payment somewhere in Long Island.So we tracked down an agent from the National Association of REALTORS through Douglas Elliman one who was openly supportive of our decision and we got to work.

Of course, we knew that renting an apartment together was the more logical next step. We understood this would be a safer way of testing the waters without, well, diving right in. But we both wanted to settle close to our families, our agent assured us that the market looked good, and most adults we knew in the area were already owners. Buying simply felt like the smartest step it was what we wanted in the long term, and paying rent rather than working toward that goal felt counterproductive.

Still, in all honesty, I occasionally felt myself wavering. What if his propensity to leave dirty glasses in his bedroom for days on end pushed me over the edge? How would he feel about me once he realized I had never really learned how to do laundry correctly? Were we being completely delusional?I thought about making an ultimatum: We could get a house if he proposed but at the same time, I didnt want a proposal he felt pressured into. In fact, I felt that purchasing a house together was, in some ways, a bigger commitment than a ring. It was this enormous investment, both financially and emotionally, in our future life together. And our agent was fully prepared to help us take the plunge.

After shed sat down with us a handful of times to talk seriously about our game plan, she helped us to narrow our search. We talked through what Long Island neighborhoods we were interested in, the condition of our future home, the importance of a spacious backyard, and plenty of other things. Then she showed us options. We perused countless places online together and visited many an open house while she offered us details about levels of buyer interest and potential for kitchen remodels.

Then finally, after one particularly long day spent perusing various open houses, our agent convinced us to stop by a home we hadnt been interested in when wed viewed the listing online. She insisted it would be worth the trip, so we agreed, reasoning that she hadnt let us down yet.

As soon as we entered the space, something shifted. We looked at each other we knew this was it. Walking through the rooms, we could both imagine our futures here, in each of these vacant rooms, and it felt right. That night, we called our agent and told her we wanted to make an offer.The place was listed at $399,000, which wasnt so far beyond our target price.

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The rest of the home buying process was centered around financial logistics the particulars of which our agent dexterously helped us navigate. It forced us into a number of conversations about finances that many couples dont have until marriage (not fun, but necessary). We met with a lawyer about the details that surrounded putting both of our names on the deed. With Sandys help, we eventually negotiated the price down to $365,000. And eventually, closing day arrived.

Our agent and our lawyer worked together to make sure things ran smoothly. Once the paperwork was squared away, I felt myself loosen up. I began to feel a particular sense of elation. This was our home this was where the life wed been imagining together for the past six years would take place. That evening, we began to move some of our things in (just a rug or two, some end tables, a favorite chair), and, one piece at a time, the space started to look less like a vacant structure and more like a home.

Less than a year into living together, he proposed. And now, nearly three and a half years after that first day in our new house, were married, we have a baby, and we still love our home. Scheduling aside, buying was the right choice for us we knew this place would be the setting for our entire lives together.

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My Boyfriend & I Had Never Lived TogetherUntil We Bought A Home - Yahoo Finance

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Wondering what buildings are coming down or going up in Oakland? Local building permit data can shine a light on what's under construction near you.

In the past week, the city issued 82 building permits, according to data from BuildZoom, a platform that helps homeowners and businesses with new construction and remodels.

None of those permits were for new building construction last week; all were for repairs and renovations.

Read on for a selection of the most noteworthy new permits.

Contractor Cero Construction was issued a permit for repair/renovation of a residential structure at 6071 Colton Blvd. The permit defines the project's work scope as: "Non-structural remodel of two bathrooms at existing single family dwelling."

Contractor FWH Acquisition Co LLC received a permit for repair/renovation of a residential structure at 9800 Macarthur Blvd. The work is described as: "Remove and replace water heater for unit #202 to be located in exterior cabinet of multi-unit apartment building."

Contractor Source Planning & Construction Inc. was issued a permit for repair/renovation of a residential structure at 1901 Harrison St. The work is described as: "Plumbing tenant improvement to reconfigure partitions and remodel restrooms with ADA upgrades on the first third fourth and sixth floor."

A permit was issued for repair/renovation of a residential structure at 8216 Olive St. In the permit, the work scope is described as: "Non-structural kitchen remodel."

Applicant Wci Gc Inc. was issued a permit for repair/renovation of a residential structure at 1999 Harrison St., Suite 1500. The permit defines the project's work scope as: "Electrical tenant improvement. Create office spaces with new partitions and finishes."

A permit was issued for repair/renovation of a residential structure at 1064 Clarendon Crescent.The permit defines the project's work scope as: "Bath remodel including replacing tub and shower walls, vanity and fixtures."

Applicant Roto Rooter Services Company received a permit for repair/renovation of a structure at 900 Fallon St. In the permit, the work scope is described as: "Repair/replace building sewer."

Contractor A Taylor Made Window received a permit for repair/renovation of a residential structure at 796 Rosemount Road.The work is described as: "Replace six existing windows for single family dwelling."

Applicant Todd Zaionz Construction received a permit for repair/renovation of a residential structure at 250 Frank H. Ogawa Pz. The permit defines the project's work scope as: "Remove and replace one sheet of sheet rock to install electrical equipment underneath in print shop on first floor."

This story was created automatically using local building data from BuildZoom, then reviewed and augmented by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing.

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82 building permits issued in Oakland last week - Yahoo News

Photograph courtesy of Tim Hortons

For Restaurant Brands International, two out of three is bad.

In the companys third quarter, for instance, both Burger King and Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen generated strong salesin the U.S. and internationally.

But Tim Hortons didnt quite match its sister chains performance.

Systemwide sales at the Canadian coffee-and-doughnut chain declined by 0.1% in the quarter. By comparison, Burger Kings system sales rose 10.7%, thanks to international growth and the chains Impossible Whopper in the U.S.

Popeyes, buoyed by its incredible chicken sandwich success, increased sales by 15.6%.

Jose Cil, CEO of RBI, suggested that Tim Hortons focus has been off, and said it needs to work more on long-term sales-building strategies.

Weve seen a little bit of fluctuation, ups and downs, in sales performance over the last few quarters, partly, I think, because weve been focused on somewhat short-term opportunities, he told investors this week, according to a transcript on the financial services site Sentieo.

I think we need to be focused on the core, on the long-term initiatives that are going to have a big impact on the business, he added.

Cil said the long-term strategies include work to improve the companys beverages, store remodels, drive-thrus and technology such as its new loyalty program.

Tim Hortons was a well-established business in Canada when Burger King bought the company in 2014 and created Restaurant Brands International. Yet that combination has been slower to develop for Tims than it was when 3G Capital bought Burger King in 2010, or even when RBI bought Popeyes in 2017.

Consider this: Systemwide sales at Tims grew 9.3% in the first year after the 2014 merger. That growth has slowed every year since, and systemwide sales growth has averaged just 0.7% so far this year.

Unit count growth has also been slow: Tims has 4,887 global locations now, up less than 5% since 2014. By contrast, Burger King operates 18,232 restaurants globally, up 27% over that period.

Much of that is likely due to the chains different structures. Burger King operates with larger franchisees, including many joint ventures internationally where unit growth is paramount. Tims in its home market of Canada operates largely with smaller operators that are less likely to open new units.

And Tim Hortons has struggled in the U.S., where unit count has declined by 14% since 2013. The U.S. was supposed to be a key early growth market for the brand.

Still, Tims represents 60% of RBIs revenuesand half of its adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, or EBITDA. That makes the brand vital to RBIs overall performance. So while the other two brands performed well, its overall business is weighted toward Tims.

The brand has some real strengths that Cil believes to be a strong foundation for future growth. In Canada, it remains the dominant restaurant chain, particularly in the mornings. In Canada, Tim is an amazing business with a tremendous market share, he said. We have a very loyal following of guests that come, in many cases, two or three times a day.

That, he said, gives the company a really strong market share and compelling unit economics.

Cil believes the company has opportunities to increase growth in its core menu products. That includes both hot and cold beverages. One strategy is the addition of new coffee brewers designed to improve the consistency of those drinks.

The chain has also improved its beverage lids and opened a new Innovation Cafe in downtown Toronto to work on new products. It is also focused on drive-thru technology to speed service there.

Loyalty might be the biggest opportunity for the chain. The company launched its new loyalty program in Canada earlier this year and it became popular quickly. As many as half of the chains transactions come from program members.

Cil said the company will be able to focus on one-on-one marketing while using the program to get a better idea of what gets customers into its stores. Thats the work that were doing now that we think over time will allow us to drive sales through the loyalty platform, he said.

To be sure, Cil didnt fully write off short-term sales strategies such as limited-time offers. Theres always a balance in this business, especially when youre a market leader, he said, noting that the chain needs to focus on quality, value and convenience. Those are the things that are going to give us a competitive advantage in the market and continue to hold our really strong position and start growing long term.

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Tim Hortons starts thinking long term - Restaurant Business Online

The ridiculous popularity of Popeyes' fried chicken sandwich is definitely a shot across the bow of industry leader Chick-fil-A. But the return of the limited-time offer from Popeyes -- aRestaurant Brands International (NYSE:QSR) chain -- is a much bigger threat to McDonald's (NYSE:MCD), which still doesn't have a viable chicken sandwich of its own.

After the hit sandwich popped up at Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen in August, McDonald's admitted its own sales "did go a little bit the opposite way" in the third quarter, although it gained hamburger market share.

Now with Popeyes bringing the sandwich back this month, and notwithstanding all the other turmoil McDonald's finds itself in these days, it suggests the burger chain could be tarnished once again as it continues to struggle getting customers to visit its restaurants. Without an attractive chicken sandwich response, McDonald's franchisees are left standing on the sidelines.

The Popeyes fried chicken sandwich is back. Image source: Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen.

Popeyes knows fried chicken, having been in business for over 45 years. But before its buyout in 2017 by Restaurant Brands International, it was largely an also-ran behind Chick-fil-A, which has long been the favorite of teens and adults alike, and Yum! Brands'KFC.

Yet the acquisition infused the chicken chain with a new sense of purpose as Restaurant Brands wanted to see innovation occur at a faster pace. The fried chicken sandwich landed at just the right time because chicken has become the favorite protein of American consumers as beef fades.

According to the National Chicken Council, per capita consumption of chicken is expected to exceed 95 pounds this year, compared with about 57 pounds for beef and 51 pounds for pork. Back in 1992, chicken and beef were about even at 66 pounds per capita.

The popularity of chicken catapulted Chick-fil-A into the third largest fast-food chain by sales last year, pushing it ahead of Taco Bell, Burger King, and Wendy'sand knocking Subway out of third place. McDonald's remains tops, with Starbucks second.

The response to the sandwich was phenomenal. Systemwide sales were up over 15% in the third quarter on top of an 8% gain last year, and comparable sales -- an important metric to understand if you invest in restaurant stocks -- soared 9.7% versus a negligible 0.5% gain in the year-ago period.

No doubt Popeyes fried chicken is as good as everyone says. But it took some snarky tweets to get social media to notice before the sandwich actually gained traction, and now it's almost a cultural phenomenon. When the sandwich hit restaurants on Nov. 3, there were lines out the door at my local Popeyes, and it was no coincidence it was relaunched on a Sunday -- the one day of the week Chick-fil-A is closed.

Hoping to avoid the shortages that occurred last time, Popeyes promised there would be plenty of chicken sandwiches to go around, though in some areas it still reportedly ran out. And franchisees were hiring more staff to handle the crush of customers clamoring for the sandwich.

It doesn't bode well for McDonald's. While it responded with a limited-time chicken offer of its own after Popeyes ran out,it didn't really pay off. Comps rose 4.8% for the quarter, but that was based on promotions, store remodels, and higher prices. Customer traffic was still negative,and it will only further agitate franchisees who have complained about the lack of a premium chicken sandwich that could compete against the likes of Chick-fil-A.

As a national chain and the industry leader, it's surprising McDonald's doesn't have one on its menu, the McChicken sandwich notwithstanding. Still, its chicken sandwich is just one of the things that needs fixing, and with Popeyes coming back with a second helping that so far seems just as popular as the first, investors might be left squawking when McDonald's reports fourth-quarter earnings.

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The Return of Popeyes' Chicken Sandwich Is Bad News for McDonald's - The Motley Fool

Leading providers of home improvement solutions, 800 Remodeling has established a new eco-friendly recycling solution for old home materials. Recycling old materials, like pavers, allow the company to re-create a new eco-friendly & energy-efficient material. The company offers the recycling solution with no additional cost.

800 Remodeling - Los Angeles top general remodeling contractors - strives to help homeowners in the Los Angeles area achieve their home remodel dreams for over 40 years. The company provides them with innovative remodeling solutions, energy-efficient appliances and eco-friendly products that are consist of natural resources and eco-friendly approaches. It will ultimately help reduce the usage of fossil fuels, paper production, and water waste. It's one of todays biggest renewable energy savings solutions. The company has stood out from the rest of the industry with its recycling service. The service will help homeowners save huge expenses on their general remodeling project. The company buys the old materials of the house from the homeowner only to recycle it in a cutting edge technology solution. That allows general contractors to re-use the new eco-friendly recycled material for the project. While Keeping our earth cleaner, 800 Remodeling strives to optimize the project budget.

General remodeling is one of the most important investments for homeowners. Unfortunately, thousands of families in the Los Angeles area have not been able to remodel their homes in line with their taste. Mostly due to financial difficulties, although home remodels are usually very beneficial for the homeowner since the resale value is increasing. In addition to the project cost, the homeowner has to get rid of the old materials of the home, many of which are still valuable. However, 800 Remodeling has been able to change this narrative by providing a cost-efficient and eco-friendly remodeling solution. The service is offered for backyards, walkways, patios, driveways, ADU garage conversions and other general remodeling projects.

Over the years, 800 Remodeling has established itself as a one-stop solutions provider for all general remodeling needs in the Los Angeles area. The innovative recycling option further substantiates this claim. The environmentally friendly remodeling model will help homeowners reduce their expenses, and achieve their dream remodel. The company only has to recycle old materials and use them for its client's projects. This also helps to reduce wastage and environmental pollution. Offering a win-win situation to every stakeholder the general contractor, the homeowner, the neighbors, and our earth.

The many services offered by 800 Remodeling has made it Los Angeles #1 Rated General Remodeling Services Provider. Specializing in kitchen remodeling, bathroom remodeling, exterior remodeling, roofing, landscapes, outdoor living and more.

For more information about 800 Remodeling services and the innovative recycling solution offered, please contact us, or simply visit our website.

About 800 Remodeling

800 Remodeling is a family-owned & operated general remodeling company that has been serving the Los Angeles area for more than four decades. The company is fully licensed and insured, has worker compensation and is rated A+ at the Better Business Bureau. 800 Remodeling offers a wide range of general remodeling services, and cutting edge technology solutions. The company insists on using the highest quality of materials and craftsmanship and providing exceptional customer service to its clients.

Media ContactCompany Name: 800 RemodelingContact Person: Amir PoratEmail: Send EmailCountry: United StatesWebsite: 800Remodeling.com

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800 Remodeling Introduces a New Eco-Friendly & Energy-Efficient General Remodeling Recycling Solution For Homeowners In The Los Angeles Area -...

Our Top Small Kitchen Transformations

We've rounded up some of the best-ever small kitchen remodels from HGTV's biggest stars. Read on to see how Anthony Carrino, Nicole Curtis and more have taken spaces from dated and cramped to chic and efficient.

Though this kitchen is not the tiniest, the dark cabinets and blue walls make the space feel smaller and keep it from reaching its full potential.

With new appliances and a trendy color scheme, this kitchen is barely recognizable. Host James Young removed one wall, opening up the space and connecting the kitchen to the dining room.

Without adding a single square foot, this room feels far more spacious with white upper cabinets, attractive wood flooring and contemporary appliances. By keeping the cabinets light on top, the entire space feels more open and airy.

For this busy family, a kitchen this size was just far too small, and the bland white cabinets and paneled walls certainly didn't help.

After designer Meg Caswell worked her magic, this space boasts sleek black cabinets and brand new appliances. Recessed and under-cabinet lighting illuminate the contemporary space.

This petite kitchen has plenty of storage space, but the dated wood cabinets and bright yellow paint are in need of a refresh.

After the makeover, this sweet space boasts bright white cabinets, a soothing light blue paint color, and new stainless steel appliances. Wood planks laid vertically visually elongate the space.

The white cabinets were taken to the ceiling and given glass doors for a less extreme look. The homeowners were able to keep the blue with a softer shade in a beautiful glass tile backsplash that creates more depth and texture within the space.

This kitchen had good bones, but water damage that warped the lower cabinets had made half the small space unusable.

After an extreme makeover, which involved moving the kitchen into the roomier living room, this space is a vision with custom cabinets, new appliances and stunning quartz countertops.

The creamy wall color instantly adds visual space to this once-formidable kitchen. New floors and white appliances also contribute to the room's adorable new look.

Aside from the fact that this kitchen was extremely outdated, the square tile backsplash and linoleum floor were way too much in this small space.

After the redesign, hosts Tarek and Christina El Moussa were able to give the room a much more open, relaxed vibe. Sleek cabinets, neutral floors and a lovely new backsplash keep this kitchen looking fresh and up to date.

The dark cabinets in this outdated kitchen made the entire room feel dark, depressing and small.

Now this kitchen feels airy and bright with beautiful white cabinets, new appliances and a backsplash that introduces a stylish pattern to the space.

Old wooden cabinets darkened this kitchen, while black and white tile flooring overpowered the small space.

The layout in this kitchen simply wasn't functional, and the fridge was so small that the homeowners had to keep a separate freezer.

After the makeover, this space is simply divine with stunning white cabinetry, new applainces and an open floor plan that connects the kitchen to the living and dining rooms.

Before the renovation, this galley kitchen was closed off by walls, making it extremely cramped and barely functional.

There's simply no space to move around in this itty-bitty kitchen, and the cabinets make the entire room feel darker.

By knocking down a wall and a section of cabinets, the kitchen can flow into the living and dining rooms. The interesting gray and white backsplash adds instant texture, while cabinets with a soft cream finish provide great storage and keep the space looking bright.

This tiny kitchen screamed builder grade and was in desperate need of better lighting and a brighter look.

This space was totally reworked to create a seamless transition from kitchen to dining area. By adding new cabinets on the wall and tearing down the area between the kitchen and dining space, there is even room for a work station.

This kitchen was far too small for homeowners who loved to entertain, and the room was in need of more natural light.

After installing new window pane doors, the combination kitchen and dining room has plenty of natural light, and guests can freely move around in this much more open space.

Full of personality but too bright for such a small space, this kitchen needed a more toned-down look.

A new color palette and brand-new cabinets soften the look of this petite kitchen. White subway tiles and stainless steel appliances reflect light, visually enlarging the space.

Now, this small kitchen feels much larger with lighter cabinets, bright wood floors and more functional storage spaces.

More:
20 Small Kitchen Makeovers by HGTV Hosts | HGTV

The kitchen is one of the most complicated remodeling projects because of all the decisions you will make throughout the process. We'll walk you through this with our planning and buying guides, covering everything from foundation appliances, cabinetry, surfaces and finishes to sustainable products and extras like wine coolers and microwave drawers.

According to Remodeling magazine, a major kitchen renovation can result in a return on investment of between 61 and 70 percent of the cost.

Over time, the kitchen has evolved from a place where food is simply prepared and served in another room into a multi-function open area that is the heart and soul of the home. No matter its size, the kitchen is a big part of every modern household.

When remodeling a kitchen, think function, efficiency, style and longevity. A kitchen should last for 20 years or more, says Mary Jo Peterson, principal, Mary Jo Peterson Inc. "Choose cabinets you love, and a layout that works for your familys lifestyle," she advises.

Visit link:
How to Begin a Kitchen Remodel | HGTV

The average cost of kitchen remodeling for American households is currently at$22,134, according toHomeownersand could go all the way up to $50,000. Small projects or remodeling jobs with small kitchens may cost as low as $10,000 that could include painting, replacing the sink, installing a tile backsplash and changing the facade of the cabinet.

Starting in February and March 2019, homeowners will be busy closing deals to renovate their homes. If youre one of them and wondering how much youre likely going to spend for the job in 2019, this is your complete guide.

How Much Does It Cost To Remodel a Kitchen?

The average cost of kitchen remodeling for your average-sized kitchen will be over $20,000 The final cost will depend on the size of your kitchen as well as how luxurious cabinets or appliances you want to install. A major kitchen renovation may cost you anywhere between $40,000 to $70,000.

Admit it. Every time you watch Gordon Ramsay,Paula Deen, Rachael Ray and Tom Colicchio whip up delicious food on YouTube, you pay as much attention to the color of the kitchen cabinet and its simple-yet-aesthetic appeal as to the amount of salt that is added. But the task of remodeling your kitchen remains a mere footnote in the long list of things you need to do. Worry not. Heres yourstep-by-stepguide to what you need to spend on, how much to spend on it, and how you can cut costs without lowering the quality of your remodeled kitchen.

Americans spend an average of $21,000 on kitchen remodeling as perImprovenet,but of course, you can always spend a lot less by carefully aligning your needs with your budget. Make a list of items that are absolutely must-haves, and ensure that their costs are covered first and foremost.

Are you planning to change your countertops or your kitchen flooring?

Is it absolutely essential to replace your refrigerator or is it more important to fix the electrical issues in the kitchen?

Do you need a new sink, or do you have to replace the entire drainage system?

Do you need new cookware?

Remember, retaining the old style of the kitchen layout will go a long way in keeping your costs low. Of course, the more you add to the list of must-haves, the higher the budget will be; so keep that in mind. And if your list gets longer by the minute, then sit back and review. After all, you wouldnt appreciate the new-look kitchen if it makes a severe dentinyour finances.For example, a small kitchen can be renovated for as less as $10,000.

Laborcosts, according to theNational Kitchen and Bath Association,can range between 20%-35% of the total budget. But of course, this will come down if you decide to take matters intoyour hands, or at least help with the daily work.YouTube, for example, is full of videos that show you how to replace your kitchen cabinets, how to redo the countertops, how to select the right refrigerator for your house and how to pick the right colors for a newpaint job.

Not only will going DIY cut costs, there is always a touch of personalization that can be added. And the next time someone appreciates the color of your cabinets, you can always say I did that! But if you are someone who believes in the leave it to the professionals, there are more than enough people who can help. Find themas per your location here.Needless to say, hire only those contractors who are licensed, insured and ready to provide you with references. According to a recent survey, 88 percent of those who decided to renovate their kitchens hire at least one contractor.

Your long-term plans play a significant role in deciding whether or not you need a kitchen remodeling.Even if you are not planning to live in your house for a long time, remodeling the kitchen could tremendously add market value to the home if you plan to sell it.

Then make sure that your investments in kitchen remodeling are focused completely on building an updated infrastructure. Ensure that the electricals are up to date, the flooring is compact and the cabinets are not falling off their hinges. Electrical equipment, on the other hand, like say, refrigerators, ovens, stoves can always be refurbished instead of replaced.

On the other hand, if you plan to stay in the house on a long-term basis, you can even opt for a One issue at a time approach and replace all the things necessary over a longer period of time. This will ensure that your budget is spent more evenly and you do not have to worry about escalating costs. One downside of this approach is that you may lose the consistency of the kitchen design if you do it over a longer period of time.

And remember, the kitchen is a part of the house, so the renovation should be in tune with the rest of the house. This is especially important if you plan to sell the house. An average-looking kitchen in an upmarket house will bring down its price. Do not over-do, butdefinitely,do not under-do the renovation. Kitchen remodeling is the most efficient way to increase the value of a home. Roughly $15,000-worthkitchen remodel has a return of 92.9 percent resale value.

No one likes to be sipping coffee while a professional cuts through wood with his electricax, and there is nothing more irritating than waking up in the morning to the sound of tiles being trimmed as per the need. If you plan to live somewhere else, factor the costs accordingly in your budget.

If this seems expensive, maybe you can get the people to work at times when you are not at home. If you must move, how about calling old friends you havent met in a long time and visiting them? Make it sound like you missed them, and bunk on their couch if needed. This might sound a little cheap, and it sure is. It is cheaper than staying in a motel, for example. And if you save some money, invite them over for a good meal in your new kitchen.

Budgeting is only half the job done; you need to ensure that you finance it well. And unless you have a kind granny who is ready to lend you her entire savings, it is much better to focus on HOW you want to pay before HOW MUCH you want to pay. Due to theirtax-deductible components, home equity loans are the most favored options, along with refinancing, taking out a personal loan or taking a loan against a retirement plan. The Smart Alec around you will suggest paying for all of it with cash in hand instead of borrowing money. But think about it: would you rather borrow money at a low rate of interest or withdraw money from an account that is currently earning a high rate of return?

Maybe you would like to take a home improvement loan? Well,here are your options.Choose wisely, because how you pay for the renovation is as important as how much you pay for it. Also, in case you wish to get a loan, make sure you do this before the renovation works begin. It is unlikely that the contractors will not take moneyup frontfor the materials they buy, so it is best to avoid any last-minute issues.

Ask your remodeler or contractor if there is a bank they are working with. Usually, kitchen remodeling contractors have a deal with a certain bank on refinancing your kitchen remodeling costs.

Renovation means you will be left with a lot of things that need to be discarded. Or do they? You can simply take pictures of your old but usable equipment like refrigerators, ovens, gas stoves, chimneys and upload them on Craigslist or even Facebook Marketplace. It wouldnt hurt if the cost of new cabinet set is partly paid by an old oven, right?

Instead of throwing out your old equipment, you cant imagine how many people will line up to buy them. Facebook Marketplace is a great platform for this kind of local sale. No shipping fee, no other requirements. Personal pickup and cash up front.

Whatever your budget, it would not be a bad idea to factor in an additional 10%-20% for contingency purposes.Labordelays, factors like bad weather, or simply unavoidable circumstances like medical emergencies (accidents, burns) will push your costs up and you rather be safe than sorry.

Also, this can be seen as an added incentive: if you do manage to keep all expenses within your Budget (congratulations) then you can use the contingency fund to, say, fund one of the wish-list items for your kitchen. Maybe you can have a Japanese knife set you have craved for so long, eh!

Yes, a custom-built cabinet looks nice. But do you really need it when a standard fit cabinet will do exactly the same for half the price? Do not be tempted by the countless online discounts and clearance sales around you. Once you have decided on what you want (sigh, the limitations!!) at no point should you deter from the list.

Make sure that you have enough time to look for all that you need, and spend a part of your day looking for exactly what you want. Last-minute trips to shops and hardware stores are not really fun, andeven less so when you end up spending more than you had bargained for on things that you could have saved upon had you planned earlier.

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Kitchen Remodeling: How Much Does it Cost in 2019? [9 Tips to ...

Some builders like to install flooring after the cabinets are installed to save on cost, but you might prefer to do it before. No quarter rounds are needed.

You have several eco-friendly choices here. Cork flooringis made from stripped tree bark, leaving the trees intact. It's warm and inviting, but cork can yellow in sunlight. It scratches easily and moisture makes it swell.

Bamboo flooring is a grass, not a wood. It renews itself every three to five years. Ask for premium bamboo, made from adhesives that don't contain formaldehyde. Bamboo can be nailed, glued, stapled, or floated, and it comes in both horizontal and vertical patterns. Don't install it in areas that are likely to get wet.

Recycled carpetingis made from recycled plastic food and beverage containers. These vibrant color options tend to last longer than nylon carpets. It's a shock-free static product that doesn't emit volatile organic compounds, which are part of that "new carpet smell" but can irritate the lungs. Recycled carpets are stain-resistant.

Linoleum flooringis a manufactured product made from natural raw materials such as linseed oila binding agent obtained from pine trees without harming the treesrenewable wood products, ground limestone, and jute, a plant fiber. Linoleum floors are stain-resistant. They don't absorb water and they're biodegradable at the end of useful life, usually around 40 years.

Wood floorings, such as Brazilian cherry or white tigerwood, are grown in South America. They're harvested from well-managed forests with renewable resources. Brazilian cherry is an engineered wood made from 3-ply construction using formaldehyde-free adhesives. It's generally more expensive, but it's resilient and harder than oak.

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Steps to Remodeling Your Kitchen - The Balance