Financial and Emotional Returns on your Investment

by Kitchen Magic Custom Refacing & Cabinetry

One of the big trends in remodeling, particularly among GenXers, is making a personal statement. Homeowners don’t want their kitchens to look like anyone else’s. While making a personal statement that is meaningful to you, be sure to make choices that will not date the kitchen quickly and alienate future buyers when you sell.

You have to think how it’s going to translate for the next owner. Homeowners who care about resale should choose more neutral colors for floors, countertops and cabinets, using easily changeable paint and always use accessories to infuse personality.

Highly polished granite and stainless steel were the hot trends in the 1990s – so much so that now there’s a backlash among high-end homeowners. Instead of glam, remodelers are going for warmth. Stone countertops are still popular of course, but more homeowners are becoming wary of the drawbacks.

For the frugal, the good news is that minor kitchen remodels actually seem to pay off better at resale time than major redos, at least according to Remodeling Magazine’s annual Cost vs. Value survey.

Someone who spent an average $10-$15,000 refacing cabinets, replacing countertops and installing new cook tops would recoup an estimated 98.5% of the cost on an average if the home sold within a year, whereas someone who spent $81,552 on an upscale tear-everything-out-and-replace-it remodel, would recoup 84.5% on an average. Replacing doesn’t always make the big payoff.

This article was provided by Kitchen Magic. Kitchen Magic is installing more synthetic or engineered stone countertops than ever before, and there is renewed interest in solid surfaces like Corian and Silestone quartz. Visit them online at www.kitchenmagic.com to find out more.

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