Basics of Kitchen Remodeling in Tennessee
If you are thinking of making changes to your kitchen in Tennessee, consider some of the different types of remodeling projects that you can undertake. These range from bathroom remodeling, kitchen remodeling and even basement remodeling, for many homeowners these projects offer much to be excited about.
One of the simplest and most basic project are the bathroom remodeling. Depending on your choice of materials, this project can be an amazing opportunity to add charm and beauty to a room. Bathroom remodeling projects in Tennessee can include items such as new countertops, vanity units, bathrooms, sinks, plumbing and more. This type of remodeling project can also be a very economical way to create a new look for your home.
When thinking of kitchen remodeling, you have a number of choices as far as materials go. The most common types of materials used in kitchen remodeling projects include granite countertops, granite backsplashes, stone-based appliances, glass tops, marble backsplashes, metal kitchen appliances, concrete countertops, marble backsplashes, quartz countertops, stone-based flooring, and more. All of these materials can create a stunning look that will be sure to please you and your family.
For basement remodeling projects in Tennessee, you may choose to go with a dry-walled basement or a wet-walled basement. Both types of basements can create beautiful, modern finishes, and you can also find material like cork, bamboo, pine, cedar, and more to enhance the look.
Many homeowners also use basement remodeling to add a new use to their kitchen, usually by installing a breakfast nook. This is an area that is specially designed to give you a place to eat while you are preparing meals or preparing to eat. Many homes are also converting these rooms into new children’s play areas or even music rooms.
While basement remodeling offers many different options for both homeowners and contractors, you need to keep in mind the safety issues when it comes to working in or around the basement. As with any other remodeling project, basement remodeling requires some basic precautions and equipment to ensure that you get the best results.
For instance, if you want to use a contractor in Tennessee to carry out your basement remodeling project, you need to check out his or her licensing. You should also make sure that the contractor who will be doing your basement remodeling has enough experience and knows how to do things safely.
In general, homeowners can enjoy all of the rewards of a project like basement remodeling by using only a do-it-yourself approach. However, if you want to add a touch of class and beauty to your home, then you should consult a contractor to do the work and will most likely pay a little more for the project.
Secrets of Profitable Remodeling
With the decline in the economy, there have reports recently stating that remodeling one's home is a consumer extravagance. This is not only inaccurate but irresponsible. Remodeling is often necessary for overall upkeep and maintenance of one's home; putting off home improvements could result in more costly repairs and improvements in the future. An older roof cannot and should not be ignored. It will not offer the needed protection, will not be energy-efficient and detracts from the aesthetics of one's home. If it is left to deteriorate, it could leak, resulting in further damage to a home's interior. Leaky windows can let water seep into walls and cause black mold to grow; deteriorating chimneys can not only fall apart and cause damage but could result in leaking into the home.
The studies and reports in the actual remodeling industry are factual and encouraging. The Research Institute for Cooking & Kitchen Intelligence (RICKI), a Charlotte-based organization of industry professionals in the kitchen remodeling industry, conducts a "Remodelers 360" survey that examines consumers' kitchen design preferences, kitchen remodeling experiences, and how they use their kitchens. The results reveal what common sense would tell us: more Americans are eating at home as a result of the downturn in the economy, thus the desire to remodel a kitchen is still motivating consumers to remodel. The value homeowners get for a kitchen remodel and the aesthetic and practical benefits to the home still make it a highly worthwhile investment.
According to Remodeling Magazine Cost vs. Value Report 2008-2009, remodeling is still an excellent investment that not only improves your quality of life and the cost of which can be recouped if or when you sell your home. The Cost vs. Value Report gives approximate costs of particular remodeling projects and provides potential resale amounts and percentage of return on investment. The costs of remodeling obviously can vary from place to place across the U.S., based on regional fluctuations in material costs and contractors' labor costs and overhead.
Bathroom Remodel: Update an existing 5x7-foot bathroom that would include replacing all fixtures, installing a ceramic tile surround; installing a new plumbing in the tub, shower and sink; installing a standard white toilet; solid-surface vanity counter with integral sink; installing a medicine cabinet, light fixture and ceramic tile floor.
Approximate Project Cost:$15,899
Resale value: $11,857
Cost Recouped: 74.6%
Deck Addition (wood): Add a 16x20-foot deck using pressure-treated joists supported by 4x4 posts anchored to concrete piers. Install pressure-treated deck boards in a simple linear pattern; include a built-in bench and planter of the same decking material and stairs
(assuming three steps to grade). Provide a complete railing system using pressure-treated wood posts, railings, and balusters.
Approximate Project Cost: $10,601
Resale Value: $8,676
Cost Recouped: 81.8%
Major Kitchen Remodel: Update an outmoded 200-square-foot kitchen with a layout of approximately 30 linear feet of new semi-custom wood cabinets, installing laminate countertops and a standard double-tub stainless-steel sink with standard single-lever faucet. Install an energy-efficient wall oven, cooktop, ventilation system, built-in microwave, dishwasher, garbage disposal, and custom lighting. Add new resilient flooring and finish with painted walls, trim, and ceiling.
Approximate Project Cost: $56,611
Resale value: $43,030
Cost Recouped: 76.0%
Minor Kitchen Remodel: In a functional but dated 200-square-foot kitchen with approximately 30 linear feet of cabinetry and countertops, leave cabinet boxes in place but replace fronts with new raised-panel wood doors and drawers, including new hardware; replace wall oven and cooktop with new energy-efficient models. Replace laminate countertops and install mid-priced sink and faucet. Repaint trim, add wall covering, and remove and replace resilient flooring.
Approximate Project Cost: $21,246
Resale Value: $16,881
Cost Recouped: 79.5%
There are also many remodeling projects that increase your home's energy-efficiency. Updating older bathroom plumbing fixtures with newer, more water-conserving fixtures is an affordable way to improve a home's efficiency, lower water costs, and improve the appearance of the bathroom as well. Other minor things that can be done include installing new doors, installing Energy Star- rated windows, sealing cracks and crevices with spray foam, and if possible laying thicker insulation in the attic.
Consumer energy tax incentives and credits are being offered through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and are providing consumers tax incentives to have energy-efficiency improvements done to their existing homes and new construction. The plan includes federal tax credits and includes:
Tax credits are available at 30% of the cost, up to $1,500, in 2009 & 2010 (for existing homes only) for:
Windows and Doors
Insulation
Roofs (Metal and Asphalt)
HVAC
Water Heaters (non-solar)
Biomass Stoves
Tax credits are available at 30% of the cost, with no upper limit through 2016 (for existing homes & new construction) for:
Geothermal Heat Pumps
Solar Panels
Solar Water Heaters
Small Wind Energy Systems
Fuel Cells
The Joint Center for Housing Studies is Harvard University's center for information and research on housing in the United States. The Joint Center for Housing Studies examines emerging housing and community development policies and concerns. Industry leaders and public officials also use the center's research to learn about trends and issues in the housing field.
According to The Joint Center for Housing Studies 2009 Growth Markets for Remodeling report, remodeling has helped to increase the energy efficiency of existing homes over the past two decades, especially older homes built during or before the 1930s. Most homeowners are currently interested in projects that will improve their homes' energy efficiency and address other environmental concerns (utilizing "green" materials for reducing carbon footprint and health concerns for example). In 2007, homeowners spent over $52 billion of their improvement to energy-related projects, up from less than $33 billion (in inflation-adjusted terms) a decade earlier. Homeowners are motivated by environmental concerns, and have a growing interest in products and projects that meet the green goals of quality and durability, environmental performance, and safety (such as lessening the chances or consequences of certain disasters on the home).
As credit conditions start to ease up, owners will find it easier to finance their home improvement projects. As home prices edge back up, owners will again realize the wealth-building benefits of investing in their homes. And as sales pick up, recent buyers will want to make improvements as the economy continues to improve. When the uncertainty of the economy and job-security lessens, people will feel less fear about spending money on remodeling projects.
Remodeling can be done at any time of year- it is not necessary to wait until springtime to tackle home improvements when most contractors and home improvement specialists are backlogged with work. Certain projects are definitely best-suited to fair weather: roofs, exterior painting, decks, and siding. But there are many projects that can be completed at any time: interior painting, kitchen or bathroom remodel, basement reclaiming or remodeling, removing wall(s) to open up interior spaces, flooring, and installing doors and windows, refinishing wood floors or putting in new trim work. A great project is redefining a room by changing a bedroom or poorly-utilized room into a bathroom, office, media room or workout room/ relaxation retreat, or a space that fits your lifestyle.
As more and more homeowners are remaining in their homes, they look to remodeling to help create their dream home from the home they already own. Your home is a major investment- maintain or improve its value, efficiency and appearance to improve your quality of life!
Tips to Choose an Expert Kitchen Remodeling Contractor
Many people take advantage of home remodeling to increase their home value. They often sell their property quicker and at a higher price thanks to their home remodeling achievements. Many times you can earn $2-3 on every $1 you spend. That means remodeling your home can actually earn you money.
The problem is most people aren't sure where to start with their home remodeling project. The two most popular areas to increase home value via remodeling are:
- Kitchen Remodeling
- Bathroom Remodeling
The wonderful thing about these two areas of home remodeling is they aren't very large in nature. Unlike opening a den where you need to remove walls, a bathroom remodeling or kitchen remodeling project is done on a smaller scale. As a result, you don't have to spend nearly as much money on your home remodeling project to make your house look fresh and new.
But let's discuss some specific projects that will increase your home value in these two particular areas.
Kitchen Remodeling
If you're considering remodeling your kitchen, a good place to start is with the cabinets. That's because they're one of the first focal points you notice when entering any kitchen. A fresh coat of paint on any exposed walls also helps. Not only will the room smell fresher, it will look new as well. Other items on your to-do list can include:
- New Appliances
- Stainless Steel Sinks
- New Counter Tops
- New Tiles or Backsplashes
- Hardwood or Laminate Flooring
Kitchen remodeling can also include new furniture such as breakfast nook tables and chairs, island carts, or barstools. You don't need to spend a small fortune on your kitchen remodeling project. It just needs to appear visually appealing to potential buyers.
Remember, the newer your home appears, the sooner you'll sell it at a price you want. Remodeling your kitchen is a cost-effective way of doing just that.
Bathroom Remodeling
Much like kitchen remodeling, bathroom remodeling also increases your home value. Better yet, the bathroom is even smaller in size than the kitchen...at least in most homes. So if you've considered remodeling your bathroom to earn more on a home sale, don't forget the following areas to update:
- Cabinets
- Counter Tops and Vanities
- Sinks
- Flooring and Tile
- Tubs and Showers
Home Remodeling Cuts Taxes
Another fact that many people don't realize is there can be an additional benefit to home remodeling when tax time comes. Here's how it works:
When you earn money on the sale of a home, you're charged a capital gains tax. What that means is any money you make over the value of a home can be taxed. However, according to the IRS's Publication 523, Selling Your Home, you can declare certain improvements you made to a home, like kitchen remodeling or bathroom remodeling. This can also include items such as:
- Additions such as bedrooms, bathrooms, decks, garages, porches or patios.
- New plumbing or wiring.
- Any new heating and/or air conditioning units.
- Interior upgrades such as built-in appliances and wall-to-wall carpeting.
- Exterior upgrades like paving the driveway.
Any tax-acceptable improvements are those that add value to your home and prolong your home's useful life according to the IRS, not you. So check with your accountant who knows IRS tax law to make sure any home remodeling you do will be covered. In addition, be sure you save receipts so you have proof of cost.
Where To Look For Kitchen and Bathroom Remodeling Products and Services
If you're not a do-it-yourselfer, it's probably best to get quotes from home improvement contractors to help you with your remodeling project. Most of the products needed for your project can be found in various retail outlets or home improvement stores. However, you can likely save the most money by buying discount home remodeling products direct from the manufacturer.
Remember, not only will remodeling your home make it more livable and enjoyable for you, but any renovations you make to your home will increase its sale price...and maybe save you money come tax time too.
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