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If you are considering installing recessed lighting, a generator, or solar
panels, among other improvements, it will be more cost-effective to install
them when you are first renovating than later on as you will have to rip
open the sheetrock and then repaint. Even if you don’t do the installation
now, you can always have your electrician install certain wiring in order to
ensure that you will be able to do it at a later date.
Kitchen Remodeling
Kitchen remodeling consistently tops lists as one of America’s most popular
home renovations — and one of the most costly as well. Follow these tips
to get the most for your money when investing in this expensive, time-
consuming, and very rewarding project.
Talk to an experienced kitchen designer if you intend to do more than
a few hundred dollars of work. A good designer can guide you on layout
Can’t afford a complete kitchen overhaul? Give a tired kitchen a facelift by
refacing cabinets — replacing just the doors but leaving the cabinets intact.
and material choices and vendor selections. Ultimately, this will save you
more money than the designers fees, as well as helping you produce a
great result with minimal hassle.
Think about how the room will be used. Will many people will be cooking
simultaneously? Is the kitchen intended solely for meal prep, or as a place
for people to congregate?
Prepare a folder of inspiration and ideas. Clip pictures from magazines
or photograph friends’ kitchens so you will have a jumping-off point to
begin discussions with your designer or vendors.
Advance planning will save time and money. Once the project is under-
way, keep changes to a minimum.
Prepare a prioritized wish list, ranging from “must-haves” to “nice-to-
haves.” Don’t get distracted by expensive bells and whistles that aren’t on
your list.
Don’t forget the overall look of your kitchen. Kitchens are more than
just cabinets and counters; flooring and lighting are integral parts of the
kitchen experience.
2020 Lakewood Home Buyer’s Guide | 105
