Ask Mr. Fix it

Getting a kitchen upgrade can be a timely and expensive process, but one that most families will not do without. Think back to a standard kitchen that was in homes ten years ago, with it’s clunky ceramic-front oven, noisy dishwasher that always did a terrible job, cheap laminate countertops that stained so easily, and tiny counters. Go back even further, and imagine the kitchen of the 1970’s or even 1960’s, and try to picture yourself working in one of those tiny, plastic-coated rooms.

So it’s obvious that kitchens need upgrades and they need them often. It may be true that many appliances and tools aren’t exactly necessary for the function of your kitchen, but then again, there has to be a reason why so many consumers opt for granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. The endurance and timelessness is often thought of as worth the investment.

And kitchen upgrades are just that – an investment. It’s said in real estate that kitchens and bathrooms make or break a home sale, and unfortunately even the nicest and most expensive houses on the block can neglect these important rooms. If you’re trying to sell your home without any recent upgrades to your kitchen, why would a buyer opt for your house when there’s one down the block or around the corner that has been updated and that does offer the latest in appliances?

For someone with the funds to really put into their kitchen, there is really no end to the upgrades and improvements that can be made. Cooking systems that were once only available to restaurants are now common in many high-end homes, and natural materials such as teak, cork, marble, and granite are also somewhat commonplace.

Multiple uses for the kitchen.

It used to be, several decades ago, that the kitchen served its function of storing and preparing food, and that was it. Once the meal was ready, everyone cleared out of the kitchen and didn’t visit it again until it was time to clean it.

Not so anymore. The kitchen is being seen and used as a family gathering spot. When the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) surveyed its membership for Design Trends Survey Update, the most sought after request at 61% was the addition of an entertainment center in the kitchen. Trends over the past several years show more and more homeowners see the kitchen as a multipurpose room where computers and other home electronics figure prominently. Refrigerators and dishwashers are being trimmed with cabinetry and integrated into the woodworking design, bringing more warmth and helping to blur the boundaries of adjacent rooms.

NKBA members also cited warmth and comfort as an influencing factor for current styles, as natural and dark wood cabinets continue to be prominent choices. Decorative range hoods are increasing in popularity. Manufactured in stainless steel, copper and ceramic styles, hoods are no longer just a function of the kitchen; they are quickly becoming the centerpiece. Faucets are also breaking out into their own category. According to experts, nickel faucets have outpaced the traditional stainless as the most commonly used in kitchen design jobs.

With the additional time being spent in the kitchen above and beyond meal preparation, it seems only natural that time and attention would be given to its appearance, wanting to create as much of a welcoming attitude as possible.

Elements have evolved from painted ceramic.

Countertops have evolved over the last decade with options that include solid surface, natural stone, quartz, wood, stainless steel, concrete, laminate and more. Today, there are more than a dozen choices in kitchen surfaces with granite consistently making the top of the list. Granite like other natural stones – marble, limestone, slate, soapstone – is very durable. It is also less porous than the other stone surfaces and only requires resealing about once a year.

Soapstone was used by early New England settlers and remains a good countertop choice as well within the natural stone category. It is naturally resistant to harsh chemicals and heat, so it does not stain like limestone and marble, and yearly maintenance can be performed using mineral oil instead of sealants.

In addition, most countertop surfaces have several finish choices – high gloss, honed, flamed and tumbled. The most common is high gloss or polished. Honed and tumbled are both matte finishes, but honed is typically smoother. If you’re interested in a more textured surface, a blow-torch helps to create a flamed finish.

The appliances go upscale.

Stainless is not “out” by any means. In fact, it’s making a comeback in home appliances. A movement toward commercial restaurant appliances has spread to upscale kitchens around the country. Homeowners no longer satisfied with imitations are installing six-burner gas stovetops, four-foot-wide ranges and subzero refrigerators. Pot fillers or swivel faucets mounted over a stovetop is another device borne out of the restaurant craze as well as built-in steamers, warming drawers and stovetop barbecue grills.

Walk-in coolers are also becoming a hot-ticket item, as are larger, built-in rotisseries that you would also see in a restaurant.

The return on investment.

Kitchen remodeling or upgrading can be expensive, but it does have its perks. The return on investment for a major kitchen remodeling job is nearly 80%, according to the National Association of Realtors.

Many people trying to sell their homes are often told to take a long hard look at their kitchen and see what necessary upgrades they’re overlooking. If you’re attempting to sell your home, and even if the home value is what is considered high-end, you may need to consider the look and feel of your own kitchen. You may not see the benefit of a six-burner stovetop for yourself, but potential buyers might.

Especially in upscale neighborhoods where competition for home sales is fierce does this need to be figured into your plans. So while it may mean some dollars out of your pocket now, in the end, it will mean a return on investment that will make the entire process well worth it.

Tags: electrical, remodeling, home improvement, home fix-up, landscaping