Understanding the Real Cost of a Kitchen Remodel Project
Initial price gives only a peephole view of the true cost of a Kitchen Remodel Project. A higher purchase price can mean a better deal in the long run. You can actually reduce the cost of living in your home by choosing resource efficient materials and designs lowering monthly bills.
Focus on long-term savings, ease of maintenance and conservation not just initial price. A low purchase price means a good deal. Or it may signify a lack of quality or durability, or that some environmental, health, or social costs are not included on the price tag. Lenders are beginning to recognize the value of ongoing savings to the homeowner. Mortgage Options for Resource Efficiency is a program that lets you add up to $4,000 to your mortgage for home improvements that save energy or water, such as efficient appliances and fixtures, and increasing your home’s insulation. The savings from a more efficient home can cover and even exceed the incremental addition to your mortgage payment, meaning a quality Kitchen Remodel Project can pay for itself.
Doing Your Homework
Research helps you ask the right questions of retailers, your designer and/or contractor–or avoid costly mistakes if you are doing the work yourself. Finding some green products can be a challenge. It pays to start early, looking for manufacturers that offer products you like. Keep a file of contact names and businesses, and magazine and newspaper clippings. This helps determine cost and availability and reduces the need for expensive, last minute decisions. Find out how long it takes to receive special-order items and factor this into your schedule. The Internet is a great place to start when searching for information and products–but be aware of biases in information sources. The line between sales pitch and factual information can be quite blurry on the Web.
Kitchen Remodel Safely
Beyond identifying health objectives for your new design, take time to identify the hazards that already exist in your home and those that may be created by the remodeling process. Many old paints contain lead, and disturbing these surfaces can increase the risk of lead poisoning. Certain plumbing types can also contain lead, and leach into drinking water. Asbestos is another potential hazard, discussed in the Flooring section. Make your objectives for dust and fume containment, as well as cleanup procedures, clear with your contractor. Also, make sure all work follows building codes. Work that violates codes may also violate the terms of your insurance policy, leaving you vulnerable to loss. It can also save you the hassle, waste and expense of having to tear out non-compliant elements. It’s likely the reason it doesn’t comply is due to safety, health, or energy efficiency issues–all goals of a green remodel.
Benefits of a Universal Design
Universal Design reexamines the basic assumptions we have made in designing highfunction areas like kitchens and bathrooms. The result is a more flexible, adaptable design useful to a wide range of ages, sizes or physical abilities. These principles can help homeowners age in place and reduce the need for costly and wasteful tear-out and Kitchen Remodel Project activity down the road.
