Posted on Tue, Aug 10, 2010
Posted by: Brian Ciota, Vice President
Most people begin a kitchen remodeling project with a “wish list” – everything you NEED and WANT in your dream kitchen. To help start your wish list, we’ve developed this handy A-to-Z guide of features you’ll want to consider as you plan and budget for your project:
- Appliances. Research appliance makes and models. Your choices will impact the design of your kitchen and your budget.
- Built-ins. Make a list of items you would want built into the design of your kitchen. Appliances now are made in counter depth sizes to fit into standard cabinetry. Other types of built-ins to consider are banquettes for breakfast areas and appliance “garages” to house microwave ovens, coffee makers and mixers. Don’t forget to factor in a broom closet if your space allows for it.
- Cabinets and Countertops. Visit showrooms to identify the type of cabinets and countertops you want to use in your project. Note the line, style, material, color and finish for cabinets and type of material, edging and colors for countertops.
- Drawers and Desk Areas. Pull-out drawers are great for under-countertop storage. Check them out when you visit showrooms. Many kitchens feature a desk area for a computer and for doing paperwork such as bill paying or meal planning. On the desk you could add a charging station for cell phones and PDAs.
- Electronics. In addition to appliances, computers and flat screen televisions have found a home in the kitchen. Think about adding these to your space along with a cable service.
- Flooring. Flooring in kitchens includes wood, ceramic tile, vinyl, laminate, concrete and carpet. Other materials used are granite, bamboo and marble. Flooring should not only be attractive but easy to maintain and practical. Go to showrooms and read product reviews.
- Galley or Gathering Space. Think about the space in your home. An efficient galley kitchen is a great asset for food prep for a serious cook while space for informal meals and family gatherings is important to households with children and for those who like to entertain. To achieve extra space you may have to extend the kitchen by adding an addition or reconfiguring an underused dining or living room in your plan.
- Hardware. Select hardware that is attractive, easy to clean and fits within your budget. If you’re planning to live in your home for a long time consider easy to use products like cup shaped pulls on drawers and lever handles on doors where appropriate. “Universal Design” ideas can be implemented in your project to create a space that can be used over the course of a lifetime.
- Islands and Peninsulas. Islands and peninsulas are the work stations of a kitchen. Generally they are designed for food prep, informal dining and storage.
- Jewels of the Kitchen. “Jewels” of a kitchen are items you add for aesthetics like pendant lighting, glass cabinets, custom tiles on backsplashes and areas for display of collections.
- Kitchen Triangle. The kitchen triangle considers the placement of the stove, refrigerator and sink/dishwasher area in the design of a kitchen so that a cook can work efficiently. Read our kitchen triangle article for more information.
- Lighting. Lighting is essential to the function of a kitchen. In your plans consider natural sunlight. If your kitchen needs more sunlight, consider skylights and sun tunnels. Your plans should also take into account lighting over work and dining areas and under cabinets. Options for lighting include florescent, halogen and LED. Fixtures to consider for the kitchen are pendant lights, under cabinet units and recessed lights.
- Moldings. Moldings add architectural interest to a kitchen but also finish off cabinetry, doors and flooring. Pay attention to ornamental moldings when you are looking at photos of kitchens.
- Nooks. Nooks or alcoves are recessed areas of a room that can be used for dining or displays. They add interest to a kitchen but also provide functional space.
- Outlets. Add extra outlets to your wish list. If you don’t, you’ll wish you had considered the height and placement of outlets as well as the number to include when you operate small appliances and gadgets in your kitchen.
- Pantry, Pull-out Storage. There is nothing more frustrating than reaching into the recesses of cabinets to find food, pots and pans and dishware. Look for drawers and cabinets that provide easy access to these items.
- Quick Access. Consider adding carousels (Lazy Susans) to corner cabinets for spice and food storage. Under cabinet trash disposal and recycling pullouts should be included in your plan.
- Recipes and Cookbooks. Plan areas to organize cookbooks. Computerize your recipe files. Here’s a tip for cherished family recipes - frame them; a favorite recipe in your grandmother’s handwriting will be treasured for generations.
- Sinks. Sinks are the most important fixture of a kitchen. Choose them wisely. Consider depth, faucet styles, utility and ease of cleaning. Don’t forget to select a waste disposal. If you have children, choose a waste disposal with safety features.
- Tiles. Floor and backsplash tiles can be used very creatively. If you are using tile on the floor, consider non-skid products. When you’re choosing tiles, don’t forget to select the grout as well.
- Under Counter Appliances and Storage. If you are adding additional refrigerator space consider installing a beverage refrigerator under a counter. A mixer can be stored in base cabinets with a pop-up shelf to free counter space.
- Ventilation. When selecting cooktops and ovens consider ventilation. Ventilation hoods come in a range of styles and some cooktops use down-draft ventilation. Your choice should be factored into your kitchen design.
- Wet Bars and Wine Storage. A space dedicated to beverage storage and glassware is always a plus in a kitchen.
- Xtra Ideas. A kitchen remodeling project is a big investment. Take the time to read product reviews especially when it comes to appliances and consumer information about kitchen remodeling projects. Read what others are saying. Sources you may want to check out are Better Homes and Gardens' Kitchen Bath Ideas, HGTV Kitchens and our Kitchens Gallery.
- Your Personal Touches. Choose colors fabrics, wall decorations, kitchen collections and other items that reflect your likes, interests and lifestyle.
- Zones. When you put together the plan for your kitchen think about the way you want to use your space and plan around “zones” for food prep, clean up, dining, storage, baking, beverages, paperwork etc. The National Kitchen and Bath Association offers an online “Kitchen and Bath Workbook” to help you plan your project.
Take your time when planning a kitchen remodel to address all the details. If the list seems overwhelming, consider hiring a design/build contractor to walk you through it.
Did we leave anything out? What do you have on your kitchen “wish list”?
Posted on Tue, May 18, 2010
Posted by: Brian Ciota, Vice President
Decks are a great way to add outdoor living space to your home. A deck can be as simple as a grade-level platform that stands on its own a few inches above the ground or as intricate as multi-tiered structures with steps, railings, pergolas, trellises and built-in features such as tables, benches, planters and hot tubs. If you are planning to add a deck to your home consider the following:
- What are your needs? Do you plan to use the space for outdoor dining and entertaining? Will you need built-in seating? Will you add planter boxes? Do you plan to place a hot-tub in the space? Will you include special features like a fire pit or an outdoor kitchen? Consider storage needs too. Benches and planters are great places for built-in hide-away storage.
- Where do you plan to place the deck? Outdoor living areas are often built off of kitchens, living rooms or family rooms to maximize use. You should also consider sun exposure and shade. In Central New York, a deck placed on the south or west facing side of a home will optimize the warmth of the sun. If you want to avoid the sun, deck surfaces can become hot and unusable during 90-degree days, build your outdoor space in a north or east facing area. Also consider privacy.
- Think about size. What type of outdoor furniture do you plan to use on the deck? Measure the furniture and allow space for pulling out chairs and walking around. Include space for a grill. If you will be adding a hot tub, fire pit or outdoor kitchen factor the dimensions of those features into your plan. According to Better Homes and Gardens' July 2010 Remodel Magazine, "the average deck size is 12x24 feet." Decks that are smaller tend to be more costly per square foot.
- Complement the design of your home. You may want to consider hiring a designer to help you plan your deck project. A deck that blends with the architecture of your home will add value. The style of your home will dictate the types of materials and accents to use in the project. For example, a contemporary style deck would look odd on a white colonial home. But a deck built with white rails and architectural elements similar to those on the house will add to its appeal. A designer could advise you on product options and how to optimize your outdoor living space.
- Choose materials wisely. Homeowners have a range of options for decking materials. Pressure treated woods remain the most popular because they are cost-effective and have a life of 10 to 15 years. The downside is that pressure treated wood needs annual cleaning and staining. Composite decking is more expensive than wood and holds up for 15 to 25 years. It usually requires cleaning to prevent mildew growth and may require staining depending on wood content. Vinyl is the most durable decking product and has a life from 25 to 50 years. Its cost is comparable to composite and it requires the least amount of maintenance, a periodic hosing. One of the advantages of composite and vinyl decking is that you won't get splinters on your feet. Consider looks, durability, maintenance and finally, cost when selecting decking.
Check out these links for more information about decking products:
Composite decking
Correct Deck
Trex
Thermal Industries Dream Composite
Vinyl Decking
Azek
Thermal Industries PVC/Vinyl Dream Deck
- Include lighting in your plans. Deck lighting can include wall sconces adhered to an exterior wall, accent lights around the perimeter, post lights, or flood lights affixed to a roof awning or placed near the base of a deck. Put switches indoors if possible for convenience and consider using dimmers and timers. You may want to include solar lighting and a bug zapper.
- Plan landscaping. Spending 5 percent of the total value of your home on landscaping can add 15 percent or more to the value of your home (SmartMoney magazine). If you are landscaping for privacy choose tall, easy to maintain bushes or trees which can also provide shade. If you add a trellis use climbing plants to enhance the beauty of your deck. The easiest way to add color is to place containers of showy annuals and vegetables on the deck. Don't forget to water because containers dry out quickly.
- Plan for maintenance. Minimally, each spring you will need to clear your deck of debris and dirt. You will need to hose it off or, in the case of wood, use a pressure washer. Dirt can be removed with a stiff scrub brush and commercial cleaners. If there is mold growth, use an oxygen bleach cleaner. Wood decks will need to be stained annually. After cleaning, let the deck dry out for three days before applying stain.
- Plan a budget for your project. The average cost of a wood deck for a mid-range project is $11,260, while the cost of a composite deck is $15,890 (Remodeling magazine). This estimate is based on a 16x20 foot deck project with a bench, planter, railing and steps. For an upscale deck project using composite decking, the average cost is $39,270. This project is based on a 16x20 foot deck with a 10 foot diameter six-sided platform, a bench, planter, rail system and stairs. If the initial cost is too much, you might be able to save money by doing your outdoor project in stages. If you are not a do-it-yourselfer, talk with your contractor about the best way to achieve the results you desire. Also, consider the added value to your home and the payback.
Posted on Tue, Mar 23, 2010
Posted by: Brian Ciota, Vice President
The majority of home owners view their home as their most important investment. We're always considering ways to improve our homes to accommodate our lifestyles. Popular remodeling projects include new kitchens with up-to-date appliances, luxurious bathrooms, home offices or media rooms. In Central New York, with our frequent cloudy days, many people add a sunroom to ease the drudgery of winter. Basement renovations add living space and improve a home's function. But which projects add value to a home investment when it comes time to sell?
If you are thinking about remodeling your home, take a moment to ask yourself the following questions:
- How long do I plan to own this property? (If you're planning to live in the home for less than five years, it may make sense to take on remodeling projects that freshen up the inside of the home and promote curb appeal.)
- How does the value of my home compare to other properties in the area? (Generally, a remodeling project that is less than 20 percent of the average resale value in your area can be recouped when your home is sold.)
- What do I gain by remodeling? (Many people remodel to enrich their lifestyle and enjoy their home. If you love to cook and entertain, a state-of- the-art kitchen will provide years of pleasure. If you're a wine connoisseur, a wine cellar and bar are "must haves". If you have a beautiful yard and want to bring in the outdoors, then add a sunroom. If these are the things that add pleasure to your life, go for it!)
According to Remodeling Magazine's 2009-10 annual report on the relationship between remodeling costs and resale value, different remodeling projects offer a wide range of payback. The table below compares remodeling costs to resale values in the Mid-Atlantic States (including New York):
| Project |
Avg. Cost |
Resale Value |
% Cost Recouped |
| Replace front entry door with steel door |
$1,248 |
$1,217 |
98 |
| Vinyl siding replacement |
$10,908 |
$8,920 |
81 |
| Fiber cement siding replacement |
$13,497 |
$10,710 |
79 |
| Foam-backed siding replacement |
$13,369 |
$10,489 |
79 |
| Vinyl replacement windows |
$11,408 |
$8,766 |
77 |
| Wood replacement windows |
$12,410 |
$9,248 |
75 |
| Attic bedroom addition |
$53,780 |
$39,292 |
73 |
| Minor kitchen remodel |
$22,130 |
$15,973 |
72 |
| Bathroom remodel |
$17,383 |
$11,817 |
68 |
| Major kitchen remodel |
$59,905 |
$39,860 |
67 |
| Basement remodel |
$67,455 |
$41,127 |
61 |
| Master suite addition |
$111,857 |
$67,612 |
60 |
| Deck addition (composite) |
$39,270 |
$22,584 |
58 |
| Sunroom addition |
$76,580 |
$38,661 |
51 |
The costs recouped on a remodeling project depend on a variety of factors including the condition of the rest of the house, the value of similar homes nearby, and the rate at which property values are changing in the surrounding area. If resale value is a factor in your decision to remodel, consult with a local remodeler about construction costs and look closely at the comps and market conditions in your area.
Posted on Tue, Mar 09, 2010
Posted by: Brian Ciota, Vice President
Spring is almost here! The ice is melting and the time has come to do a check up on your home, put together a "to do" list of repairs and home improvement projects, and visit the CNY Home and Garden Show at the NYS Fairgrounds, March 18-21, 2010.
We have two booths in the Toyota Exhibit Center:
Booth #236 - Home remodeling and repair
Booth #801 - Solar water heating systems
This year, we've combined our home remodeling and home repair displays into a single, larger display area. It's an exciting new look for us designed with your needs in mind. You'll see the latest in kitchen, bathroom and basement conversion designs as well as additions and custom projects in our new photo gallery.
Stop by booth #801 and we'll show you how our new VELUX solar water heating system works and why it's a good investment for Central New York homeowners.
McClurg team experts will be at the booths throughout the show to answer your questions about home remodeling, renovations, repair, new construction and solar technology.
Please stop by to see us. We look forward to seeing you at this year's show.