Remolding? Get the most out of it!

Top 5 people splurge on without foresight!

Prioritize. Do you walk in a kitchen & say “Wow, how expensive!” Or “Wow, how beautiful!” As a designer, I look for function, longevity and cohesiveness. Overall, how do YOU feel in it? Let's get excited & stay excited about your remodel!

Here are the top 5 UNNECCESSARY splurges and what to do instead!

1. Waterfall countertops – a builder go-to. Note- they are roughly around $20-$225 per square foot that you might want elsewhere.

Alternative – Do unique details that make a statement! Pick an edge style like bullnose or ogee. Detailing wood is coming back with corbel, legs, curves, raised panels or fluted.

Quartz for most is the happy middle ground if you want that stone look without the higher maintenance needed like marble. Believe it or not, sometimes it is cheaper than laminate in the long run. Quartz is man-made so not as porous as marble, easier to fabricate than laminate, and can be installed within a few days lesser than laminated countertops. So, yes – don’t forget labor costs!

2. High end appliances – such as Electrolux, Bosch or Wolf. Look at your kitchen as a whole. Are you covering it with panels or can you use another brand with features that will work for you? Budget in cabinets, flooring, fixtures, etc. Everything per square foot can cost more from demolition to lighting. Some custom cabinets are a thousand dollars a piece!

3. Pot fillers – into your already beautiful statement stone that you spent thousands for. Ask yourself, do you need it for your back and is your sink couple feet away sufficient enough?

And here is without:

4. Flooring – unless you really want stone & hardwood, it is practical & cheaper in the long run to have LVT wood-like floors. It does not fade with the sun, you can clean it without worry of wear and tear, not regularly maintaining that grout or worry of hardwood scratches & it looks good always.  

5. Ask yourself, “Is it usable for our forever home or am I planning to resell it later?” That will save lots on over customizing your space & narrowing it down to what you will need for aging in place without remodeling again.

Any remodeling firm is best?

My insight - Boutique designer firms that specializes in customization already start higher than firms that have standard cabinets. One recommendation is Reico Kitchen and Bath, located in a few places in the U.S. I was fortunate to intern as a designer student with architects - rare in my area! They have options from standard, semi-custom to custom cabinetry for those who want a full remodel with affordable prices. They are known for high-quality cabinets with different systems, durable finishes like curing paint, & partnering with designer brands like Kohler fixtures.

Interiors, especially with kitchens, can get intricate and pricey with baseboards, moldings, plumbing, electrical, codes, permits, & more! So, I hope this helps!

Always sharing new finds in my stories on IG & FB! I.e. there is expensive tile out there because of the brand. You would be surprised of how many of the same style & material is out there for less!

Any interior questions? Ask away in the comments section. I’ll make new blogs or stories to answer questions too!

God bless your home! <3

-HomeByYvonne

homebyyvonne.com 

IG & FB