Dos and Don’ts of Kitchen Remodels According to Remodeling magazine’s 2014 Cost vs. Value Report, a major kitchen remodeling project should enable homeowners to recoup 74.2 percent of their initial investments. Kitchen renovations have long been a safe way to improve the functionality and value of a home. But not every kitchen project is a guaranteed winner. Homeowners may inadvertently make changes that end up sticking out like a sore thumb rather than improving the space. Take a look at these kitchen remodeling dos and don’ts to guide your next undertaking. DO consider the way your kitchen will look with the rest of the home. Keep architectural integrity in mind when designing the space. A farmhouse sink and country cabinets can look out of place in an ultra-modern home. DON’T overlook the importance of a seasoned designer or architect. These pros will know the tricks to maximizing space and achieving the ideal layout of appliances and may be able to recommend local contractors and vendors. DO look beyond surface details to the structural integrity of the design. The kitchen should be functional, long-lasting and beautiful. DON’T design just for today, but look to the future as well. Unless you are willing to spend $50,000 every five years, look for styles and materials that will last for the long haul. Older homeowners may want to make adjustments now that address potential mobility issues down the road. DO work with what you have. A complete demolition and renovation is not always necessary to achieve the desired results. Only invest in major changes if something is not working (such as having to walk across the entire kitchen to access the stove) or is unsafe. Otherwise, minor upgrades may do the trick. DON’T over-improve the space. A fully equipped commercial kitchen may be handy for a professional chef, but the average person may not need an industrial hood and indoor pizza oven. When you make excessive improvements, you may not be able to recoup as much of the money spent because your home will not be on par with the values of homes in the neighborhood. DO make sure you can afford the project. Plan for some unexpected purchases and plan out the renovation according to your budget. Skimping on materials or design because of lack of money may leave you feeling dissatisfied afterward. MetroCreative Connection How to Create a Paver Walkway or Patio Creating a walkway or patio out of paving stones can add aesthetic appeal to a property. Pavers are less permanent than concrete and decking. As a result, it is easier to change the design later on if you want to give the space a new look. Homeowners who install their own pavers can save a considerable amount of money. Because installing paving stones can be labor-intensive, landscape contractors may charge a premium for installation. However, this is a project that can be tackled by the do-it-yourselfer. 1. Measure and plot out the area that will become the path or patio. The area of the space can be figured out by multiplying length times width. This will help you determine just how much material you will need. 2. Visit the home improvement store or a supplier of stone and other masonry supplies to determine the style and color of the paving stones you will use in the project. Some homeowners prefer to have the materials delivered to their home to 14 TODAY’S HOME - Spring 2016 save the hassle of extra heavy lifting and leave only the smallest gap between them. moving. 7. Spread more paving sand on top of the 3. Using a shovel or a tiller, dig down and paving stones and, using a broom, sweep remove the grass to a depth of four to six it over the stones and into the crevices inches from the area that will become the between them to set the stones. path or patio. 8. Create the rest of the garden design 4. Fill in the area you dug out with a paver around the patio or pathway using gravel, base material, using a tamper (either plants and even edging material to finish manual or power-driven) to tamp down the the look. Over time you may need to sweep paver base until it is level and smooth. more paving sand over the stones to keep 5. Apply about one inch of paving sand to them secure. MetroCreative Connection further level out the path or patio. This will be the material on which the paving stones are laid. 6. Begin laying the paving stones. Leave Great Home Insurance the appropriate Protect your home with the best. And do it at a distance between price that will have your wallet saying “thanks” too. stones desired by Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.” your pattern. If the paving stones Roy Wilcox Agent will not have any 200 W 4th ST Yankton, SD 57078 gap and serve as a Bus: 605-665-7140 continuous patio, roy.d.wilcox.b6fp@statefarm.com If your walls could talk, they’d thank you