Housing trends: Dream kitchen

When looking for renovations with the highest return on investment, kitchens top the list. Careful planning and expert help are key to success.

Kitchen renovations are high on the list of the most common home renovations. Poor layout, inadequate lighting, cramped spaces, outdated fixtures and old cabinetry are common complaints of homeowners.

A renovation can be as simple as installing new flooring, or be a major undertaking that includes enlarging the space and replacing all fixtures and finishes.

Before you decide to go ahead with a kitchen renovation, it is important to clearly identify the features you want in your new kitchen. Just as important is a thorough pre-renovation inspection to identify any existing problems.

Plan thoroughly before you start. Use a professional designer to help you design a plan to best meet your existing and future needs. Sometimes a simple reorganization of the space will solve many of the shortcomings of older kitchens.

- Consider an addition or adding space from adjoining areas to meet your space and function requirements.

- Familiarize yourself with available products and options. If you don't do your homework, you may find more appropriate, appealing appliances, fixtures or finishes after you have completed the work.

- What is the condition of current finishes? Do they need to be replaced because of wear or styling? Damaged, hard-to-clean countertops can harbour bacteria.

- What finishes will be durable enough for the intended use, for example countertops, floor covering and wall finishes?

- Old fixtures may have to be replaced later and the new fixtures may not fit into the spaces allowed. This may involve further modification of cabinets or room layout.

- Replace or repair worn out appliances or fixtures. Choose efficient fixtures that will reduce water and electricity consumption. New kitchen appliances carry an EnerGuide label identifying their energy efficiency rating.

- Update lighting so that it provides the brightness that you need. Compact fluorescent light fixtures are four times more efficient than standard incandescent bulbs.

Renovating is an ideal time to make your house healthier for you, the community and the environment.

WHEN PLANNING YOUR KITCHEN RENOVATIONS, BE SURE TO CONSIDER:

- Occupant health--moisture control strategies, low emission materials and products, ventilation for improved indoor air quality.

- Energy efficiency--effective air barriers and insulation, energy efficient task lighting and appliances.

- Resource efficiency--water efficient appliances and fixtures.

- Environmental responsibility -- durable materials that will last longer and minimize future waste in landfill sites, kitchen design that includes a compost and recycling centre, recycling fixtures and appliances to reduce construction waste.

- Affordability -- energy- and water- efficient fixtures to reduce ongoing operating costs, durable products to reduce future repair and replacement expenses.

Once you start a renovation, there's no turning back. Your life is disrupted and any unexpected problems will lead to higher costs and delays in finishing the project. Thorough planning will help you to develop a realistic understanding of the work to be done and the costs involved.

However, every situation is unique and you may need to hire a qualified professional to do a thorough investigation, find the problems and suggest the best solutions.

The cost of the renovation work will depend on the condition of the existing structure, the extent of the work to be done and local labour and material prices. Costs of finishes and fixtures vary widely. A good budget checklist will help you to develop a realistic cost for the project before you start. Some of the items to include are: design changes; structural considerations; fixtures and appliances; moisture damage and deteriorated finishes; floor and wall finishes; plumbing and electrical problems; heating and ventilation; permit and inspection costs and waste disposal.

For comprehensive information on kitchen renovations including budget and planning checklists visit www.cmhc.ca

(Source: Vancouver Sun)