• Existing Condition:
We made a thorough inspection of the home and listed the things we thought could or should be improved, revised, up-dated or modified. The house is frame with brick veneer exterior. The floor plan consists of a foyer, living room, dining room, family room and kitchen, three bedrooms, two baths and a laundry room. Also there is a separate room attached to the master bedroom that can be used as a home office, reading room or an expansion of the master bedroom.
• The Project:
The hardwood flooring under the carpet is in good condition, so I will have the oak refinished. The kitchen and family room are as one room so there is space to add cabinets. I have redesigned the kitchen and it will require relocating some electrical work as well as plumbing. I will try to find cabinets to match the existing which are made well and in good condition. If that fails I can keep the cabinets and replace the doors to match any newly added cabinets. Other costs will be new appliances – builtin ovens and countertop range, dishwasher, refrigerator and wine cooler; along with an exhaust hood, microwave oven, two new sinks and a disposer. Remodeling the kitchen means revising the lighting and flooring. We may just replace the linoleum with a vinyl roll flooring or perhaps a laminate material. As for lighting, we will add a ceiling fan with a light fixture in the center of the area and install new lighting over workspaces and under the wall cabinets. The flexibility of the lighting can be of high overall or only as needed in a specific work area. There is a fireplace on the exterior wall and it works well. Adding a new mantle will make it the center of attraction in this room.
• Estimated Cost:
Because of the current economy I was able to buy the home at a reduced value. I expect that all the improvements we anticipate will cost several thousands of dollars. However, the cost will be returned in value as prices rise again. I am budgeting $20,000 for the kitchen and family room.
• Next Project:
I will tackle the two bathrooms. They are very functional but need to be brought up to date with new fixtures, etc. Stay tuned for the next episode!