Someone’s In the Kitchen With Dina

Why is it when you entertain, everyone wants to be in the kitchen with the hostess? Why not? She’s a fantastic cook, it smells so good, it is a cozy atmosphere, and the newly remodeled kitchen is a most enjoyable place to be.

Thinking of remodeling your kitchen but have questions, such as: how much will it cost; how can I be sure that I’m receiving the best value; how do I correctly choose cabinets, counter tops, flooring, appliances, and all the other items; what permits do I need and who should obtain them; if I contract the labor, who is responsible and what are my warranties; and how long will it take?

The cost depends, of course, upon the extent of the project. The average cost for a total kitchen remodel, which includes cabinets, counter tops, sink, faucet, dishwasher, hood, ceramic tile wall splash, flooring, updating electrical to code, and plumbing hook-ups and installation is about $21,000.

It costs no more to work with a kitchen and bath showroom with experienced designers than a so-called discount store. A designer should come to your house to get dimensions and to inspect the electrical and plumbing to determine the feasibility of the project before beginning to design your kitchen. Don’t be afraid to share your ideas, magazine cut-outs, and budget limits to enable the designer to render a design incorporating most of your choices and staying within your budget. Most companies require a retainer, which is deducted from the cost of the project if you contract with them.

An experienced kitchen designer can explain the differences in cabinets, counter tops, and the many other products available to the consumer today. Remember, they all look good in magazines, but there is a reason for the differences in price. Remodeling a kitchen is a major expenditure, so you’ll want to get it right the first time.

Three permits -- general, electrical, and plumbing -- are usually required and are obtained from the building department of your city. The cost will depend upon the extent of the project, but usually ranges from two to three hundred dollars. The responsibility of passing final inspection with the building department is upon the one who applied for the permits. Therefore, it is wise to insist that the contractor obtain all necessary permits.

If the cost of your new kitchen is kept within fifteen to twenty percent of the house value, you will not only have the pleasure of a beautiful kitchen but the resale value of your home will increase accordingly.

As I have said before, “Put your money where your house is.”