Kitchen Remodeling For Dummies

Real estate, building, and remodeling surveys reveal that the one project likely to give you a 100 percent return on the dollars invested is a kitchen remodel. And whether the project is as involved as gutting the room back to the wall studs or as simple as applying a fresh coat of paint, each project is an investment in your home’s value and, ultimately, in your enjoyment of using the space. Remodeling a kitchen is a big job, but it’s not so big that anyone – with the right guidance and understanding – couldn’t feel comfortable tackling at least some parts of the job. Kitchen Remodeling For Dummies is the reference tool to use if you Want to use the kitchen more efficiently Want to replace outdated, energy-gobbling appliances and gadgets Have attempted at least one or two home repair projects Are comfortable using both power and hand tools and probably own a few of each Want to know how a project should be done and then hire someone to do it. The kitchen in today’s home has become a focal point for the family, as well as for entertaining. For those reasons, you want the room to be as functional as possible, without breaking your bankbook. With Kitchen Remodeling For Dummies in hand, you'll get the lowdown on the following topics and more: The kitchen remodeling process (knowing this makes you a smarter consumer) Critical design issues Working with the pros: architect, designer, contractor Establishing a budget and sticking with it Evaluating your plumbing, electrical, and ventilation systems Selecting and installing cabinets and countertops Choosing sinks, faucets, and appliances Working on walls, windows, and floors Hot trends and easy upgrades This handy guide shows you how to take your kitchen (no matter what shape it’s in now) and remodel it so that it not only fits your wants and needs but also becomes a room you can be proud to use and show off.

In 1953, House, "The kitchen is losing one of its four walls." Ensuing decades have unleashed a regular Jericho, to the point where I have a hard time recalling a custom-built house whose kitchen is not integrated into the living area, its walk-around island the Corian (or stainless, or marble) Mecca of family and friends. Growing up, I didn't know anyone with a great room. Our mothers disappeared into smallish, constrained spaces fitted cabinetry above, linoleum underfoot, appliances cheek-to-jowl on the counter and emerged sometime later to announce "Dinner!" (Multiple times, with increasing decibel levels.) Today, the kitchen holds such allure, I have to browbeat guests to move down to the sofa after dinner. As early as the 1930s, Frank Lloyd Wright dubbed the kitchen the "workroom" of the house, and created airy, open-plan designs for House Willey and House Jacobs. The rest of the country caught up about 50 years later, just as women were fleeing hearth and home for the workplace. The larger living area encouraged quality family time, while the perfection of the extractor hood kept the smell of the fish from wafting.

When a kitchen becomes dated, breaks down, or fails to keep up with our changing family needs it can cause us daily embarrassment. Why do we stress-out and do nothing? Maybe it's the doubts and fears we entertain about: the high cost of remodeling getting ripped-off becoming overwhelmed making costly mistakes our own indecision and confusion Remodel Your Kitchen! teaches a simple, step-by-step method to plan and coordinate a stress-free kitchen renovation that meets your needs and leaves you smiling.

Keep construction on track with helpful checklists Turn your dream of a custom home into reality! Thinking about building your own home? This easy-to-follow guide shows you how to plan and build a beautiful home on any budget. From acquiring land to finding the best architect to overseeing the construction, you get lots of savvy tips on managing your new investment wisely -- and staying sane during the process! Discover how to: * Find the best homesite * Navigate the plan approval process * Obtain financing * Hire the right contractor * Cut design and construction costs * Avoid common mistakes

Want to build responsibly, reduce waste, and help preserve the environment? Green Building & Remodeling For Dummies is your friendly, step-by-step guide to every facet of this Earth-friendly method of construction. Building a home—even a green home—uses plenty of resources and energy. This practical, hands-on book shows you how to build or remodel conscientiously, whether your dream home is a simple remodel or a brand-new multimillion-dollar mansion. You’ll start by identifying green materials and sizing up potential systems and construction sites. You’ll weigh the pros and cons of popular green building methods and identify opportunities for saving money in the long run. Need to find some green professionals to assist you in your venture? We’ll help you do that, too. This book will also help you discover how to: Understand the lifecycle of building materials Choose the right system for your green building project Put together a green team Work within your budget Use green building methods and sustainable systems Speed construction and reduce energy use and waste Refinish old fixtures and materials Beware of asbestos and lead-paint hazards Avoid costly mistakes Complete with lists of ten green things to do on every project and ten things you can do right now in your home in order to go green, Green Building & Remodeling For Dummies is your one-stop guide to planning and building the home you’ve always wanted.

Thinking about owning a second home? Whether you want a relaxing getaway spot, a future retirement home, or just a place to rent out for profit, having a second home has always been a good investment. But how will you know where to look, how to invest, and what you need to avoid? Second Homes For Dummies gives you the tools you need to handle the entire second-home buying process from concept to completion! This book covers the bases and the basics of buying a second home, presenting all information in a logical and modular format so you can find just what you need on the subjects that interest you. You’ll find out everything you need to know to: Determine whether or not a second home is right for you Maximize your options for a second home Search for a home and find the money to pay for it Rent out your home for profit Renovate and maintain it to ensure its growing value Make your second home your primary home Look for and purchase a home in another country Also provided are a list of the best places in the world to buy a home, ways to improve your home and make it first rate, and rules that you should talk about with your guests. With Second Homes For Dummies, you can make your dream of having a second home come true!