Your next consideration should be your
appliances. Often you are better off using new
items rather than building around what you
have, and remember that appliances are no
longer all one size. Lighting can be the key in
many instances, and since there is such a wide
variety available, you should be able to correctly
light each area with styles you like. Consider
using several different types of lighting that
can be activated and dimmed individually. In
addition, plan for enough electrical outlets for
all your needs, from blenders and toaster ovens
to phone chargers.
Since planning and pricing can become tricky,
it is best to have one general contractor who
will coordinate your entire kitchen remodel.
If you try to do it yourself and use separate
contractors, you may encounter problems with
scheduling and timing conflicts, which can
cause delays and even result in higher costs.
Once the work begins, don’t plan on using the
space until the job is completed. Keep the area
sealed off, as construction can be very messy.
When you receive an estimate, you may find
110 TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE
it necessary to revamp your plan, so try to start
with a budget and add up your costs as you go
along. You may pick a composite floor when
you see the price of wood, or you may decide
you don’t really need that second sink if the
additional plumbing is going to be excessively
expensive. Nothing is truer in home remodeling
than the adage, “you get what you pay for,”
so be careful not to fall prey to a low bidder,
who is not planning to give you what you
thought you were getting. Get references from
your suppliers and check on their reputations.
A bargain is never a bargain if results are not
what you expected.
However, if you do it right, you will enjoy
every dollar you spend on your new kitchen.
But you must take the responsibility personally
to be sure that your project is done correctly
from the planning stage to its conclusion.
That is why it is best to engage the services of
someone with experience whom you can trust,
rather than convincing yourself you can do it
yourself. The job is bound to be harder than it
looks. 9
| JULY/AUGUST 2017
Creative kitchen layouts such as this one by Windstar Homes
require a lot of thorough planning and a substantial budget.
WINDSTAR HOMES
A bargain is
never a bargain
if results are
not what you
expected.