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FEBRUARY 2015 HOMES PLUS 7 242392001 K i t c h e n s | B a t h s | D e n s | C a b i n s | O f f i c e s | R e c R o o m s Work With Experienced Design Professionals "We Specialize in Cabinetry" 1005 Richards Road, Hartland | 262.367.9439 www.kitchencreators.com Cabinetry For every Room, Every Budget! 242395024 HUGE SHOWROOM CLOSEOUT SALE Displays must go to make room for new displays *Call Kitchen Creators today for details while supplies last! We Beat All Big Box Stores and all Competitors | Visit Our Showroom By Appointment WE OFFER: NORCRAFT CABINETRY MID CONTINENT CABINETRY OMEGA CABINETRY DYNASTY CABINETRY WOODLAND CABINETRY Do's and don'ts of kitchen remodels (StatePoint) — According to Remodeling magazine's "2014 Cost vs. Value Report," a major kitchen remodeling project should enable homeowners to recoup 74.2 percent of their initial investments. Kitchen renova- tions have long been a safe way to improve the functionality and value of a home. But not every kitchen project is a guaranteed winner. Homeowners may inadvertently make changes that end up sticking out like a sore thumb rather than improving the space. Take a look at these kitchen remodel- ing do's and don'ts to guide your next under- taking. ■ Do consider the way your kitchen will look with the rest of the home. Keep architectural integrity in mind when design- ing the space. A farmhouse sink and country cabinets can look out of place in an ultra- modern home. ■ Don't overlook the importance of a seasoned designer or architect. These pros will know the tricks to maximizing space and achieving the ideal layout of appliances and may be able to recommend local contractors and vendors. ■ Do look beyond surface details to the structural integrity of the design. The kitchen should be functional, long-lasting and beautiful. ■ Don't design just for today, but look to the future as well. Unless you are will- ing to spend $50,000 every five years, look for styles and materials that will last for the long haul. Older homeowners may want to make adjustments now that address poten- tial mobility issues down the road. ■ Do work with what you have. A com- plete demolition and renovation is not always necessary to achieve the desired results. Only invest in major changes if something is not working (such as having to walk across the entire kitchen to access the stove) or is unsafe. Otherwise, minor upgrades may do the trick. ■ Don't over-improve the space. A fully equipped commercial kitchen may be handy for a professional chef, but the average per- son may not need an industrial hood and indoor pizza oven. When you make excessive improvements, you may not be able to recoup as much of the money spent because your home will not be on par with the values of homes in the neighborhood. ■ Do make sure you can afford the project. Plan for some unexpected purchas- es and plan out the renovation according to your budget. Skimping on materials or design because of lack of money may leave you feeling dissatisfied afterward.

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