Kitchen Design Tips: Deciding on a Overall Style

Wo-Built's Kitchen Design Tips Series

Deciding on a Overall Style

Tip 3: Deciding on a Overall Style

When considering a remodeling kitchen project, there is a wide range of designs, textures and materials available on the market today, but the style can be divided into six different categories.

1. Stainless Steel/ Industrial
2. Shaker Style
3. Modern Minimalist
4. Contemporary
5. Period
6. Farmhouse

Efficient kitchens and creative kitchen design are a combination of imagination, design and sense of individuality. Wo-Built caters to all tastes from traditional to the latest kitchen design styles. We offer innovative ideas which allow us to tailor a kitchen design to your needs!

Look out for our next tip!

Lonya is the staff writer for Wo-Built Inc.

links:
Wo-Built Inc.: Renovation Design Tips
Wo-Built Inc.: Kitchen Design Tips
Wo-Built Inc.: Limited Offer: Get Your Free Kitchen Renovation Consultation

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Kitchen Design Tips: Deciding What You Want

Wo-Built's Kitchen Design Tips Series

2008 @ wobuilt.com

Tip 2: Assessment Worksheet - Deciding What You Want

Once you've made your decision to update your kitchen, there are a few things to think about. Using an assessment worksheet will help you organize your budget and insure that you have included everything that is important to your lifestyle. For example: maybe more counter space is important to you, or the need for the "work triangle" design needs to be incorporated. The worksheet will help you to identify your wants and needs. For more information and to view an assessment worksheet, please go to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation website at www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/

If you are considering a kitchen renovation, for a limited time Wo-Built is offering a free kitchen assessment.

Depending on your lifestyle, most people will have a combination of different needs. The best thing to do is to make a list and research how much the items on your list will cost and this will give you a realistic breakdown of what is needed for your budget in the kitchen renovation. Keep in mind, the cost of the renovation work will also depend on the condition of the existing structure. If you have any water damage or old pipes that will need replacing, this will be added to the cost.

Look out for our next tip!

Lonya is the staff writer for Wo-Built Inc.

links:
Wo-Built Inc.: Renovation Design Tips
Wo-Built Inc.: Kitchen Design Tips
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation: Construction & Renovation: Before You Start Renovating Your Kitchen: Conduct a pre-renovation inspection and prioritize the most desirable features for your new kitchen.

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Kitchen Design Tips: Why to Remodel

Wo-Built's Kitchen Design Tips Series

2008 @ wobuilt.com

Tip 1: Why to Remodel

In Canada a large modern kitchen ranks as one of the most important selling feature of a home. In fact, some experts estimate that a remodeled kitchen can increase the sale of a house by at least twenty percent. Even if selling your house isn't your objective, you might still be considering a kitchen remodel.

The kitchen has always been the heart of a home, where everyone gathers to chat about what is happening. It's also the busiest room. That's why it is the first room that a potential buyer looks at when they walk into a property listed for sale.

There are many reasons to update an old-fashioned kitchen:

1. Poor design
2. Outdated cabinetry
3. Outdated appliances
4. Insufficient storage
5. Poor lighting
6. Outdated colour scheme
7. Old flooring
8. Leaky plumbing

These are just a few problems that might make you consider a new kitchen design.

Look out for our next tip!

Lonya is the staff writer for Wo-Built Inc.

links:
Wo-Built Inc.: Renovation Design Tips: Tip 1: Know Your Zoning and By-laws
Wo-Built Inc.: Renovation Design Tips: Tip 2: Design Time
Wo-Built Inc.: Renovation Design Tips: Tip 3: Professionals Involved in the Design
homerenovationguide.com: Wo-Built - Toronto General Contractors - Toronto - Remodeling and Repair - Design Build - Home Renovation
Construct Canada 2008 - Canada's Largest Building Design and Construction Show: December 3 - 5, 2008, Metro Toronto Convention Centre, South Building
dmoz.org: Open Directory - Business: Construction and Maintenance: Design: Kitchen and Bath

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Design Corner: Outdoor and Spa Furniture Worth Mentioning

Photo courtesy of S.E. Design, Toronto, ON, Canada

As a general rule we do not give our support to products, but recently we came across a line of outdoor and spa furniture which is worth mentioning. Designed by Sabrina of S. E. Design the furniture pieces have great detailing and elegant design.

Check out Sabrina’s website at www.sabrinaliving.com

We met Sabrina through our search for women in the skilled trades and, interestingly, she combines training in woodworking and interior design to create her furniture pieces. Her furniture shows that she is excellent at her craft and in addition she wants to help women enter the trades. A great role model for women in the skilled trades.

She has also kindly agreed to contribute an article or two about her experience as a mill worker. So, stay tuned for interesting stories.

Martina Ernst
CEO
Wo-Built Inc
_______________________________________________
S.E. Design's contact information: info@sabrinaliving.com, S.E. Design is located in Toronto, ON, Canada

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Top Renovations That Increase Home Value

Collage: Wo-Built's Renovation Projects: the Ranch and the Tower
Interesting Bungalow Additions with Architectural Merit.
Credit: MS Office ClipArt: Silhouettes

With warmer weather the spring bug strikes. … people start thinking about ideas to improve their homes.

Most often asked is whether money spent renovating can be recouped in increased property value, and which projects increase value the most ???

The key factor is to ensure that renovations increase at least two of three elements: comfort, convenience, luxury. Both aesthetics and function should also be improved with the work.

Return on investment is tied to increasing the desirability of a property to buyers. In established neighborhoods - the character of older buildings, complete with modern conveniences, is most desired.

Renovated Homes sell better than less expensive ones that require work……Few want the inconvenience of upgrading.

If you are brave enough to do it–the investment pays off !!!!

The top renovation areas that increase home value are :

1. Upgraded kitchens and bathrooms.
2. Upgraded architectural elements- windows, porches, skylights, front entries.
3. Upgraded Lifestyle features that:
a. Add comfort - whirlpool tubs, fireplaces, heated floors.
b. Add convenience laundry rooms on a main /upper floor, extra storage, walk outs.
c. Add luxury - steam shower, body jets.
4. Upgraded materials & finishes - wood floors, granite countertops.
5. Upgraded landscaping - decks, patios, water features.

Cost vs. Return on Investment

Adding an extra bathroom: quickest, and highest level of return…. A bathroom on each level is most desirable.

Updating a kitchen: the investment is returned completely in a short time - if reasonable quality items and good design are used.

Upgrading a bathroom: provides an excellent return over time, - especially adding luxury features - separate shower, whirlpool bath.

Additions vs updating existing areas - more space adds most value…. unless existing space is unusable-i.e. unfinished basements.

Now you know your money will be wisely spent there is no reason to hold back ... get out the measuring tape and begin your plans ... Happy Spring.

__________________________________________________
Sheila Doris has been an interior designer for over 25 years and is a member of A.R.I.D.O. She specializes in residential work, and writes about design and renovation. Her company S.I.Design offers a tips & techniques newsletter @ s-I-design.ca.
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