The year was 1991. A couple in a small mid-Western town, seemingly happily married, were arguing. The strife continued, day after day, for months. What crucial issue could cause this kind of turmoil? Money? Differing world views?
The answer was wallpaper. After witnessing my parents, normally kind and loving to one another, find themselves at odds during months of DIY remodeling, I was left with two takeaways. 1) Why would anyone wallpaper any room, let alone a kitchen? And 2) When in doubt, hire a professional.
A Houzz.com survey from 2013 showed 12% of respondents admitting that a renovation project led them to consider a separation or divorce. Before you fight over renovations, or the amount of money you spend on them, consider our Top 5 Ways to Do a Kitchen Update Without Going Broke or Breaking Up
- Re-Do the Countertops – Quartz is a great pick as it is indestructible and doesn’t require a lot of maintenance like marble. If you want something striking, consider concrete. It’s versatile, easy to maintain, affordable, fire-resistant and the manufacturing process produces fewer CO2 emissions than other materials.
- Refresh or Replace Cabinets – New hardware is a good start but if your cabinets are flimsy, how long can they hold up given how often they are used? New, re-stained, or repainted cabinets can make a world of difference in the overall look of your kitchen.
- Backsplashes – Choices include subway tile, rocks, tile and even aluminum. Each has its fans. Stainless steel brings a modern look, subway tiles are effortlessly classic (for those who don’t install them) and rocks bring the outside indoors.
- New Faucet and Sink – For sinks, choose from composite, fireclay, stainless steel and cast iron. Fireclay is on the expensive side while stainless steel is a more affordable selection.
- New Floors – Many homeowners select hardwood floors. They’re timeless and create a unified look if the rest of your floors are hardwood. Vinyl is the way to go if you’re budget conscious, a big cook, and not someone who wants to spend a lot of time cleaning. Fans of porcelain tile love that it’s tough as nails, easy to care for and has a classic look. Finally, for the eco-conscious there’s cork. Bonus: You won’t slip and it’s soft to walk on.
When a kitchen remodel is in your future, contact Castle Builds at (303) 944-0488 to formulate a plan of attack. We’ve helped thousands of couples breathe new life into their dated kitchens and we can do the same for you and yours.
