Now that the Holidays are over, I want to share a favorite memory of mine. We visited my favorite store, I sat on Santa’s lap and shared with him, in a giddy high-pitched voice, all the things I wanted under my tree. This happened just last month when I stopped at Architectural Antiques in Northeast Minneapolis.
When we bought our home we had to compromise, who doesn’t? For us to get a craftsman bungalow with old world charm, fireplace, first-floor family-room, finished lower level, and two bedrooms on the main floor we had to give up a double car garage and an updated kitchen.
The most common issue with an outdated kitchen is not enough cabinet space and a total lack of countertops. As we talked about options Kate said she could work with what we had, I said there was an easy fix. The most expensive room in a home to remodel is the kitchen. An entry level kitchen, using a handyman not a contractor, is going to start at $30,000. If you need to make some structural changes to the floor plan of the kitchen the entry price will start at $50,000 to $60,000. It is not unusual to see people spend $100,000 for kitchen remodels. I’ve even seen a $100,000 kitchen that I would not have paid $30,000 for. The best time to remodel a kitchen is when you first buy your home, this way you can enjoy it before the time comes to sell.
Bathrooms are the 2nd most important room(s) in a home, what are the priorities to consider when re-doing or adding one? The design should be one that fits the time period of the home. Hiring a designer to help is well worth the money. I’ve seen many homes where the design is driven by what happens to be on sale at Menards that weekend. Yuk.
As I worked with Mike and Susan it became apparent they liked older style Craftsman Bungalows. These homes are distinctive in style and design and generally feature low pitched gabled and hipped roof lines, overhanging eaves with brackets for support, wood double hung windows and hand crafted woodwork throughout the home. All of this makes what most people refer to as “old world charm.”
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