What You Should Know Before Remodeling

How ready are you to remodel? Asking yourself the following questions may help you organize your next remodeling project.

Q: Which remodeling projects are you most likely to recoup the cost of?

A: A minor kitchen remodel: 92.9 percent; siding replacement: 92.8 percent; a midrange bathroom remodel: 90.1 percent.

Q: What would make my kitchen easier to use?

A: A lot depends on how you already like to use your kitchen. If you like to bake, you may benefit from a lower counter or island. If you buy in bulk, you'll need extra storage space. If more than one cook will use the kitchen at one time, you may want to create separate work stations.

One must-have in the hardworking kitchen is a range hood. Because cooking churns out airborne contaminants like nothing else in the home can, you need a ventilating solution, preferably a high-performance, HVI-certified, ducted model, such as those made by Broan.

Q: The area around where I iron always seems to get messy, no matter how hard I try to keep it clean. Is there anything I can do to help prevent this from happening?

A: Consider an ironing center that can recess into the wall. Three NuTone Ironing Center models, the Basic, the Standard and the Deluxe, share the same high-quality construction and materials. These models can be either recessed into the wall or surface-mounted, and allow homeowners to combine all their ironing essentials into one clean, neat area.

Q: What about temperature control?

A: Bathrooms can benefit from up-to-date ventilation fans. Ventilation fans can prevent steamy mirrors, fogged windows and damp walls. More importantly, they can circumvent much deeper problems such as mold, mildew, peeling paint, warping, ruined insulation and wood rot. New models from Broan are quieter, more attractive and functional than those in the past.

Q: I live in a really small house. Are there any new ways to save space?

A: Medicine cabinets are always a great tool for homeowners looking to create extra space around the house. NuTone medicine cabinets offer value, convenience and easy installation while helping to solve storage issues. Best of all, the cabinets are so stylish that they can be used in other rooms of the house, not only in bathrooms.