Kitchen Remodeling Tips

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When it comes to making magic happen during a kitchen remodel, there are oodles of options youcan cook up. Which means there is a lot that can go wrong.

Before you take the hammer to your old kitchen, read these 10 tips to avoid getting burned on akitchen remodel.

1. Don't overspend

Consider the market and decide whether a low-, medium-, or high-end kitchen remodel makes themost sense. Costs can run the gamut from $2,000 for a simple paint-and-hardware upgrade to$50,000 if you're installing expensive countertops and luxury appliances.

Evaluate neighborhood comps to keep from overspending (or underspending). You may not get yourinvestment back installing travertine in your tiny starter, and let's face it, you'll never see Formica ina high-end home. So check out for-sale properties in your area before shelling out for high-endupgrades.

2. Avoid an identity crisis

Don't try to remodel a '50s ranch-style kitchen into a contemporary cooking space. All homes,however humble, are built in a certain architectural style. Work with it, not against it. Otherwise,you'll spend too much money and time on a complete overhaul, and you'll likely end up with a

kitchen that looks out of place.

3. Keep the plumbing where it is

Moving water and gas lines to reconfigure sinks, ovens, stoves, or dishwashers is extremely costly,especially in older homes. So keep any pipe-connected elements where they are -- and keep someextra cash in your pocket.

4. Watch out for the wrong floor plan

If you do have the budget to rearrange appliances, make sure to keep your floor plan in mind. Doesit follow the natural triangular traffic pattern between the refrigerator, stove, and sink? Is thedishwasher next to the sink? It should be. Otherwise, you create a mess every time you walk acrossthe room with a dripping dish in your hand.

5. Don't trash existing cabinets

If your old cabinets are quality wood and still in good working order, you're in luck. This is one of thefirst things to check when sizing up a pre-remodel kitchen, since cabinet frames are the mostexpensive component of the entire space.

It's quite simple to give salvageable cabinets a face-lift. Three common ways to repurpose cabinetsinclude: adding new doors and drawer fronts, relaminating fronts and sides, or repainting.

6. Never DIY spray paint

Have the cabinets cleaned and lightly sanded, then hire a professional painter to spray them. Don'ttry to DIY this one; a couple of cans of spray paint from the hardware store just won't do the trick. Aprofessional spray job can make ugly cabinets look factory-new. You can't get the same look bypainting or rolling the cabinets yourself.

7. Don't scrimp on new hardware

Home remodeling superstores carry a great selection of door hardware. Choose knobs and pulls thatcomplement your architectural style, and don't cut corners. It's like a nice piece of jewelry -- anadded touch that makes the whole outfit (or room) work.

Don't forget to remove and replace any old, painted-over hinges with shiny new ones. It may be time-consuming, but it's very inexpensive, and it makes a huge difference.

8. Take advantage of free advice

Check out large home improvement centers for free, computer-based design services that help layout your kitchen. Their professionals are at the leading edge of today's decorating trends, and theirservices include one-on-one client assistance as well as in-home consultations, complete projectmanagement, and installation services.

9. Don't mismatch appliances

When buying new fridges, ranges, and dishwashers, stick with the same brand. Fortunately,appliance manufacturers have begun creating good-looking, low-priced lines with matching sets --giving your kitchen a designer look for much less. With a little research and some smart shopping,you can find affordable appliances that look very high-end.

10. Don't forget to budget for sinks and fixtures

Get the best possible faucet, one with a pullout spray attachment or a gooseneck with detachablehead. It's a necessity -- and the difference between good and great is only $50 to $75. Stick to oneconsistent fixture finish since mixed finishes can look patchwork.

More From Trulia:

http://time.com/money/3948574/kitchen-remodel-disaster/