| If the economy's dire straits have your kitchen | | | | your cabinets to get a new look without having to |
| remodeling dreams on the backburner, maybe it's | | | | demolish and install costly new units." A reputable |
| time to move them front and forward again. While | | | | online kitchen remodeling showcase will point |
| the recession may alter the way you go about | | | | homeowners to assembled kitchen cabinet collections |
| remodeling your kitchen, it doesn't mean you have to | | | | that utilize the latest construction, along with superior |
| put the brakes on the idea altogether. The Albany | | | | standard materials to afford them high-quality, fully |
| Times Union recently ran an article outlining five tips | | | | assembled products at exceptional prices. |
| for kitchen remodels that "look good and make | | | | 3. Stainless steel appliances might seem like an |
| 'cents.'" Each of them affords homeowners the look | | | | untouchable luxury in the face of a recession, but the |
| and feel of a totally remodeled kitchen without | | | | newspaper points out, "Skip high-end manufacturers |
| pushing their already precarious cash situation over | | | | and go to cost-conscious labels that still perform well." |
| the edge. What were the newspaper's suggestions? | | | | With its century-long tradition of bringing innovative |
| 1. Where do most kitchen remodeling projects begin | | | | technology to the world, GE manufactures timeless |
| and end. With the countertops, of course. And if | | | | appliances with up-to-date features at a variety of |
| money were no object, what material would the | | | | price points. No matter the insignia the homeowner |
| average homeowner want his or her kitchen | | | | chooses, he or she can rest assured of exceptional |
| countertops to be constructed of? That would be | | | | performance for a better, easier life. |
| granite. Because countertops have an enormous | | | | 4. Hardwood flooring is the envy of many a |
| impact on the look and feel of your kitchen, your | | | | homeowner and it tops the flooring material kitchen |
| remodeling dreams will want to go for broke. You, | | | | remodelers most covet. Fortunately, one can get the |
| however, probably won't. Granite Certified by DuPont | | | | look and feel of hardwood without the associated |
| affords homeowners the beauty of natural stone at | | | | price tag with wood laminate flooring. The kitchen |
| an affordable price range. All of the company's | | | | remodeling tip article stresses, "Wood laminate |
| granite is carefully selected and comes with the | | | | flooring gives the look of an expensive wood surface |
| DuPont limited warranty. To see all the | | | | with lower cost and easier cleanup." Armstrong Grand |
| budget-friendly countertop options DuPont has to | | | | Illusions™ Premium Laminate floors offer the |
| offer, visit an online remodeling center that partners | | | | splendor of exotic hardwoods from far away places |
| with the world's leading manufacturers. And to cut | | | | with the performance of laminate. |
| costs even further, the article recommends, "Look | | | | 5. Sometimes kitchen remodel cost-cutting efforts lie |
| for thinner widths without beveled edges." | | | | in the hidden details. Energy star ratings provide |
| 2. The major focal point-and expense-of most | | | | "energy savings on appliances. They may be a little |
| kitchen remodels is the cabinets. The Albany Times | | | | more expensive today, but they will save you more |
| Union suggests that homeowners "shop for stock | | | | on energy bills down the road," the newspaper |
| items or semi-custom cabinets that rival custom | | | | assures. |
| craftsmanship. For real savings, consider re-facing | | | | |