December 2007
Housing downturn means that homeowners
are looking to remodel
The current downturn in the housing market has caused many homeowners to think again about moving home, according to high-end kitchen design specialist Deborah Oertle.
"Many people are choosing to stay put and to put their resources into what they have. And the first item on the agenda is usually to remodel the kitchen," she explained.
According to Deborah, this makes sound financial sense: by selling up and moving on under the current climate, no-one is going to benefit when weighing up cost of the new home versus the profit from the sale of the existing home, if indeed it can be sold.
Deborah adds: "By remodeling that kitchen, not only will this provide a new fresh look to the home, but it will also be a sound financial investment, adding more than the kitchen's cost to the value of the property and making it so much more attractive and 'saleable' when the time comes to move on."
And she is talking not about simply changing-out the counter-tops and doors for new. "If you are going to remodel, then... remodel," she exclaims.
"This means reviewing thoroughly just what goes where; taking into account ergonomics, functionality, and aesthetic qualities. The latest appliances, sinks and other elements all drive where things should be placed.
"Chances are, your existing kitchen will not have the latest in gadgets from steam ovens to built-in coffee makers; while you may wish to consider, for example, drawer-style refrigeration units as opposed to the traditional stand-up refrigerator which dominates many a kitchen."
Deborah adds that it is essential to use a qualified interior design professional, who will be able to advise as to the "what"; while, when it comes to the overall design of your kitchen, ensure that the interior design professional employs a specialist high-end kitchen designer who has the experience and know-how to design a kitchen which will exceed your dreams.
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Deborah Oertle is co-owner and senior designer at Deborah James Coastal Kitchens, which provides specialist design and processing services to interior design professionals throughout the USA, and is an Industry Partner of ASID (American Society of Interior Designers www.asid.org).
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