Real estate, building, and remodeling
surveys reveal that the one project likely to give you a 100 percent
return on the dollars invested is a kitchen remodel.
And whether the
project is as involved as gutting the room back to the wall studs or
as simple as applying a fresh coat of paint, each project is an
investment in your home’s value and, ultimately, in your enjoyment
of using the space.
Remodeling a kitchen is a big job, but it’s not so big that
anyone – with the right guidance and understanding – couldn’t feel
comfortable tackling at least some parts of the job.
Kitchen
Remodeling For Dummies is the reference tool to use if you:
- Want to use the kitchen more efficiently
- Want to replace outdated, energy-gobbling appliances and
gadgets
- Have attempted at least one or two home repair projects
- Are comfortable using both power and hand tools and probably
own a few of each
- Want to know how a project should be done and then hire
someone to do it.
The kitchen in today’s home has become a focal point for the
family, as well as for entertaining. For those reasons, you want the
room to be as functional as possible, without breaking your
bankbook. With Kitchen Remodeling For Dummies in hand, you'll
get the lowdown on the following topics and more:
- The kitchen remodeling process (knowing this makes you a
smarter consumer)
- Critical design issues
- Working with the pros: architect, designer, contractor
- Establishing a budget and sticking with it
- Evaluating your plumbing, electrical, and ventilation
systems
- Selecting and installing cabinets and countertops
- Choosing sinks, faucets, and appliances
- Working on walls, windows, and floors
- Hot trends and easy upgrades
This handy guide shows you how to take your kitchen (no matter
what shape it’s in now) and remodel it so that it not only fits your
wants and needs but also becomes a room you can be proud to use and
show off.
Read An Excerpt
From Kitchen Remodeling For Dummies (PDF)
About the Author:
Donald R. Prestly is a former Senior Editor for HANDY
Magazine for The Handyman Club of America as well as a former
Associate Editor for The Family Handyman Magazine. In
addition to nearly 20 years of writing and doing home improvement
projects, he spent several years as a manager for one of the
Midwest’s largest home centers. Kitchen Remodeling For Dummies
is Don’s first For Dummies book; he’s also the author of
Plumbing
Do-It-Yourself For Dummies.
Introduction.
Part I: Zoning In on the Scope of the Project.
Chapter 1: Envisioning the Big Picture.
Chapter 2: Planning Your Kitchen.
Chapter 3: Establishing a Budget and Sticking to It!
Chapter 4: Bringin’ In the Big Guns or Doin’ It Solo.
Part II: Gettin’ Down and Dirty: Preparing Your Kitchen for
Greatness.
Chapter 5: You Can’t Have Tool Much of a Good Thing.
Chapter 6: Getting Your Kitchen Ready for Construction.
Chapter 7: Evaluating Your Plumbing, Electrical, and Ventilation
Systems.
Part III: Selecting and Installing Cabinets and Countertops.
Chapter 8: Your Old Cabinets: Spruce ’em Up or Scrap ’em?
Chapter 9: Making Old Mother Hubbard Proud: Putting New Cabinets
Up.
Chapter 10: Considering Creative Countertop Options.
Chapter 11: Making Sure Your Countertops Are Level.
Part IV: Selecting and Installing Sinks, Faucets, Appliances,
and More.
Chapter 12: “Pouring” Over the Choices for Sinks and Faucets.
Chapter 13: No Runs, Drips, or Leaks: The Right Way to Install
Your New Sink and Faucet.
Chapter 14: Appliance Appreciation: Choosing the Right Ones.
Chapter 15: Fridges, Ranges, Disposers, and More: Installing
Appliances.
Part V: Adding the Final Touches: Walls, Windows, Floors, and
More.
Chapter 16: Illuminating Your Kitchen Lighting Options.
Chapter 17: Lighting the Way: Installing Lights and Windows.
Chapter 18: Walls That Wow: Selecting Elements for Your Walls.
Chapter 19: Preparation for Wall Transformation.
Chapter 20: Floors: Stepping Out with Style.
Chapter 21: Installing Your New Kitchen Floor.
Part VI: The Part of Tens.
Chapter 22: Ten Critical Design Issues.
Chapter 23: Ten Hot Trends in Kitchen Design.
Chapter 24: Ten Easy Kitchen Upgrades.
Index.
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