Hilton Head Monthly Magazine

Change of face

You’ve finally made the decision to replace those apple green kitchen cabinets that were popular circa “The Brady Bunch,” the outdated appliances gulping up your electricity and, finally, the worn-out linoleum tripping your people traffic. Now comes the fun part.

Don’t Do It Yourself

First, be honest with yourself.

Unless you’re an experienced builder and designer, a kitchen and bath remodel is not a do-ityourself project. But before you begin the hunt for the appropriate professionals, put your goals and objectives in writing.

Common goals include adding space, replacing finishes or appliances, improving the space for resale, increasing natural light and improving energy effciency and air quality.

This will benefit you and your remodeling professional. Consider it another way to save time and money.

Set a Budget You Can Stick To

Only you know what you can afford to spend and only you can stick to a remodeling budget. A general rule of thumb: Don’t spend more than 15 percent of the market value of your home on a kitchen project and more than 5 or 10 percent on a master bathroom project. Be sure to include room in your budget for additional charges.

With a realistic budget, your builder and designer can meet your needs and your budget.

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Savannah Kitchen and Bath overhauled this kitchen in Savannah’s historic district. The goal was to provide an efficient and clean kitchen reminiscent of the ocean and small efficient galleys on large yachts. The kitchen is outfitted with Holiday Kitchen cabinets, Dune mosaic tiles on the backsplash, Fisher & Paykel “Active Smart” refrigerator, JennAir range, Dacor hood vent and granite countertops. Savannah Kitchen and Bath, 912-236-9299, dc-4.com/SKB/index.html.

Differentiate needs from wants

As you’re setting the budget, it’s important to examine your lifestyle. Write down your daily routine — noting all the obstacles that keep your current kitchen or bathroom from meeting your needs. Seek out input from your family members.

Ask yourself:

• How accessible are the important features to your family members?
• Is there more than one cook in your kitchen? Your remodeling blueprint may include an open kitchen plan.
• Do you have children or plan to have children? You may want more room for cooking larger meals and lower cabinets for easier access to children’s food.
• Are your electric bills high? Your appliances may be costing you more than you know. Check out energy efficient appliances.
• Will you be able to use your kitchen safely as you get older? Employ universal design techniques to be sure your space is accessible to people of all ages, size and physical abilities.
• How long do you plan on staying in the home? You may want to reconsider your favorite shade of orange for the walls if you’re thinking of reselling. However, some designers say design and build for your tastes if you’re planning on staying in the home for five years or more.

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Subtle changes can make a big difference. Adding natural stone and a freestanding tub gave this bathroom a whole new look. By keeping the tiles large and neutral in color the room also seems larger. Interest was created by changing the direction and pattern of the stone on the floors and walls. Riverstone pebbles on the shower floor add just a touch of Zen for this spa-like bath.  KPM Flooring, www.kpmflooring.com; 843-342-4955; Hammerhead Custom Builders, www.hammerheadbuilders.net, 843-368-6624; Shelley Wilkins/J. Banks Design, www.jbanksdesign.com, 843- 681-5122.

Garner Inspiration

Even though you need to stay conscious of your budget, don’t limit yourself to what you think you can afford. Create a dream book — a place where you can store magazine photos, fabric and surface samples. Visit design centers and supplier showrooms.

Pick a Qualified Professional

Before you set up face-to-face time with designers or builders, keep in mind that you may have to pay for any consultations. Ask friends, neighbors and family members. Or you can contact the local chapter of the American Instituteof Architects, National Association of Homebuilders, National Association of the Remodeling Industry and the National Kitchen and Bath Association. These groups have high standards for their members in terms of ethical business practices and educational and experience requirements.

Make sure to get everything in writing. Purchase orders and service contracts typically have everything that is going to happen and everything that isn’t going to happen written clearly in black and white.

The National Kitchen and Bath Association contributed to this article.