Your New Kitchen

The contemporary kitchen is far more than a room for food preparation. In many homes, it is the primary gathering place, a space where people eat, study, socialize and entertain.

When your kitchen is in need of a facelift, it’s easy to get bogged down with infinite options and limited finances. The First30Days is here to help guide you through the process and get you started. Most projects last longer than a month, but the final results can bring dramatic changes and exciting possibilities for you and your family. A modern kitchen can be a beautiful focal point of your home for years to come.

Your goal is to prepare yourself for the redesign—through planning, prioritizing and good communication—and to begin the overhaul as easily and efficiently as possible.

In the next 30 days, you can expect to learn about:

* Determining the objectives of your remodeling project
* Ways to keep within your budget
* How to select a design professional
* Strategies for easing the renovation
* Resources for support and ideas

DID YOU KNOW? The National Association of Realtors did a cost and value comparison, and found that a major kitchen remodel had a 78.1 percent return on investment, second only to a deck addition in the value it generates for your home. With a slowing home market, it may seem like a terrible time to renovate, but a kitchen revamp may be the perfect way to add satisfaction and value to your home.