Focus Magazine of SWFL Swimsuit Heat Wave | Page 75

“Any type of remodeling project can seem complicated, especially if you’ve never updated your home before,” points out Fritschen. “At Remodel or Move, we’ve tried to simplify your decision-making by developing two free tools: The Should You Remodel? Calculator asks twenty questions that cover personal preference as well as hard numbers, then generates a recommendation. Along the same lines, the Remodel or Move Calculator can help you figure out if remodeling or looking for a new house is a wiser option. And overall, the website can help you formulate a well-organized game plan before you get your hands dirty, which can save you time and money in the long run.” Next, get a cost estimate. Once you have determined that remodeling your kitchen is something that you and your family want to do, it’s time to get a more accurate cost estimate for the project. Make sure not to neglect this step, because you don’t want to be stuck with a half-finished kitchen and no more money. It’s much better to put the project on hold for six months or a year while you pad your savings! “It’s so important to start early,” advises Fritschen. “Not only do you want to allow yourself plenty of time to plan financially, you can also use the time to compare prices and look for sales on everything from appliances to countertops to cabinetry to make sure your kitchen remodel is as budget-friendly as possible.” continued on page 79... FOCUS of SWFL 2014 75