Focus Magazine of SWFL Swimsuit Heat Wave | Page 79

Photos courtesy of Frigidaire

Make organization a top priority. If you’re the type to throw dirty laundry on the bedroom floor and let mail sit on the coffee table
for months at a time, don’t let those tendencies carry over into planning and overseeing your kitchen remodel! You’ll be dealing with
a thousand tiny details, ranging from paint colors to cabinet door hinge model numbers to floor plans and more, and letting any one
of them fall through the cracks could mean extra expense, delays, and/or dissatisfaction. Fortunately, says Fritschen, Remodel or
Move’s Search Tool and Idea File are there to make sure that doesn’t happen.

“These systems allow you to search through millions of photos by, for instance, cabinet type, style, and even
color on your search for inspiration,” he explains. “When you find something you like, you can save it to your
personal Idea File, along with notes, comments, and ratings. You can even take pictures with your Smartphone
and upload them, so if you find the perfect sink while shopping alone, you can show it to your spouse without
having to drag him or her back out to the store. Again, it’s best to get started on selecting ideas and designing
your new kitchen as early as possible so that you can envision everything as a cohesive unit, and so that you
have time to change your mind.”
Bring in the experts. Yes, the DIY movement is popular and thriving, and there’s no reason why you shouldn’t
provide your own labor for some aspects of your remodel…if you feel comfortable doing so. But chances are,
you’ll also want some expert advice and help to make sure you’re completely satisfied with the finished product.
(And unless you happen to be a plumber, electrician, or carpenter, you’ll probably need to bring in the professionals at some point.)
“On the front end, you may find that talking about your options with a real estate agent, interior designer,
architect, mortgage banker, contractor, etc. can help you understand the true costs and benefits of remodeling,
and also help you plan efficiently,” Fritschen says. “When it comes to actually hiring some of these individuals, I
have some good news: Today’s low interest rates and relatively low demand means that remodeling is ‘on sale’
compared to prices five years ago. Keep in mind that the more organized your plan is, the more tempting you’ll
be. The best of the best will want to work with you.”
“If you approach your kitchen remodel with an eye for cost-effectiveness and organization, not only will you
have a gorgeous new space to cook in, you might even increase the value of your home,” Fritsche