Author: Canadoo Admin

Basement Flooring Costs and Ideas

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Basement Renovation Ideas

Basement Flooring Costs and Ideas

For stylish basement flooring, vinyl, hardwood, carpet, tile, and even concrete are all popular flooring options for basement renovations.  If you’re on the market for new flooring for your basement, you’re sure to find the right style at the right price – advances in flooring technology allow for any type of flooring to be applied in basements.  With that in mind, there are special considerations that need to be made; in particular, basement flooring needs to stand up well to moisture and in many cases temperature variations.  From there, you’ll want to consider the function of the space – are you finishing a suite, adding a living room, creating more bedrooms, or building a utility room?  And of course, you’ll need to consider your style and your budget.  Now that you know some of the main considerations in basement flooring purchases, let’s have a closer look at some flooring ideas and their associated costs.

Vinyl

Luxury vinyl flooring has revitalized the vinyl flooring game.  Versatile, durable, and affordable, vinyl tile is a great basement flooring option that’s also attractive.  Vinyl is available in a wide range of colours and styles – it can be made to look like hardwood or even ceramic tile.  One of the main benefits of vinyl flooring for basements is that it holds up well in moist environments.  The cost is attractive too if you’re on a budget with vinyl flooring for basements ranging from $2-5 per square foot.

Carpet

For living spaces, carpet can be a great option for basement bedrooms or recreation rooms.  Synthetic carpets such as nylon and polyester are recommended as they’ll stand up better to moisture.  Still, carpet is best in a dry environment.  These types of carpet usually come in at under $8 per square foot and installation is affordable too.

Hardwood

Hardwood can be tricky in basements because these floors are easily damaged by moisture as they may warp.  However, engineered hardwood provides the aesthetic of hardwood with improved durability.  Indeed, engineered hardwood stands up well in moist environments as it is much less likely to warp.  Engineered hardwood flooring for basements is also an environmentally-friendly option as it can be made from recycled materials and it can also be refinished.  However, this type of flooring tends to be on the more expensive side averaging around $8 but up to $16 per square foot.  Installation can be pricy too.

Other Basement Flooring Ideas

Tile, laminate, and finished concrete are also popular in basements.  Ultimately, basement flooring should be waterproof and durable but that doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice aesthetic.  When considering your basement flooring options, speak with your flooring professional to determine the best floor for your space, your style, and your budget.

How Much Does it Cost to Renovate a House?

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How Much Does it Cost to Renovate a House?

Renovating your home is an exciting project.  While there are many demands and even stressors, the finished project can make a significant impact on your quality of life and the value of your home.  With that in mind, these can be expensive renovations – depending on the scope of your renovation, your design choices, materials used, the size of your home, and even your geographical region, renovation costs can vary widely.  Particularly with rising materials costs since 2020, timing your project is critical.  How much does it cost to renovate a house?  There isn’t a hard and fast answer to this question, but let’s take a look at some of the factors that will influence your budget.

Common Factors that Influence Home Renovation Costs

Some of the main factors that impact how much your home renovation will cost are the age of your home, the scope and duration of the project, variable labour costs, and materials used.  More specifically, older home renovations can cost more especially when unexpected costs pop up.  Large-scale and longer-term projects will certainly cost more – more rooms renovated, more materials, more labour, etc.  Additionally, labour costs can vary not only geographically but by the skills and experience of the labourers; and similarly, if you’re investing in top quality fixtures and finishes, expect costs to be higher.

How to Calculate Costs

As you can see, there are many factors that will influence the cost of your renovation; but you can certainly estimate costs based on your own goals.  Working with a professional contractor is a great way to answer the question, ‘how much does it cost to renovate a house?’  A contractor has experience working with home renovation projects of various scopes and also with different materials and labourers.

Other than that, you can consider typical costs for different renovations. Let’s take a closer look.

  • Basement renovations can have a significant impact on the resale value of your home.  Whether you want to expand your living area, develop a rental suite, or add a bedroom – costs will vary.  Basement renovations can cost between $10,000 and $50,000 depending on your goals.
  • Bathroom renovations can cost up to $20,000.  Adding a bathroom will be more costly.
  • Kitchen renovations are popular and among the most expensive.  If you’re looking for new cabinets, appliances, fixtures, and lighting, kitchen renovations can cost $50,000 or more.
  • Bedroom and living room renovations usually cost a little less as there are fewer fixtures and features.  The cost of bedroom renovations usually involves flooring, lighting, and wall covering costs.  These renovations can cost $5,000 or more.

Remember, home renovations are a collaborative project that include you as the homeowner, you contractor, architects, designers, and labourers.  Ideally, you’ll work with a skilled and experienced contractor that can help you get the home renovation of your dreams on a budget that works for you.

Restaurant Renovation Costs

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Restaurant Renovation Costs

Restaurant Renovation Costs

There are few industries where atmosphere influences the success of a business like the restaurant industry.  Outdated designs, disorganized layouts, uncomfortable lighting and other variables that impact ambiance can mean failure in the restaurant industry.  Customers want to feel good when they’re visiting your restaurant and they want your décor to match the type of food you’re serving – with that in mind, restaurants may need to be updated regularly to maintain relevance.  Obviously the scope of restaurant renovations can vary significantly, and so can the costs.  Nevertheless, let’s take a closer look at some standard restaurant renovation costs and what you may need to budget for your project.

What’s Typical?

Nothing is exactly typical when it comes to restaurant renovations.  Restaurant renovation costs will depend on your specific renovation – equipment, furnishings, heating and ventilation, and local regulations are all factors that will influence costs.  Still, you should expect a “typical” renovation that includes more major upgrades to cost at least $300 per square foot. 

It is possible that restaurant renovation costs could be less than that, but it’s also very possible costs will be more.  Working with a contractor who has experience with restaurant renovations is the best approach to determining a budget for your unique restaurant renovation.  Nothing but careful planning can help you truly understand what your restaurant renovation costs will be.  Discussing your goals with a contractor should allow them to provide you with a quote that reflects your restaurant renovation costs in the context of the type and scope of renovation, the size of your renovation, and materials and equipment involved.

What are the Major Costs?

The most major restaurant renovation costs include equipment, furnishings, and heating and ventilation.  Restaurant appliances are expensive.  Ovens and stoves, refrigeration, and small appliances will come at a cost. If you need to replace critical equipment, your costs will be much higher.  On the other hand, if the bones of your kitchen are solid, you may benefit from significant savings.

Another key expense in restaurant renovations is furniture – indeed, this is one of the most expensive restaurant renovation costs.  Tables, chairs, and decorative features can have a huge impact on the atmosphere of your restaurant and most renovations must incorporate a budget for new furnishings.

Finally, heating and ventilation are critical components of your restaurant renovation.  You’ll need to work with an HVAC (heating, ventilation, and cooling) expert to ensure that your restaurant is properly ventilated and so that indoor temperatures are comfortable for customers and staff alike.

As you can see, there are many considerations that impact restaurant renovation costs.  There’s no simple answer to the question – “how much will my restaurant cost to renovate?”  You must determine your renovation goals and work with a qualified contractor to determine your unique restaurant renovation costs.

Office Renovation Costs in Vancouver

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Office Renovation Vancouver

Office Renovation Costs in Vancouver

An office renovation can be a great way not only to improve the aesthetic of your office but also to increase productivity and efficiency.  From minor cosmetic changes to major structural changes, the costs of an office renovation in Vancouver will vary widely depending on the elements being renovated.  Nevertheless, business owners should look at an office renovation as an investment in their long-term success.  While it can be difficult to define the exact cost of an office renovation, let’s take a closer look at some of the common office renovation considerations and their typical costs in Vancouver.

First and foremost, it’s important to note that each renovation is different and so will be the costs.  If you’re moving to a different location, making structural or layout changes, and whether you own or rent your office space are all factors that will have a significant impact on your Vancouver office renovation budget.  For example, if you’re moving to a new building, you may save many office renovation costs if you choose a space that already features some of your renovation goals.  Likewise, if you are renting your office space, many cosmetic upgrades may be the responsibility of your landlord. 

When you’re developing your office renovation budget, the next factor to consider is the cost for contractors, designers, and architects.  Typically, these costs will run about a quarter of your total budget.  While these estimations may seem expensive, working with professionals will likely save you money in the long run.  Contractors, designers, and architects can help you map out every detail of your office renovation, ensure that work is properly permitted, and that the finished renovation aligns with your vision all while avoiding and preventing renovation problems.

Next, each component of your renovation needs to be factored into your budget including lighting, flooring, layout changes, and facilities upgrades.  For example, electricity and lighting upgrades typically cost between $200 and $300 per point while contributing to a drastic change in the aesthetic of your space.  Indeed, modern lighting sets the tone for the design of your office and can create a space that is equally productive and inviting. 

Flooring costs can vary significantly depending on the type of flooring you want to install.  Generally quoted by the square foot, flooring will obviously cost more for larger spaces.  Expect to pay somewhere between $5 and $15 for quality office flooring in Vancouver.  Vinyl tile is an affordable flooring option that costs about $5 per square foot whereas higher end options such as hardwood, bamboo, or concrete are among the more expensive flooring options.  Your budget and your style preference will require careful consideration.

Your office renovation budget must also factor in costs for layout changes as well as facilities upgrades.  For example, if you are moving or adding walls to your office expect costs to range between $50 and $150 per square foot.  Basic walls with wood framing and drywall are on the more affordable end of the spectrum whereas glass walls may cost up to $150 per square foot to install. 

Of course, upgrades to your kitchen or bathroom are likely to be costly.  A new or renovated office kitchen may cost up to $30,000 in Vancouver and a bathroom could cost up to $20,000.  These spaces are important to create a comfortable space for your employees and should not be overlooked.

As you can see, the costs of office renovations in Vancouver will vary depending on your vision and the scope of your project.

The Cost of Condo Renovation in Vancouver

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The Cost of Condo Renovation in Vancouver

Widely recognized as one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Vancouver is home to an internationally diverse population of people who love the city for its urban amenities as well as access to unparalleled natural beauty.  And though Vancouver is inarguably stunning, condo owners want their home to be equally stunning.  So, what is the cost of condo renovation in Vancouver?  Many factors will influence the cost of condo renovation, but let’s discuss typical costs and construction considerations for each room in your Vancouver condo.

Kitchens

Kitchens tend to be the most expensive renovation for condos.  Cabinets and countertops, flooring and baseboards, lighting, appliances, and drywall, tiling, and/or painting are all elements that may undergo renovation in our condo.  As you can imagine, the costs of each of these elements can vary significantly but a typical kitchen condo renovation in Vancouver will range from $20,000-$30,000 and sometimes more.

Bathrooms

Bathroom renovations can also be on the more expensive end of the spectrum, particularly if you are replacing fixtures such as bathtubs, showers, toilets, and sinks.  You’ll also want to factor in the cost of finishing features such as tiles, flooring, baseboards, and lighting.  A beautiful bathroom mirror can make help your bathroom condo renovation in Vancouver make a major impact, but often at a cost.  All combined, expect your bathroom renovation to hover around $10,000-$15,000 for a total overhaul.

Living Spaces

Living spaces such as dining rooms, living rooms renovations, and bedrooms tend to be the most affordable.  Depending on the scope of your project, you’re going to need to consider the cost of flooring, drywall repairs and paint, window coverings, and possibly even furniture.  These living spaces can often be renovated for under $15,000.

Of course, the cost of every renovation will depend on your unique goals and budget.  Many Vancouver condo renovation costs can be much higher or even much lower than the numbers indicated here.  Luxury fixtures and appliances alone can cost thousands of dollars, but you can often save money with your renovation by refurbishing your fixtures or purchasing more affordable (or even used) appliances. 

Ultimately, careful planning is the only way to truly get a sense of the costs of a condo renovation in Vancouver.  Working with qualified professionals including contractors and designers can help you get a clear picture of your costs.  Remember even a small condo renovation project can have a huge impact, not only on your personal enjoyment of your space but also on the resale value of your condo.  Start by setting clear renovation goals and researching the costs of materials, design, and installation so that you can negotiate your renovation within your budget – no matter  how large or small.

How Long Does it Take to Remodel a Kitchen?

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If you’re asking the question, “how long does it take to remodel a kitchen?” and you’re looking for a hard and fast answer, you’ve come to the wrong place.  In fact, many factors will influence the duration of a kitchen renovation and any contractor that quotes you a timeline upfront and without assessing your kitchen first is probably setting you up for disappointment.  Even the most carefully planned and organized kitchen remodel can face unpredictable delays.  So, with that in mind, let’s have a closer look at what you need to consider and how you can estimate the timeline for your kitchen remodel.

Design Phase

The design phase of your kitchen remodel is essentially in your hands and you can take as much or as little time as you want.  Still, during this phase you want to plan for the finished renovation which includes considerations of appliances, flooring, countertops, paint, and lighting.  At some point in the design phase, you’ll want to consult your contractor about your design decisions to ensure there aren’t any structural or other pragmatic barriers to the renovation.

The design phase helps you determine the scope of your project and from start to finish usually requires at least a week – regardless on the size of the kitchen or the scope of the renovation.  Keep in mind, a complete remodel where cabinets, appliances, and flooring are all removed will take longer than a smaller project that may only involve upgrading cabinets and paint, for example.

Once the design has been finalized, you’ll collaborate with your contractor to purchase all the products and materials you’ll need for your kitchen remodel.  One thing to keep in mind is that it can take upwards of a month or two for all materials and fixtures to be ordered and delivered.

Demolition

After the design phase, you’ll be ready to start your renovation.  And, what’s the first step in remodeling your kitchen?  Demolition.  Usually, demolition is a relatively quick process that requires only a few days.  However, if major structural changes are needed (like moving a wall), demolition will often take longer.  Ultimately, you want your demolition to be safe and there may be permits required if you are moving load-bearing structures.  As such, demolition could take several days or even a couple months.

Utilities Installation

Again, depending on the scope of your kitchen remodel, you may need to reconfigure your plumbing, gas, and electricity.  Major changes to kitchen layout will often require new utilities layout – expect this stage of your renovation to take one or two weeks.

Fixtures and Features

Installation of new lights, floors, fixtures, and other features will again vary depending on the scope of your remodel.  Nevertheless, flooring, cabinets, and countertops can be assessed and installed within a week or two.  Lighting will usually take at least a couple days, as will installation of backsplashes.  During this phase, all the elements that make a kitchen a kitchen need to be managed and this phase can take from several weeks to a month or more.

Finishing

Finally, finishing carpentry involves your contractor attending to all the details and to wrap up any loose ends in your kitchen renovation.  This phase usually lasts a couple days. 

As you can see, the typical kitchen remodel can range from 3 to 6 months in duration; and that’s providing everything goes right!

Choosing Floors for Basement Renovations

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Choosing Floors for Basement Renovations

Basement renovations allow homeowners to expand their living space and increase the resale value of their home.  When it comes to renovating your basement, there are so many great options – create a new living room, add an entertainment room such as theatre or games room, or even build a fully equipped suite.  Whatever your basement renovation, there is a flooring option to match the function and style of the room as well as your budget.  For more information about choosing floors for basement renovations, keep reading!

Basement Flooring Need to Know

Your basement flooring should be durable, functional, and stylish.  For these reasons, one of the top flooring options for basement renovations is vinyl flooring.  Vinyl flooring is durable and holds up well to high traffic, moist environments, and will stand up well to even the harshest elements.  Whether you have pets, small children, or rowdy house guests, vinyl flooring stands the test of time.  Add to that the versatility of vinyl flooring and it’s no wonder that it’s a top choice for basement renovations.  There are many stylish vinyl flooring options and all of them will endure all that basements have to offer.

Indeed, basement renovations and flooring choices for the basement need special consideration.  Hot water tanks and laundry facilities are often found in basements, so flooring needs to survive potential floods.  Additionally, basements usually feature a concrete slab, so moisture from the outside environment and even drastic temperature changes can wreak havoc on basement floors – but not vinyl.  Carpet easily damages, tile can get too cold, and hard wood is not recommended for moist environments.  Vinyl flooring, on the other hand, can mimic the appearance of natural wood flooring, provide the comfort of carpet, and doesn’t get cold like tile.  Plus, vinyl is affordable.  It’s almost perfect for basement renovations.

Keeping up with the Joneses

Fortunately, vinyl flooring can also have a serious aesthetic impact.  Vinyl flooring is available in a wide variety of styles and finishes.  For example, for a more contemporary design, homeowners love the sleek aesthetic of faux wood finishes that vinyl flooring offers.  Indeed, vinyl flooring looks like real wood, and many manufacturers provide flooring with subtle nuances such as “distressing” to make vinyl floors appear to be reclaimed wood which is very popular these days.  Alternatively, herringbone designs on vinyl floors are also very trendy in 2021. 

So, when it comes to basement flooring, remember that you need to consider features such as durability as well as style.  You’ll find many different vinyl flooring options to match whatever basement renovation you’re planning and to suit your personal style.  As an added bonus, vinyl flooring tends to be very affordable so it’s easy on your budget too!

Basement Renovation Ideas

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Basement Renovation Ideas

Basement Renovation Ideas

An unfinished basement offers a unique opportunity to expand the living space of your home.  In the past, the basement may have been a forgotten space for storage, laundry, or other utilitarian purposes, but today’s basements serve much more variable purposes.  From extra bedrooms to games rooms, suites, and everything in between, the following basement renovation ideas may give you an idea of how to make better use of your unfinished space.

Playrooms, Games’ Rooms, Home Theatres Galore!

Your basement renovation may be the perfect opportunity to create more space for entertainment.  Maybe you want a room where your kids can play and not mess up the main living area of your home, or maybe you want an adult games’ room where you can play darts or billiards.  There is even a growing trend to convert basements into home theatres.  Your imagination can really run wild when renovating your basement.

A kids’ playroom can be built with slides, climbing walls, and even monkey bars so that your children can be active even on a cold or rainy day.  Also, consider how to incorporate storage for toys and games to keep your home more organized.  If you build a home theatre, you can get a big screen TV or projector, rows of reclining chairs, and an impressive sound system. 

Add Liveable Rooms

A basement renovation is also a great opportunity to expand the living space of your home.  Added bedrooms or living rooms are a common choice.  If your family is growing, you want more room to relax, or you have regular houseguests and you want to make them comfortable, adding an extra bedroom or living room might be your ideal solution.  Even smaller basements can be renovated to add more living space.  For a bedroom, consider a Murphy bed and creative storage solutions.  For a living room addition, consider keeping the basement living room more casual with a more formal living room on your main level.

Health and Wellness…or Maybe a Place for Drinks!

You could convert your basement into a home gym, or you could make the real adult choice to create a bar or wine room.  A moderate to large sized basement is ideal for a home gym.  You’ll want to choose a durable flooring option to protect surfaces from heavier equipment; but, you don’t need to get too fancy with your gym either.  Some free-weights and other simple equipment combined with a TV to follow online workouts might be all you need.  On the other hand, if the gym isn’t your thing, you could renovate your basement into a bar with cabinets, countertops, stools, and even a keg tap.  For the “more sophisticated” alcohol connoisseur, the basement is often the perfect location for a wine cellar.  Temperatures tend to be cooler and you can install multiple wine racks and even wine fridges to display your favourite varieties.

As you can see, there is so much you can do with a basement renovation.  If you know what you want to do with the space, work with a professional contractor to ensure you create the space you want on a budget you can afford.

Café Renovation Budget

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Café Renovation Budget

Café Renovation Budget

When you are renovating a space to open a café, costs can add up quickly.  Not only do you need to consider the lease for the space, but your budget must also incorporate costs for kitchen equipment, interior design, furniture, front-of-house supplies, and much more.  Indeed, a café renovation budget can vary significantly depending on the size, design, and even location of your café.  As such, it is important to carefully plan your budget before you begin your café renovation.  This guide ill help you understand some of the costs for opening a café so that you have a foundation of knowledge that will help you create a sound café renovation budget.

Location

Remember that location is everything, but the best locations usually come at a cost.  If your café is located in a busy business and commercial district, you’ll have access to more customers.  At the same time, these locations usually come at a greater cost.  You may not have considered factoring your lease into your café renovation budget, but ultimately it is going to impact your operating costs and is a necessary component of any budget and business plan.  With that in mind, do your homework.  Look at the competition in the area where you are planning to open a café and consider your audience.  Ideally, your rent should be no more than 10% of your projected sales.

Design

There are two elements of design that need to be considered – operational design and decorative design.  Operationally, you may need to reorganize your café space to ensure that things run smoothly.  Often, these kinds of renovations are the most costly, particularly if they involve construction that impacts building structures.  For example, if you are renovating and existing café space, the costs will likely be much lower than if you are converting an office space into a café.  Ideally, you should consider working with a professional contractor and designer with restaurant experience to optimize your renovation and ensure you identify and address all key priorities including floor plans and necessary equipment and supplies.

When it comes to decorative design, this is where your concept comes in.  But don’t be fooled, your decorative design must be seamlessly integrated with your operational design.  Still, your concept should reflect your market research and your ultimate café vision.  Once again, working with a professional restaurant designer can help you realize your vision in an operationally sound manner.

Administration

Don’t forget that running a café will also require administrative duties.  Not only do you need to track and purchase inventory, manage expenses, take payments, and create menus, but you’ll also need to promote your café, manage payrolls, track your income, and more.  With that in mind, you also need to remember to purchase point of sale system that should include software that helps you keep organize with all these administrative tasks.

As you can see, there are many balls to keep in the air when you are starting a café renovation and your renovation budget must incorporate much more than the construction itself.  Careful planning will help you create and maintain an affordable budget.

Kitchen Renovation Ideas

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Kitchen renovation Vancouver

From the simplest paint job to a major kitchen renovation, there are many ways you can refresh your kitchen that can fit into almost any budget.  As the kitchen is a key room in the home, it is also one of the most frequently renovated; and yet, coming up with kitchen renovation ideas can be challenging – especially if you are on a tight budget.  Thankfully, the following kitchen renovation ideas feature updates that can be easily adapted for cost savings; alternatively, you can also adapt these renovations to the luxury end of the budget scale. 

Kitchen Cabinets

Kitchen cabinet renovations make a mark.  Indeed, of all our kitchen renovation ideas, new cabinets are likely to make the biggest difference by revitalizing the look of your kitchen but also by improving functionality.  Additionally, updated kitchen cabinets will have a huge impact on the resale value of your home.  Nevertheless, cabinets can be expensive, so if you’re looking to save money consider keeping or reusing old cabinets.  A little bit of elbow grease and a new coat of paint can brighten up your kitchen – and if you add new hardware, you’ll hardly recognize your old cabinets.  If you’re less concerned about budget, consider consulting with a kitchen design expert to reconfigure the layout of your cabinets to make your space more efficient.  There are even new cabinet designs that improve storage and functionality that make a great long term investment.

Countertops

Natural stone countertops are expensive but they are durable, sophisticated, and elegant.  If you can work granite or quartz countertops into your budget, you won’t be disappointed as they require little maintenance and resist heat, stains, water, and bacteria.  That being said, laminate countertops are great for the budget and they’re available in many different styles, colours, and patterns.

Appliances

The upfront costs of new appliances can be a deterrent for some home owners looking for low cost kitchen renovation ideas, but it’s also important to consider the long-term energy savings of high efficiency appliances.  A new energy efficient refrigerator and dishwasher can save you hundreds of dollars in electricity bills over the years which means they pay for themselves.  Plus, new appliances are offered in an impressive array of colours and finishes and they can make an impressive impact on the aesthetic of your new kitchen.

Lighting

Upgrading the lighting in your kitchen gives you flexibility over how and where light is focused.  Ultimately, layering lighting so that you have decent ambient lighting as well as task lighting allows you to illuminate your kitchen according to your needs.  If you’re already updating cabinets and countertops, consider installing task lighting under cabinets.  Also, consider decorative lighting to add aesthetic appeal – chandeliers and pendant lights are great choices for sophisticated designs, or for a contemporary look consider directional spot lights or pot lights.

Remember, your kitchen renovation should reflect not only your budget but your personal style as well as practical elements related to how you use your kitchen.  With careful planning and research, you can achieve an impressive upgrade to your kitchen on any budget.