Remodel The Kitchen or The Windows?

This past weekend my son and I spent the afternoon traipsing around a soggy soccer field while attempting to throw a traditional boomerang. Two years ago, while on our honeymoon in Maui, my wife and I had decided to buy a boomerang for our kids. Yes, I’m that Dad who purchased a weapon first used by Indigenous Australians during hand to hand, bloody combat. Today however, we were using the boomerang through its better known Native American origin as a returning sickle. While unlike the Native Americans who used the boomerang to kill birds and rabbits, we too were attempting to throw this crescent-shaped piece of wood and have it return right to our hand. While my son experienced much greater successful than me, we sure did have a fun time!

While hypothetically easy, the theory of throwing a boomerang is more difficult than most people understand. Many factors must be considered when throwing a boomerang including wind speed, air temperature, elevation and angle of trajectory to name a few. In the end, the task is simple…throw the boomerang into the air, let it spin in a large circle and return to your hand right where you released it.

So how does a boomerang have anything to do with a kitchen or window remodel? We do home improvement projects for many reasons but one question always remains, “How much will this home improvement “Return” on my investment?” Like the boomerang we hope returns to our hand, each home improvement project we do has the potential to either increase or at times decrease the value of our home.

In my 10+ years in the home improvement profession, 2 competing projects seem to come up time and time again. At least a dozen times a year, I am presented with the perplexing question of whether a homeowner should remodel their kitchen or replace their windows. Let us take a look at this quandary causing question in more depth.

Kitchen Remodel

• Remodeling your kitchen is one the most emotional home improvement projects you can do to your home. New granite countertops and stainless steel appliances can give your kitchen that gourmet look you’ve always wanted. Remodeling your kitchen however is also one of the most complicated projects and if you don’t do your homework you may be crying all the way to the bank! Here are some the Pros and Cons associated with a typical kitchen remodel.

Pros:

1. Your new kitchen will be a place the family spends a lot of time over the years. If it is both functional and aesthetically appealing, you and your family will truly enjoy creating memories in your new kitchen.
2. Chances are your old kitchen has a dated look. By remodeling your dinner preparation center, you will have a room you are proud to show off.
3. Kitchens help sell houses. A nicely remodeled kitchen will insure that your home will not spend much time on the single market if you decide to sell.

Cons:

1. Remodeling your kitchen is a costly endeavour to undertake. New countertops, appliances, cabinets and flooring adds up quick. The average kitchen remodel in the U.S. according to Remodeling Magazine is a whopping $56,768!
2. If you plan to live in your home while your kitchen remodel is taking place may the Force Be With You! Living through a kitchen remodel is like going to war with your home. There is dust, decisions and contractors that will invade every crevice of your life!
3. The Return on Investment for a major kitchen remodel according to Remodeling Magazine is only 59% which is far below many other less invasive home improvement projects.

Window Replacement

• Replacing the windows in your home is a pretty simple project. In most cases a contractor can come into your home and replace every window within one day! Though the installation takes place in only one day, your decision is one you should spend a bit more time chewing on. Any knucklehead with a truck can replace the windows in your home. To find a professional window company to provide your family with quality service is a different story. Let us take a look at the Pros and Cons of window replacement.

Pros:

1. New windows will increase the energy efficiency of your home. If you are looking to lower your utility bills, high efficient replacement windows will help keep your heat in during the winter and the sun’s heat out during the summer.
2. By replacing the windows in your home you will be able to get rid of those pesky windows that currently don’t open.
3. The Return on Investment for window replacement according to Remodeling Magazine is 74.9%, making it a great place to invest your hard-earned dollars!

Cons:

1. There are hundreds of replacement window companies in the U.S. today and finding the right one do your project may be very difficult. A thorough interview of potential companies is a necessary evil in an industry filled with subcontractors and creeps!
2. Most replacement window companies install their windows through subcontractors. These subcontractors typically care very little about your home and even less about the flowers under your windows. In addition, most Michigan subcontractors do not carry Workers Compensation or Liability Insurance as the homeowner’s home insurance covers them in the case of an accident. In the event they are injured on your property they will file a large claim against your Homeowner’s Insurance!
3. Replacement windows are not cheap. Though there are numerous low end replacement window companies waiting to install junk into your home, This Old House Magazine says you should expect to pay between 10-12% of your home’s value on quality replacement windows.

Whether you are considering the total destruction and rebuild of your kitchen or replacing the holes in your walls with new window, the decision should be looked at from all angles. Hopefully by looking deeper into the Pros and Cons of these 2 projects you now have a better understanding of how to proceed. If new window for your home is something you and your family are considering, Pure Energy Window Company would love to discuss your options. Give us a call today or click on the link below to schedule a FREE In-Home Window Consultation.

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