New Homeowner's Guide: Series

By Book Author, Sheri Koones

The Kitchen — Continued

There are factors that you should consider if you are shopping for a home and the kitchen is a priority.

The following are some of the items to look for:

* Check out the appliances _ If you decide you want to replace them, see if the spaces they are in will accommodate a new Subzero or Viking type refrigerator or industrial-style stove, for example, if that’s what you have in mind to purchase. If they won’t fit, you could end up remodeling more of the kitchen than you had planned. Also check to see if the flooring goes wall-to-wall or just up to the appliances. You may have a gap in the flooring if the new appliance is narrower than the original one.

* When you have the house inspected, the inspector will be able to tell you if the appliances are in working order or if the vents are malfunctioning.

* Check to see if there is adequate seating space for all members of the family to sit together, if it is an eat-in kitchen.

* Look at the lighting. Determine if it will be adequate for the many tasks you will perform in the kitchen.

* Check the interior of the drawers. I once bought a house and found the interiors of the drawers to be filthy. It took a great deal of elbow grease to get them clean.

* See if interior door hinges have been replaced. This is a good sign that the hinges may not be of the best quality and will break down easily.

* Check to see if there will be enough storage space. If you have more than one set of dishes, many glasses, etc., determine whether you will have enough room to store or display them.

* If you are considering replacing the flooring, check to see what type of material was used and how thick that material is. It could be a problem to replace the flooring with a material that is either much thicker or thinner than the current material. (continued...)

* If you would like to expand the kitchen, see if there is room to do so by either moving an exterior wall or by taking space from another room, closet, etc.

* Evaluate whether there is adequate counter space. If you will be cooking in the kitchen with a partner or children, determine if both of you can work in the kitchen together. Consider whether there is room for a movable work counter, if the current counters are not sufficient.

If you are selling a house, then be aware of all of the above items. In addition, you should consider some of the following:

* If the cabinets look shabby, you may want to consider re-facing them. Some times just putting nicer knobs on the cabinets will give them a lift.

* If the walls are looking dirty or worn, consider having the kitchen repainted. This can be an inexpesive way to give your kitchen a lift.

* If there is old or worn wallpaper on the walls, consider changing it.

* If you know people are coming by, bake a pie. Every kitchen looks better with the scent of a fresh baked pie. •