home + garden

The explosion of remodeling shows on TV and spreads in magazines has whetted Americans' appetite for glamorous rooms brimming with the latest furnishings, appliances and color schemes.

Kitchen makeovers are among the most popular remodeling projects, according to the August issue of Consumer Reports. And the economic slowdown means there are outstanding deals on everything from cooktops to countertops. It also means kitchen designers and building contractors are eager for work and willing to negotiate.

But bargain prices and good looks aren't everything, said Celia Kupersmzid Lehrman, Consumer Reports' deputy home editor.

"When remodeling a kitchen, functionality is every bit as important as style. Fortunately, there are many products that look good and work well," she said.

The most functional design is based on the "work triangle" -- the relationship between the prep area, the cooking area and the sink, said Jim Spence of Spence & Vaughn Fine Kitchen and Bath in Maitland, Fla. Ideally, the distance between them should never be less than 4 feet or more than 9 feet. Of the three areas, the most-used is the sink.

When planning a remodeling project, determining your budget is one of the first steps. The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) says that the average kitchen redo costs between 10 and 20 percent of the home's value. But obviously, the extent of the makeover determines its cost. In its latest issue, Consumer Reports takes top-performing products and creates three design schemes: a do-it-yourself makeover for $5,000; a plan that costs $15,000 (the average spent on a kitchen remodeling), and a full-scale renovation for $50,000.

Consumer Reports identifies these four rules for a successful kitchen remodeling:

Don't rush. There are many kitchen products that combine value, performance and good looks. Take time to meet with professionals, browse the Internet, and visit showrooms and home centers. Haste can be costly.

Size matters. In addition to being expensive, oversized kitchens can be exhausting to work in and keep tidy. A more compact kitchen is often more functional. The NKBA website, www.nkba.org, offers guidelines for optimal space separating appliances, cabinets and islands.

Beware of budget busters. Leave a 10 to 15 percent cushion for surprises, such as unexpected structural repairs. Avoid settling for a cheap option, thinking someday you will replace it with something you really want. Chances are that will never happen.

Get it in writing. When using a professional for a remodeling, the written contract should list each phase of the project; every product, including the model number; and copies of each contractor's license, and workers' compensation and liability insurance to confirm they are current. Call references and, if possible, visit them.