Remodeling Kitchens & Bathrooms
The experts on what’s new and what’s investment worthy
In with the new and out with the old. That is more than a New Year’s expression in Southwest Florida. It captures the tone of kitchen and bathroom remodels these days. With most of the Hurricane Irma repairs behind us, a sampling of professionals provides an overview of the marketplace—and maybe an idea or two for our own project.
Lisa Gury, marketing director for Cornerstone Builders of Southwest Florida, sees white cabinets, quartz countertops, open layouts, oversized sinks, colorful backsplashes, built-in cooktops with induction and built-in wall ovens replacing slidein ranges. When asked what Cornerstone clients are looking for, she is direct: “A quality remodel with a company that finishes on time and on budget.”
Gury continues, “Cornerstone doesn’t have subcontractors, so everything … is done with one company. This gives Cornerstone total control, which gives the customer much better service and quality control. We don’t take deposits and all of the materials we manufacture come with lifetime guarantees for as long as the customer owns the home.”
But, does all that investment pay a dividend? “Absolutely,” she says. “Updated kitchens and baths are two things people look for when purchasing a home. They can increase the value of the home substantially.”
Real estate agent Jim Flack, who services the Bonita area with John R. Wood Properties, offers a sales perspective: “Existing homes for sale are having a tough time competing for buyers unless they update, especially kitchens and baths.”
He adds, “Eliminating dark colors of granite and going to lighter colors of countertops and changing colors of backsplashes can change the look of the kitchen significantly. Removing walls, if possible, will give a more open feel.
“Bathrooms are also important. Changing counters and eliminating tubs can give your bathroom a totally new look. You should recoup most of the costs with increased home values,” Flack notes.
Gary Hains, a real estate agent who also builds new homes, observes that today’s buyers think homes look dated after 10 to 15 years. “As long as the remodel does not get too pricey, sellers can get the value back on the resale. Plus, an updated kitchen and bath distinguishes the home from others that have not been updated. I see people going with the coastal contemporary look—clean lines and colors and no heavy, dark colors.”
Another contractor, Philip Young, owner of Classic Floors in Bonita, reports: “For kitchens, we are seeing people going to a one-level instead of a raised bar area; porcelain and engineered quartz countertops; different countertops for the main part of kitchen and island; shaker style or painted cabinets, with blues,
“Updated kitchens and baths are two things people look for when purchasing a home. They can increase the value of the home substantially.” —Lisa Gury, marketing director for Cornerstone Builders of Southwest Florida
greens and grays popular, and making cabinets and kitchen areas handicappedaccessible.”
Young moves on to bathrooms. “We are seeing a lot of wood-look tiles for main bathroom floors; lots of black-andwhite contrast; full tile accent walls; overall driftwood looks; deleting tubs altogether; making showers walk-in, and more organized storage.”
When asked what Classic clients look for, Young says: “Besides the obvious— working with personable people—they want quality work that they can trust. Some clients come in knowing exactly what they need and some need some guidance. We are able to help both.’’ Does this work pay off when homes are sold? “Yes,” Young says, “absolutely!”
“Existing homes for sale are having a tough time competing for buyers unless they update, especially kitchens and baths.” —Real estate agent Jim Flack
A specialized view comes from Bruce Rosenblatt of Senior Housing Solutions. He sees safety-minded designs at lifestyle centers as well as at traditional homes— handles instead of knobs on cabinets (important if you have arthritis); barrierfree walk-in showers with grab bars; quartz countertops with space for seats or wheelchair access, and emergency call buttons in showers.
Paul Beattie, of Cape Coral-based Beattie Development, serves all of Southwest Florida. He counsels clients to do homework on how much they can afford and the potential value of their home versus a new custom home. Beattie also urges considering the timing of remodeling or moving, both of which “will significantly disrupt your life.”
He explains: “Kitchens have come a long way in recent years, with beautiful, new cabinet styles, space-saving custom cabinet features like soft-close hinges, cabinet lighting, tons of built-in storage options and amazing new countertop choices. Today’s families also love the light and space that comes with spacious islands, creative task lighting and better use of natural light. Best of all, kitchen remodels are usually great ways to add real dollars to your home’s resell value.”
Choices seem endless for traditionally mundane bathrooms. “For bath lovers, big soaking tubs or sophisticated spa models can be freestanding or built into an alcove,” Beattie notes. “Showers can be part of the bathtub area or be large, walk-in rooms with benches, rainfall showerheads and room for two, or sleek hand-held models that take advantage of every inch of space. And don’t get us started on sink options.”
A specialized view comes from Bruce Rosenblatt of Senior Housing Solutions. He sees safety-minded designs at lifestyle centers as well as at traditional homes.