Advertorial pitfalls of kitchen renovations Top five A gorgeous kitchen can definitely make your life better, but before you start your reno, find out more about five common pitfalls and how to avoid them. 1. Kitchens are expensive. It‘s easy to spend $25,000 to $50,000 on a midâ€" range kitchen makeover. Even budget reâ€" models of a small kitchen can run up to $15,000. Expert doâ€"itâ€"yourselfers can cut these costs in half, but most of us don‘t have the required skills and will likely need a professional contractor to deliver the best results. Given the cost and lifeâ€" style impact a kitchen reno has, avoid dealing with contractors who promise a low price but want to be paid in cash with nothing written down. 2. Cabinet hardware varies a lot in quak ity. Before you sign any kitchen remodelâ€" ling contract, make sure it specifies the type and brand of hinges, drawer slides, handles and accessories that‘ll be used. 3. Fancy countertops can be trouble some. Highend stone and solid surface countertops deliver powerful bragging rights, but they‘re not necessarily more durable than less expensive options like JALAJ ARORA Sales Representative Direct: laminate or solid maple. Some elaborate materials require regular sealing, while others can be damaged by a hot pot. Reâ€" search your options before deciding. 4. Ask for great materials. Even exâ€" pensive kitchen cabinets are often made of the cheapest material possible, melamineâ€"coated particleboard. Think 6f sawdust bonded with glue and a factory coating on top. Truly highend cabinets are made with veneered cabinetgrade plywoods and solid hardwoods. These are stronger, lighter in weight and more durable. 5. New kitchens don‘t always pay off at resale. According to an annual survey run by Remodeling Magazine since 2002, midâ€"range and highend kitchen remodels deliver only 60 to 65 cents of increased resale value for every dollar spent. If you‘re planning to move in the near fuâ€" ture, make sure the investment makes financial sense. Find more information on the Canadian Home Builder‘s Association‘s website, www.getitinwriting.ca. www.newscanada.com 536 Nelson Crt. $750,000 852 Morley Ave. 2 â€"640 Sauve St. Detached 3 Bdrm 1,600 / month @ Corner Lot on Quiet Street 131 Bronte St. S. $1 099,900 "MMM | NOIdWVHD NVIGVNYI NOLTUW | L TOZ ‘6 Lerugqay Aepsuny}1 | gz izA 905.878.3905 5808 TENTH LINE WEST Two car garage freehold townhome. with finished basement has been lovingly carsg. \*aalmunod Living/dining with parqucs 'I& jerlooks the front yard. Dinette ‘_,.- oined with kitchen, offez, Lo »*.n deck. Upgraded laminate m featuring 3 beds & 4 pc bath. ee‘em offers a large rec room & 4 pc bath. Close to shopping, schools & highways. 406 Woodward Ave. Over 5000 sq. ft., custom built in Old Milton. 572 HAWTHORNE CRESCENT immaculately cared for & updated home, on a highly alim features IFaa shutters. ‘mooldlng& e with fireplace, pot lights & r' fl with hardwoods, California ‘ ..ooudod 3 pc bath. 3 other good sized oe @9Â¥ pc bath complete the upper level. Spacious rec room in basement. Located close to #) schools, parks & essential amenities. \\6 , I he Amy > wWers TE/\I\/I m,i T # I | |\ » Milt. F P ROYAL LrPAGE Jele j S f HomesByJalaj@gmail.com www.HomesByJalaj.com