"Check Out" The Kitchen When Shopping For A New Home

Monday, March 1, 2010

“Check Out’ The Kitchen When Shopping For A New Home (NAPSA)—Although buying a homeis the largest investment most people will ever make, the decision doesn’t have to be as daunting as it may seem to many. There are some simple guidelines that can help you find a home you will be happy with for a very long time. A recent study conducted by Merillat, a leading manufacturer of cabinetry, found that the kitchen is the most influential room when deciding to buy a home, followed by the great room and then the master bedroom. “The kitchen is the gathering place for special occasions, family functions and day-to-day activities, which is why it is so important for prospective buyers to ensure that their new kitchen will meet the needs of their family from a design and functionality perspective,” said design expert Paul Radoy. The kitchen deserves special attention when shopping for a new home and has many aspects not always visible with a quick glance. Follow these two simple guidelines and you'll be better able to decide if the kitchen is right for you. Keep A Checklist Ask yourself: * Do I like the layout of the kitchen? (Consider the kitchen from an overall perspective and keep in mind all the items that will require storage.) * Does the kitchen look comfortable and make mefeel good when I’m in it? * Does the kitchen help facilitate frequent casual interactions with family and friends? (Consider the views into the surrounding rooms. Do the spaces enable you to easily associate with family and friends?) “Test-driving” the kitchen allows you to get a feel of how day-to-day life may be in a house your're thinking of buying. Is the cabinetry durable and well built? Is the finish on the cabinetry smooth and consistent? * Does the kitchen have visual impact or a good focal point such as an island, cooking grotto or other unique feature? (Islands are a useful feature that many homeowners desire. When examining an island, identify the tasks or storage functions it serves to be sure it will meet your needs.) * Does the kitchen have adequate storage space and built-in features to accommodate my possessions? (The study found the biggest regret homeowners have after a kitchen remodelis that they didn’t include enough storage features. Look for drawer organizers, pull-out trays and a lazy Susan.) Test-Drive The Kitchen * Open and close the drawers several times to be sure theyroll in and out smoothly and quietly. Open the wall and base cabinets, because you may discover unique storage solutions. Pretend you’re making a meal and role-play the necessary steps involved to see if the space is laid out as efficiently as possible. Examine the thickness of the wood on the drawer fronts and sides, as well as the cabinet doors. See if the hinges are adjustable to make for a correctly aligned cabinet door. * Investigate the cabinet interiors to determine whether they’re covered with a durable water- and stain-resistant material versus a lower-quality product. Check to see that the color of the interior complements the exterior. Most importantly, when shopping for a new home, take your time and analyzeall aspects of the home to ensure it is perfect for you and your family. To learn about kitchen design and storage features, visit Merillat, a leading manufacturer of cabinetry, at www.Merillat.com.

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