Bargain Hunting: Getting the look (and quality) for less

Contributed by Lori Dolnick

The Kitchen & Bath Industry Show, Chicago, IL

One of the big themes we saw at the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show this year was predominant use of the word VALUE. Value is different from CHEAP. Value is about something that perhaps lasts longer. Or provides better performance. Value is what happens when a product delivers more than expected for what you are paying. Today’s homeowners are on the hunt for VALUE. We see from the statistics that the look of today’s kitchen is changing. Less ornamental – more modern themes. More work done within an existing footprint versus blowing out walls and expanding the square footage - so every inch counts. Today’s Homeowner is remodeling for numero uno. It’s their home – since selling is not really an option. It’s no longer about return on investment – it’s about personalization and comfort.

So what were the big VALUES at the show?

The LINUS designer faucet from BLANCO starting at $425. Hundreds of dollars less for European made quality and a knock out style.

Aspen cabinet hardware from TopKnobs starting from $8 a knob. Half the price of competitive brands for solid bronze with a sealed finish that will last. Lifetime warrantee. Free sample program for consumers and designers.

One of the hidden treasures at the show was New River Semi Custom Cabinetry. All the features you’d pay more for in custom cabinets like soft close drawers but at a lower price. And believe me – I wish my cabinets had this stuff. And I paid a lot more per square foot for less quality. It’s worthwhile to seek out semi custom cabinet showrooms.

GE’s new hybrid GeoSpring water heater can save you $320 a year in energy. Of course it costs @ $1,500 but the payback would be in under 5 years. Assuming this lasts on average 10-15 years (per DOE), you are getting far more for your investment dollar in energy savings.

StoneSkin is an interesting product for Remodelers or DIY’ers. It’s real stone – but in a peel-and-stick format. Ultra thin and lightweight – it goes on other tiles or over dry wall. (Not saying this might be a permanent fix vs. real tile installed by a professional… but certainly worthwhile to try for the cost. And it beats the look of drywall. Really, drywall is terrible for work areas as it dents and stains.)

Contributed by Lori Dolnick


See all Lori's posts here.


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