Changing Cabinets And Countertops

Demolition starts this week at the Maloney household. Nancy and John Maloney of Warwick, R.I., won a complete kitchen makeover — compliments of Lowe's. And they are happy to see their dated cabinets and countertops taken away.

If you're planning a kitchen makeover of your own, it's the cabinets and counters that will be the anchor for your design. Spike Carlsen, executive editor of The Family Handyman magazine, visits The Early Show to help sort through the choices.

Do-it-yourselfers can expect to pay between $100 and $150 per square foot for a basic remodel. Having it done professionally typically adds another $100 to $150 per square foot. And if you want to have a stainless steel stove and granite counter tops, Carlsen says it will cost between $300 and $500.

At least half of your budget goes to countertops and cabinets, Carlsen says. "They really establish the look and feel of the kitchen. It's what you see."

Those on a limited budget should buy the best they can when it comes to elements that are difficult to change; you can always upgrade the cosmetic items, Carlsen says. And the items that are most difficult to change are, of course, cabinets and countertops. The easiest to change at a later date are cabinet hardware, faucets, appliances, wall coverings and light fixtures.

If you're satisfied with the current layout of your kitchen, consider a cosmetic makeover. The changes can upgrade existing kitchen cabinets or new, less-expensive, off-the-shelf cabinets.

The following are some ideas Carlsen offers:

• Paint face frames, add new doors and drawer fronts, add glass door or add crown molding
• Raise a cabinet. Remove the doors from some cabinets and modify with baskets, shelves and plate racks.

• Add new hardware and bun feet

• Tile the backsplash

"Three-fourths of the kitchens go with that," Carlsen says. "Wood is also popular. It requires a little bit more maintenance. If you go with Granite, expect to pay in the $100 range a square foot just for the tops."

If you want the granite look but not the cost, he recommends "Engineered Stone," which is basically ground up granite. "Then, there are solid surface materials," he says, "which have more resins. Again they have that same look, but at a lower cost."

If your layout isn't working and you decide to remodel, consider having appearance meet function, Carlsen says. In the past, most cabinets and countertops were very uniform in terms of materials, colors and heights. But, Carlsen says, there is now a trend towards mixing painted and natural wood cabinets (as you would with living room furniture), as well as heights: mixing open, glass front and wood doors. You can also try rearranging cabinet heights and using different materials.

Carlsen also advises using three different countertop heights: 42 inches for casual barstool area, 36 inches for working, 30 inches for sit-down dining. Mix wood and stone and stainless steel.

As for cabinets, Carlsen says that while there are more than 10,000 color and wood options, kitchen cabinets have only three basic styles: full overlay, face frame and traditional.

Homeowners also have many options when it comes to what goes in the cabinet — all of which have to do with family lifestyle. Options include lazy Susans, full extension drawers, recycling centers, pull out shelves and pantries.

Stay tuned next week when Carlsen talks about lighting, floors and more.