Hardest-Working Rooms Transformed

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By Elizabeth Ann Wells

Short-term pain equals long-term gain. That's the universal sentiment of three homeowners who tackled kitchen remodel projects with impressive results.

"It was really worth it," says Connie Sullivan, who completely remodeled her 1993 kitchen. "The mess and living in your basement...I don't know how you avoid that when you do something like this."

Kris and Tom Schaff lived in their 1998 west Omaha home 10 years before they remodeled to solve what they called "underutilized space issues."

Brad Schroeder's central Omaha home was significantly older. Built in 1929, it had undergone at least one kitchen remodel in 1975. He bought the home in 2005 knowing it needed updating and tackled most of the work himself in 2008.

Marshall Wallman, vice president of design at Curt Hofer & Associates, says homeowners with houses more than 15 years old often see the need for change.

"People want a kitchen they want to work in," he says. "Fifteen years ago, even in nicer homes, kitchens were designed a little differently."

There were more peninsulas versus islands. Kitchens were more separate, had fewer pullouts and walk-in pantries, and had less space allocated to appliances and storage, Wallman explains. Homes older than 15 years have design and space issues of their own.

According to Marshall Wallman and Steve Huber, president of Curt Hofer & Associates, updating trends include:

* Upper cabinets growing from 12 inches deep and 30 inches tall, to 14 to 16 inches deep and 36 to 42 inches tall.

* More stand-alone furniture style for cabinetry.

* Fewer heavy details for cleaner lines and simple sophistication.

* Use of a wider variety of solid surface countertops.

* More extensive lighting for better lit, higher functioning spaces.

Living through the update is painful, but the inconvenience can be minimized. The Sullivans and Schaffs used their lower level kitchenette/bar space for meals during construction. "We lived out of our basement," says Kris Schaff. "Doing it in warm weather made a big difference because we could grill out." Schroeder staged his microwave and necessary utensils on his dining room table.

Working with reputable craftsmen, contractors or builders is paramount. Sullivan utilized Advance Design and Construction, and Schaff used independent contractor Mike Feilmeier. Schaff also worked with an interior designer, a decision that Schaff says saved her money. Meeting selection deadlines were key to preventing delays.

Schroeder acted as his own general contractor. "I have a very clear vision for my home. I think I had that kitchen in my head five years before I bought the house." That clarity allowed him to collect accessories and appliances before construction began.

All the homeowners agree the most important preparation was determining what they wanted and how they would live in the space.

"I used a lot of magazines, went to open houses, did home tours, and visited a variety of stores," says Schroeder. "It was good to collect photos and put them in a file. I think most people will discover they have a clear vision for something that will be worth the pain of being torn up for a little while."