If you are contemplating buying your first home, with all the enthusiasm and nervousness that comes with that decision, then you can better appreciate the challenges of my friends who are upgrading from a tiny condo to their first “real” house. The price was right, the neighborhood older and established with good schools nearby - perfect for a couple expecting their first child.
When they fell in love with the house, they did not clearly see all of its flaws. It was indeed a surprise to discover the cabinet doors that would not close, the chipped kitchen sink and the badly worn countertop. They relegated the other rooms to a “coat of paint change”, while the kitchen needed real help.
I gave them advice about how to fix the non-closing doors without too much effort and focused their attention on the sink and countertop. The dreams of granite vanished when they priced it out. We discussed how to get the best deal for their tiny budget. And the answer is a new high definition laminate countertop and an integral sink. Both are meant for hard wear and tear, a factor of life with a small child and even busier schedules.
A visit from the countertop fabricator gave them the confidence that this could be done in a short time, while they were handling the painted facelift in another room. Within two weeks, they have a new kitchen without the agony of tearing everything out. The countertop gives them a whole new look and there is a little leftover to buy those bar stools that they saw on sale.
The moral of this story is to shop wisely, understand what your budget will give you, and then find the best person to help you accomplish this change.
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