Rich Ideas that Won’t Break the Bank

By Dawn Bluemel Oldfield

I never thought I’d add “general contractor” to my resume, but a few years ago when my husband and I decided to bite the bullet and finally remodel our kitchen, I did just that. We’d heard horror stories of how expensive and complicated kitchen remodels can be, so before we embarked on this major project we did our research.  We set a budget (and stuck to it!), had a vision and thanks to the advice of a long-time friend, passed on the “big box stores” and aligned ourselves with local businesses who offered custom craftsmanship that didn’t break the bank.  We did some of the work ourselves, but it was the local experts who helped bring our vision to fruition.

We did a complete do-over on our kitchen, but you don’t have to gut the space to get the kitchen of your dreams.  Long-time husband and wife team, Dave and Lorna Omessi, owners of Cabinet Craft (www.cabinetcraftdfw.com), can transform your existing room from tired and dated to 21st century wow!  Cabinet Craft refaces your cabinets with a top quality hardwood in a variety of styles and finishes.  “We offer our homeowners a selection of premium quality Oak, Maple, Cherry, or Walnut hardwoods.  Our process is simple: rather than tearing out your kitchen cabinets and starting from scratch, which can take several weeks to complete, we will create the kitchen of your dreams in a matter of days at a price you can afford,” says Dave.

Cabinet Craft installs new doors, drawer fronts, self-closing hidden hinges, hardware, moldings and can resurface the complete exterior of your kitchen cabinets to match.  The end result is a beautiful new kitchen that adds style and value to your home at an affordable price that doesn’t interrupt your family’s lifestyle.

“Today’s kitchen serves as the heart, soul and brain of the home.  It is the gathering place, where homework is being done while food is being prepared, calendars completed and the days’ events shared,” says Candy Hudson, Broker/Owner, Century 21 Hudson Realtors. So it’s important to find the right expertise to help you find innovative ideas to make over this important space. Consult with a family-owned business like Ed Kellum & Sons to create your ideal space with unique items, such as warming drawers and a built-in coffee maker.  Plus, they can help you save on top-appliances that pay off in their functionality and durability.

“We ask you questions and we listen to your wants and needs so that we can make sure to deliver products that you’ll be happy with for years to come. We encourage a lot of conversation because we want to fully understand your ultimate goal,” says Pat Wilson, Sales Manager for the 4th generation retailer Ed Kellum & Sons, now housed inside all Starpower locations.

“Dimensions, color, room configuration, décor, and many other elements need to be considered. For example, when you’re shopping for a refrigerator, would a right door swing work better than a left door swing? We care about the small details. It’s our commitment to make sure that every detail is well thought out and executed.”

Realtor Ann O’Blenes, Performance Partners, ReMax Dallas, says, “The kitchen is where the majority of family living and entertaining takes place.  When you upgrade the kitchen, you are investing in not just the sales value, but in the value of your day-to-day life.”