Also, go ahead and collect samples of what you want to eventually do in your home, like the granite color. This will help to cordinate everything as you go.

Also the paint stores sell small quart and smaller samples of paint that you can test out colors to see if you like them. I love these. You can buy several colors, paint them side, by side and then make a final decision.

Unexpected expenses: wiring that was no longer any good, having to buy more tiles, redoing the floor base to make it smooth for the new tiles (because pulling up the old ones ruined the floor underneath) and having to make a new countertop instead of just being able to relaminate the old one (the wood underneath the old laminate was rotting).

Yes… very happy with the outcome! We have just sold the house… paid it 133 500.00$ just over 5 years ago…. just sold it for 279 500.00$… I'd say that definitely covers the cost of the kitchen renovation!

I am a kitchen & bath designer but in a different geological area. I would suggest that you do what is called a "comp" (comparesion) of the houses around you. If they have granite tops and stainless appliances, go for it!!! If not, you are going to price yourself out of the neighborhood. You will never get your money back (it is projected that from the "get-go" you are only getting 86% at the time of the sale anyway) But on the flip side, you will sell your house much faster if you do remodel it. I would suggest keeping the price resanable by keeping the fixtures in the same location (e.g.: sink), doing a semi-custom line of cabinets and maybe splurging on granite. After all, you are going to live there for another 5 years!