This article on EK Kitchens & Design was featured on Sky-Hi News. To view the article, click here: Time and Money: evil twins when remodeling before the holidays

Hey, pssst….did you know the Holidays are right around the corner? As in family at the house and parties and friends popping by? Are you ready? More importantly, is your home ready? If not, no worries, here are some quick tips on how to conquer remodel’s twin nemeses: time and money just in time for the Holidays.
The main thing to remember is: don’t panic. We have found over the years, people generally fall into two remodel groups right now: Antsy Annie and Frugal Freddie.
Antsy Annie is typically always in a rush to get things done and has limited time to focus, let alone complete, a huge project. She will want the project started and finished in the same week, or preferably in the same day. Frugal Freddie recognizes the importance of needing to make improvements, but is worried about spending a lot of money before the Holidays. He would be more interested in investing in several lower cost projects that have a bigger impact, rather than say, gut the kitchen and not have it complete in time for Christmas Dinner.
One project to get Antsy Annie’s house prepped in time for family includes interior painting, which can be done in a weekend, typically. Frugal Freddie will like this one also because a little DIY time can save big bucks. Remember to prep carefully, take the time needed to do a good job and clean up thoroughly when done. Focus on the few rooms that will make the most impact and save the rest of the rooms for January, when chillier outside.
Replacing cabinet hardware can give the kitchen a fresh look also. Measuring correctly will reduce frustration levels considerably. Measure from the center of each screw if a pull and measure the diameter and reach if a knob. Changing color or even design is a quick and low cost way to satisfy both Antsy Annie’s penchant for quick change and Frugal Freddie’s pocketbook.

While a bit more time consuming, taking a Sunday afternoon to clean out the kitchen cabinets and organize glasses, dishes, food, and other kitchen treasures, will take the stress out of searching for just that right dish at the last minute. Super low cost and done to satisfaction in an afternoon.
Another simple project both Antsy Annie and Frugal Freddie are served well by is removing all clutter from any flat surface. Shoes and boots in the entry? Put them away in the closet. Hang all jackets, scarves and other outerwear. Paperwork on desks, counter tops and tables? Separate the papers and put them where they belong. Are there extra small appliances on the counters? Decide which items are used every day and all others go into a cabinet or pantry. Laundry not put away or dishes to be done? Take the extra time now to clean and the kitchen, entry, living room, and dining room will look bigger, feel more open, and be tremendously personally satisfying to have the house tidy.
Whether you identify more with Antsy Annie who is already rushing around trying to get all the last minute details wrapped up and the house prepped, or with Frugal Freddie who would prefer to put in a little time and effort and save big, these are some easy projects you can tackle in a weekend.
And if you really get stuck? Give a professional designer a call. Happy to help.
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