According to Remodeling Magazine's 2008-2009 Cost vs. Value Report the average investment recouped at resale for a Minor and Major Mid-range Kitchen Remodel in the DC and Baltimore Metro Areas is 79.1 to 79.9%. A Major Upscale Kitchen Remodel recoups an average of 73.3%.

Taking preliminary measurements and noting the position of the existing services, windows and doors helps to work the plan to get the appliances, work tops and cupboards where you want them.

Deciding on any changes to the services (electricity, water, drains) you need. The following is intended to help you with the actual planning, but they are only suggestions and will not be practical in all situations, you will often have to compromise. The golden rule is - keep it simple - and remember that the kitchen is one of the main selling points for a house.

The primary activity areas in the kitchen are generally recognized as 1.) food preparation, 2.) cooking and serving, and 3.) cleaning & washing. Each activity area needs to have the worktop(s) and appliances necessary for that activity, also the area will require the storage space for the utensils, ingredients etc. required for it.

In addition to the three areas, it is important to arrange the appliances and worktops in the correct order i.e. worktop - appliance - worktop. A work triangle is formed between the three work areas: sink, refrigerator and range. For maximum efficiency the total length of the three sides of the triangle should be between 142" and 260", and as best as possible, the work triangle should be uninterrupted by through traffic.

Generally speaking, there are four basic designs to a kitchen. Each design was established based on the space available to make a kitchen and optimized for the best utilization of space for the three food preparation areas. Understanding the design of your own current kitchen will help you to work with your contractor much better.

Corridor Layout. In a long, narrow area with doors at each end you have little choice other than two facing rows of appliances and storage units. There needs to be at least 48" between two rows for a safe walk-through corridor and to allow comfortable access to front loading appliances. In really narrow rooms, the fittings might need to be restricted to one side of the room.

L-shaped Layout.

This design is often the best solution where the kitchen can fit into a corner.

U-Shaped Layout.
This layout is convenient as all working areas are within easy reach. It may be the only choice for small rooms although it can also be used with effect where a kitchen area needs to be fitted at one end of a larger room. Again, there needs to be at least 48" between the parallel sides of the U.

Island Layout.

Often thought of as a luxury, the island layout needs a fairly large room, however in such a room, it does reduce the amount of walking you need to do. Try to allow for 48" between the island and any other cupboard/obstruction etc. Although the design shown has the cooking hob on the island, the island could be used for the food preparation area. Remember that services will need to be taken to the island.