Kitchen Solvers Cabinet Refacing Franchise Benefits from Upswing in Apartment Remodeling
Multifamily property managers discover they can upgrade units with minimal expense, little disruption
Multifamily apartment owners and property managers have unleashed a wave of remodeling activity over the past year, upgrading their properties to compete against a surge of new complexes. In the process, they’re discovering a valuable ally: Cabinet refacing franchise Kitchen Solvers. Fran Rainey, who owns the Kitchen Solvers in Rochester, MN, recently remodeled the kitchens in a 19-unit apartment building in nearby Lanesboro. Rather than gut the kitchens, he repaired the existing cabinets and installed new drawers, cabinet doors and hardware. The process made the kitchens look brand new while saving thousands per unit, and residents were able to stay in their homes during the two-day process. Rainey, who has mostly worked in houses during his 13 years with Kitchen Solvers, is now eyeing thousands of other rental units in area. “There is a lot of potential for apartment managers to benefit from using Kitchen Solvers,” Rainey said. “It’s less expensive, faster and far less disruptive to tenants.” Kitchen Solvers has 68 franchise locations throughout the United States and Canada. The company expects to grow in 2013 to meet rising demand for remodeling. The National Association of Home Builders’ Remodeling Market Index, which tracks market conditions, is at its highest level since 2005, and NAHB chief economist David Crowe says it’s more evidence that remodeling has rebounded from the recession. Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies also projects remodeling activity to grow at a rate of 12.2 percent at the beginning of 2013, and an NAHB builder survey released in October showed the highest confidence since 2005 in the growth of the apartment and condominium market. Rainey’s experience echoes the general optimism in the industry: “This is definitely the busiest fall I’ve had — by far — since the recession hit,” he said. “There’s a positive feeling at the home shows that I attend. A lot of people are walking around and want to know what we can do for them.” Kitchen Solvers is a 30-year-old kitchen remodeling franchise that specializes in kitchen cabinet refacing — a thrifty alternative that makes a beautiful kitchen more affordable. To learn more, visit www.KitchenSolvers.com.
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