Choosing and installing a new kitchen or enlarging and remodeling a bathroom, with the myriad of products available, is very much like buying a new car. If you choose the option packages - if you want four speaker stereo, air conditioning, power windows and cruise control, plus service from a reputable dealer - the price of the car goes up accordingly. So it is with kitchens and baths.

That's why, when some of you have asked a Kitchen and Bath dealer "How much is a new Kitchen?" you don't get a straight answer. Would you go to a car dealership, walk up to a salesman and say "I want to buy a new car, how much?"

However, through experience, we can say that on the average, a new kitchen today runs between $12,000 - $20,000 according to kitchen dealers and remodeling firms. This amount will buy new cabinets, a sink, a full compliment of appliances, counter and floor covering, vent-hood and light fixtures for the average size kitchen, installation included but no major rebuilding.

If your space is bigger, if there is remodeling to be done (existing cabinets tear out, window installed, plumbing re-routed), if you want luxury features such as wood floors and Corian counters, your kitchen (like the car) will cost more. A show place kitchen remodel may run as high as $35,000 - $70,000 depending on size. A new or remodeled bath will range from $3,500 - $20,000, again, depending on size and the special features you choose.

If the costs for the plan and kitchen ingredients total more than your budget, there are many ways to trim the price without scrapping good design. First, ask your designer to indicate areas where costs can be spared. Cost trimming can be both productive and informative. How professionals approach these measures can tell you a lot about the general quality of their work. A designer may suggest using a vinyl flooring instead of tile, a laminate countertop rather than a solid material or using a standard bath tub in place of the acrylic tub.

There are many other cost cutting ideas to consider. Rather than settling for less than your desired materials and equipment, you might want to postpone installation of features that are not part of the principal work area. Another cost cutting measure, is to concentrate on larger cabinet sizes - one 48 inch wide base is less expensive than two 24 inch units. You can also choose less expensive doors from a quality line of cabinets. Storage aids can be added later. In addition, consider keeping your present refrigerator and having it painted. Space can be left for a larger model at a later date.

Also, consider doing some of the work yourself. It is not uncommon for labour charges to account for twenty percent or more, to the total cost of the new kitchen or bathroom.

Depending on your expertise, you might want to tackle the removal of the old equipment, painting, wallpapering or installing storage accessories - leaving the major electrical, plumbing and material installation to the experts.

A new kitchen or bathroom, well designed and professionally installed, increases the value of your home, and when you select THE KITCHEN EMPORIUM you will be working with one of the top design/installation firms with a staff to support your many needs.