Tom Kraeutler is co-host of “The Money Pit” home-improvement radio and TV shows. A former home inspector, he’s also the home-improvement editor for AOL, as well as an author, columnist and blogger. His Web site is www.moneypitmedia.com. Bath & Kitchen Pro Publisher Bob Miodonski recently interviewed Kraeutler to discuss the bath-and-kitchen market in today’s economy.

Bath & Kitchen Pro: How has the economy affected the type of remodeling jobs people are doing?

Tom Kraeutler: For one thing, it’s a value proposition. What will give homeowners the best return on their investment? People are not indulging in luxury like they were two years ago. They’re keeping a cushion by keeping cash in their pockets. Contractors coming into a home have to keep that in mind. They’re not going to be selling everything or all high-end products. A customer may splurge on tile, for example, but mostly won’t buy something unless they see a return on their investment.

BKPro: Do the bath and kitchen still deliver the highest returns on a homeowner's investment?

TK: The bath and kitchen still give the best return. People can get back 75% or 85% of their investment for the kitchen and bath. I spent 20 years as a home inspector, and the kitchen has always been what sets a home apart. It’s the central meeting place. It’s the board room for the family, where all the planning takes place. Whenever you go to a party, you wind up in the kitchen. The kitchen probably is more important than the bath. The kitchen is more the public space, while the bathroom is the private space.

Water efficiency is a good reason to do a remodeling project today. Everyone wants to go green, but they’re overwhelmed with information. When choosing a green product, the first question consumers ask is, “Does it work?” The contractor is the consulter, the home-improvement coach. He has to take the time to explain why one adhesive is better than another because it has less off-gassing. If the contractor does that, he’ll stand head and shoulders above the competition.

As a contractor, you must talk during your presentation about what your company has done to understand and embrace green technology. Explain how that technology is good for the environment and for the performance of the products.

BKPro: Do water-saving showerheads and toilets have a performance problem or a perception problem?

TK: It’s not a performance problem; they work very well. It’s a perception problem. As a contractor, you need to acknowledge there were problems; do not ignore them. Explain why the technology works today. It’s not that hard. The toilet has been redesigned. For example, the trap used to be unglazed. Consumers can appreciate the difference between unglazed and glazed. The trap is wider. Engineering has perfected the design.

Same thing with the showerheads that have been redesigned to mix water and air. They give you good body coverage. Even if customers don’t ask for an explanation, you need to be able to understand the technology.

BKPro: How do you freshen a remodeling job that’s, say, 10 years old without doing a total makeover?

TK: Be strategic. Do it selectively. Look at the parts: Replace a countertop; change the appliances; put in a planter. Lighting is not a hard thing to do. I live in a home that my family built in 1886. When I moved into it, the kitchen had dark cherry cabinets, tan walls and tan ceiling. The cabinets were good quality, but I couldn’t live with 1970s style. So, I kept the cabinets and redecorated around them. Change the hardware on the cabinets, and you’ll be amazed by the difference. We call hardware the jewelry or bling for cabinets.

BKPro: You said recently the No. 1 question about bathrooms and kitchens from consumers is how to do a project. Can you elaborate?

TK: Remember when you tackle a bath or a kitchen, it’s a major inconvenience. You can’t go long without a kitchen. As a contractor, you have to acknowledge that. Let your customers know what to expect. They want to know what the procedure is and how do they start. You have to give them options. First, though, determine what they want and need and can afford. This will help the professional focus in right away. Have them visit showrooms to see what’s available. They have many online resources as well.

BKPro: Will the bath-and-kitchen market be substantially different coming out of the recession?

TK: I see pent-up demand for more remodeling projects. As the market loosens up, people will be building more additions and buying homes that better suit their needs. Luxury will come back in as people feel more comfortable spending cash. We have the best economy in the world, and we’ll snap back from it. People will continue to improve their homes.