[tabs]

30K ain't nothin for a Kitchen Remodel.....and that is one of the few places in a home where yu do get yer money back..that and adding bathrooms....If the remodel significantly improves the openness of the home and it's desirability go for it...

One thing I would check with SEMI CUSTOM cabinets rather than Custom Cabinets....Home Depot and Lowes have some nice things...also there is a Show room in LA? that has everything you could desire in Cabinetery...on a semi production basis....This is where you could significantly cut costs....

Everything is based upon $$$$$ per sq ft......if you exceed the going rate of $$$ per sq ft in your area you have over improved your home for the area it is in...Check with a RE Agent to get an idea of what your home is worth now and would be worth with a new kitchen...and compare it with similar properties in your area...

BTW: Pools and Spa your lucky to get $0.50 on the $$$ back...they are the worst investment in a house you can make...and above ground spas = NO VALUE to the home...as they can be hauled away...

Here in my development in LV I can add 25K to the value of my home for a pool....I can build a nice but not elabrate pool for that kind of money by subing out the work myself...