Kitchen Remodeling

Kitchen Remodeling Cabinets and Countertops

The kitchen remodel goals you define for your project will influence many decisions, including the choice of cabinets and countertops. There are many options for both, from natural stone to manufactured products.Kitchen Remodeling

Be sure to factor in plenty of storage space, especially in lower cabinetry. Also, consider unique design elements like a knife drawer.

Cabinets are one of the largest components in a kitchen and typically account for up to 40% of your remodel costs. If you’re happy with the layout of your cabinets but would like to freshen up their appearance, consider repainting. This can be a fairly labor-intensive DIY project but will cost a fraction of replacing them. A local kitchen design professional can help you select a paint color that will coordinate with your existing colors and blend well with adjacent cabinetry.

If you’re adding new cabinets, or have space to add a few uppers, consider upgrading the back panels. Most cabinet manufacturers offer a selection of different options, including plywood that matches the existing cabinets for a seamless look and stronger construction that’s less likely to sag over time.

Other less-expensive options use thin panels, metal hanger rails and brackets, or picture-frame construction. Choose the plywood option to add durability and ensure that your cabinets are properly supported, as these less-expensive methods can lead to falling cabinetry.

For a more modern look, choose open shelving as an alternative to traditional cabinets. This is a great way to show off favorite dinnerware, glassware, or decorative teapots. It’s also a good place to stash cookbooks and other reading materials in easy reach.

Under-cabinet lighting is another easy upgrade that will make it easier to see and reach items in upper cabinets. It can also create a sultry, contemporary feel or a cozy distant effect depending on the warmth of the light and the color used. Consider adding power strips and USB plugs for convenience.

Countertops

Countertops have a big impact on the overall look of your kitchen. They need to match your cabinets for a cohesive design, but they also offer a great opportunity to make a statement and showcase your personal style. Whether you go for the natural look of stone or a modern quartz slab, there’s a countertop to fit every style.

The most popular choice is granite, which is heat- and scratch-resistant and can stand up to heavy use for years to come. Another option is marble, which offers a classic beauty with a timeless look. If you prefer something less permanent, laminate countertops are a budget-friendly choice that comes in many colors and styles. But they’re not as durable as other materials and won’t add resale value to your home.

If you’re looking for a more unique countertop, consider concrete. It’s a strong, customizable material that can be stained in any color or given a textured finish. It’s an eco-friendly alternative to traditional stone, and it’s easy to install DIY. Another option is wood, which works well with rustic or farmhouse-style designs.

Backsplashes also make a big difference in your kitchen. They’re a functional element that helps prevent spills and grease from damaging the wall behind your countertop. These fixtures can be as simple or as complex as you want, but they can offer an excellent opportunity to bring a creative touch to your kitchen remodeling project.

For a more long-term update, you can paint your counters or refresh them with contact paper. Both of these options are inexpensive and provide a quick way to change the look of your kitchen. They’re also ideal for rental properties or if you need to remodel on a tight budget.

Appliances

Whether you’re upgrading to new appliances to improve function or add style, the types and brands you choose are key to your kitchen remodel. Choose major appliances that match both your cooking needs and the look you’re after – a wide range of sizes and designs are available to suit any space.

A well-thought out appliance plan is crucial to your kitchen’s design and flow, as they are typically one of the biggest line items in any renovation budget. For this reason, many homeowners take the time to consider and test drive multiple options before making a purchase. Some of the most popular choices include a gas, electric or induction cooktop, an oven that features both conventional and convection heat settings, and a refrigerator with smart capabilities like food preservation options.

Cabinet doors are another element that sets the tone for your entire space, with a variety of styles to choose from and a wide array of color options, hinge styles and knobs/drawer pulls. Aside from their aesthetic appeal, other factors to keep in mind when selecting cabinets include storage space, durability and a door finish that complements your other fixtures and finishes.

Before committing to a cabinet purchase, always make sure the brand you’re considering offers quality warranties and parts for repairs, particularly on the most expensive items (like your fridge or stove). This will ensure that your investment is protected for years to come and gives peace of mind that should something unexpected happen, it will be covered. It’s also a good idea to talk with a local repair man before making any purchases to see what kind of support they can offer.

Flooring

Kitchen floors are one of the most important elements in a kitchen. They must withstand heavy foot traffic, spills and drops, and they must be durable enough to resist moisture damage.

There are many options for the kitchen floor, including laminate, vinyl and linoleum. They are usually the most budget-friendly flooring materials. Wood is a popular choice for the kitchen, but it must be treated to withstand the heat and humidity of this room. Engineered hardwood is a popular option for the kitchen because it has a real wood veneer backed by plywood, making it more resistant to moisture than solid wood. It can also be installed more quickly because it doesn’t need to be nailed down like traditional wood flooring.

Stained concrete is another durable kitchen flooring material. It can be stained to look like stone or wood, and it is available in a variety of colors and textures. However, it can be slippery when wet, so mats should be placed in areas where excessive moisture is likely to occur.

If your kitchen is part of an open-concept living space, or if you’re remodeling to sell, consider continuing the same flooring into the adjacent rooms. This will increase the sense of flow in your home and help the rooms to feel connected and cohesive.

Full-scale kitchen remodels may require tearing out the existing floors to start fresh. This work typically takes a few weeks, and you’ll be living with strangers in your house for a while. For a complete renovation, you’ll need to hire a general contractor (GC), who will coordinate the subcontractors for the project and manage the schedule. However, if you’re comfortable with the basics of construction and have some DIY skills, you can save some money by hiring the subcontractors yourself.

Lighting

Whether you’re changing the layout or simply updating fixtures, lighting is one of the most important aspects of your kitchen remodel. It is essential for illuminating your work space and making it feel inviting.

If you’re planning a complete kitchen renovation, the first step is to tear out the old materials. This can be a noisy and messy process, especially if it involves removing load-bearing walls. If you plan to do this yourself, make sure you have a firm understanding of plumbing and electrical wiring before beginning. Even experienced DIYers should leave major plumbing and electrical work to professionals. Kitchen remodeling often requires many new circuits, and new wiring must be brought up to current code standards. This is complicated and time-consuming work, and it can create serious safety hazards if it’s done incorrectly.

You can find a wide variety of light fixtures, from flush to pendants, to light your new kitchen. The number and type you choose depends on the size and layout of your room, as well as your desired functionality. For example, recessed lights can be a great way to illuminate countertops and eliminate shadows. They are also a popular choice for kitchen island lighting, although it’s important to consider the height of your ceiling to avoid potential clearance issues.

You can also use under cabinet and track lighting to illuminate cabinets or highlight specific areas of your kitchen. This is a good option for kitchens with multiple levels, and can be especially helpful in areas where storage is located underneath counters. You can also use dimmers and other controls to adjust the brightness of your kitchen. The color temperature of your light bulbs will also have a big impact on the overall color of your kitchen. Warmer bulbs give your space a cozy, golden feel while cool white bulbs can create a more energizing atmosphere.

Kitchen Remodel

How to Complete a Successful Kitchen Remodel

A kitchen remodel is a big project that can change your entire home. Goals vary from achieving a new look to adding functionality to an outdated space.Kitchen Remodel

A remodel can involve changing the layout by knocking through walls, removing closets, or installing an island. It can also include replacing or upgrading appliances with more energy-efficient models. To learn more, visit www.kitchenremodelsandiegocal.com/.

A kitchen’s layout is a major contributor to its overall function and design. A well-planned arrangement of cabinets, countertops and appliances is the key to an efficient kitchen. This is why most remodels focus on changing the floorplan. Depending on the scope of this work, it may be necessary to add or remove walls, change electrical wiring and make plumbing changes. For this reason, a kitchen remodel is best left to professionals.

In addition, most mid-size and all major kitchen remodels require a permit, which adds time to the project. If you are considering a full renovation, it’s a good idea to start by setting a budget and finding out how much it will cost for the work you want done. It’s also a good idea to consult with a professional kitchen remodeler about your goals for the space and what can be achieved within your budget.

Before you can begin the actual work, it’s a good idea to get inspired by browsing Pinterest boards and home improvement websites. This will help you narrow down your ideas and show them to the designers and contractors working on your kitchen remodel project.

A u-shaped layout is ideal for large kitchens, as it provides storage and workspace on three walls. In a small kitchen, an L-shaped layout allows for the same functionality, but with a limited footprint. An island can be installed in an L-shaped kitchen to create a more open space, while maintaining the work triangle. Another popular kitchen layout is the g-shaped style, which combines an L-shaped kitchen with a partial fourth wall. This is a great option for homeowners who need to separate the kitchen from the rest of the house, but don’t have the space for a more open concept.

Cabinets

Cabinets are the largest kitchen expense, taking up 15%-35% of your budget. Stock cabinets cost less than custom options, which can be made to order with a variety of features. When choosing your cabinetry, look for quality over style. White melamine-coated particle board drawer boxes and flat panel doors indicate cheap quality, while veneered plywood, hardwood frames and solid wood dovetail joinery are durable and expensive.

Color, finish and hardware can also impact the appearance of cabinets. For example, dark cherry cabinets can make a dramatic statement while light maple is a neutral option. The rise of textured finishes also brings the wood grain to the forefront for an organic look.

Depending on your objectives, the scope of your remodel may range from a simple cosmetic refresh to what MyHome design director Ariana Lovato calls a “total gut” that requires knocking down walls and reconfiguring your floorplan (permits are often required for this work). Once you have decided on the scope of your project, it is time to purchase products.

Cabinet selection is the first step, and you will want to have enough space in a garage or other dry area to store each cabinet until it is ready for installation. You should also be prepared to purchase flooring, countertops, lighting fixtures and appliances during this phase.

When installing new cabinets, consider incorporating special storage designs to maximize your space. For example, a pie-corner base cabinet pulls out to utilize dead corners; or a rotating shelf keeps frequently used items within reach. These units minimize space wastage and keep your kitchen more organized. MyHome remodeling consultants in New York can help you plan your new cabinetry with an eye for functionality and visual appeal.

Countertops

Countertops are the workhorses of any kitchen and must be able to stand up to plenty of abuse. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, you should consider how each surface will hold up to your lifestyle, and which ones offer the best value for your money.

For example, granite and concrete are heavy materials that require strong support, while laminate is comparatively lighter. Some stone countertops can even be molded into different shapes and inlaid with decorative elements like broken tiles or sea shells to create one-of-a-kind patterns.

While contrasting countertop materials like marble and quartz can add visual interest, many homeowners prefer to go for the cohesive look of an integrated surface. This means matching the color and texture of the countertop to the backsplash, cabinet doors, and drawer fronts. This streamlined approach also saves time since you don’t need to grout, caulk or seal the counters and backsplash.

Another advantage of integrated countertops is that it helps to make your kitchen feel bigger and more spacious. In addition, it makes cleanup easier because stains don’t show up as easily. If you decide to use a textured material like granite, you may need to perform regular maintenance to keep the surface looking new.

When planning your budget, it’s crucial to account for all of the costs of your kitchen remodel. In addition to labor, you’ll need to consider the cost of materials and any additional upgrades like electrical or plumbing work. For many, this makes a home equity line of credit (HELOC) a good option for financing their kitchen renovation. Similar to a personal loan, a HELOC offers a set borrowing limit and flexible repayment schedule based on the equity in your home.

Appliances

Appliances are one of the final touches that complete a kitchen remodel. While they are not as crucial as the layout or cabinetry, they can have a big impact on how the kitchen looks and functions. Choosing the right appliances early in your kitchen remodel allows you to decide where they will be installed and how much space you have available for them. This also gives you time to research appliances that fit your budget and lifestyle.

Appliance options are almost limitless today. From WiFi-enabled refrigerators and stoves to a wine fridge or beverage column, you can find a variety of specialized appliances to meet your needs. There are also more traditional choices, such as a dishwasher drawer or a separate cooktop. Some kitchen remodelers even choose panel-ready appliances, which allow you to have custom panels installed on the front of the appliances for a seamless look that blends in with your cabinets.

Upgrading your kitchen appliances can also increase the energy efficiency of your home. Upgrading your ovens and dishwashers to those stamped with the Energy Star label can reduce energy usage by 20 to 40 percent. New ventilation systems can help eliminate toxic pollutants and cooking smells that can linger in the air.

Adding safety features during a kitchen remodel can also make your home safer for everyone in it. This includes slip-resistant flooring, a fire extinguisher in an easily accessible place and more. You may also want to consider upgrading your electrical system during a kitchen remodel to accommodate any additional appliances you have planned. For example, a larger refrigerator might require more power than your existing system can handle. A professional electrician can help you plan for this change.

Lighting

Changing up the lighting in your kitchen is a big step that can really boost the style of the room. It can also have a significant impact on your home’s energy efficiency.

Before you start shopping, make sure that you have a clear idea of what you want and need from your new kitchen lighting. This is especially important if you’re doing a full remodel where you may be relocating outlets and other electrical work.

Start by determining what you want your new kitchen to look like, which can involve browsing Pinterest boards and other home improvement sites for inspiration. You can also create a vision board to help you narrow down your options. This will be helpful for you, as well as for the professionals who’ll be working on your project.

Once you have your goals in mind, it’s time to move on to the planning stage. This includes deciding what the scope of your remodel will be, which can range from a cosmetic refresh to a total gut. The latter typically requires demolition and a change in layout, and will likely require permits.

This is also the time to consider whether you will stay in your home during the remodel, and if so, what your plan is for meal prep during construction. This might include setting up a temporary kitchen, staying with friends or renting an apartment.

Lastly, decide how much you’re willing to spend on your remodel and what the most critical elements are. This will help you focus your search and avoid the temptation to buy things that aren’t within your budget. It’s a good idea to set aside some money for unexpected expenses, too.