Kitchen Remodeling

foolograce72 asked:


I know that often times people will have those “if I would have known type of stories”, I am hoping everyone will share them with me in hopes of making my big project flow a little easier.

Karl

Tyler David Johnson asked:


A big hidden cost in kitchen remodeling is financing cost. Thus, proper planning of any kitchen renovation project must consider financing. For example, a brand new marble kitchen flooring costing $5,000 will set you back another extra 15% (or $750) per year in interest charges if you don’t fund the kitchen improvement project properly. And, even if you paid the entire $5,000 in cash, you are still accumulating opportunity costs for funding the kitchen improvement project upfront. For example, you could be earning 5% in interest (or $250) on the $5,000 by putting the money in a high yield CD, instead of on the kitchen improvement project.

So, how can we have it both ways? How can we get the kitchen improvement that we wanted and earn interest on our money at the same time? The answer is in — interest-free financing offers — either from the home improvement dealers (e.g., Sears, Home Depot, etc.) or credit card companies (e.g., Capital One, Chase, Bank of America MBNA, etc.). Fund the project by using interest-free money from the home improvement dealers and credit card companies, and put the money that has been saved for the kitchen improvement into interest-earning money vehicles, such as savings account and CDs, during the interest-free grace period. Be sure to pay off the loan after the grace period. You will be able to knock off another 5% or more on the kitchen improvement project. Some credit cards even give you cash back for your spending (up to 5% depending on specific offers), which gives you even more savings.

Kitchen remodeling experts have suggested the best financing options for kitchen upgrades.



For standalone kitchen upgrades on kitchen appliances, flooring, cabinets, and other kitchen improvements, including installation, that are below $1000, the best option is interest-free offers or no initial payment offers from local home improvement dealers, such as Sears, Best Buy, Home Depot, and Costco.

For larger kitchen improvements up to $5000, credit cards with 0% or low introductory APR offer the best deal.



 

Of course, finding a reliable professional kitchen remodeling contractor probably provides the most savings, both in terms of time and money. Comparison shopping for the best free quote also helps. But, if you finance your kitchen remodeling project smartly, you will be able to save even more on kitchen improvements!



Emily

pretty ysay asked:


It’s a low-ceiling house with three compartments( living room-dining room, bedrrom and kitchen). I want to renovate it to make it look big and look elegant. I’ve plenty of books, computer table and kitchen appliances (gas range and microwave). Any tips on colors and texture of curtains, paint and black wooden furniture for dining set. I go for minimalist Zen look. Please tell me where to look for ideas on the Internet

Clyde

Janade asked:


Before we started kitchen renovation, I found an inspiration picture - a Tuscan farm scene with yellow-orange fields, dark greens trees, and red roofs and the poppies. We have tiles w/ shades of yellow, tan, and rust and maple “spice” cabinets. The appliances are stainless steel w/ black. The countertops will be Juniperano St. Cecelia granite, which has a light base, with black, yellows, oranges, and some red flecks in it. The sink is black granite and the fixtures are brushed nickel.

I took the color of the picture mat (Warm Muffin from Behr) and we painted that on the ceiling in the kitchen. The kitchen walls will be faux Italian plaster (not a lot of wall showing due to cabinets, tile backsplash, and banquette seating).

The original plan was to pick up the red from the painting and granite by painting the kitchen walls a darker red color (similar to Behr’s Ruby Ring). I need to paint the walls, but I’m starting to get scared. Will the red be too dark/bold? If so, what to do?

Tom

rickcarino asked:


I want to buy kitchen cabinet handles of stainless for my renovations for my home.Where can i buy them on the web?

Nancy

Vikram Kumar asked:


Kitchen is one of the most important part of a house especially for mothers or anyone who loves to cook. Further, kitchen is always a family get together venue. This is where families dines at the same time and have discussions of their day to day activities. Your visitors can easily guess your preference and sometimes your personality based on the look of your kitchen alone.

What if you want your kitchen renovated and if you’re scouting for a reliable home improvement services? Look no more for Vista Remodeling LLC is here to cater your home kitchen and total home renovation needs. It’s true that there are different styles of kitchen. For some, they prefer it to have the victorian look while others would settle for the country style kitchen. Whenever you see kitchens featured in home magazines, TV or internet, you suddenly realize how old fashioned your kitchen is and wish that you have enough money to spend to construct a new house with a new kitchen.

Kitchen remodeling from Vista Remodeling LLC is the key answer. How about your kitchen remodeling preferences? The truth is that you can save much money if you will solicit the assistance of a professional and established home renovation services like Vista Remodeling. Your dream kitchen is actually at your finger tip if you’d hire the skilled and professional architects, designers and support crews from Vista Remodeling. Realize that kitchen remodeling is time and effort consuming, however, minor or major repairs can be done gradually. With Vista Remodeling LLC, you can have your kitchen tiles be replaced with granite this month, you can opt to have vinyl tiled floorings the following month, lightings can also help achieve a great new look. It is a matter of plotting schedules on what and when to accomplish everything. Your basis would include your budget and your availability to watch everything being done.

To have a successful kitchen remodeling plan, why not start visualizing the new look of your kitchen? You can utilize home magazines, television and the internet as your reference. By doing so, it will be easier to discuss with the company you plan to hire to do the kitchen remodeling. Afterwards, head towards the Vista Remodeling site and click on the Free Assessment area. Provide the details needed in the site like click on the kind of kitchen remodeling you prefer. Do you need your faucets, vinyl floor or lighting installed? Or do you need a complete kitchen remodeled? Never hesitate to solicit the assistance of a Vista Remodeling staffs by sending an inquiry on the same site. Also, be open with suggestions and recommendations from the Vista Remodeling crew because they know better than anyone else when it comes to this matter. You have to weigh the pros and cons to come up with a better and final decision.

Be sure that you are hiring the best kitchen remodeling company or kitchen design specialist like Vista Remodeling LLC. Professionalism and expertise are the main factors to consider when choosing a kitchen remodeling company. Vista Remodeling actually prides itself with its full 15 years home improvement services. The best part of hiring this group is that they consider your budget, thus, giving value to every penny you are willing to spend for kitchen remodeling. They understand your likes and dislikes when it comes to the appearance of the kitchen you dream about. Most importantly, your satisfaction with their service as their client must be one of their main objectives. The success of this project depends on the level of participation and cooperation of both parties, you and the kitchen remodeling company.

To have a better understanding of kitchen remodeling or even house remodeling, make sure to check a reliable site’s information or get the credible source within your workplace.



Carlos

Savi Decoursey asked:


Kitchens and bathrooms are the most renovated rooms in houses today. This is because a few simple changes can transform the whole look and feel of these rooms.

For kitchen renovations the trend is leaning towards sprucing up rooms that function perfectly but that are showing signs of age and wear and tear.

Kitchen cabinets, countertops and flooring show the most wear and tear, but other easy-to-do renovations in the kitchen include the addition of islands and changing out the lighting.

1. Lighting

Perhaps the most overlooked and easiest way to change the look and function of the kitchen is changing the lighting. This can be done in three simple ways.

First, add some task lighting, which will illuminate a specific work area. Each work area should have its own task lighting. An easy way to accomplish this is by adding under-cabinet lights. These light up all countertop stations and make it easier to see what you’re working on.

Ambient lighting is the second type of lighting that should be considered in a kitchen. This will set the mood of the room and should come from one functional fixture that gives a soft light to the entire space.

Finally, there’s accent lighting, which highlights architectural elements or other features in your kitchen. For example, adding over-cabinet lighting will emphasize high ceilings.

2. Cabinet refacing

Once the lighting is in, the next kitchen renovation that’s popular to make is cabinet refacing, which is a great way to refresh and update the look of a kitchen.

Essentially, the process of refacing kitchen cabinets consists of affixing a thin layer of real wood or laminate veneer to the cabinets and is about 60 per cent cheaper than replacing kitchen cabinets.

Plastic laminate comes in a variety of colors and wood grain effects. But because it is a non-flexible product, it is not suitable for cabinet doors with raised or decorative surfaces.

Rigid thermo foils are similar to plastic laminate, but is very flexible so it can be applied to any style of door.

Real wood veneer is available in all natural wood species and is best suited to flat surfaces as it does not adhere neatly to curves.

3. Countertop replacement

Unfortunately, most kitchen counters cannot be resurfaced the same way cabinets can, so they must be replaced. But when it comes to replacing countertops, don’t make the decision based on looks alone. It’s important to take durability, maintenance and cost into consideration.

The most sought-after countertop and also the most expensive is granite. This natural stone looks beautiful and is quite durable, but requires regular maintenance with special sealant to keep it protected and looking gorgeous.

A less expensive and more common countertop is plastic laminate. This surface is less durable than granite, but also requires far less maintenance.

Solid surface or engineered stone combines the best in durability and maintenance. But it’s expensive – comparable in price to natural stone.

Tile is a cost-effective countertop option and while quite durable, it too requires some extra effort in maintaining the grout, which will absorb stains, odors and bacteria.

Wood is a beautiful option for a kitchen countertop, but isn’t always the best surface for all jobs. Most often, wood is found in the form of a butcher block island surrounded by countertops of another surface.

This idea of mixing and matching counter surfaces is gaining popularity because it’s a great way to create a kitchen that suits all needs and saves money by isolating expensive options like granite to a small baker’s station, or wood to an island.

4. Island addition

Islands are a very popular option in kitchen renovations and can be a fabulous way to maximize open floor space and increase useable counter space.

Today, islands can be permanent or portable, house sinks, ovens, even cook tops and can provide much needed storage. From multiple doors to wine racks and bookcases, islands can hold it all and look great, too.

The most popular and practical island top is the wooden butcher block, which holds up well for food preparation but also makes a suitable eating surface for islands that double as breakfast bars or tables for casual meals.

5. Flooring re-do

When it comes to kitchen flooring, it’s no surprise that the best kinds contain the same materials as countertops. This is because they are designed to provide durability and stain resistance.

Stone and ceramic floors are the most durable and easy to clean, but can be uncomfortable to stand on for long periods of time. This can be alleviated by strategically placing throw rugs in front of sinks and stoves where cooks spend a lot of time.

Wood has more cushion to it, but requires more maintenance and can dent if heavy or sharp objects like pots or knives are dropped.

That leaves vinyl, laminates and linoleum, which are the most affordable flooring. But be aware that vinyl is a petrochemical product and its production and disposal produces dangerous toxins to be released into the environment.

Linoleum, on the other hand is an all natural product made of linseed oil. And while laminate looks good, it may not be the best option for a kitchen where spills occur regularly because it can be damaged and warped by moisture.



Zachary

Roger Thompson asked:


Have you ever heard of the urban legend about the woman who wanted some new tiles for her kitchen? The legend goes that the woman not only got her new tiles, but a brand new kitchen, a gas leak and a $30,000 dollar debt as well. Such stories for some are actually not exaggerations but possibilities for homeowners who begin ideas for a kitchen renovation in their heads and never advance from there. A kitchen renovation for all intents and purposes is a change far from simply getting new wallpaper or a new dinette set. If you don’t want to think out the difference between renovation and redesigning you could always hire a professional. But if you balk at the costs of hiring one, then you have no choice but to get down to the nuts and bolts of what a proper kitchen renovation should accomplish.

If you simply want to change your tiles or your cabinets then you should summon a force of will to do just that, nothing more, nothing less. But if you happen to be among 6 out of 10 Americans who suddenly discover something far more serious than ugly furniture, please be reminded that you have been warned. Houses grow old and kitchens especially bear the wear and tear of being a major hub of family activity. It is but natural that at some point, the problem may be more than just leaky pipes or bad drainage.

Ideally, depending on the age and condition of your home, the ideal time for a kitchen renovation should be about a year and a half if it’s a brand new home. If it’s an old house, you may want to renovate immediately according to you specifications. Old homes in particular make it easier for planning a kitchen renovation because you get to spot the problems almost immediately. As in any endeavor that involves labor and expense, planning and organization are important components that should be written down, not stored in your head. It would be better if you take a larger approach to your kitchen renovation rather than doing it piece-meal. If you make a thorough assessment but could not afford all of it, you can do the more important renovations today and do the rest later. The important thing is that you’ve taken the trouble of understanding your kitchen as a whole unit which means that you are better equipped to handle problems that may come along the way.

The primary concern that prompts a kitchen renovation is when the size is clearly no longer working or it may have structural problems. Renovation of this kind may mean expansion or a change of lay-out. Either way, this is a major renovation and would need some expert help. Don’t worry about the extra expense because re-doing something you’ve done yourself is twice more expensive. Second major concern are kitchen components; not enough storage space? Outdated or worn out appliances, fixtures and cabinets? If you’re doing the whole bunch and have concerns about design elements, pick complementary ones from a single retailer so you can easily match them with the rest of the kitchen.

Third major concerns are the kitchen’s lifelines; is the plumbing and electrical wiring up to standard? Is heating and ventilation optimized? With all these in mind, not only should your kitchen renovation be successful but an experience that will never be the stuff of embarrassing urban legends.

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Ronald

clstreet05 asked:


i want to remodel my kitchen to make it work for me i will need to move either my stove or sink but i need to know which is most economic

Clarence

Rebecca Noel asked:


When planning a kitchen renovation part of the process will be designing the kitchen layout. Maybe for inspiration you might look through magazines, go to kitchen design centers to get some amazing ideas for kitchens.

Whatever the process, you might find something that just looks absolutely stunning and say, “I want THAT kitchen!!” It’s easy to get enamored and swept away and forget to give notice to the practical details of your everyday use in the kitchen.

In the long run, though, the functionality of your kitchen designs will be the difference between loving your kitchen or being extremely frustrated with things.

For example, if there aren’t enough kitchen cabinets to store everything you use in the kitchen and you have to squeeze and pile things up in them just to get everything you need into them it will be frustrating trying to access items you need without going through a big ordeal…and think about this as a daily occurrence.

Or if you don’t have enough countertop space for the type of food preparation that you need to do you might end up spending a lot of time going back and forth between the refrigerator and stove and back again to the prep space, which might be great for burning calories, but then again might also be a nuisance and waste a lot of time that you don’t have.

Or another consideration might be if you prep a lot of foods that could stain certain types of countertops, finding a countertop material that isn’t easily stained by acids and alkalis or one that can be easily renewed should be a priority.

Or if you use lots of large types of pots and pans is the sink large enough to accommodate the types and sizes of pots and pans that you use daily? Is the dishwasher located near the storage cupboards or would you have to trek across the kitchen to unload the dishwasher and put things away?

So when planning your kitchen renovation, to make sure you get a kitchen design that will work for you and how you work in your kitchen, one of the first things you should do is to look at and assess how you use your current kitchen. What works for you right now and what doesn’t work? What are some of the features you love about your current kitchen and what are some of the things you really don’t love and want to change?

Getting clear about how you really use your kitchen and what you need in your kitchen designs to accommodate the functionality will help you have a kitchen that is beautiful in both design and function and be a kitchen you can truly love.



Jose