Kitchen Remodeling

Article Manager asked:


Renovation is a process of blending the existing system with the new structure. Similarly, kitchen renovation involves the blending of the old kitchen items with the new ones with a view to make it more lively and fashionable. A significant research or plan is required prior to kitchen renovation. Precisely, the whole process of kitchen renovation revolves around the three basic principles, - to make the kitchen attractive, to make it more organized, and to make it fashionable. Make sure that you should build a temporary kitchen to avoid inconvenience in arranging meals and dinners.

Before you start to renovate your kitchen, you should keep the following points in mind:

•    Keep apart everything that will not be used in your temporary kitchen. It is better to keep the items in your storeroom.

•    Removed the unscrewed parts of drawers, lazy susans, spice racks, wall clocks, electric frying pan, crock pot etc. and keep them away from children. Use a protective cover over the holes while you work.

•    During the process of kitchen renovation, dust and debris are pouring in the adjoining areas. You are recommended to rent a dumpster to receive, transport, and dump the waste materials in proper place.

•    Before removing any major appliances, turn off all utilities. This can be done at the individual shut off valves for gas and water. If there are no shut off valves, you will have to turn off the main valve. The main gas valve is usually located near the gas meter. Do remember that without careful planning, kitchen renovation may turn into a life-threatening affair.

•    Electricity is the most concerned area for the homeowners when they plan to renovate the kitchens. You must disconnect or turn off all the circuits to avoid any mishap. You can seek the assistance of a professional to upgrade your kitchen electric system.

It is advisable to follow the steps prior to the start of kitchen renovation project. These steps will help you to accomplish your project in grandeur fashion.



Chester

Thomas Pretty asked:


The majority of property experts agree that the kitchen is the most important room in the house; it is the centre of family life and is the place where the most time is spent. It is understandable then that when putting a property on the market it is advisable to renovate the kitchen; this can mean a complete redesign but can also mean replacing the worktops, cupboards and door handles, all have worth as aesthetic additions. All of these additions are worthwhile as they will in effect help to sell a property, enticing buyers considerably.

As previously stated one of the options is to completely rip out the old kitchen and start again; this process however is extremely expensive and for many who are selling will simply not be an option. For those with a restricted budget it can be more advisable to replace the worktops and cupboard fascias. It is surprising how much difference can be made by simply adjusting these elements of a kitchen, with a conscientious and considered approach to replacing these elements it will be possible to create an attractive kitchen that has chic and style.

For those who feel that the replacement of cupboards and worktops will be too expensive still there is a budget option that can drastically reduce costs. This option is to sand back the old worktops and cupboard doors and then apply a fresh stain or even a lick of paint. This process is simple enough and with a small amount of hard work it is possible to completely change the style of a kitchen. For those looking for those natural style then clear stains will allow the wood to shine whilst creating a contemporary country kitchen style.

As well as the replacement and renovation of worktops and cupboards care should also be taken when choosing the handles for doors. It is amazing how much these little pieces of metal can make to a room. This is why taking time over the decision and only selecting handles that will fit with the current decor is advisable, for instance modern, brushed alloy handles are likely to look out of place in a classically styled country kitchen.

Another important consideration when redesigning a kitchen are the splash back areas surrounding the sink. In many kitchens these areas are constructed with tiles but once again replacing these can be an expensive and laborious process. For those looking for a cheaper alternative, a hardy piece of wood coated in a good quality waterproof paint can perform much the same role as tiling. Another alternative to tiling is to use terracotta slabs behind sink areas, it is amazing how the introduction of a little terracotta can create a kitchen that oozes Tuscan charm.

While all of this may sound like a great deal of effort and cost, it is still the more cost effective and affordable option of renovating a kitchen when attempting to sell a property. The choices of worktops out there is vast, from extremely costly granite and composite stones, to aluminium, steel and of course more natural materials such as wood. All have various benefits and downsides, while granite is solid and strong it is expensive, metal worktops are attractive and contemporary although they can be difficult to keep in pristine condition while wooden worktops, offering country charm and character do require a deal of maintenance. Ultimately however, worktops can transform a kitchen without the extortionate price of a complete refit.

The renovation of a kitchen for the purpose of pursuing property sales does not necessarily have to be an expensive process. There are a number of cost effective strategies that if employed can create a sublime kitchen at a fraction of the price.



Phillip

artlover_65 asked:


What are the pros and cons of having a kitchen remodel inspected and permited by the city? I live in Long Beach, CA.
Thank You

Brandon

Tom Sample asked:


Kitchen renovating is a thing that many people forget to do until they realize their kitchen doesn’t look so good anymore. That’s when they will really start searching for new ideas and they will acknowledge the fact that design trends are very different from what they used to be.

And the truth is that the kitchen is probably the most important location of your home. It’s where the food is made, it is also a source of warmth and of family gathering. These are even more reasons to consider kitchen remodeling if the time has come.

Kitchen remodeling ideas can come from a variety of sources like open hose views, open kitchen displays, expos, magazines or web sites. The availability of information is no longer a problem nowadays. The real problem is making a sketch, a design, and what’s the most difficult, implementing it.

In general, kitchen renovating is much different in the case of a large kitchen than in the case of a small kitchen. People prefer different designs. Some want space, as much as they can get, while others prefer the intimate, warm and cozy feeling of a small kitchen. Whatever the case may be, there are options available for absolutely every need.

If you have a large kitchen, you will want to fill that bit of extra space with interesting pieces of furniture that will make the kitchen more appealing. Also, think carefully about the size of the items in your kitchen. For example, a tiny coffee table will probably seem out of place in a large kitchen.

Accessories may also be very important in the case of a large kitchen. If you collect things, you can have them displayed in special urns to show them off. Of course, it also depends on the stuff you are collecting. Also, flower vases are recommendable in the case of a large kitchen because they fill space and they look beautiful. Just make sure you don’t forget to water them.

Lighting must also match the size of the room. Many people make the mistake of not taking this into consideration. For large kitchens, larger lighting items are needed, like big chandeliers. They need to spread their warmth to every corner of the room.

Small kitchens can be very well redecorated too. In this case, you will have to find smaller pieces of furniture and appliances, which will leave a busy woman space to work in also. If done right, a smaller kitchen can look just as good as a large one, with an extra plus for a cozy feeling.

So don’t be hasty when you make a big decision like this. Research, see how your friends and relatives designed their kitchens, and make your own idea of how it should look like. Grab a piece of paper and a pen and start making a sketch. When the contractor comes, you will have something that will show him the kitchen renovating that you really need.



Doris

Mr Yankee asked:


I am thinking of having a 300ft addition built. This addition will create a master bedroom suite and an large updated kitchen. Estimated cost of renovation 100,000.

Jesus

Gary Nealon asked:


I recently did a kitchen renovation job that we nicknamed the blues. The homeowners had a case of the blues, because their kitchen was stuck in the seventies. Furthermore, their kitchen was literally covered in blue. The tiles were blue, with white accent tiles sporadically placed, the cabinets were blue (yes you read that right) and the refrigerator was blue as well. The stove and dishwasher were white, but you get the idea of how blue things were. We decided a complete redesign would cure all of these blues.

We completely gutted the kitchen. Appliances, the blue kitchen cabinets, two large pantry kitchen cabinets, and we stripped the walls of the ugly tiles. After this was done we realized that one of the walls could be knocked out as well. It would be nice to open this wall, but the homeowners also wanted an option to keep part of that wall closed. This is where we turned to the pantry kitchen cabinets. It you’re not familiar with a pantry–a quick definition is as follows: a pantry kitchen cabinet or a kitchen pantry cabinet is a large closet type cupboard in your kitchen. There are a few different styles of height and width. It is eighty four to ninety six inches tall and about eighteen inches to two feet wide. These are the large cabinets that you see in the corners of kitchens. It is basically a food storage cupboard and the name comes from the old style -large, walk in pantries that were in most eighteenth and nineteenth century house designs.

So now that you are more familiar with a pantry kitchen cabinet, we now can go into how these kitchen cabinets helped turn this room into a feature in the house.

The homeowners were on a budget, so I suggested RTA cabinets. (Ready to assemble cabinets, which are pre-assembled cabinets). These cabinets saved the homeowner $3200 dollars (Three Thousand Two Hundred Dollars) over a quote they received from Lowe’s. The homeowners were actually familiar with the RTA style kitchen cabinets but were unsure if the RTA cabinets carried the pantry kitchen cabinets. After I informed the homeowners that RTA kitchen cabinets, not only make pantry kitchen cabinets, but the RTA cabinets are actually a better quality than retail stores like IKEA, Home Depot or Lowe’s.

So finally we got to the kitchen, installed RTA kitchen cabinets, painted the kitchen a nice white (no blue), added some accent tiles in a nice shade of brown, and then came to the wall that was removed. We added one pantry to this wall and then had an open space that the homeowners wanted to keep open but also have an option to close it off. This is where we decided to use a double pantry that acts like a false wall. When you opened the double pantry doors, it did not open into a cupboard, instead it opened into the other room. It was a great idea and it demonstrates how there are many uses for a pantry kitchen cabinet. So make sure you add a pantry cabinet to your kitchen and start thinking of the many ways it can be used.



Rebecca

Gary Nealon asked:


With all of the possible upgrades and unexpected problems that can arise in a home remodeling project, it is really easy for your budget to spiral out of control. By following a few simple rules, you can avoid those headaches. Here are some things to think about–even before you begin your remodeling project.

1) Anticipate Your Budget Going Over- 9 times out of 10, your remodeling project is going to go over budget because of unexpected expenses. Regardless of which room you decide to remodel, you will typically find your ultimate cost to be about 25 percent higher than your original estimate. The same 25 percent figure also applies to the amount of time it will take to complete the project.

For example, if you have decided to spend $10,000 to remodel your kitchen and give yourself five weeks to finish the job, you can generally expect to end up spending about $12,500 and seven weeks on the project. There are no hard-and-fast rules, but one thing experienced remodeling professionals have learned–always expect the unexpected.

2) Research Everything- Do lots of research concerning the materials you will be using and the specifications of each product. Go to your home improvement store to get test paint color samples. They should be knowledgable about current trends and the latest products on the market. Don’t assume that the big box stores are going to have the best prices. Even though they have the buying power, you can find the same extra products online for a lot less because they don’t have the overhead of the retail stores.

3) Don’t Put Off The Small Items- Once you’ve decided on your main components, don’t forget to spend time on the small things, as well. It’s easy to get caught up focusing on the big ticket items, but it’s often the interior design details, like trim, accent colors, and hardware that really make a remodeling project come to life.

4) Anticipate Problems and Delays- Inevitably with every project you are going to run into scheduling problems and design flaws. Keep in mind that no two renovation projects are going to be the same, so even experienced renovators are you’re going to make mistakes. Odds are you’re going to change your mind and do things somewhat differently than you had originally planned, and you’re going to run into things that you hadn’t anticipated.

5) Higher Price Doesn’t Always Mean Higher Quality- This is where the research comes in. For some materials you are only paying for the brand name. Kitchen Cabinets is the perfect example. By researching different cabinet manufacturers and distributors, you will often find that some of the lower priced cabinets offer the same quality at a more affordable price. Other materials, such as windows and basic supplies will generally reflect the quality in their price. Focus on quality and use the best quality of materials you can afford.

Overall, remodeling can be a rewarding experience, if you just follow a few simple rules and use common sense along the way. Whether it will be your first project or you have several under your belt, these rules will apply for all your renovation projects.



Michelle

observingworld asked:


I have yellow walls, oak laminate floors, white appliances and accesories are black and stainless steel. What should I do for countertop, backsplash and cupboards?? The cupboards are knotty pine and verathane and NEEEEED to be changed!!

Kevin

Gary Nealon asked:


Spring is here and its time to take on a renovation project. Home prices are down and durable goods prices are up, the economy is slowing and you need every angle you can get to make your project a success, while coming in under budget. So make sure you are looking at all the angles when taking on that renovation project; I know I did and through it, I found a great way to save on my kitchen renovation.

The project I started with this spring was my kitchen. I wanted new appliances, new counter tops and new cabinets. My wood floors were in decent shape and only needed a good shine, but all the other parts were in need of upgrades. The appliances were more expensive than I budgeted, so this left me with little money for the cabinets and kitchen counter tops. I found some decent counter tops for an affordable price so my final step was the kitchen cabinets.

Traveling to a few different retail outlets left me with little hope to stay within my budget. Fortunately, I got a tip from a helpful employee at a local building supply store. I was talking to her and was complaining about the high cost of assembled cabinets. She mentioned that even though she got a discount at the store, she checked online before she purchased her kitchen cabinets. She was a “do it your self” type and found that the RTA style cabinets saved her money and fit better with her DIY plans.

My first question was what was an RTA kitchen cabinet? Ready to Assemble was her response, followed by the explanation that she saved thousands of dollars by going online, buying RTA kitchen cabinets, and assembling the product herself. Of course I was skeptical, but soon found out that these cabinets were easy to assemble and were actually of better quality than most store bought cabinets. So not only was I saving money, but I was getting a better quality product. All I had to do was assemble the cabinets. The nice thing about them, was that everything came in one nice, neat box (I didn’t have to spread out hundreds of pieces like I didn’t with the linen cabinets I bought at Ikea). It took one screw driver for most of the cabinets and I used a power drill to put the drawers together. I also took note of the better quality cabinet, with the solid wood fronts and paneled wood sides, compared to when I was shopping; I found most cabinets to have particle board sides and wood fronts.

So luckily I found a way to save money on my spring renovation and from it I found another way to save money on my next project. The next project will be my powder room, which I will be using an RTA Vanity from the same website. Yes the same quality product but, also in a bathroom vanity and accessory line. So because of a helpful and honest building supply store employee, I found a great way to save money and get a great product. Before starting your next renovation project consider what projects are going to add them most value to your home and do a little bit of research on RTA Cabinets.



Monica

Diane Palmer asked:


If you are in the middle of a kitchen renovation, or are constructing a new house.. and the budget is tight right now.. why not make your own faux tiled backsplash?

I really wanted a beautiful mosaic tiled backsplash, but it was not in the budget in the beginning, and I knew that drywall at the back of the countertop and sink would show wear and tear very fast with my family!

Here is a idea to keep things going until you can get the backsplash of your dreams… Clean the wall with a degreaser and rinse and make sure it is completely dry. Empty the countertops for this project!

Get yourself some 1/8″ painters tape and mark off a grid of squares or rectangles, of whatever size you desire. I made mine 3 inches square. I know it will seem like a mountain of tape, but this is the worst part, once you have this done the rest is quick..

Now you have your grid made of painters tape, get yourself a small container of pre-mixed drywall compound and a small trowel, and put a thin layer of the compound over your grid area, being careful not to disturb your tape.

Take the tape off right away, while the compound is still wet, but do it carefully, then let it all dry.

Now take some paint and a sponge or paint brush depending on the effect you are looking for, and paint your faux tiles and you can also paint your faux grout or leave it the original color of your drywall. I used a sponge and few colors to make my faux tiles look mottled, but this effect also looks good in solid colors, you could even paint over the whole area with just the one color, it will still give the effect of faux tiles as you have texture.

Now coat the whole backsplash with at least one coat of varathane to protect the area and make it easy to clean.

This looks good, and you created it yourself!.. not much money involved, but will hold you over until you get those fancy expensive mosaic tiles you are looking for!.. or maybe you will just keep this…

backsplash



Maria