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Kitchen Remodel

Planning a Kitchen Remodel to Add Value to Your Home

Deborah Wilson

Your kitchen is the heart of your home. It’s also one of the top home improvement projects that adds value if you plan to sell your property.Kitchen Remodel

Atlanta Kitchen Remodeling is an opportunity to update or upgrade worn-out surfaces, materials, and appliances. It can also make the room more functional and enjoyable to use.

When planning a kitchen remodel, the layout is one of the most important aspects to consider. The right kitchen layout can improve workflow and make the space more functional for everyday use. A well-balanced layout can also make the room more inviting to guests and family members.

A popular choice for homeowners is the L-shaped kitchen layout. This design features work zones on two adjacent walls that run perpendicular to each other. This allows for ideal appliance placement and helps reduce traffic in the kitchen by making it easy to move between zones. This layout can be adapted to any size kitchen and even works well in open floor plans.

Another option for a smaller space is the one-wall kitchen layout, which features counters and cabinets lined up against a single wall. This is an efficient kitchen design for small homes, apartments and lofts and keeps everything within reach. However, it is not as efficient for a larger space and does not follow the classic work triangle format. An island can improve this kitchen layout and provide extra countertop space for food prep.

An alternative to the L-shaped kitchen is a U-shaped layout, which also works in any size kitchen. This layout surrounds the cook with workspace on three sides and offers seamless storage and countertop space. It can be adapted to any size room and eliminates traffic by ensuring that non-cooks do not have to walk through the kitchen. It can also be enhanced with a peninsula or island to add even more functionality.

Regardless of the type of kitchen you have, it’s always a good idea to optimize storage space. This can be done by removing upper cabinetry on a few walls and installing shelving. Additionally, using drawers rather than standard shelves can help maximize storage and make it easier to see and find items in the cabinets.

Cabinets

Cabinetry is the backbone of a kitchen. It organizes storage space, defines the room’s aesthetic and serves as a focal point. It also provides the opportunity for integrating unique cabinet accessories and features that improve kitchen functionality. Adding an integrated charging station to keep electronics and cords organized is one example. Another is placing a pull-out cutting board directly above the sink, eliminating the need to move items from cabinet to counter and back again.

Custom cabinets provide the greatest flexibility, allowing them to be sized to fit the specific dimensions of a kitchen and its layout. However, this option will increase the overall cost of a remodel. For homeowners on a budget, stock or semi-custom cabinets may offer the best value.

Stock cabinets are typically built using face-frame construction, in which the cabinet frame is enclosed on five sides and a door is attached to the face of the sixth side. They’re available in a wide variety of colors and textures and can be designed to match or complement other design elements such as countertops, backsplashes, moldings, islands and other custom pieces.

Cabinetry is often described in terms of width-height-depth, with the dimension for a wall cabinet being 18 inches (460 mm) wide, 36 inches (910 mm) high and 12 inches (300 mm) deep. However, cabinet height can vary from 10 to 14 inches (254 to 355 mm), depending on the style. A higher height can be beneficial for taller cooks, but it may require more crouching to reach lower cabinets. Many kitchens are moving away from doors and toward drawers for better accessibility and to create a less cluttered look. This also helps to minimize the risk of breakage of glassware and other delicate items.

Countertops

Countertops are more than just a surface for placing food and objects, they also add aesthetics to the kitchen. They come in a variety of materials and styles, so it is important to understand the pros and cons of each before making a decision. For example, granite is popular due to its durability and strength; it resists heat and can stand up to abrasive damage. However, it can be expensive and requires professional installation.

Another popular countertop option is laminate. It is more affordable than natural stone and is available in a wide array of colors and patterns to match any kitchen design. While it can be durable, it can be prone to stains and needs to be regularly resealed. Stainless steel is another alternative to consider, as it provides a modern look and is heat resistant. However, it can be prone to fingerprints and water spots, and it scratches easily.

Backsplashes are an excellent way to bring another element of style into the kitchen, and they serve a practical purpose by keeping water, grease and other grime from damaging the walls behind the sink and countertops. There are many different options to choose from, but it is important to keep in mind that a complex backsplash will add to the overall cost of your project.

The key to a successful kitchen remodel is planning ahead and staying within your budget. It is easy to get caught up in the excitement of the project and overspend, so it is important to create a comprehensive budget before getting started. This will help you avoid having to cut corners or settle for a subpar remodel. It will also help you entice potential home buyers when it comes time to sell.

Appliances

Appliances are the first step in any kitchen remodel and a huge commitment as they’re the starting point for all other permanent features like custom cabinetry, countertops, backsplash and more. It’s important to test out the functionality of appliances before buying and to plan out their placement based on how you use your kitchen.

During your design process, it’s also important to consider how the functionality of your appliances will change over time. For example, a trend now is to add smart appliances with built-in Wi-Fi that can connect to an app so you can control your fridge or oven. Some even include food-preservation settings and a hydration feature to keep track of how much water you’re drinking.

It’s also important to consider the durability of your appliances, especially if you’re considering wood finishes. Wood is beautiful and natural, but it can scratch and ding with heavy kitchen wear and tear. It’s a good idea to consider choosing metals and plastics for your appliances instead so they can hold up against everyday use without showing the wear.

Finally, it’s also important to plan for proper lighting in your kitchen. You’ll want to install task lighting under cabinets and over the countertop to help you see your work better. Pendants are great for islands and other counters with no low cabinets, while recessed ceiling fixtures and wall sconces can be installed over sinks to create ambient light for your entire kitchen.

Kitchen remodeling is an opportunity to transform your space into a space that’s uniquely your own. It’s also a great way to increase the value of your home and create a room that’s perfect for cooking, eating and gathering with family and friends.

Lighting

A kitchen needs a good mix of lighting options to function properly. Layered lighting creates an ambiance, makes it easy to work in the space, and helps set the mood when entertaining.

Your first base layer is ambient light, a soft overhead illumination that fills the room. This is typically provided by ceiling fixtures like recessed lights or surface-mounted fixtures. Ambient lighting is also supplemented by natural light through windows during the day.

The second layer is task lighting, which is used to illuminate specific areas where you perform work in the kitchen. This includes spaces like your countertops, sink, and stovetop. This type of lighting is often provided by under cabinet or pendant lights, as well as directional downlights.

Accent lighting, on the other hand, accentuates design features and creates a more dramatic effect. This can be done with a variety of fixtures, from decorative pendants to colorful string lights by the window.

Lighting can be the deciding factor in how functional and welcoming your new kitchen feels. Getting it right is essential and should be considered in the early stages of your kitchen remodel, rather than as a last-minute add-on.

How to Plan a Successful Kitchen Renovation

Eldon Harris

If you’re working with a tight budget, consider keeping existing cabinet doors and repainting them for a significant design overhaul at a fraction of the cost. Or add storage elements like pantry drawers or sliding shelves for a more customized look. kitchen renovation

The kitchen is the hub of your home and where much of your family’s daily activities occur. So, ensuring your kitchen layout is functional and efficient is important. You might need to make some changes to correct the flow and floor plan if it isn’t. Visit Us for more information.

Cabinets and appliances are fixed to a single wall in this space-saving design found in lofts and condo spaces. Putting everything in a single corridor eliminates the work triangle and prevents cabinets from blocking windows. However, it’s not ideal for families with large numbers of cooks and can feel cramped.

A popular choice for many homes, the versatile L-shaped layout features countertops on two adjacent walls that form an “L.” This design eliminates traffic and makes it easy to add a dining area. It’s also perfect for incorporating an island.

If you entertain large groups of friends and family, the U-shaped layout might be right for you. With the island as your central gathering point, you’ll have enough room for casual seating so guests can hang out while meals are being prepared. You can even set up a pass-through to serve hors d’oeuvres and drinks during parties.

Appliances

The kitchen appliances you choose are one of the most important decisions during a remodel. They impact almost every other aspect of your design – layout, plumbing and electrical, countertop cut outs, cabinets, backsplash and more. Be sure to start shopping early in the process so you can take your time and find the best fit for your home.

Energy efficiency is a key aspect of any kitchen renovation project. By upgrading to energy efficient models, you can reduce your monthly electricity bills. You’ll also be helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which is good for the environment and the world.

Newer appliances are often safer than older ones, which can be a fire hazard or cause electric shock. A remodel is the perfect time to update your cooking tools and make them safer for you and your family to use.

A kitchen remodel is a great way to create a happy go-to space for your home. By choosing finishes that reflect your personal style and working with a Kowalske designer, you can create a kitchen you love to spend time in. Plus, a well-designed kitchen will increase your home’s value and marketability when it comes time to sell.

Cabinets

The cabinets are one of the biggest showpieces of a kitchen, and they can set the design style for the whole space. The right choice of wood, stain color and door styles will have a huge impact on the overall look of your kitchen.

While cabinets are usually the most expensive part of your kitchen remodel, it’s important to choose wisely. Avoid buying cheap melamine-coated particle board cabinet boxes and drawers with flat panel doors and opt for solid wood frames, dovetail joinery and high-quality finishes.

When choosing your cabinets, think beyond the color and finish of the doors and consider the trim details that will go with them. Crown molding, for example, can add a touch of luxury and help your cabinets look more custom.

You can also choose to change the height of your upper cabinets for a more custom look. Special units such as tall cabinets with appliance storage and corner cabinets can make the most of your space while adding visual interest.

Countertops

Countertops are one of the most important components in any kitchen. They define the room’s style and function, while supporting the cabinets, backsplash, appliances and other features of the space. When considering countertops for a renovation, keep in mind how you plan to use the kitchen, the level of functionality and aesthetics and your budget.

Kitchen countertop materials can be made of a variety of natural or synthetic materials and come in many different styles and finishes. Your choice will depend on how you plan to use the kitchen, what kind of look you prefer and whether you value a surface that’s easy to clean or resistant to heat damage.

Wood is a classic countertop material that can be used in a wide range of styles, from rustic to elegant. It offers visual depth on par with stone and can last a long time if well-maintained. It is, however, prone to heat and knife damage. Stainless steel is another popular option in commercial kitchens, and it’s now a trendy choice for residential ones as well. It is highly durable and shows fingerprints and water spots less than other surfaces, but it’s not an ideal choice for a family with young children.

Lighting

As you consider your kitchen remodel, be sure to include a budget for the entire project. This includes everything from plumbing and electrical to cabinets, appliances, and countertops. It also covers any structural changes you may be making, such as moving walls and installing new flooring. Your renovation plan should also address any specialized features you want to include, like a steam oven or wine fridge.

During the planning stage, it’s important to evaluate the current condition of your kitchen and assess whether it needs to be gutted. This will help you determine the scope of your renovation, which can range from a simple cosmetic refresh to what Ariana Lovato of Honeycomb Design calls “a total gut,” which would involve tearing down walls and reconfiguring the layout.

Adding decorative lighting is an easy way to bring a fresh look to your kitchen. But if your budget doesn’t allow for a complete fixture overhaul, Randall Whitehead of Lumilum suggests installing the infrastructure (the junction box and/or recessed box in the ceiling) early on during the renovation so that you can easily add fixtures later. This is particularly helpful for kitchens with angled ceilings, which can be difficult to light properly.

Flooring

A kitchen remodel is never complete without a new floor. Flooring is a big investment and can have a dramatic impact on your kitchen’s look. The flooring material is also important in terms of durability, water resistance and other special considerations. The best way to select the ideal flooring for your kitchen renovation is to work with a professional flooring and remodeling specialist who understands these specific considerations.

Durability: Kitchen floors have to work overtime, enduring spills, foot traffic and dropped items. Make sure you choose a durable material that will hold up over time, and that resists heat, moisture and staining.

Cost: A kitchen flooring renovation can easily go over budget, so it’s essential to establish your budget before you begin. Look for affordable materials, like vinyl and linoleum, that are easy to maintain, or consider engineered wood planks, which have a top veneer of real wood backed by plywood, making the planks stable and less susceptible to humidity and temperature.

Hardwood flooring is a classic choice for any kitchen and offers warmth and comfort underfoot, as well as beauty that can be updated over the years through refinishing. Concrete flooring might seem harsh for a kitchen, but it can be stained and sealed to look like stone or tile, while being durable and inexpensive.

Hardware

During your kitchen renovation, you’ll need to source various types of hardware for your cabinets and other fixtures. Fortunately, there are plenty of options in terms of style, finish and price point. Generally speaking, you should aim for cohesion by selecting hardware that matches throughout the space. This helps create a unified look and makes your kitchen feel new and fresh.

Cabinet hardware can also be a great way to introduce a pop of color or design pattern. A lot of homeowners opt for knobs that complement their new countertops and backsplashes. However, some walls are less “hardware-friendly,” so it’s important to consider what type of knob or handle will work best in your new kitchen.

Another great option for upgrading your kitchen is to reclaim any unused spaces or corners. For instance, a nook beneath your stairs could make for a perfect spot for a wine bar. In addition, you can rethink your storage and add more in or reconfigure existing cabinets to make the most of your available space. One easy and practical upgrade is to convert any lower base cabinets into drawers instead of basic shelves. Drawers are much more functional than standard shelves, as they allow you to access and view everything in your cabinet.

How to Get Started in Kitchen Remodeling

Ralph Elam

Consider a full remodel if your kitchen needs to be updated, cramped, and impractical. The process involves a complete makeover that brings in new features and replaces old ones with energy-efficient models.

It can also involve structural changes like modifying walls or adding space to the existing footprint. For these reasons, hiring professional contractors is crucial for this type of project. For more information, you can visit Kitchen Remodeling Richmond VA to proceed.

Getting into a kitchen remodel is a big commitment. It can be a lengthy, expensive project that causes major disruption to your daily routine for weeks or even months while work is underway. It’s important to assess your needs before diving in. Identifying your needs will help you determine the right changes for you and your family and ensure the finished product will improve your household’s functionality.

To determine your kitchen’s basic requirements, consider how much cooking and entertaining you plan to do in the space, how often, and with whom. This will influence the layout, storage solutions, and appliances you select. If you plan to entertain frequently, you may need a larger island or more storage cabinets. If your family has small children, you might opt for durable surfaces that withstand frequent spills and stains.

A kitchen remodel is an opportunity to update your decor and upgrade your appliances, especially if you have older models that aren’t energy efficient or provide adequate space for food prep. Some homeowners opt to replace their countertops with new materials as well. Regardless of what specific elements you want to change, your contractor and interior designer must understand your long-term goals for the house to help you choose products that will hold up over time and add resale value.

Kitchen remodeling can range from a simple repainting or cabinet refacing to an extensive overhaul of the entire footprint, with the addition of walls and reconfiguring of electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems. Establishing the scope of your project will make it easier to budget, as will determining whether or not you need to hire professionals for any portion of the work.

During the demo phase of your kitchen remodel, there needs to be more places to store your groceries or cookware. If you plan on staying in your home during construction, you must decide whether to relocate to a nearby hotel, stay with sympathetic friends, or rent an apartment. You’ll also need to figure out how to handle meal prep, which might require setting up a temporary kitchen or stocking your pantry with food before starting the renovation.

Regarding kitchen remodeling, the smallest details can make a huge difference. This is why it’s important to carefully consider your goals and decide how you want your dream kitchen to look before hiring a professional to turn it into reality. It’s also important to consider how you’ll use the space and factor that into your remodel plans. For example, an open-concept layout may be ideal if you host parties regularly and enjoy entertaining.

A skilled interior designer can help you flesh out your vision for the kitchen of your dreams and create a plan to bring that vision to life. They’ll work with your contractor to ensure that every part of the design is feasible and will add to the functionality of your kitchen. They can also help you select finishes and fixtures, such as sinks, faucets, lighting, etc. Lastly, they can assist with structural changes in the kitchen, such as modifying walls and adding or removing partitions.

Once you have a good idea of what you want your kitchen to look like, it’s time to start thinking about how you’ll use the space. You’ll need to figure out how much storage you need for everything from pots and pans to cookie sheets and cutting boards. It’s also important to consider any custom features you might want in your kitchen, such as a wine cellar or a built-in breakfast bar.

You’ll also need to determine how involved you want to be in the remodel. Cosmetic changes will likely allow you to continue using the kitchen during the remodel. Still, larger transformations may mean eating take-out or microwave meals for weeks or months.

It’s always best to leave the complex stuff – such as plumbing and electrical – to licensed and insured professionals. This is especially true if you’re making structural changes, which could affect the entire structure of your home and require a permit. Additionally, going the DIY route could cost you more in the long run by causing costly mistakes and potentially putting your family and home at risk.

The most important thing to do before starting a kitchen remodel is to set a budget. This will help you decide which aspects of the project to prioritize and which to let go. For example, if you want crown molding or a new fancy faucet but can’t afford it, consider how important those features are to your kitchen overall and consider more affordable alternatives.

It’s also a good idea to plan how you’ll pay for the renovation since this could affect the scope of work. For example, you might have to take out a personal loan or use an equity line of credit. If possible, approve your loan or line of credit before the renovation starts to avoid delays and other costly complications.

Labor costs and materials are the largest expenses during a kitchen remodel. If you’re a do-it-yourselfer, you may be able to cut down on these costs by doing some of the work yourself. For example, you can save on labor by removing old cabinets and countertops rather than hiring someone. You can also cut down on material costs by researching products ahead of time and looking for deals online and at home improvement stores.

If you plan on having most of the work done by a professional contractor, remember that their fees can add up quickly. You may also have to pay for permits and other administrative costs. It’s a good idea to get a quote from the remodeling company before beginning any work and to ask about financing options.

It’s also worth remembering that kitchen remodeling isn’t cheap and will disrupt your everyday life. It’s a good idea to think about how you’ll be able to cope with the noise, mess, and inconvenience for weeks or even months. If you’re unsure whether or not you can handle it, consider hiring a general contractor. They will have the experience and skills to ensure your remodel goes as smoothly as possible.

A kitchen remodel is an investment, and it’s important to take the time to vet contractors based on your specific project goals. Start by assembling a short list of potential pros, then research each. Ask to see their portfolio and request references from past clients. It would help if you also asked them to provide you with their license and insurance information so that you can verify their credentials. Lastly, check with local professional associations to find members specializing in kitchen remodeling.

Once you have a few contractors in mind, scheduling an initial phone consultation with each of them is best, followed by an in-person site meeting. During this meeting, you will get an idea of each contractor’s personality, communication, and approach to your project.

Kitchen remodels can be complex, requiring specialized knowledge in areas such as plumbing and electrical. When hiring a general contractor, you will want to confirm that they have expertise in these areas and will follow local building codes and regulations. It’s also helpful to know how long they have been in business and what projects they have completed that are similar to yours.

Ask each contractor if they will handle the entire project or subcontract work to other specialists like plumbers and electricians. If they plan on subcontracting, ask to see their insurance information so that you can verify their credentials. Then, ensure the details are documented in a signed agreement, including each contractor’s contact information, license numbers, and insurance policy information.

It would help if you also considered whether they are a part of any national trade organizations that promote best practices for kitchen remodels, as this can help ensure that they adhere to certain standards and guidelines for their work. Finally, it’s worth asking the contractor if they offer guarantees or warranties.

A kitchen remodel is one of the few renovations that can significantly increase your resale value, so choosing the right contractor is well worth it. By following these tips, you can feel confident that the work will be done correctly, on time, and within your budget.