Kitchen Remodeling
Kitchen Remodeling • Living Through a Kitchen Remodel
In many homes, the kitchen is often a center of activity, and it is
important to consider your needs and those of your family's while
designing your new kitchen. Kitchen cabinets, countertops,
flooring, and major appliances are four key components of a kitchen
design. The integration of these four components with a
well-designed work flow will go a long way toward ensuring a successful
kitchen remodeling project. It is helpful to develop a master plan
before starting such a major undertaking. This plan is often
arrived at with the help of an architect, interior decorator, and
contractor if one is used. Having a plan helps you to work within
your budget and balance the costs of construction materials, cabinetry,
appliances, and labor.
The five basic kitchen layouts are one-wall, galley, L-shaped, U-shaped, and wraparound. The size of your kitchen and its traffic patterns, as well as the way your family uses the kitchen, can often dictate its general layout. Window locations and ventilation factors can also influence the kitchen sink and major appliance locations as well as the placement of cabinets and work surfaces. It is also important to do research into the details such as electrical line routing, water pipes, drains, vent flues, and so on. The placement of these utility lines can be a major consideration in the construction and costs associated with a kitchen construction project.
Research and select quality appliances and materials that will fit in with your kitchen
plan. Appliance size, style, function, and value are all of prime
consideration. When looking for a dishwasher, it is important to
look for brands with low energy consumption, a delay timer, and an
economy cycle, as this will cut down on water usage. When buying a
new refrigerator, it is worth paying for one designed to prevent frost
build-up by circulating air inside the freezer compartment.
Materials for sinks include scratch-resistant stainless steel as well
as solid surface, enameled cast iron, and acrylic. You may choose
to install a multi-functional oven or a range which can be free-standing
or built-in. Cabinet
options include solid wood or wood veneers laminated onto plywood or
particle board; cabinets can be finished by staining, distressing,
bleaching, or simply painting them to match your kitchen. They can
even be custom-fitted with glass doors and special hardware.
There are several countertop surfaces to choose from, the most common being plastic
laminate and solid surface, with granite being a step up in price.
Flooring options can range from expensive (but classy) tile or stone to
various grades of vinyl and linoleum, which are cheaper.
Finally, check out potential architects and contractors, and consider
where you will purchase the needed materials, fixtures, and
appliances. Many companies offer warranties and service plans that
may be worth considering. Visit the Remodelors Council's Remodeling
Your Home, a consumer guide to home improvement and remodeling, and
check contractor references to help ensure a quality job.
With the right plan and research, you should be able to build a kitchen that adds to the value of your home, brings years of enjoyment and good use, and is a great place to hang out with family and friends.
For an inspiring example of the kitchen remodeling process, browse through these kitchen remodeling pictures. On this website, you will find a photo diary, detailing how an early 1960s kitchen was transformed into a modern, luxurious kitchen with granite countertops, refaced kitchen cabinets, a ceiling fan, and new kitchen appliances.
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