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How to Go About a Kitchen Remodeling Project
Richmond VA Kitchen Remodeling turns your home upside down and is a major disruption. It may require you to move out temporarily.
The first step is demolition — it could involve removing load-bearing walls. Next, GCs frame new walls, install doors and windows, and apply wall texture. Plumbing and electrical professionals take their turn, followed by the installation of appliances and cabinets.
A kitchen remodel can be as extensive or as simple as you want it to be. A full-on “rip and replace” is an expensive option, but it can also completely transform your space. You can also do a partial remodel, changing or updating only certain elements, such as countertops, backsplashes and appliances.
Before you decide on the scope of your project, it’s important to determine what you’re looking for in your new kitchen. What is the driving force behind your remodeling efforts – is it to make the space more functional, better accommodate a family’s needs or increase your home’s resale value? Answering this question will help you determine how to prioritize your kitchen remodeling tasks and budget.
If you’re planning on a kitchen remodel that will require changing or altering the room’s layout, it’s a good idea to bring in a professional designer and contractor to assess your existing space. A trained eye can often spot areas that aren’t functioning as well as they could be and provide you with viable options for improvement.
One of the most common kitchen remodeling tasks is to add or reconfigure storage. This can include adding or converting to cabinets, pantry shelves, drawers, and other innovative storage solutions. For example, if you decide to convert lower base cabinets to drawers, you’ll instantly have more storage space that can be easily accessed. Another space-saving idea is to install a pull-out pan rack in your cabinetry.
Another important consideration is to choose the right countertop materials for your new kitchen. Natural stone products are a high-end option that can be expensive, but they’re durable and beautiful. There are many other countertop options, including solid surface products and laminates.
Finally, if you’re considering a new countertop during your kitchen remodel, it’s important to think about the cleaning and maintenance requirements of each material. For example, natural stone products require a sealant to protect them from moisture and staining. Other countertop options, such as quartz and ceramic tile, are easier to clean and maintain, but they might not hold up as well if exposed to direct sunlight or heat sources like stovetops and ovens.
A well-lit kitchen is key to a great home. It’s more than just a technical space for cooking; it’s also where friends and family gather to nourish their bodies and discuss their day. So, a good lighting plan is essential to your kitchen remodeling project.
The best way to lighten up your new kitchen is with a layered approach that includes ambient, task, and accent lighting. Ambient lighting comes from the ceiling and can include recessed lights, pendants or semi-flush mount fixtures. This type of lighting illuminates the entire room, ensuring that there are no dark corners.
Task lighting is used to highlight work areas, such as countertops or kitchen islands, so you can see clearly when preparing food or reading recipes. This can be accomplished using under cabinet or puck-type lights that are easily installed underneath your cabinets. These lights can be controlled with a dimmer to adjust the amount of light they produce.
Accent lighting can be added to any area of your kitchen with a decorative fixture, such as a chandelier or sconces. These fixtures can be found in a variety of styles, from sleek modern to classic vintage, so you can find the perfect fit for your kitchen design.
It’s also important to consider your lighting options for hallways and entrances into the kitchen. Adding overhead lighting at these points of entry eliminates dark spots and creates a smooth transition into the kitchen.
One area that is often overlooked during a kitchen remodel is the lighting inside of cabinets. However, installing under-cabinet lighting is an inexpensive way to add functionality and ambiance to your kitchen. This lighting acts as task lighting when preparing food and can also be used for accent lighting to show off your beautiful backsplash.
Many people don’t realize that there are a lot of different options for lighting fixtures, and that there are many ways to use them to add style and function to your new kitchen. From bright, clean LED lighting to the warm glow of incandescent bulbs, there are many choices to complement your kitchen’s design theme.
While it’s tempting to splurge on luxe appliances, consider your daily habits and cooking preferences as you make decisions. Whether it’s choosing the right size of refrigerator, oven or dishwasher, or finding a color and design that suits you, your kitchen should reflect how you use it.
A kitchen remodel can feel like a full-time job for the homeowner, especially if you live in the house while it’s under construction. Creating a makeshift kitchen can be difficult and frustrating for your family, but you can reduce the inconvenience by planning ahead. Before you begin, talk to your designer about relocating existing appliances to a space like the garage or basement. You can also ask your contractor about installing a temporary fridge or freezer, so you have access to food while the project is underway.
The right major appliances can set the tone for your entire kitchen. For example, the choice between a French door, side-by-side or slide-in model will influence where you place the appliance. Also, the type of cooktop and range you choose will determine where those elements go. Likewise, you’ll want to think about the number of electrical outlets and plugs that you need and replace those with new ones if necessary, especially near appliances like dishwashers and microwaves. Lastly, plan for a trash or recycling bin and add a dedicated cabinet for storing reusable containers, bags, paper and more.
Countertops are another opportunity to set the kitchen’s style. Popular choices include marble, sought-after granite and mid-range engineered stone, which offers nearly limitless color, texture and pattern options. You’ll also need to decide on the finish, edge detail and knobs/drawer pulls to create a look that fits your personal style.
While it’s important to choose a durable countertop that will last, don’t overspend on custom or high-end features that may date the kitchen when you sell your home in the future. Additionally, over-customizing a kitchen can limit its appeal to a broader group of homebuyers.
Kitchen remodeling is a big investment, but it’s an excellent way to improve your home’s value and function while reflecting your own making style. Choosing a layout, colors and materials that reflect your personality, and adding functional amenities can make your kitchen a joy for years to come.
Countertops are a great opportunity for homeowners to make a bold statement with their kitchen. They’re usually a more neutral color than cabinets, so they can showcase a unique pattern or texture that stands out. Choosing the right countertop material also depends on a variety of practical considerations, like strength and durability as well as how it relates to your overall design theme.
Natural stone countertops are a high-end option with a luxurious, timeless look that can add a dramatic touch to any kitchen. This material requires special care to keep it looking its best. However, it’s a popular choice for homeowners who are willing to put in the time and effort to maintain its beauty.
Quartz countertops are an affordable alternative to natural stone. They’re durable and available in a wide array of colors and styles, including options that mimic the look of popular natural stone varieties. They’re also resistant to scratches, stains and heat.
Tile is another popular option for kitchen countertops. They’re available in a wide array of colors and designs, including options that mimic the look of wood, marble or natural stone. Tile is also easy to clean, but it’s important to consider the grout lines, which can become discolored with food crumbs and bacteria.
Laminate countertops are an inexpensive option with a range of colors and textures that can complement many kitchen design schemes. They’re water-resistant and fairly easy to maintain, but they can warp or crack with prolonged exposure to heat or direct sunlight.
Stainless steel countertops are an emerging trend in kitchen remodeling that aligns with the modern, industrial aesthetic. They offer a sleek, stylish appearance and are resistant to heat, stains and bacteria.
No matter which material you choose for your kitchen countertops, make sure to review the pros and cons with your contractor. They can help you find the countertop that will suit your home’s style, budget and upkeep requirements. In addition, you’ll want to measure out your existing cabinetry and appliances to ensure that the new countertop will fit properly. You should also take the time to browse professional profiles on a website like Modernize to read real homeowner reviews and explore qualifications and promotions for potential contractors in your area.
Demolition Is the First Step in a Kitchen Remodeling Project
When a kitchen remodel starts, it is often noisy and messy. Demolition is usually the first step, whether it involves removing cabinets and countertops or tearing down drywall to expose the structural framing.
Many mid-size and major kitchen remodels require permits, which add time to the project. Adding an open floor plan may involve opening up walls that are not load bearing and could require moving gas or water lines and re-routing HVAC ductwork. Visit https://www.kitchenremodelsandiegocal.com/ for more information.
The kitchen is one of the most popular rooms to remodel in new and old homes alike. It’s also one of the most expensive, depending on how big a change is being made. A comprehensive budget is essential for keeping a project within its limits and not running over.
A common recommendation is to spend between 5 and 15 percent of your home’s value on a kitchen remodel. This is a good amount to aim for, but you’ll want to consider other factors, such as whether or not staying in the home will be an option, how much your home is worth, and the scope of the work being done. Spending less may make the space feel outdated or decrease the resale value, while spending more could push you over your maximum return on investment.
To help you figure out the right amount to spend, start by creating a list of all the things you want to do in the kitchen. Include all of the must-haves and nice-to-haves, as well as any estimates you’ve made on what the items will cost. This will give you an overall number, which you should subtract 20% from to leave room for unforeseen expenses.
Labor and materials will be the biggest costs for any kitchen remodel. Cabinets, countertops, and flooring all add up, with the National Kitchen and Bath Association stating they usually consume around half of the total cost of the project. Choosing less expensive materials can keep costs down, and many modern alternatives to high-end options are now available.
It’s also a good idea to factor in the expense of eating out or cooking at home while your kitchen is being remodeled. Keeping this in mind will help you decide whether or not to set up a temporary kitchen in another area of the house. You may also need to rent a dumpster, which will add to the overall cost of the project.
If you’re working with a general contractor, be sure to ask them what their hourly rate is, as this will add up quickly. Also consider whether you’ll be hiring any subcontractors and how much they’ll charge for their services. It’s also a good idea to create spreadsheets and update them regularly to track your spending.
Design
When planning a kitchen remodel, it’s important to consider not just the style and materials you want but also how you plan on using the space. The most effective kitchens are designed in a way that supports the family’s lifestyle and reflects their personal tastes. The layout should also be carefully considered, especially if the existing floor plan needs to be adjusted. For example, if adding a new window would require tearing down walls or moving utilities, this should be factored into the overall design and budget.
If the kitchen remodel is a complete overhaul, it’s a good idea to start with a professional designer who can provide recommendations and assist with the design process. A design-build team can even provide estimates at key stages throughout the process to help keep project costs under control. It’s also a good idea to get the opinions of others, as they may be able to point out flaws or potential problems in your plans that you might have overlooked.
One of the most important factors in a successful kitchen remodel is proper lighting. Installing recessed cans, under-cabinet lighting and a mix of natural and artificial light sources will create a well-lit space that’s both functional and beautiful. If you’re going to be installing glass-front cabinets, consider installing dimmer switches so that you can change the mood of your space as needed.
Another key element is storage. If your kitchen doesn’t have enough storage space, there are many affordable options to choose from, including custom drawer organizers and under-counter island cabinets. Open shelves can be a great option as well, especially if they’re painted to coordinate with the wallpaper or paint colors. They can also be a nice display area for your favorite dishes, pottery or teacups.
It’s a good idea to install other safety features during the kitchen remodel as well, such as slip-resistant flooring and an easily accessible place to store a fire extinguisher. Additionally, it’s important to talk to your builder about their dust control methods. While the inconvenience of construction dust is unavoidable, a reputable contractor should take measures to reduce it as much as possible. This could include daily sweeping, plastic barriers and HEPA filtration systems.
Materials
When it comes to a kitchen remodeling project, the materials used make up a good portion of your overall cost. Be sure to research options in terms of beauty, practicality and durability before making final decisions. Thanks to recent innovations, there are a wide range of excellent choices available at every price point.
Cabinets are one of the most expensive components of a kitchen, so it’s important to choose the right materials for the job. For example, if you want a high-end look that adds resale value to your home, consider using solid hardwood in doors and drawer fronts. This can be combined with medium-density fiberboard or wood veneer to lighten the cost. Some manufacturers offer stainless steel cabinets that wipe clean and resist dents and scratches.
Flooring is another material that needs to be carefully chosen. It’s best to stick with options that won’t absorb spilled food and water, so steer clear of carpet and cork, and consider ceramic and stone tile or vinyl. Hardwood is also a popular choice, but be aware that changes in humidity can cause it to warp over time.
You’ll also need to think about appliances and fixtures. The most popular appliance choice is a gas or electric stove with a built-in oven, but you can also get a dishwasher, refrigerator and microwave. You’ll need to choose a style that fits your home’s architecture and complements the other fixtures.
If you’re planning on selling your home within a few years, be sure to factor in the resale value of your new kitchen when determining which features to include. Luxury finishes and features can be great for resale, but they may not appeal to everyone, especially younger buyers.
It’s important to prepare for your remodel by packing up all of your belongings and establishing a temporary kitchen in the garage or another part of the house. This will save you money on dining out and help keep your kitchen clean and organized during the renovation process. You should also prepare by preparing a storage space for the many products that will be delivered to your home, like flooring and countertops.
Installation
Once the demolition phase is complete, the carpentry crew begins construction, following the building plans that were developed during planning. This phase usually involves major structural changes, like removing or adding windows, taking down walls, and possibly strengthening joists to support heavier appliances and built-ins such as a kitchen island. It also may involve utility work, such as rerouting electrical wiring and modifying the heating and cooling ductwork to accommodate new kitchen circuits.
If the remodel is a complete gut renovation, it will require tearing down walls, re-routing plumbing lines and sometimes stripping down to the studs in order to make substantial change to the kitchen’s footprint. It may also require dropping a floor, borrowing space from neighboring rooms or adding an addition to the house. This kind of large-scale project requires the services of licensed designers, architects and general contractors who specialize in design/build services.
Cabinets and countertop are often installed at this stage, followed by flooring and appliances. Before installation of any product, it is a good idea to establish a temporary kitchen in the garage or other dry area to store food and cookware that will be removed from the kitchen for the duration of the remodel. This temporary kitchen can also help keep family members and friends from eating out too frequently during the remodeling process.
While a kitchen is being remodeled, it’s a good time to upgrade the house’s plumbing pipes. Unless the sink, dishwasher and refrigerator are staying in the same place, it’s common to change out old galvanized steel plumbing lines for more durable, long-lasting PEX or CPVC pipes. It is also a good time to switch out existing kitchen fixtures for energy-efficient models, such as low-flow faucets and a tankless water heater that provides hot water on demand.
It is important to follow all construction and safety instructions that came with your new products. If you have questions, ask the sales or customer service representatives for clarification. Depending on the size and scope of your kitchen, it may be necessary to schedule inspections by a local building inspector or public health department.
Kitchen Cabinets Repair
Cabinets are a key component of the function and aesthetic of kitchens and bathrooms. They’re subject to wear and tear and can break down over time. Simple repairs keep cabinets looking and functioning like new. You can tackle most of these projects independently unless you’re dealing with water damage, which requires a cabinetmaker or carpenter. To learn more, visit Kitchen Cabinets Dallas TX.
A damaged hinge can make your cabinet doors look sloppy and uneven. It also can prevent them from opening and closing properly. The problem is often caused by too much weight on the hinge or improper use. You can often fix the problem by squirting some wood glue on the area where the hinge connects to the door. After the glue dries, you can use a nail or screw to secure it.
It’s a good idea to use a wood glue formulated to hold moisture, such as epoxy. This type of cabinet glue has a low expansion rate and will expand slower than regular wood glue.
If the hinge is badly damaged, you may need to replace it altogether. You can buy new hinges at most home improvement stores. In addition to replacing the hinge, you should sand down the areas around it that have become swollen due to humidity or water damage and refinish them. This should help to protect the integrity of the cabinets and reduce future problems.
Reconfiguring your cabinets can make a dramatic difference in the look of your kitchen. Common reconfigurations include adding smaller cabinet doors above larger ones, removing lower cabinet doors and converting them to shelving, and rehanging upper cabinets at a higher height to allow for more storage space. If your existing cabinets are in good condition, you can save money and avoid the hassle of a complete kitchen remodel by simply repairing or refinishing them.
Over time, it’s normal for hardware on cabinets to loosen or come off completely. Regular inspections and tightening of the screws should keep your cabinets in good working order.
A cabinet’s finish can be chipped or scratched from normal wear and tear or from common items like cutlery or jewelry. Using shelf liners can also protect the finish from scratches and stains. Touch-up finishing is available at most hardware stores and is simple to apply.
If you’re looking for a more drastic change in your kitchen, you can always consider moving or removing cabinet doors and drawer fronts to give your room a whole new look. However, it’s important to understand that this will be a much more expensive and involved project than simply repairing or repainting the existing cabinetry.
Loose Hinge
A cabinet hinge that is loose can affect the door’s opening and closing motion. If the hinge is too loose, the door may slam shut and the soft-close mechanism may not work properly. If the hinge is too tight, the door may be hard to open. Simple hinge adjustments are usually possible and can be made by adjusting the resistance adjuster located on the bottom of the hinge. The resistance adjuster is usually a screw that has plus and minus signs on it, and changing its position can change the amount of pressure required to move the hinge.
Cabinet hinges can be loose due to a number of factors. The screws can become loose from normal use, or the hinges can be damaged by a power tool that accidentally hits one of the hinge knuckles. The screw holes can also become enlarged from constant movement of the hinge plate and screws. When this happens, the screw heads can pull out of the hole and render the screws useless.
If the screws are loose, the hinge plate can easily be tightened with a screwdriver. However, if the screws are loose for a long time, the constant movement can cause them to enlarge the screw holes, making it impossible to tighten them. The screws will eventually come out of the holes and break off in the hinge.
If the screws have enlarged, you can fill in the holes with wood glue. Dip the bare end of a wooden toothpick into some glue so that at least a third is covered. Push the toothpick into the enlarged screw hole and tap it with a hammer to get it as far into the hole as possible. Repeat as needed for all the enlarged screw holes. Once the glue is dry, reinstall and screw the hinges to the cabinet door. Glue-coated toothpicks act like new screw threads and are much stronger than the original screws. This method of fixing a loose hinge is especially effective with particleboard and fiberboard cabinets. It’s a good idea to avoid further tampering with the hinges, as any further tampering can lead to even more damage.
Damaged Door
Whether or not your cabinet doors need replacing depends on how extensive the damage is and what material they’re made of. Cabinets made of engineered wood tend to get ruined more easily, while solid and plywood cabinets hold up better to moisture. Even if the damage is only to the face of the door, it’s still wise to have a professional look at the cabinets to make sure there is no hidden mold or water damage that can spread.
If your cabinet doors are rubbing together because they’ve swollen, you can sometimes fix this with hinge adjustments. Most modern European-style hinges have adjustment sets that allow you to raise or lower the hinge plate by loosening and then tightening a screw. Some have a depth screw that lets you adjust the position of the hinge in or out, which can be helpful if your doors aren’t standing square with each other or parallel to one another.
The same applies if your cabinet doors have become crooked or aren’t standing straight with the rest of your cabinetry. If you can’t resolve this problem by adjusting the hinges, you may have to replace the cabinet doors or hinges.
A damaged or stained cabinet door can also be repaired with plastic wood glue, available in a variety of colors that match most wood stains. This type of glue will bond with most materials, but it’s not a good idea to try to repair a water-damaged cabinet that has been painted over or covered in a veneer, which can swell and discolor over time.
If your cabinets have been flooded, the first thing to do is take off cabinet doors and toe kicks (the piece of wood between the bottom of the base of a cabinet and the floor). This allows air to circulate and help the affected area dry out faster from above and below. You can also use a wood moisture meter to see how much the wood needs to dry before it’s safe to work on. Once the cabinet is dry, you can start repairing any structural damage.
Damaged Drawer
Cabinets are among the most critical fixtures in a home, and they perform many duties. Inevitably, they suffer from wear and tear over time. Doors and drawers can sag, hinges come loose and surfaces get dinged. It’s a good idea to inspect cabinets regularly, and promptly repair any damage. Doing so will keep your cabinets working properly and looking attractive.
Sagging drawers are often the result of worn or broken drawer guides. Fix this by removing the drawer and replacing the old guides with new ones. Most of the hardware in a cabinet is attached by screws, and you can reuse the old screw holes by purchasing new screw heads that match the original design. Be sure to use a screwdriver with a comfortable grip, because you’ll be turning the screws quite frequently.
If a drawer bottom is warped, remove the old one and replace it with a new plywood or hardboard panel cut to size. Some drawer bottoms are tacked to a piece of molding nailed to the inside edges of the sides and back, while others are set on triangular glue blocks. Remove these fasteners before disassembling the drawer.
Wooden cabinet components can also be warped by years of uneven humidity, and this can lead to a sagging effect. Depending on the severity of the damage, it may be necessary to have the entire cabinet professionally cleaned to prevent mold or mildew.
Loose drawer fronts are usually the result of loose screws. You can make micro-adjustments to the hinges that hold a drawer front using oval shaped screw adjustments found at the back of the cabinet. This type of adjustment is very easy to make, and most cabinets allow you to do it with a single tool.
Splitting drawer fronts are typically caused by missing drawer guides, but this can also be a sign of other serious issues with your kitchen. Start by repairing the guide system, and then if the crack is large, squirt some carpenter’s glue into it, and clamp the facing together with bar clamps until the glue sets.
