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.
