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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.
Hiring a Kitchen Remodeling Contractor
Kitchen remodeling contractors specialize in all things related to the kitchen. Many offer design services to help you flesh out your vision for the new space before they build it. Read on Kitchen Remodeling Tacoma WA to learn more.
Assemble a list of potential contractors by asking friends, family, and neighbors for referrals and searching online reviews and contractor websites. Schedule an initial phone consultation and site meeting with a few top contenders to find the best fit.
The kitchen is one of the best investments homeowners can make, but it can also be one of the most frustrating. According to RE/MAX, the average ROI for a kitchen remodel runs 75 to 100 percent. A kitchen renovation is typically the largest single room project in any home, and hiring a contractor with the right experience is critical to keeping the budget, timeline and scope under control.
When looking for a contractor, ask to see samples of their work. Ideally, a kitchen remodeling contractor should have their portfolio on their website, but if not, ask to visit a completed kitchen or a construction site and review blueprints, sketches and/or plans. Look for a variety of kitchen designs, and pay special attention to the layout and the location of major features like cabinets, appliances and sinks.
Avoid contractors with limited or no project photos on their website, and steer clear of those that have significant gaps between projects. Then, ask to speak with past clients and get their feedback. Listen for how well a contractor communicates, what their schedule was like, and any other important details that can help you determine whether they’re a good fit for your kitchen remodel.
A general contractor that performs a variety of types of construction might be a good choice for your kitchen remodel, as they’ll likely have more experience than specialists in specific areas. They’ll also be able to bring their expertise to the kitchen project, including managing subcontractors and ensuring that all necessary permits are obtained and inspections passed. They’ll understand how to work with municipal inspectors, which can save you time and money. Also, general contractors might have connections with vendors that can provide discounts on kitchen products and supplies.
A kitchen remodel is one of the most important home renovation projects you can undertake. According to RE/MAX, the return on investment for a kitchen overhaul runs between 75 and 100 percent. That makes it all the more critical to only work with licensed remodeling contractors.
Licensing agencies separate the small number of bad apples from a large population of rule-abiding remodeling contractors. They do not guarantee that a contractor will do a good job, but it does give you a level of assurance that the contractor is legitimate and has been properly vetted by the state to hold a license.
In addition to licensing, look for professional association memberships that further legitimize a contractor. For example, membership in the National Kitchen and Bath Association, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry or the National Association of Home Builders shows that a contractor is committed to the highest standards for their craft.
Manhattan Center for Kitchen and Bath is a fully licensed New York remodeling contractor with an impressive portfolio of residential interiors. Their Flatiron showroom showcases a full range of American and European appliances and sophisticated kitchen finishes. They also perform complete home interior remodels and room additions.
In addition to a contractor license, the best kitchen remodel contractors carry insurance that includes personal and property damage coverage as well as worker’s compensation. The contractor should be able to provide proof of these policies, including a certificate of insurance, upon request. If they can’t or won’t, it might be time to move on.
A kitchen remodel is one of the most important—and expensive—home remodeling projects you’ll ever undertake. RE/MAX estimates that a well-renovated kitchen offers one of the highest returns on investment. But to get the results you want, it’s essential to hire a trusted kitchen remodeling contractor.
Look for a portfolio on the contractor’s website that shows a variety of kitchen renovations. Pay special attention to photos of finished projects that reflect the contractor’s skill and workmanship. Also, ask if the contractor can take you to see a completed project. Avoid contractors whose websites feature just a few kitchen projects or that have significant gaps in the timeline of the projects.
Piotraut’s team has helped countless homeowners transform their homes with elegant kitchen renovations. Their work has been featured on The Today Show and in Forbes magazine. The firm’s Manhattan showroom displays the latest kitchen materials like natural and engineered stone, stainless steel and concrete.
In addition to kitchens, the team at Gaudioso Contracting builds custom bathrooms and living rooms and specializes in room additions, cellars and apartment conversions. They’re a Better Business Bureau-accredited business and have a reputation for excellence throughout Brooklyn. The company’s Brooklyn renovation projects have been highlighted in House Beautiful, and their home improvement services extend to the Manhattan boroughs of Brooklyn and Queens as well as Nassau and Suffolk counties on Long Island.
When choosing a kitchen remodeling contractor, look for references from past clients. If the contractor cannot provide a list of satisfied customers, consider hiring someone else. Ask each reference how the contractor handled difficult situations during the project. How did they communicate problems and potential delays? The contractor should be willing to answer questions and provide a full description of the process.
A reputable company should have an online presence with a website, Facebook page and LinkedIn profile. This will help you get a better feel for the company. You should also be able to see previous projects the company has worked on. A quality kitchen remodel takes time, so be sure to choose a contractor with a track record of getting the job done in a timely fashion.
One way to find a reliable kitchen remodeling contractor is by using the online tools available to consumers. HomeAdvisor, for example, offers a free search tool that matches consumers with professionals based on ZIP code and project type. The site also features a “True Cost Guide” and a design mine that allows users to save, share and organize photos of their favorite designs.
Kitchen remodeling is a significant investment, so it is important to choose a contractor with a good reputation. A reputable company should have years of experience and a proven track record. The company should also be licensed and insured, which will protect you in case anything goes wrong during the renovation. In addition, the company should be able to provide you with a detailed quote of the total cost of the project. This will ensure there are no surprises down the road.
Kitchen remodels offer one of the best returns on home improvement investments, but you must be prepared for a lengthy disruption to your daily life. Contractors will be in and out of your house, making a mess while they work. A quality contractor will set a timeline and stick to it.
A reputable kitchen remodeling contractor will help you choose and implement the best design for your kitchen. Whether you opt for a modern, traditional, or contemporary style, they will help you maximize the space with clever design elements and features. They will also help you select color schemes, flooring options, and backsplash designs.
Klein Kitchen and Bath operates showrooms in Manhattan that display curated collections of high-end appliances, fixtures, and finishes like natural and man-made stone and cabinets. The company’s Flatiron showroom, for example, is fully operable and allows clients to get a hands-on feel for kitchen materials and design trends.
The firm’s renovations include everything from room additions and apartment conversions to kitchens, bathrooms, and custom wardrobes. They’re experts at installing European and American cabinetry, as well as creating luxurious and elegant complete home interiors, which have earned the company multiple Contractor of the Year awards from the National Association of Remodeling Industry.
The team at Gaudioso Contracting renovates kitchens in brownstones and condominiums across New York City, as well as Suffolk and Nassau counties on Long Island. Their projects have been featured in several issues of House Beautiful and the Brooklyn Homes and Living magazine. They’re Better Business Bureau-accredited and licensed to work throughout the Tri-State area. The firm’s designers will meet with you to establish your goals, then they’ll prepare a detailed proposal that includes CAD sketches and recommended products for the project.