Kitchen Remodeling In Richmond VA adds value to your home and can improve efficiency, storage, and flow. It also offers a chance to try new styles or update outdated ones, such as converting a peninsula into an island for better traffic control.
A major remodel involves modifying partition walls, borrowing space from adjacent rooms, and adding an addition. This work requires structural changes and can be dangerous for homeowners to do themselves.
Cabinetry is one of the biggest investments during kitchen remodeling, and upgrading your cabinets significantly impacts the look and feel of the whole room. You can change the look and feel of your builder’s basic cabinetry in several ways, from adding interior fittings to changing the hardware.
Replacing cabinet doors is a great way to make an instant transformation. Many options are available, from sleek and modern designs to ornate classic doors. You can also choose a material other than wood, such as solid-surface materials or melamine. These materials are durable and easy to clean, making them a good choice for kitchens.
Another way to change your cabinetry is by installing a new backsplash. This can protect your walls from food splatters and spills and add color and style to the space. It’s a simple and affordable upgrade that can make your kitchen feel fresh and new.
While refacing is typically the most cost-effective option for cabinet upgrades, replacing your cabinets may be necessary in some situations. This is particularly true if your cabinet boxes have been damaged somehow. Minor damage may be able to be repaired, but it’s often better to replace them completely.
If you want a more dramatic cabinet remodel, consider removing the doors of your upper cabinets to create open shelving. This can make your space feel more airy and relaxed, providing easy access to frequently used items. You can install a backsplash or decorative molding to make your open shelving look more finished. You can hang your upper cabinets higher and add shelving underneath for a more permanent solution.
Countertops are a focal point in any kitchen and can completely change the room’s look. Choosing a countertop material is a big decision that should be based on several factors, including style, durability, and maintenance requirements.
Granite countertops are a classic choice that can endure years of wear and tear and still look great. They are heat, scratch, and stain-resistant and come in various colors and patterns to suit any design aesthetic. Marble countertops are also a popular option that adds elegance to any space. However, these natural stones are less durable than granite and require regular resealing to keep them water-resistant.
Quartz surfacing has become a popular choice because it offers the beauty of natural stone with more durability. This material is made from quartz crystals bound with resins, and it can be manufactured in an almost endless variety of color and pattern options. Some varieties of quartz even mimic the appearance of natural materials like marble and wood, making them a good fit for any kitchen design.
Stainless steel countertops are another popular kitchen remodeling update. They have a sleek, modern look and are heat- and stain-resistant. However, they can be noisier than other countertop materials and are susceptible to scratches.
A new backsplash and a countertop upgrade make a difference when it comes to a kitchen remodel. Plan enough storage space in your cabinets to accommodate your cookware and appliances, including tall stock pots, cookie sheets, and cutting boards. This will ensure that your beautiful new kitchen is fully functional.
The appliances in your kitchen can make or break your overall design. If you’re upgrading to a new refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave, or oven during your remodel, remember how they’ll impact the overall aesthetic of your space. Many appliance companies offer various finishes and styles to match your cabinets, backsplash, or countertop. Getting a designer to help you choose the right appliance for your kitchen is an excellent idea. These professionals can take measurements for you and help you determine what size appliances fit into your space and what options are available. They can even give you a list of recommended brands and models.
It’s also worth upgrading your appliances to complement your new kitchen’s design and style. For example, stainless steel appliances have long been a standard in kitchens, but now, several appliances come in other colors and finishes to suit your décor. In addition, some appliances are designed to look like part of your cabinetry so that they blend seamlessly into your space. And, as an added benefit, some appliances are energy efficient and can save you money on your utility bills.
Another easy way to update your appliances is by replacing their hardware. This is a quick and inexpensive project that can have a big impact on your kitchen’s look. The key is to choose knobs and handles that are a similar finish as your cabinets so that they create a cohesive look in the space. This is a simple project that can easily be completed by yourself or with the help of a contractor.
Whether they’re functional necessities or stylish accents, your fixtures can make or break the look of your kitchen. They’re also subjected to a lot of wear and tear, so you want to choose ones that will last. Thankfully, modern fixtures in various colors and finishes complement any kitchen style.
One kitchen remodel idea that can make a huge impact is to upgrade your lighting fixtures. Having the right light is essential for any kitchen, and it’s easy to overlook during a remodel. It’s important to consider all the ways you’ll use your kitchen during a remodeling project so that your new lighting scheme is functional and meets all your needs.
Ambient lighting is necessary; you can install flush mount or recessed ceiling lights to brighten the room. Task lighting is needed for detailed work like cooking or cleaning. You can install linear track lighting on the ceiling (typically over a bar or island), under-cabinet lights for your countertops, and hood range lights over the stove.
Accent lighting can highlight artwork or other design features in your kitchen. You can add recessed, adjustable lighting to showcase your favorite framed art or canvasses in the kitchen.
During your kitchen remodel, you should also take the time to upgrade your cabinet hardware. You’ll use the hardware on your cabinet doors to open and close them, so it must work smoothly. If you still need to do so, consider adjusting the swinging direction of your cabinet doors so that they open and close evenly. You should also be sure to measure your cabinets before you buy the handles, knobs, and hinges so that you know they’ll fit.
When remodeling a kitchen, the flooring is often one of the first things that needs replacing. This can range from a simple facelift that includes painting and new hardware to a full renovation requiring everything to be stripped down to the studs. Regardless of the size of the project, it is important to plan for flooring upgrades and find a contractor who will work with you to get the desired results.
When the structural changes are complete, it’s time to start on the utilities. This may include changing or adding electrical wiring, piping, and ductwork. Licensed plumbers and electricians usually do this and should be left to them unless you are experienced at this type of work.
Next up comes insulation, drywall, and paint. This is when you will see the kitchen becoming what it is supposed to be. During this phase, it is important to hang plastic sheets over doorways to keep dust from spreading into other parts of the house and to protect appliances and cabinets from being damaged by the construction crews working on them.
Putting down floors before installing cabinets has some advantages, but it also has some drawbacks. The biggest disadvantage is that you’ll spend much money on flooring that will remain hidden under the cabinetry. One way to solve this problem is to install plywood risers, which add extra thickness to the floor and can be a pain to remove later if you change your kitchen footprint.
Choosing durable materials like porcelain tile or natural stone will help your floors last for years and resist moisture and stains. Another great option is waterproof vinyl, which can withstand wear and tear.
