Tag: home renovation

The Benefits of Kitchen Remodeling

Home Improvement No Comments
Kitchen Remodel

Kitchen Remodeling Atlanta can be a great way to upgrade your kitchen and improve its functionality. However, it’s essential to plan carefully and consider your goals.Kitchen Remodel

The first step of any kitchen remodeling project is to establish a budget. This can help you avoid spending more than you need to and save money on the items you genuinely want.

The kitchen is one of the most used areas in any home, so it’s important to make sure your appliances are working properly. Upgrading your appliances can help to ensure that they’re working at full capacity and that they’re not using up too much energy. This can save you money on your energy bills and help to reduce your carbon footprint.

Upgrading your appliances can also help to give your kitchen a more modern aesthetic. If you’re using a basic dishwasher and stove, upgrading to something that has a more contemporary look can give your kitchen a nice upgrade. Plus, many of the newer appliances are designed with technology that can help to simplify your life. For example, a high-end refrigerator may have a built-in water dispenser or an automatic sensing system that can detect when you’re approaching the fridge and turn on the lights for you.

If you’re planning on selling your home in the future, upgrading your appliances can also help to add value to your home. Potential buyers will be drawn in by the updated looks and innovative features of your new appliances. So, if you’re looking to add some extra value to your home, consider upgrading your appliances during your next kitchen remodeling project.

When choosing your new appliances, it’s important to consider their dimensions. You don’t want to end up with appliances that won’t fit in your existing cutouts or spaces. In addition, it’s always a good idea to choose appliances that are easy to clean and maintain.

Another thing to keep in mind when shopping for new appliances is that there are many different styles and brands available. So, you’ll be able to find something that fits both your budget and your taste.

If you’re planning on hiring a general contractor for your kitchen remodeling project, they should be able to provide suggestions and even plan sketches as part of their bid. This will help you to clarify your ideas and get a better sense of what the project will entail. You can also ask friends and family members for recommendations or visit showrooms to browse the options.

Adding More Storage Space

The kitchen is one of the most popular areas in a home to remodel, and for good reason. It’s a chance to make the space truly your own with colors, storage and capabilities that fit your lifestyle and preferences. Plus, it’s a great way to add value to your home.

However, it’s also easy to get carried away with ideas that aren’t practical or don’t add any real value. Trying to do too much can end up making your kitchen unusable, or worse, force you to do another remodel sooner than you might have expected. Here are a few things to keep in mind when planning your kitchen remodeling project:

If you’re adding more cabinets, it’s important to consider how much storage space you will actually need. It’s easy to underestimate how much food, cookware, appliances and other items you’ll need to store. Also, be sure to include some room for storing decorative items, such as glassware and special occasion dishes.

It’s important to work with a design-build contractor who can help you maximize your storage space and create a functional layout. For example, if you want to include an island in your kitchen remodel, they can help you size it properly so that it’s not too big or too small for the available space.

Another thing to consider is how well your kitchen will function in the future, especially if you plan to live in your house for a long time. Failing to incorporate accessibility features like wider paths, lowered countertops or adjustable shelving may result in your kitchen becoming impractical as your family grows and ages.

Kitchen remodels can be an excellent investment for your home, but it’s crucial to do the research and plan your project carefully. A professional can help you avoid common kitchen remodeling mistakes that can cost you both time and money in the long run. If you’re ready to start designing your dream kitchen, contact a local kitchen design specialist today! Sea Pointe Design & Remodel is an Orange County kitchen design company that has been helping homeowners remodel their homes for over two decades.

Creating a Contemporary Aesthetic

Creating a contemporary aesthetic in your kitchen doesn’t have to be a difficult task, nor does it need to cost the earth. There are plenty of affordable kitchen design ideas that can help you achieve this look, while also enhancing your home’s value and appeal in the process.

One of the most common characteristics of contemporary kitchen design is clean lines. Slab-style cabinetry, for example, offers a sleek appearance that contributes to the modern feel of a room, while also allowing other elements – like metallic hardware or a patterned backsplash – to stand out and add visual interest. Similarly, flat-panel doors and minimally textured walls can help give a room a more modern feel without sacrificing functionality.

Limiting the color palette is another key element of achieving a contemporary aesthetic. White and neutral colors are popular in contemporary designs, as they instantly brighten a space and create an airy, open feeling. However, if you are looking to make a more dramatic impact, consider incorporating black into your kitchen design. From countertops to cabinets, black finishes can be a striking statement and are sure to catch the eye of anyone who enters your kitchen.

Marble or limestone worktops are a stunning addition to any kitchen, bringing natural textures and hues into the room without overwhelming it with busy patterns and colors. Marble and limestone also bounce light around the room, further enhancing the sense of space and bringing a touch of luxury to your kitchen.

Using colored tiles is a great way to inject personality into a contemporary kitchen while still sticking to a limited color palette. Whether it’s a bold geometric pattern or a mosaic of rich hues, these colorful accents can help add depth and character to a room.

If you’re interested in embracing a more contemporary aesthetic but are unsure where to start, consider upgrading your countertop. Quartz countertops are a popular choice for contemporary kitchens because they offer an elegant and polished look. They also come in a wide variety of colors, so you can find the perfect option to suit your style.

Adding Value to Your Home

A new kitchen can boost your home’s value, allowing you to sell it faster and for more money. However, you should be cautious about over-customizing your remodel. If you overspend, it may limit your potential home-buying audience and make it more difficult to recoup your investment in the future.

The type of kitchen remodeling you choose depends on your goals and budget. For example, you can add value by installing smart appliances or energy-efficient windows. You can also create a more modern aesthetic by changing your cabinetry or backsplash. Alternatively, you can save money by using less expensive materials or refinishing your existing cabinets.

You can also increase your home’s value by making it more accessible. For example, you can install an entry door that opens wide for wheelchair access or install a kitchen island that’s easy to move around in. If you’re unsure about which upgrades will add the most value to your home, consult a real estate expert for advice.

What’s the difference between a renovation and a remodel? A remodel is a dramatic transformation that can transform a cramped galley kitchen into an open-concept space with a large island. A full kitchen remodel can also include expanding the room, removing walls and moving electrical and plumbing fixtures. It requires a bigger budget than a renovation and often requires professional design and construction services.

While upgrading your kitchen with custom features like a walk-in wine cellar or custom cabinets is a great way to increase your home’s resale value, you should avoid over-customizing. Overly personalized features can limit your potential home-buying audience and reduce the number of interested parties. In addition, overly custom features may be difficult to maintain and will require frequent repairs or replacements.

You can also add value to your home by replacing outdated kitchen appliances with high-efficiency models. A new refrigerator or dishwasher can be a cost-effective way to upgrade your kitchen and improve its energy efficiency. Choosing ENERGY STAR-certified appliances can also help you save on your utility bills. If you’re unsure how to finance your remodel, you can always consider a personal loan. This type of loan does not use your home as collateral and can provide a lower interest rate than secured loans.

How to Plan a Successful Kitchen Remodel

Kitchen Services No Comments
Kitchen Remodel

A well-planned kitchen remodel can make your go-to room a happier place to be. It also can boost resale value and improve your health by encouraging home-cooked meals and social interaction with friends and family.Kitchen Remodel

Before swinging the sledgehammer, know which walls are load-bearing and which can be removed. Ornate woodwork and pilasters add costs, while a simple layout and lower-end appliances save on labor. Visit https://www.kitchenremodelsandiegocal.com/ to learn more.

If your kitchen layout doesn’t work for you, a remodel may be the best solution. If you want to add a window for more lighting, turn your cramped galley kitchen into an open-concept space or just change the way things are placed, it’s time for a remodel. A remodel is more involved than a simple refresh, which just changes cosmetic elements such as paint and accessories.

Before any construction starts, you need to decide whether a full remodel is what you really want. Determine what you need your remodeled kitchen to do and compare that to the looks of a new one. For example, if you have heavy grease build-up in your cabinets, a new kitchen may be necessary to make cleaning easier. Also consider resale value. If you plan to sell your house in the near future, a modern or updated kitchen can significantly increase its appeal.

A large kitchen remodel follows a different path than a small or mid-size project. In this case, demolition usually begins with removing the cabinets and countertop (and sink) to expose the structural framing. Then it’s a matter of changing partition walls, adding or removing windows and potentially upgrading the home’s service panel to accommodate new electrical circuits, including those needed for appliances. Utility work can include rerouting plumbing and installing new HVAC ducts.

This stage is followed by the insulation, drywall and painting process and then kitchen flooring installation. This is when the real transformation takes place and your kitchen begins to look like a kitchen again. Before the final touches are put on, it’s important to set up a temporary kitchen somewhere else in the house. A dorm-sized refrigerator and microwave plus a grill can make cooking during your kitchen’s construction period much more bearable.

Countertops

The countertops in your kitchen are a major focal point and make a huge impression. Choosing the right style and material will help you achieve your design vision while maintaining durability. Whether you opt for natural stone or synthetic materials like quartz, there are many options for both traditional and modern kitchens. You may also want to consider unique & fun designs such as waterfall countertops, an integrated sink or even an accent wall made from a different countertop material!

Backsplashes, which sit on the wall typically behind a countertop, are another popular option. There are many different kinds of tile, including ceramic and stone, as well as laminate. It’s important to decide which is best for you, taking into account cost, durability, stain- and scratch-resistance, as well as ease of maintenance.

When it comes to installing your backsplash, it’s always better to do so after the counters are installed. This helps ensure that the seams between the counters and backsplash are as neat as possible, so you don’t end up with a mess that looks sloppy or is difficult to clean.

There are two main types of granite counters: slab and prefabricated. Slab is the traditional and more expensive choice, while prefabricated counters are cheaper. The difference is that slab counters must be cut to size, while prefabricated ones come in a standard one-size-fits-all format that’s usually sold at home improvement stores and kitchen showrooms.

Other countertop options include concrete, marble, and wood. Concrete is a heavy material that requires professional installation, while marble can be vulnerable to stains without proper sealing. Wood counters offer a rustic charm but require regular oiling to prevent drying and cracking. Another popular option is plastic laminate, which consists of a thin material adhered to particle board substrates. Laminate is usually available at lumberyards and home centers in 2×4-foot or 4×8-foot sheets, although larger and more customized sizes can be special ordered.

Cabinets

Cabinets make up 30% to 40% of the kitchen’s overall cost. They also add significant value to your home. Upgrading the cabinetry to include more storage options is one way to increase the value of your kitchen. Whether you opt for custom, refaced or repainted cabinets, be sure to choose quality materials that can stand up to wear and tear in the kitchen. The most popular choice is wood, but it’s not the only option. Other durable materials include particleboard, engineered wood, melamine and thermal-fused thermofoil.

If your existing cabinetry is in good shape but the style is outdated, consider painting them. This is a labor-intensive, but doable DIY project that costs significantly less than replacing them. Or, for a more contemporary look, you can remove the doors from upper cabinets to create open shelving.

Choosing the right countertops is another way to make your kitchen remodel more attractive. Quartz comes in a variety of colors and looks, many of which convincingly mimic the natural variegation of marble and limestone. These surfaces are also hygienic and durable, making them a great choice for the kitchen.

It’s a good idea to plan ahead and create a budget for your kitchen remodel before you begin work. That will help you avoid running into unexpected expenses, which can add up quickly. It’s important to include everything in your budget that you want to accomplish in the kitchen, including appliances, flooring and lighting. It’s also a good idea to set aside money for any potential problems that may arise during the remodel, such as water damage or structural issues.

Appliances

The appliances in your kitchen have a significant effect on the design and functionality of the room. During a remodel, you have the opportunity to choose new appliances that fit in with your new design and suit your lifestyle. Depending on the scope of your remodel, you may also want to invest in energy-efficient models that will help you save money and protect the environment.

The choice of appliances is important, but it’s equally important to consider the aesthetics of your kitchen. The sides, mount and style of your sink, for example, can dramatically affect the way your kitchen looks.

Once you have your blueprint, style and budget figured out, it’s time to start shopping for appliances. You’ll find that there are a variety of options available for every budget, from a stainless steel fridge to a gas range.

It’s helpful to start your search with a professional that can help you navigate the process and choose quality appliances. They will be able to answer your questions and give you insight into how the products work in a real-life setting. They can also provide insights into the best features to look for as you shop.

While it may be tempting to buy a used appliance, it’s important to remember that old appliances can have hidden issues that can lead to safety risks. For example, an older stove might have rust or corrosion, and it’s unlikely to be up to current fire and electrical codes. Likewise, older dishwashers might have leaks and cracks that aren’t visible to the naked eye. By purchasing new appliances, you can be sure that your kitchen is safe and functional for years to come.

Lighting

In addition to illuminating the workspace, lighting also adds aesthetic value to your kitchen. “As people entertain more at home, they want the kitchen to be the center of attention,” Randall says. “A great way to do that is with a jaw-dropping pendant light.”

Under-cabinet lights are another great option, and there are several styles to consider. All-in-one linear, modular linear (with power connected to each fixture in a process called daisy chaining), surface mount puck and recessed mount puck fixtures are all good choices. Some options are even available in LED, which offers increased energy efficiency and long-life.

Ceiling-mount pendants are a popular option, too. Whitehead notes that, as the kitchen becomes more of a gathering space for homeowners and smart storage provides more wall space, homeowners are placing canvases, framed art and other pieces in their kitchens—and utilizing recessed, adjustable fixtures to highlight them.

For more storage, add drawers in place of standard shelves in lower base cabinets. Not only will they offer more storage, but they can be easier to access and keep organized than basic shelving.

Appliances are the other big-ticket item in a kitchen, and they’re also something homeowners often want to upgrade. While gaining more counter and cabinet space is a common reason for kitchen remodels, be sure you understand the costs associated with expanding your kitchen to make room for larger appliances and if it’s going to affect the overall layout or require moving gas piping or heating/cooling ductwork.

If a bigger kitchen isn’t in your budget, a simple refresh may be all you need to create an updated look. This could include new knobs, dividers or pull-out pan racks that give your cabinets a custom look without the cost of replacing everything.

The Elements of Kitchen Remodeling

Home Improvement No Comments
Kitchen Remodeling

If you’re unhappy with your kitchen’s overall look and functionality, a remodel is likely in order. This will likely involve significant construction tasks like removing walls (potentially load-bearing), adding or changing windows, and moving plumbing lines and HVAC ductwork.Kitchen Remodeling

The key to a successful Kitchen Remodeling Tacoma WA is planning. This will ensure smooth traffic flow, a sensible layout, and easy access to all functionalities.

Cabinets are the bones of the kitchen, providing storage for all your cookware, dishes, and food. They come in a wide variety of styles and sizes and can be customized with various interior components for added functionality.

Base cabinets are the most common type of cabinet and typically rest on the floor. They can be stacked two or more deep and are available in widths of 18 inches, 24 inches, and 30 inches. They can be fitted with drawers, shelves, and specialty units for extra storage space.

Wall cabinets are mounted to the walls, usually above the base cabinets and typically 12 inches deep. They can be hung vertically or horizontally. They can be fitted with drawers and shelves and can also include specialized spaces for appliances and trash bins.

Kitchen cabinets can be built from wood or other materials like particle board and MDF (medium density fiberboard). Solid wood choices are stronger and more durable, but expensive. MDF and particleboard are more affordable, but have lower tolerances for levelness.

To ensure that cabinet backs are flush with the wall, use a level to mark reference lines on the wall. One line should be 48 inches off the floor, and the other will indicate where the top of the base cabinet will sit. It’s important to keep this line accurate, as the base cabinets will rest over it.

Countertops

One of the most visible elements in a kitchen, countertops might be the first thing a visitor notices. They are one of the few surfaces that run continuously across the entire room and can help tie the design together.

Granite countertops continue to be a popular choice for homeowners due to its natural composition and beautiful colors. Each piece of granite is different, giving it a unique appearance. Marble is another popular countertop option that is known for its dramatic veining and rich color. Both are a good match with wood cabinetry.

Porcelain counters are gaining in popularity as they are non-porous and won’t absorb leftover food and germs. They are extremely hygienic and come in a wide range of colors and patterns to suit any style.

Concrete countertops are another customizable option. They can be dyed any color and poured into custom shapes. They can also be inlaid with materials like broken tiles or sea shells to create a unique look.

Regardless of which material you select for your countertops, it is important to take accurate measurements of the countertop area to ensure that the new counters will fit correctly. Once the counters are cut, it is a good idea to do a dry fit before installing them. This will allow you to see how they look and make sure that the mitered corners are lined up properly.

Flooring

Flooring is one of the most important elements in a kitchen remodel. It creates the ambiance of the room and can make or break the overall look. It’s also a great way to add a pop of color or accentuate any unique architectural features. Whether your kitchen is rustic and country-style or cutting-edge modern, there is a floor that will match.

Hardwood floors are timeless and classic, adding an instant level of elegance to any kitchen. They are also soft on the feet, making them a comfortable choice for chefs who spend long hours on their feet. Additionally, hardwood floors can flow seamlessly into the hardwood in adjacent rooms to create a cohesive design.

Other popular kitchen flooring options include concrete, cork and bamboo. Concrete is durable, and can be stained to look like wood or tile. It’s also environmentally friendly, and is less expensive than most other flooring options. Cork is another eco-friendly option that provides a soft, springy feel underfoot while offering impressive durability. It’s a great choice for busy kitchens and absorbs sound well.

Many homeowners prefer to put down their new floors first, because they can cover up construction anomalies such as short appliances and out-of-level countertops. It’s also easy to install plywood risers underneath cabinets, which can bring them up to a standard countertop height without disrupting the finished appearance of the floors.

Backsplash

A backsplash is the icing on the cake, the cherry on top of your kitchen remodel. While it won’t have the same financial impact as your countertops or appliances, it can enhance your kitchen’s style and create a cohesive look, which is important to your home’s overall value.

Backsplashes protect walls from heat, moisture, grease, food splatter, and other debris that might damage the surface behind the sink or stove. They are often installed as a tile-based feature and can be designed to add a visual element to the room or even cover an entire wall space.

When deciding on the material for your backsplash, consider how it will coordinate with your countertop and cabinetry. For example, a shiny ceramic tile backsplash would work best in a modern kitchen while a dark stone or stainless steel backsplash may add a more rustic feel.

It’s also important to consider the size of your kitchen and the color palette you’re using when designing a new backsplash. For example, light-colored tiles can visually widen the space while dark hues will make it feel warmer.

Plumbing

If you’re transforming your kitchen, it’s likely that your plumbing will need to be rerouted to match the new layout. This can be a complicated task and it’s usually best left to the professionals. Rerouting can affect the location of sinks, faucets, and other fixtures. It can also change how your appliances are connected to the water line. The plumber will work hand-in-hand with the contractor to ensure that all changes are made efficiently and safely.

A remodeling project is a great time to upgrade your pipes. Old piping can cause leaks and problems with your appliances. Modern piping made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is more durable and less likely to cause leaks. It is also easier to install and less prone to corrosion. If you’re replacing your piping, it’s a good idea to invest in new water hoses. They are flexible and more resilient than traditional hoses, which means they will not kink or rupture under pressure.

Kitchen remodels often include adding features that weren’t present in the original kitchen. Some examples of these include entertainment or bar sinks, dishwashers, and refrigerator ice makers. A professional can help you choose the right sized pipes for these additions and run the necessary water lines. They can also help you meet any local regulations regarding low-flow faucets or other guidelines. Adding attractive supply stops to the new pipes is a simple way to enhance their appearance in your kitchen. SharkBite offers a variety of these supplies, including angle stops, straight stops and tee stops, all with push-to-connect inlets.

Electrical

The kitchen is one of the home’s most electrically intensive rooms. The electrical wiring in this space will need to be brought up to the highest standards.

This may include upgrading the home’s service panel (breaker box), adding a subpanel or bringing existing receptacles up to current code standards. It will also likely involve modifying or extending the kitchen’s existing circuits to accommodate additional lighting, plug-in outlets, and new appliances.

Kitchen electrical circuits differ from other areas of the house in that they must be GFCI and AFCI-protected to prevent fire and electrocution. In addition, most kitchen circuits are required to have a dedicated 15-amp, 120/240-volt power point for the kitchen lighting. Outlets serving countertop appliances should also be GFCI-protected to prevent shock and electrocution.

The most common wiring problems arise from outdated and overloaded circuits. The best way to determine how many circuits a kitchen needs is by drawing up an electrical diagram. This will help the remodeler and homeowner identify any problem areas.

If you’re not comfortable with this step, it’s best to hire a professional. He or she will be able to help you create a plan that meets your needs and increases the value of your home. The kitchen is a vital part of your home, and the right electrical wiring will ensure that it’s safe for cooking and entertaining. Moreover, it will increase the longevity of your appliances and keep them running smoothly.

Proudly powered by WordPress & Skyrocket Themes

MENU

Navigation