Kitchen remodeling is a great way to add value to your home and improve its functionality. But it’s important to make sure you’re budgeting enough for the entire project.
A minor remodel typically involves cosmetic changes, like painting walls and installing a backsplash. A major remodel may include reconfiguring the kitchen layout, replacing most kitchen components and upgrading materials. Click the https://jrcsi.com/ to learn more.
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Cabinetry is a major component of most kitchens. They’re a key part of your storage solution, but also offer an opportunity to create a style statement. “Cabinets are a great way to introduce color and texture into a kitchen,” says interior designer Nicole Pierson of her namesake firm in Cleveland. Whether you go for a sleek white look or natural wood tones, there’s an abundance of cabinet styles to choose from.
Base cabinets are trending away from doors and toward drawers. This provides easier access to plates, pots and pans, utensils and plastic-ware. And, if crafted from quality materials, drawers can be durable enough to withstand daily wear and tear.
The cabinet boxes are typically constructed from MDF or plywood with a veneer finish that is stained or painted. For doors and drawer faces, there are many choices including solid wood, maple, cherry, oak and birch, as well as painted or glazed finishes. There are also many hardware options available for your drawers and doors.
During kitchen remodeling, you may decide to replace the entire cabinet system, or simply refresh your existing layout. Replacing cabinets is a major undertaking and the work should be done by professional installers. It’s important that the cabinets are precisely measured and installed to avoid cracking or warping of countertops years down the road.
If you’re working with a tight budget, you might consider cabinet refacing or resurfacing instead of replacing them completely. This approach keeps the cabinet boxes and hardware intact but adds a new laminate veneer to give your kitchen a fresh, updated look for about 50 percent less than the cost of a full replacement. You can use the saved money to upgrade your countertops and backsplash tile.
Countertops
Countertops are more than just a work surface, they add style and character to your kitchen. If your existing countertops are damaged, worn or simply outdated, they may need to be replaced during your kitchen remodeling project. When it comes to countertop replacement there are many options to choose from. Granite and quartz surfacing are popular choices that offer durability, resistance to heat and a wide selection of colors and patterns.
Other materials like tile offer a classic, rustic feel to the kitchen and can be a cost-effective option when compared to other natural stone counters. Wood countertops are another popular choice and offer both warmth visually and tangibly. Regardless of the material you choose, it is important to consider how much upkeep and maintenance you are willing to do. Stone counters will need to be sealed and require specialized cleaning care. Concrete and solid surface counters are low-maintenance options that will not need to be sealed.
If you are replacing your countertops during a kitchen remodel, make sure you have plans in place for the placement of appliances like refrigerators and stoves. These items will need to be moved so they do not interfere with the installation of your new counters. It is also a good idea to have your appliances purchased prior to installing the counters so you can be sure all of the measurements are correct.
One way to refresh your countertops without replacing them is by covering them with contact paper. There are many patterned contact paper options that mimic the look of marble and wood. This is a simple do-it-yourself project that can be reversed when you are ready for a change.
Flooring
Flooring can make or break a kitchen design and is one of the most important elements to consider during remodel. You can choose from a variety of flooring types including linoleum, vinyl, wood and tile. A new floor can bring the whole room together and create a finished look. This is also a great opportunity to add color or pattern to the kitchen with unique flooring like herringbone floors.
Kitchen floors work overtime enduring spills, steam and lots of foot traffic. It is best to select durable flooring that stands up well to moisture, staining and scratching. Hardwood is a great choice, but it can be susceptible to water damage. Laminate and engineered wood are a more durable option and are less susceptible to humidity and temperature fluctuations.
Some people prefer to lay the flooring first and then install the cabinets, this allows them to move furniture around more easily without worrying about damaging the new flooring. It may also allow for the installation of additional cabinets at a later time. Choosing to install cabinets before the flooring will require a lot of cutting in the corners and tight areas where the baseboards meet the floor.
Regardless of which approach you take, be sure to have a qualified flooring professional perform the installation. A licensed professional will ensure that the installation is done properly, and that existing cabinetry, countertops and walls are protected from damage. They can also provide options for financing your remodel. This can include a home equity loan or a line of credit, both of which are flexible and offer low rates. They can also help you to prioritize your needs and wants and develop a budget for your project.
Appliances
If you’re going for a full kitchen remodel, you will likely want to change out your appliances. This will give you the chance to get newer models with more features and better aesthetics that fit in with your overall design plan. This can be a big expense but one that will pay off in the long run by giving you a kitchen that will last for years to come.
Appliances are often the last item to be installed in a remodel, so they can be an inspiration for your other design elements. This is also a great opportunity to negotiate with retailers for bundled deals or special promotions. This can help you stay within your budget and ensure that the appliances you get are exactly what you need for your kitchen.
Upgrading your appliances will allow you to take advantage of smart technology and other modern conveniences that will make cooking easier and more enjoyable. There are a wide variety of appliances available, from standard mainstream brands that offer reliability and performance at an affordable price to high-end gourmet options that transform your kitchen into a culinary haven.
It is important to pick out your appliances before starting any work on the remodel so that you know how they will fit into your space. This will prevent sizing issues and ensure that the cabinets, countertops, and other items are built around them properly. It’s also a good idea to have the professionals handle the installation of your appliances, as they can protect them from damage and ensure that they are correctly positioned in your space. They can also help you find ways to maximize storage space, like installing a pullout pantry or a stacked refrigerator/freezer.
Lighting
Changing the kitchen’s lighting might seem like a minor change during a remodel, but it can make a major difference in how the room looks. Often times, a simple lighting rewiring can transform the look of a kitchen without the need to tear down walls or replace cabinetry.
A lot of people rely on just one ceiling-mounted fixture to light their entire kitchen. While this does work, it tends to overpower some areas while leaving others shrouded in shadow. Layering the space with multiple types of lighting helps to create a bright and visually interesting design that’s also functional.
For instance, recessed ceiling fixtures can be layered with surface-mounted lights like pendants or wall-mounted sconces to illuminate countertops and islands, while task lighting is used under cabinets and along the backsplash. In addition, LED recessed lighting is now available in a variety of styles and finishes to fit any aesthetic, and they’re cool to the touch (making them ideal if you have kids in the house).
Another way to light up a space is by using natural or artificial light sources like skylights and large windows. This not only adds a sense of openness and brightness, but it can also help to bring in fresh air.
As the kitchen becomes more of a living/gathering space for many homeowners, decorative art is being placed on the walls as well. To highlight these items, Whitehead recommends using recessed, adjustable fixtures that can be repositioned depending on the size of the artwork. This is a great idea for those who want to showcase their personal style and taste during a kitchen remodel.