We all know that remodeling a kitchen is harder than having it built in the first place. There are certain important things you need to consider before starting your remodeling project.
A qualified kitchen remodeling contractor will often walk you through the entire process, but it is always better to understand what you’re getting into first.
Here are our some top remodeling tips that we believe you should keep in mind:
1. Get a contractor you can “trust”.
If you can get access to a contractor who has already worked on a friend or relative’s kitchen, it is ideal. If not, it is important for you to qualify a contractor to ensure that they are trustworthy.
Asking samples of their work along with references that you can call and check with helps in establishing ‘trust’ with the contractor.
2. Consider the three basic and important functions of your kitchen.
Before you start your remodeling project, you need to keep in mind what the purpose of your kitchen is: most kitchens primarily serve as storage for food and preparation space.
This means that your kitchen once remodeled should serve it’s primary function without any hinderances. You should never compromise on the primary function of your kitchen and allow ample storage space for materials as well as working space for cooking.
3. Employ the “work triangle” in your design.
The ‘work triangle’ ensures that the three most used components (stove, skin and refrigerator) are arranged in a triangular fashion to save time while preparing food.
4. Try to put more than one work center.
This way, there are other people in your household who can work efficiently in your kitchen.
Whether its for a party, simple gathering or just a special night with the family, this can be very convenient in the long run. It can also be as simple as having a separate service island or self-standing chopping block.
5. Consider space-saving built-in appliances.
This is an excellent idea for those who only have a small space allotted for the kitchen. Examples are: a dishwasher, trash compactor and a garbage disposal.
6. Have more storage compartments.
To avoid all that clutter, have more built-in storage compartments or cabinets. These cabinets don’t have to be placed in the floor. To save space, they can hang from the walls. Use even the corners. As much as you can, use up every possible space.
7. Use moderately-priced vinyl for the flooring.
Since the kitchen is a high traffic area and there is a possibly for it to get wet most of the time, it is best to use vinyl instead of wood or tile. Wood wont look that good after several soakings in water while ceramic tiles can be slippery at times.
Moreover, wood and tile both are a lot more expensive than vinyl!
8. Employ task lighting.
Yes, task lighting is no longer confined to bedrooms and living rooms. To save energy, consider task lighting on the frequently used areas of the kitchen like in the service area and the sink.
9. Have more windows.
If its possible, having more windows in your kitchen is better so all the smoke and smell can easily go out. You can save money since you no longer need to use the exhaust every time you use the kitchen.
10. Work on a theme.
To keep things organized and in perspective, you need to have a theme for your kitchen. This way, you wont have a hard time thinking about which decor or appliance would suit your kitchen. Whether you want to go classical, modern, retro or floral, having a theme can save you time and energy.
This guest post has been contributed by Aaron from Plumbers Phoenix who specializes in Garbage Disposal Repair Phoenix.
Don’t underestimate the importance of having plenty of storage and cabinet space. It is nice to have a good deal of workspace, but don’t give up too much of your storage space to achieve it.
I agree that wood is not a floor you want in a kitchen. If refrigerator water line breaks floor is ruined and same goes for leaking dish washr. I wonder why wood floors are the rage right now for a kitchen. Are designers more worried about look than actualy use and function. Maybe they know thy will be back to do a new floor in a few years. same goes for a bathroom never have a real wood floor.