Kitchen Remodeling And In What Order

In these uncertain financial times, more and more families are deciding to update their kitchens and baths, in lieu of moving to a new house. When remodeling your kitchen, it is more important than ever to buy quality.  If you are installing new cabinets and taking the kitchen back to the studs, then all of the items below will happen at once.   But if not, this may mean the project will happen over a period of years.  The following is a list of the suggested order in which to complete these updates:

1. NEW DOOR FRONTS - can be put on most cabinets.  This will surely change the look of the kitchen.  You can change the door color and paint the remaining boxes to match or change the style of the new door to get a more updated look.  Updated does not always mean contemporary.  Decide what your own taste styles are and express them to the designer helping with the new doors.  More contemporary will probably mean hidden hinges.  Classical or traditional cabinet doors may use small exposed butt hinges with small ball finials.  They come in a variety of metal finishes and truly make the kitchen look custom.  Beautiful hardware is a must.  Don’t be trapped into thinking they only come in limited size, shape or color.  Want to try being green?  Check out www.spectradecor.com or go very classical and make the cabinets look like furniture.  See www.LBBrass.net
2. NEW COUNTERTOPS - should be the next big improvement made in a kitchen.  Granite is the most common material these days for kitchens but don’t overlook other choices.  In our showroom we display a honed slate which catches everyone’s attention.  Go to a slate expert for this option.  Marble can be used in a kitchen, but be aware it stains and marks easily.  The same is true of conscrete.  There is a product in the market that has all the beauty of concrete but none of the negative.  www.sonomastone.com
3. CHANGE SINKS AND FAUCETS - so many options we can’t even begin to tell you them all.  The kitchen faucet is the most used plumbing fixture in the house.  Buy Quality!  One saved plumber trip will pay for it.  You have to visit with an expert showroom professional to see everything you can do in the kitchen these days.  We like to consider the sink and accessories water appliances for the kitchen.  Select a sink that is similar in size to the existing sink even though there are new tops.  The cabinet under the sink has certain size requirements that are very important in your selection.  Get a new garbage disposal now.  Don’t forget built in soap dispensers.  And if the sink is in an island, you have to put in an air switch to turn the disposal on and off without reaching under the sink.
4. APPLIANCES - the next logical choice.  Exact dimensions of what you have now, along with the existing space are mandatory.  Don’t forget to measure length & width & height.  Try to combine functions so you get more cooking and refrigeration power within the confines of the old appliances.  Think ovens that do convection and microwave cooking.  And think about one option to replace another.  Small wine coolers fit in the exact space of an old compactor.  Appliance stores that cater to design and building professionals will have the most choices and assist you in combing vendors to achieve that perfect cooking environment.
5. BACKSPLASH - sounds simple but  another messy job.  Again, so many choices.  This is the place to splurge on beautiful tile.  After the old backsplash is taken down, open up the walls.  This could be the time to add plumbing lines.  To add a pot filler over the cook top you will need a cold water line from under the sink to above the cook top.  If there are adjacent walls, this is not difficult.  You can also add a water line to the refrigerator for filtered water to your ice maker.  Or perhaps you can now add a hot European coffee maker with a direct water line.  Be sure when the new backsplashes are replaced to use beautiful metal outlet covers.  It takes it from ordinary to extraordinary.  They are available in a wide range of finishes.  www.colonialbronze.com
6. LIGHTING - contractors will have to open the ceiling.  Look for a variety of new lighting options from recessed cans to chandeliers.  Yes, chandeliers can belong in the kitchen.  Lighting changes make significant differences to how things look and how you function in the space.  There are even pot racks with lighting included to again do two things at once.  And don’t forget dimmers in the kitchen.  It gives the kitchen attitude.
7. FLOORING - finally, there is the surface below your feet.  Floors can be changed or added to. If you cook, the surface has to be forgiving for long periods of standing.  Consider wood, tile, cork, or stone.  If you choose a hard surface, consider adding throw rugs or do what the chefs do.  Add commercial rubber mats.  They can be hauled outside and hosed off after that big dinner party.  Flooring can even be heated in the kitchen to provide that warm, cozy feeling.

Kitchens are truly the heart of the home.  Update yours with quality products and enjoy it for years to come.  Consult with your realtor to see how an updated kitchen increases the value of your home.