Renovating or remodeling your kitchen can increase the value of your property drastically. The kitchen is the hub of any household serving as an informal dining area, a place where family members congregate for a meal, a cooking area and is a very important part of the house. It is perhaps one of the most used rooms in the house and so special care should be taken when remodeling a kitchen because you don't want to leave any room for mistakes, kitchen remodeling is an expensive and time consuming remodeling project.
Before starting on your kitchen renovation, you'll have to decide whether you'd like to hire a professional or do it yourself. You will also have to calculate what you'd like done and how much it will cost. Keep in mind any subcontracting work that may arise such as electrical work and plumbing when planning your budget. HandyAmerican.com has many free articles and resources to help you with this, including a comprehensive list of highly rated and reputable contractors.
Tip 1 - Materials
Always use high quality materials when redesigning or updating your kitchen. Never cut corners with choosing the materials for your kitchen cabinets and accessories or you may experience problems along the road. Choosing good quality hinges and drawer slides ensures that your cabinets and drawers won't fall apart or become jammed with use. Wood veneer is longer lasting and more durable than laminate, melamine or MDF for your cabinet interiors.
Tip 2 - Measuring for Cabinet Height
If you have low ceilings, not higher than 8 feet for example, you should select cabinets that go all the way to the ceiling which will increase your storage space and look neater and more attractive. If your ceilings are higher than 8 feet then leave 15 to 20 inches above the cabinets.
Tip 3 - To Paint or Not to Paint
The choice of whether to paint or stain rests entirely on your preferences but keep in mind that although staining is easier to do, it's hard to change once you get bored of it. Staining also dates quicker than paint. Painting can also reflect your sense of personality in your kitchen.
Tip 4 - Selecting Countertops
When choosing your countertops try to select something that not only looks good, but is also practical and easy to maintain. Marble is elegant but expensive and care should be taken to choose sealed marble so it doesn't absorb fluids. Laminate and soapstone counter tops are easy to clean and come in a variety of color choices.
Tip 5 - Installing an Island
Try to avoid choosing a bulky island in the middle of the kitchen. Kitchen islands should be practical and shouldn't be encumbered by too many appliances. It should be practical yet neat. Ideally your kitchen island shouldn't take away from your kitchen's airy and open look.
Tip 6 - Lighting
Proper lighting can truly transform a kitchen. Decide whether you'd like recessed or direct lighting or a combination of both. Decide which areas will benefit from the most light, such as working surfaces, and try to plan your kitchen's lighting to be functional as well as attractive.
Tip 7 - Keeping Your Kitchen Low Maintenance
Textured surfaces such as brick, terra cotta, slate and tumbled marble may be attractive but are maintenance nightmares. White laminate floors and countertops may look attractive but require constant cleaning so try to choose materials that are attractive but easy to maintain to avoid having to constantly clean your kitchen. Stainless steel is very fashionable in kitchens but keeping it smudge free is hard work.
Tip 8 - Appliances
Unless you're a professional cook or require specialized cooking appliances, it's always best to keep your appliances and gadgets simple. A good quality stainless steel range is attractive and functional without encumbering your kitchen as separate wall ovens and stoves would.
Tip 9 - Incorporate a Dining Area
If space allows, try to incorporate a dining area or breakfast corner for casual dining.
Tip 10 - Adding Interest
Your kitchen should ultimately reflect your sense of style and personality. Don't copy something you saw in a magazine or showroom without considering the fact that this will be your kitchen for years to come and should reflect your taste.
Try to research your kitchen remodeling project thoroughly before beginning on it. For HandyCanadian.com offer many informative resources on kitchen remodeling as well as important information on how to choose the right contractor for your project.
Posted by: TrustedPros
