When considering a kitchen remodel it’s important to define your goals. Your contractor can help with this during your consultation.
Make sure your budget covers all of the must-have features you want to see in your new kitchen. For example, framed mirrors are a great way to open up the space and can be cheaper than new windows. Contact Kitchen Remodeling Tacoma WA now!
Cabinets are the heart of any kitchen and can have a major impact on your room’s overall design. Replacing them may be part of your kitchen remodel, but simply rearranging cabinets can also give the space a new identity. Whether you’re going for a bold color makeover or simply want to add more storage, there are several ways to update your cabinets without blowing your budget.
Many homeowners opt to simply reface their existing cabinets rather than replace them entirely. Suitable for DIYers or a professional crew, refacing involves applying adhesive-backed veneer to the cabinets’ surfaces. This gives them a fresh look at a fraction of the cost of replacing them.
The carcass of a cabinet is usually made from wood, although less expensive options such as MDF and particleboard are often covered with melamine or thermofoil to avoid costly replacement in the future. The surface of the cabinet can be finished with paint or a clear finish such as lacquer to match your decor.
You can also add additional cabinets to your kitchen, using wall spaces that currently contain bare studs or other unfinished elements. In addition to increasing your storage capacity, adding upper cabinets can provide a workspace that is separate from the cooking area for tasks like paperwork and meal planning. You can even turn empty wall space into a pantry by installing shelves. Organizing your cabinets can also increase efficiency by creating designated zones for supplies, food and work tools. For example, you can use a wall cabinet as a pantry by adding a shelf and removing the doors, or you could turn an upper cabinet into a desk by adding a countertop and some shelving.
Countertops
Countertops are one of the most visible elements in any kitchen. They’re also the hardest working and must endure an onslaught of sharp objects, hot cooking utensils, liquids, food and cleaning products. So it’s no surprise that they can be a source of frustration when they get damaged or worn out. Replacing your countertops is a great way to refresh the look of your entire kitchen and, in many cases, improve functionality.
When choosing countertops, consider your personal design aesthetic. Quartz, solid surface and granite countertops are popular choices that create a modern and minimalist feel. Marble and tile can add a traditional and high-end vibe to your kitchen, while wood and copper can create an eclectic or cottage-core style.
Laminate countertops are often the most budget-friendly option, and they’re available in a wide array of patterns. However, because they’re made from sheets of material glued together, laminate can be susceptible to bubbling, crazing and other damage, which can be costly to repair or replace.
If your current countertop is in good condition but just needs a facelift, adding a backsplash (UK: upstand) is an inexpensive and easy way to breathe new life into it. Besides protecting walls from splashes and spills, backsplashes can be an attractive feature in their own right by using different materials, colors, textures and patterns. They’re also a smart choice for those who want to keep the same basic look of their kitchen but add an element of fun or personality. They’re also an effective alternative to tile or natural stone backsplashes, which can be more expensive.
Flooring
While some people are capable of replacing countertops, installing a backsplash and re-doing their cabinets on their own, a full kitchen remodel is often best left to professionals. This is especially true for projects that involve plumbing or electrical work.
A full kitchen remodel may be cosmetic or structural, ranging from simple upgrades of surfaces and appliances to major renovations that can take your kitchen right down to the studs and rebuild it. It may even include knocking down walls to open the space or integrating it into other living areas for an open-concept design.
One of the most important aspects of any kitchen remodeling project is laying down new floors. A professional can install laminate, vinyl or wood flooring, all of which are durable and easy to clean. Hardwood floors are also a major selling point to potential buyers. Realtors estimate that homeowners can recoup 118% of their investment on new hardwood floors and 147% for refinishing existing ones.
Once the floors are installed, cabinets and countertop installation can proceed. Then, backsplash tile and other wall treatments can go in. Finally, appliances can go in, but since they usually slide into cabinet and countertop spaces, this is usually done after the cabinets are in place.
While it’s tempting to make many bold design choices – from a colorful floor tile to an interesting backsplash pattern – limit them to one or two elements. Overdoing it can overwhelm the room and look chaotic instead of upscale. To create a cohesive look, choose paint colors that coordinate with the floor and backsplash tiles. Then add decorative hardware and window treatments for the finishing touches. This will ensure a smooth and professional finish.
Plumbing
The first step in a kitchen renovation is to decide on the scope of the project, which Ariana Lovato, owner of Honeycomb Design in Shell Beach, California calls “the planning stage.” This can range from a minor cosmetic refresh to a complete gut job that may involve tearing down walls and reconfiguring the layout. Regardless of the scope, it is important to make a list of what will stay and what will change. This will help determine where to place fixtures and whether any pipes will need to be moved.
Plumbing is an essential component in any kitchen remodel. Changing your sink’s location to a more convenient spot requires moving pipes, which adds up in labor costs. If you’re going to upgrade to a new refrigerator that comes with an ice maker, for example, you’ll need a line running from the water supply to the fridge. Adding a dishwasher or garbage disposal will also require modification of your plumbing.
Depending on the goals of your remodel, you might want to consider replacing your old copper pipes with PEX or PVC, which have a 50- to 80-year lifespan. This can save you money on utility bills and prevent costly leaks down the road. You might also want to consider rerouting your pipes, which can improve your home’s water pressure and flow, if needed. This can be done during a remodel and is typically less expensive than doing it at a later date. You’ll need to bring in an experienced plumber for this type of work.
Electrical
The last thing you want is to have a beautiful new kitchen that’s not fully functional. That’s why kitchen remodeling often includes upgrading your home’s electrical system to meet the demands of modern appliances and lighting.
If you plan on adding or moving outlets during your remodel it’s important to talk with a licensed electrician before starting. They can help you plan your wiring needs and ensure that your home’s existing electrical system is up to the task.
In general, a kitchen will need at least two 20 amp, 120 volt circuits for lights and small appliances. The circuits should be no further than four feet apart. Additionally, a kitchen should have GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupters) outlets installed near sinks and countertops to prevent electrocution in case of water contact.
Depending on the scope of your project, it may also be necessary to upgrade your home’s main electrical panel or add a subpanel for the new kitchen circuits. These changes are typically a larger project that will require additional contractors.
When you’re done with the structural and utility work, your contractor can install the drywall and turn the space back into a kitchen. At this point, you can start planning your new kitchen layout and ordering your cabinets.
Most kitchen remodels will involve relocating or replacing fixtures and appliances. This can be time consuming and labor intensive but it is necessary to ensure that the new layout is safe and functional. An experienced professional can make the process go much more smoothly. They can help you save money by reducing the amount of demolition and waste and provide you with the best results.
