Kitchen Remodeling – Creating a Space That Works For You and Your Family

Whether you’re channeling your inner Ina Garten or living out of the Costco frozen foods section, a kitchen that functions for your family is key. A remodel can help create a space that fits your needs and style.

The first step is often the loudest and messiest, as you or your general contractor remove old appliances and materials. This may also involve dropping or rerouting gas lines and rewiring electrical.

Budget

Kitchen remodeling can range from a few cosmetic updates to total overhauls that take you down to the studs and virtually start from scratch. It is a good idea to develop a budget before you begin. It will help you plan projects and avoid surprises.

The largest percentage of a remodel’s cost goes to materials, followed by labor and design fees. If you are willing to perform some of the work yourself, this can save money.

A homeowner can cut costs by reusing appliances if they are in good condition and not too dated. Otherwise, replacing them will add a substantial sum to the project cost. A new dishwasher costs around $500 and a new refrigerator can cost $1,300. Demolition is another major expense. It can run $400 to $13,000 for removing load-bearing walls and hauling away the old materials.

Layout

Before tackling structural changes, it’s important to identify the kitchen layout that works best for your home. Start by asking yourself who will be using the space. Whether you want to design for one cook or a family who loves to host, finding a layout that allows multiple people to work easily together is key.

For smaller spaces, a simple single-wall layout is ideal. This configuration keeps the classic work triangle shape intact and is often used in open-plan apartments or small studios. Larger kitchens can add a variety of kitchen island layout ideas to improve functionality and increase storage. Island kitchens also offer casual dining and designated work stations. This option can be a great addition to either a single-wall or l-shaped kitchen.

Materials

The materials you select set the tone and ambiance of your kitchen. From counters to flooring, the choices are endless. You can go with a sleek, modern feel with metals and glass or create a warm and homey atmosphere with wood and natural stone.

Flooring must withstand heavy foot traffic and spilled food, so opt for durable materials that won’t absorb moisture. Hardwood is a good choice, but glazed ceramic and vinyl tiles, linoleum, engineered hardwood and vinyl are also popular options.

Backsplashes come in a range of colors and styles, from textured or high-relief decor tiles to metals, iridescent or glass. But be careful about going overboard; tastes change, and you don’t want your kitchen to look dated in a few years. Rounded corners on countertops protect against burns, cuts and stains.

Appliances

Whether you’re doing a minor kitchen face-lift or a full remodel, it’s important to choose appliances that suit your aesthetics and fit your layout. Visit retailers or showrooms to try out products and get a feel for how they’ll work with your layout.

Appliances like ovens, refrigerators and dishwashers should coordinate with your walls, countertops and cabinets. Consider energy-efficiency, smart features and warranties when selecting new equipment.

If your existing fixtures have damage or are in poor repair, replacing them is an opportunity to upgrade to higher-end models. It’s also a good time to consider new flooring, lighting and countertops.

Lighting

Lighting is an important aspect of a kitchen remodel, as it sets the mood and illuminates your activities. A good plan will include ambient, task and accent lighting.

Ambient lighting is the light that shines through ceilings and walls, typically a fixture on a switch that you see when entering a room. Kitchen lighting ideas for this type of lighting should take into account how you and your family use the space.

Task lighting is used to illuminate countertops and other work areas, such as food prep surfaces. This may be done with LED strip under cabinet lights, recessed lights over the island or pendants that can be controlled with a dimmer switch.

Decorative lighting highlights design elements or features of the kitchen, such as an interesting backsplash or a dramatic chandelier. Your general contractor can provide suggestions and design plans for these fixtures as part of your kitchen remodeling project.

from Kitchen Renovations Wollongong https://ift.tt/PlOe5XC
via IFTTT