Aug 30, 2010
lkncabadmin
Comments Off on Updating your kitchen – Kitchen Remodeling

Updating your kitchen – Kitchen Remodeling

Your primary kitchen remodeling idea is probably staring you in the face. Most people have at least one area of the kitchen that gets on their nerves and would like to see changed. Simple kitchen chores can be a great place to start. If you hate doing the dishes, a new custom kitchen sink and deluxe dishwasher, should make your list. If food prep is your least favorite part of cooking, a new countertop with a built-in board would be nice. If you simply hate your kitchen’s look, kitchen decorating and design should have top priority.

Replacing your kitchen cabinets is almost never a bad kitchen remodeling idea. They can increase kitchen storage and overall convenience, they enhance your kitchen decoration and feel, and cabinet resurfacing is a cheap expenditure next to many other kitchen remodeling ideas.

It could be that your kitchen does need major updating. Maybe your stove and refrigerator are right next to each other. Any remodel worth the name has to change that. Maybe there’s just not enough room for the four or five people that normally prepare meals in your house – so you really do need to expand outside the current kitchen walls. 

These tend to be the big ticket items, but often there’s no getting around them. There’s no decorating substitute for the effect of replacing linoleum or vinyl flooring with stone tile, hardwood, or laminate flooring. Countertops, too, are nearly impossible to ignore when assessing the beauty of a kitchen. If you can do so without breaking the bank, at least one of these items may be the center for the rest of your kitchen remodeling ideas to work around.

One popular change that you might want to keep under consideration is the removal of a wall. If done right, this can work wonders for making a small kitchen feel spacious and open. Of course, you must make certain that any wall you remove is not structural. If removal of the full wall is not feasible, consider removing part of it and making it into a ‘half wall’ where only the top half or so is taken out, or creating a ‘pass-thru’ – more or less a square or rectangular hole in the wall. These can also make a world of difference in the feel of the finished room.

SOURCE:  http://8rd.org/decoration/

www.LKNcabinets.com

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Aug 30, 2010
lkncabadmin
Comments Off on Kitchen Remodeling Ideas For An Old House

Kitchen Remodeling Ideas For An Old House

Many people think that old houses are especially difficult to remodel purely due to their age. In fact, this is not entirely correct. Whether the house is old or quite new, a kitchen remodeling nearly always turns out to be very cost effective and the habitants will see a marked improvement in the area.

Kitchen remodeling for old homes can be planned so that new items and appliances can be integrated along with the kitchen’s older features. The true key to affordable and effective kitchen remodeling ideas is in the planning stage and this applies to any kind of home, whether new or old.

First on the list of all sound kitchen remodeling ideas is to adequately cost your planned remodelings. This is the most critical aspect as you should not attempt any substantial renovation project unless you have enough funding available or you can enlist the help of your bank or mortgage provider. Notwithstanding the fact that you require substantial funding, take heart in knowing that you can reduce costs in some areas without sacrificing the over-all quality of the renovation. It is important that you allocate adequate funds for the key aspects of the renovation, namely the design component, labor costs and appliances and fixtures.

When you are reviewing you’re your kitchen remodeling ideas always build in an allowance for unexpected contingencies such as repairs being necessary to plumbing, heating and electrical equipment. There is nothing worse than having an aesthetically pleasing kitchen which is great to look at but in reality is a fire-hazard or energy-monster because of the old and ineffective equipment. In old houses it is highly likely you will need to spend money upgrading this type of equipment.

Once you have addressed the structural and services (heating, lighting, plumbing etc) aspects of the kitchen renovation you can then turn your attention to other aspects like choosing counter tops, cabinets and floor coverings. This is a great area in which to control costs as it is possible to use many alternate materials, that are just as durable and impressive as for example marble or granite, however they cost a fraction of the price of the real material. It is also recommended that you consider buying stock cabinets instead of custom-fitted ones as this too will save you a great deal of money.

SOURCE:  http://8rd.org/decoration/

www.LKNcabinets.com

Uncategorized
Aug 22, 2010
lkncabadmin
Comments Off on Starting a Kitchen Remodel

Starting a Kitchen Remodel

 

Are you planning on remodeling a kitchen? Large or small kitchen remodeling projects can be tons of fun. The kitchen is a popular place to remodel because it really is the center of the home. You plan meals and events there, the family gathers to eat there, you have your fun phone calls there, and your kids probably do their homework there. Everyone makes use of this very important room. It is essential to never let things fall apart. You may have noticed that even a kitchen with older appliances and an older look can still look and function really well if it is well maintained. Let’s face it, the kitchen says a lot about a home and the family in it. Remodeling or home improvements are a great way to keep things fresh and increase the value of your home. You know what they say, “it is all about kitchens and bathrooms”.

So as you begin to think about taking a new look to your kitchen, what should you be thinking about and looking into? First, it is always good to see what areas are the most in need. Do your appliances need upgrading or repair? Would a simple counter top replacement revitalize the kitchen? Are the cabinets still looking sharp or do they look like their time has come to an end? When thinking about what needs to be improved, think about how major the improvement task will need to be. For example, can you get away with simply adding some crown molding or painting the cabinets? Or are they rotting or warped and simply must go? When thinking about the degree of the improvement, this will help you get a sense of the cost. That is the big thing.

In any home kitchen remodeling project cost is a huge factor. (FREE estimate) This will determine how far you can go. If you need to go further than your budget allows, look into financing. Fortunately, there is a lot of help out there. Remodeling, especially a kitchen project, is considered a wise investment so finding assistance may be easier than you think.

If you decide on a bigger job, really investigate thoroughly any designers and contractors you may hire. Get a sense of how they work with their clients, what their reputation is, and check references. Oh, and do not forget to get quotes from several places. Really be careful because cheaper isn’t always the best choice. Try to find someone that has a personal commitment to the customer but has plenty of experience. It is a good sign if they are well known.

If you try a do-it-yourself project, make sure you are comfortable with what you are about to do before you do it. Make sure that if you are changing out a gas stove, you have taken all the proper precautions. You don’t want to take that kind of chance. Safety is always first. Also, in this scenario, cheaper products may not always be a bargain if you have to replace them or re-repair often. Ask around and do some research when purchasing important items.

Remember, this doesn’t have to be a headache but it does require some effort whether your project is big or small. Be aware of all the potential pitfalls before diving in headfirst.

Thinking about remodeling a kitchen in the Chicago area? Try visiting Galaxie Construction for a free quote on your next kitchen project!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alice_

www.LKNcabinets.com