How to Begin a Kitchen Remodel
How to Begin a Kitchen Remodel
It’s one of the toughest rooms to redo, but we’ll guide you through the process
- By Kristen Hampshire
Thinking of remodeling your kitchen into a space as stunning as this? We’ll help you get started.Life happens in the kitchen. It’s the family hang-out and entertainment central. It’s the room where people go to be together. The kitchen is a gourmet cook space, a dining room, a breakfast nook, a wireless office. It’s a place where pets, children, extended family and guests go to eat and socialize.
Evolution of the Kitchen
Watch VideoOver time, the kitchen has evolved from a place where food is simply prepared and served in another room into a multi-function open area that is the heart and soul of the home. No matter its size, the kitchen is a big part of every modern household.
According to Remodeling magazine, a major kitchen renovation can result in a return on investment of between 61 and 70 percent of the cost.
When remodeling a kitchen, think function, efficiency, style and longevity. A kitchen should last for 20 years or more, says Mary Jo Peterson, principal, Mary Jo Peterson Inc. “Choose cabinets you love, and a layout that works for your family’s lifestyle,” she advises.
The kitchen is one of the most complicated remodeling projects because of all the decisions you will make throughout the process. We’ll walk you through this with our planning and buying guides, covering everything from foundation appliances, cabinetry, surfaces and finishes to sustainable products and extras like wine coolers and microwave drawers.
We’ll help you set goals for your kitchen remodel, personalize the space to suit your lifestyle and inspire you with designs that suit all tastes. With any kitchen remodel, budgeting and space planning are critical first steps: developing a financial plan and a design blueprint for the kitchen. Learn how to estimate how much cabinetry you need to store your stuff, sneak in more storage and maximize difficult configurations like that challenging corner cabinet.
How to Hire a Kitchen Contractor
A little legwork is required to find the best contractor for your kitchen remodel. Here’s what you should do before making the hire.
- By Alicia Garceau
- Filed under: Kitchens, Remodeling
Finding the right contractor for a kitchen remodel might seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. A few simple steps can mean the difference between complete confidence in a contractor and doubts that cause sleepless nights.
ASK FOR REFERRALS
Hands down, word of mouth is the best way to find a qualified professional to tackle the job. Ask relatives, friends and neighbors who they have had good experiences with. Also ask what made it a positive experience, how the contractor handled problems and whether he or she would use the same contractor again.
LOOK AT CREDENTIALS
With recommendations in hand, do some preliminary research, whether via a phone call or a visit to the remodeler’s website. Find out whether the contractor holds all the required licenses from the state and local municipalities, as well as designations from any professional associations like the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA), the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) or the National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB). Any remodeling professional worth his or her salt will have invested in the coursework and passed rigorous tests in order to earn a particular certification. Be aware, however, that all certifications are not created equal.
“I would find out what the certification is and what it took to get it,” says Sara Ann Busby, owner of Sara Busby Designs in Elk Rapids, Mich.
INTERVIEW CANDIDATES
Narrow down the list of contenders, and set up meetings. Is there a magic number of contractors you should interview?
“Ultimately, the right number could be one,” says Al Pattison, president of NKBA; he recommends talking with no more than three. “With too many quotes, it gets too confusing trying to make a decision.”
A list of questions to ask potential contractors can be found on NARI’s website . How a contractor answers questions is extremely important, but communication goes both ways.
“One of the most important things [a homeowner] can find in a designer and a builder is somebody who listens to them,” Busby says. “…one of the things that’s made us successful is we don’t do all the talking.”
Chemistry also weighs heavily into the selection of a contractor. “This is a longstanding relationship. You have to trust the person you’re working with,” Pattison says.
CHECK REFERENCES
Once a rapport has been established, ask to see some of the contractor’s projects. If they meet with approval, request references and then call to verify them.
GET IT IN WRITING
After zeroing in on one contractor who seems right for the job, take a look at the documents he or she has prepared for you. Do they look professional? Scrutinize the contract. Does it seem fair and balanced? Make sure that the written agreement includes a bid price and payment schedule, the scope of work, a site plan, a sequential schedule of primary construction tasks, a change-order clause, a written procedural list for close-out, an express limited warranty, a clause about dispute resolution and a waiver of lien, which would prevent subcontractors and suppliers from putting a lien on a house should their invoices go unpaid by the contractor. If everything checks out, go ahead sign on the dotted line with confidence.
2012 New Home Kitchen Oven Styles
Types of Ovens to Choose from for your New Home – How to Make the Decision
With endless kitchen oven options – single wall, double wall, gas range, electric range, double range, convection – you probably need some help choosing the right one.
Here are answers to some of the most important questions you should ask before choosing an oven for your custom home kitchen in 2012 – learn what oven best suits your needs, while adding aesthetic appeal to your favorite kitchen layout.
Wall Ovens – Double or Single
What is a wall oven?
A wall oven is separated from the cooktop and installed within kitchen cabinets.
This separation provides two distinct work stations – making it easier for multiple cooks to move around the kitchen.
Should I choose a single or a double wall oven?
A single wall oven can certainly meet daily cooking needs, and can add even more convenience by ensuring both the microwave and oven are located together.
Double wall ovens are very popular in 2012 kitchen designs, however, as homebuyers are looking for space maximization in the kitchen and twice the baking, roasting, and prep space for large family gatherings and special occasion cooking.
Read more about choosing between a wall oven and kitchen range.
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