Remodeling Kitchens Made Easy
The process of remodeling kitchens can be a real challenge. Choices and decisions will be too many to count, so let's break things down into manageable categories.
Planning - The first thing you want to do is determine what you like and want. When remodeling kitchens, do the research. Look at lots of magazines and save pictures of what appeals to you. Go to stores and check out appliances as well as cabinet styles. Be happy with your selections before you move on. Price things as you shop. Know what you want to spend. Be thorough. Remodeling kitchens takes time. Take as much as you need in order to be comfortable with your choices. Click here for more insights about kitchen remodeling prices.
Color Scheme - Contrasting color combinations are good for kid's rooms, but I don't recommend them for kitchens. Examples include: yellow & purple; red & green; and orange & blue. Each color will stand out. It's not soothing. People with contemporary kitchens tend to use high-gloss finishes on the cabinets. I don't recommend that either. In my opinion, the kitchen is a place to gather with family and friends, relax with coffee, have leisurely conversations. Glossy finishes and contrasting colors hurt the eyes and subconsciously make you feel like leaving. I recommend either monochromatic color schemes (shades of the same color), or complimentary color combinations which are easy on the eyes. Cool colors are good (greens, blues, and color blends which are close). You can combine dark and light, but too much dark will make the room seem smaller. So if you have a small room, don't overdo it. A common example of a good dark and light color mix is - light maple cabinets with dark green counter tops. (Did you know that the average person blinks over 10,000,000 times a year?)
Ideas About Kitchen Remodeling - Okay, you know what cabinet design you like; which appliances you prefer; the type of floor; the look of the kitchen countertops. It's time to layout the kitchen. Here's where your budget starts to influence your thinking. If you intend spending $20,000 or less, you'll be working with a home center (like Home Depot or Lowes). Typically, they don't send experts in remodeling kitchens to your home to measure the room and determine locations of key elements like doors, windows, sink, etc. You'll be doing the measuring. Click here for help and guidance with your kitchen remodeling ideas. Once you've done that, you can bring your sketch to the home center and they should have computer software that will help you determine your layout. Keep in mind that the less you move, the less you'll spend, but your layout could be restricted because of that. Click here for insights regarding small kitchen remodeling. Between $20,000 and $50,000, you can work with a kitchen designer, but will be somewhat limited as far as the cabinet choices. You will find these people at Kitchen & Bath Showrooms. They will measure everything, ask a lot of questions, and provide (a few days later) a layout which will be discussed with you to see if you wish to make any changes. Typically, this person will also be capable of providing the other components of the kitchen (appliances, flooring, lighting, counter tops, etc.) or recommending local suppliers for these items. Further, the kitchen designer can probably have the work done so that you don't have to find an independent contractor on your own. If your budget is over $50,000, you will have a greater choice of cabinets, including the European manufacturers. Generally, these have become very expensive due to the current monetary exchange rate. This holds true for European appliances as well.
You might look at this short video for some decorating ideas.
other types of kitchen cabinets.
The selection process is a lot harder than it sounds and the tendency is to hem and haw until you're forced to pick something at the last minute. Force yourself to get all the decisions made and the items ordered BEFORE the work starts. Take your time, but finish the process. If you don't, you will hold up the contractor, delaying the work, and/or you'll make hasty selections which you may not be happy with a month later. Just don't begin actually remodeling kitchens until every item is ordered and you know what the lead times will be. You haven't started the work yet so there's no reason to rush this part of the process. Enjoy it. It's should be fun.
The Award- You've chosen your contractor/kitchen designer; you've ordered your cabinets, countertops, appliances, etc.; and you're ready to begin. Before you sign the contract, get a work schedule (usually based around the cabinet manufacturing time), and a payment schedule, - tie the 2 together (payments are made when certain tasks are finished).
Make sure the company doing the work has the appropriate licenses and insurances and ample experience in remodeling kitchens. Talk about getting warranties for the appliances and cabinets. Discuss the fact that you will want to hold about 10% of the money for about 2 weeks after the work is done. This is to make sure the "punch list" items get taken care of and everything is working properly. If you address this early, he'll usually understand. Surprise him with this at the end of the job, and he won't be too happy. ==== Tip: Have your old refrigerator, toaster and microwave moved into another room so you can have a few simple meals at home while the work is going on. Use paper products so you don't have to wash dishes in the bathroom sink. ==== The Work- Most of the decisions have been made, but don't go anywhere. The work is under way and there are lots of questions to be answered. Your contractor can probably tell stories about being confronted with unforeseen field conditions and other surprises while remodeling kitchens. He'll be looking to you for answers and direction. Some of these surprises might involve change orders (more money). Be available to discuss alternatives. Ask your own questions before things get too far along, and answer his. Remember, you're on the same team - trying to achieve the same end. He's not the enemy.
Are We Done Remodeling Kitchens Yet?- The information given on this page is pretty general and every job has specific and unique problems. If questions come up, use the link below and I'll do my best to get the answers to you quickly.
Don't worry. It'll look great when it's finished and you will have years of enjoyment in your new kitchen. When it's over, you too will be an expert at remodeling kitchens. If a hand grenade was thrown into a kitchen in France, the result would be linoleum blownapart. (It must be late). If you need more information about kitchen cabinet ideas try this page.
Click here if you have a question about remodeling kitchens.
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