Kitchen Remodeling Ideas
Functionality and aesthetics are the two main objectives of any kitchen remodeling plan. A kitchen must provide an efficient working place, even while it looks good.
Most kitchen designs in vogue for the last few decades have been based on three standard layouts: the U-shaped kitchen, the L-shaped kitchen and the galley kitchen. All of them make use of the classic work-triangle concept that basically positions the three major kitchen components (refrigerator, stove, and sink) in a triangular pattern.
With changing lifestyle and man-woman roles, whereby both wife and husband share home responsibilities, multiple work centers or work stations within the kitchen are gaining popularity in order to allow more than one person to work efficiently without getting in anyone else's way.
Adding an island is one of the most common ways to have multiple work centers into a kitchen. An island creates two to four small work stations along the perimeter of a kitchen. These stations can become major work centers if a second sink is added.
Placing gadgets and appliances in the kitchen in such a way that they do not obstruct movement is important while preparing remodeling plans. Selecting the cabinetry that best suits your needs and budget, determining whether re-facing or replacing will be your best option would be crucial factors.
The remodeling plan will have to also include scope for new sinks and plumbing, dishwashers, and ovens, ranges, and built-in microwaves. One has to also examine if your exhaust is in the right place and works more efficiently.
You also need to explore if your new kitchen can be remodeled around your existing floor plan or the space needs to be increased to accommodate your appliances and gadgets. Your new kitchen floor needs to be fashioned around the uses, sizes, and footprints of your appliances.
A well-planned and executed kitchen remodeling project can make a significant difference, both in the livability of your home, and in its value.
Kitchen Remodeling Costs
It is important to prepare a budget for your kitchen remodeling plan before you start implementing it. Without a complete and detailed budget prepared before the kitchen renovation begins, you may get swept into a spending spiral of unbudgeted extras.
Limit spending on the kitchen remodeling to about 15-percent of your home's value.
Be well informed about the cost of each component in your remodeling plan. Surf the Internet, gather product literature, bug friends who've remodeled, read, ask questions and make phone calls. Do everything you can to be informed. The more you know, the better you'll be able to make wise choices.
The cost of appliances, countertops, cabinets, flooring, and so on, will add up to one-half to two-thirds of the total cost of remodeling. Find out the prices for these items and plug those figures into the budget. Similarly, make provisions for the cost of labor, design, contracting services, and permit fees.
The best way to list the items required for remodeling is to write down everything that's installed in your existing kitchen. Visit appliance stores and ask questions to the sales staff. Meet local kitchen design centers, and ask them for samples of work they've done and inquire about the cost. A professional will be able to give out details that you might forget.
For a kitchen measuring about 10x12 feet, a cosmetic kitchen upgrade can cost around $2,750 in products, which include new cabinet doors, laminate countertops, vinyl flooring, a stainless-steel sink and a chrome faucet.
If you want to go for higher-grade hardwood cabinets, ceramic tile countertops and flooring, a coated-steel sink, a faucet with pullout head, new appliances and track lighting, the cost might be in the range of $7,000 to $7,500.
A kitchen with semi-custom cabinets, laminate or ceramic tile flooring, a cast-iron sink, a designer faucet, better appliances, canister lighting and granite or solid-surfacing countertops could cost up to $16,500.
