Find a Kitchen Remodeler

Today, homes are built with plenty of room in mind. Total square footage in most houses is two to three times what it was 50 years ago. Most homes built after the 80's have large, eat-in kitchens with room to spare - some have islands, breakfast nooks, two dishwashers, and walk-in pantries.

But many older homes, condos, and townhouses are stuck with very small kitchen areas. High budgets, neighborhood association constraints, and lack of a ground-level location prevent the homeowner from adding on to their kitchens.

What can you do if your kitchen is too small?

A small kitchen can still be renovated to allow for more space, without knocking down exterior walls and doing a complete kitchen addition job. Even if more space cannot be added to the room, there are tricks to add to the illusion and feel to make the kitchen seem larger than it really is.

Open It Up. Most older homes have a kitchen that is more or less enclosed. Kitchens were never a place for friends and family to gather. The kitchen was utilitarian in nature. 4 walls were necessary to close it off. If your small kitchen has one or two doors leading out of it, you should check with a structural engineer to determine if the walls around those doors are "load bearing." If the walls are not load bearing walls, you should consider knocking out the drywall/plaster and opening up your kitchen. If you have cabinets on those walls, and you're afraid of losing the storage space, you can still have cabinets installed that will hang down from the ceiling. Countertop bars can be installed in place of the wall to give eating and visiting space to give the illusion of a larger kitchen space.

More Modern Appliances. New appliances are now available that will do the same amount of work in smaller spaces. Dishwashers and refrigerators are available that have more cubic interior space than older and larger appliances that may currently be in your kitchen.

Take Over Other Rooms. Is the dining room next to the kitchen? Many are abandoning their formal dining rooms and expanding the kitchen out into that space. Since larger kitchens are more desirable it might be an option. At this time, a larger and more improved kitchen but without a dining room will not reduce the value of your home. In fact, it may even probably increase your overall home value.

Increase Light Levels. Can you add a window? Can you enlarge a window? You might even consider a skylight in the room. By adding total light levels to the kitchen, you can open up the space and create the feel of a larger room. Another way to help with this is dimmable recessed lighting overhead and under cabinets. Extra light and accent lighting can increase the rooms feel, too. Finally, consider lighter colors in paint and cabinet doors. By lightening up darker colors, you'll add to the illusion of a more open space.

Expand Up. Can you alter your kitchen ceiling? By pushing up the ceiling in a kitchen, you can allow for more headroom and raise the total cabinet height (and storage space.) A cathedral ceiling or exposing your rafters and beams will also allow for skylight additions.

Shiny Countertops. Upgrade to a high gloss surface on your small kitchen counters. Added lighting and sunlight will reflect off the shiny surface and add light all over the area.

Vary Your Cabinets. Opening up cabinets with transparent or semi-transparent cabinet doors will add an airy feel. Also, vary the height of the new cabinets you add to the room. A row of cabinets that are all the same height can make a more uniformed and closed-in feel. With some cabinets dropping down lower than others and some cabinets not dropping down quite as far, you can keep your kitchen feeling like it has more square footage.

If you need to find a kitchen designer to come in and give you a consultation on your small kitchen, consider using ConstructionDeal.com. Our site is dedicated to helping you find a quality kitchen remodeling company and we have a nationwide network of kitchen renovation pros. It's free to use it and it only takes a few minutes to post your job.

Labels: Kitchen Cabinets, Kitchen Remodeling, Small Kitchens

You're looking to remodel your kitchen, but you're not ready to renovate the entire room. It's usually not a cheap proposition to gut the kitchen to the studs and start from scratch.

A kitchen remodeling project can cost anywhere from $20,000 to $40,0000 for the bare minimum, low-end, and "budget" job. High end jobs, with the granite counters and custom cabinets can really break the bank.

You might consider doing your project one step at a time. Instead of a complete re-do, you might start with the core of your kitchen - - your cabinets. A quality cabinet installer could put in stock, semi-custom, or maybe even custom cabinets to bring new life and new functionality to the room.

If your not looking for the perfect fit for your new cabinets, you can really save money with stock cabinets. Stock cabinets are the ones that are not made to fit specifically in your room. They are pre-made kitchen cabinets that can be installed in place but you may not get the best organization structure needed for your room. There are usually less options in colors and finishes. The cabinets are usually a standard 10 inches wide to 4 feet wide (with a 3" incremental jump in size) and if they are less than 24 inches, then there is only one door and two doors if wider than 24".

A semi-custom cabinet is more expensive. But, you have more color, door, and finish choices. There are also more choices in height, width, and depth. These cabinets are not made just for your room, but because of the greater choice in options and because they are made to order by the manufacturer you can get what you need.

To get what you want, however, may require custom cabinets. These are the most expensive type but they are made on-site for your kitchen. There are no standard sizes that have to be squeezed into a room or a color or cabinet door choice you don't like. The materials are usually the best available, from the type of wood to the molding on the doors to the handles and accessories (lazy susans, pull-out drawers, etc.) Because these are made-to-order, the cabinets always require a long waiting period.

If you are only going to replace cabinets, you might consider spending a little more than you planned. It adds value to the house and the best in convenience and aesthetics for you. And since you're not remodeling the whole kitchen, you'll have a good base to build around when you're ready to wrap it up.

The other thing to consider - - if you do the cabinets, you'll more than likely need to have your choice in countertop installed as well. It would be a waste of money to have a temporary counter and/or backsplash installed until you're ready for your ultimate choice in material for the room. It could be done if it puts your budget out of reach, so it's best to consult a professional to see what your options are.

Ready to update those kitchen cabinets? We can help you find a local cabinet installer. Simply post your project and choose how many contractors you'd like to receive calls from. Make sure you get several bids on the project to make sure you're getting the best price and best package for your kitchen.

Important Cabinet Information:

Normal Cabinet Height - 34"
Normal Countertop Height - 36"
Normal Distance from Countertop to Cabinets - 14" - 20"

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Labels: Kitchen Cabinets, Kitchen Remodeling

From an article in the Poughkeepsie Journal.com: "If you're thinking of remodeling, think about your kitchen.

According to Money magazine, it can add 90 percent of its cost to your home's resale value. But, that's only if you do it right. And that means knowing what's up to date.

Three local experts filled us in on the details:

Style, Overall Look

The trend is toward cleaner, airier, sleeker - but still traditional, Caruso said. The rustic, warm and inviting Tuscan look is still popular. The heavy English Country look is out.

More kitchens combine lights and darks and also combine materials, Schanker said. For example, antique white cabinets may be paired with some dark wood cabinets for visual contrast. Or, some countertops (an island, for instance) may be done in another material or color.

Cabinets

Additional storage, darker colors and new woods bring plenty of options for cabinetry.

Standalone pieces offer extra appliance storage - a pantry, a baking center much like a Hoosier cabinet or a liquor and wine cabinet with glass doors and backlighting, Dahl said. They may be on legs and made of a different wood species or even painted to coordinate with the rest of the kitchen decor.

Darker colors, such as cherry wood in dark red stains and walnut or birch in rich, brown stains like espresso are popular, Caruso said. Oak has taken a back seat to maple, which is now the lighter-colored mainstay. Cabinets also have simpler, cleaner-lined doors with raised or recessed panels.

Homeowners also have more woods to choose from, like the plantation-grown Lyptus eucalyptus hardwoods, Schanker said. And the beauty of these more exotic woods is really showcased in the newer, simplified designs.

Countertops

Owners of even reasonably priced kitchens are sinking their money into countertops the way people used to with cabinets, Caruso said. They're going bolder with colors -greens, browns and soft yellowy-beiges - but not gray and black, which are too contemporary.

Granite is still the most popular choice, Caruso said, but quartz products mimicking the look are becoming popular because they're stronger than granite and don't require resealing. Solid surface materials such as Corian are waning in popularity. If the countertop material allows it, people are almost always choosing undermount or fused sinks, which have no raised rims or sealant, for easy cleanups.

Extras

Convenience is the theme of this category. Pot-filler faucets on the back wall of the range eliminate trips from the sink to the stove, Dahl said. A prep sink - a simple drop-in bar sink or a top- or under-mounted sink - simplifies meal prep for two or more cooks.

Warming drawers are also popular, Schanker said. Their convenience is now helping busy families keep dinner warm until after band or soccer practice.

Drawers also are housing appliances such as refrigerators, wine coolers and dishwashers. Cabinet door fronts can hide their purpose. A pair can be stacked on top of each other under countertops or split in different parts of the kitchen.

Microwave drawers are a new innovation, Caruso said.

Flooring

People still are very much into hardwoods and tile, Caruso says. Although you might hear that tile is out because it's hard to clean or hard on your feet, it's still fashionable and in demand."

To find a local Kitchen Remodeling company, post your request on ConstructionDeal.com. Save Time and Money! It's a fast, free, and easy way to find a kitchen renovator in your area. Tell us about your project and sit back and wait on companies to contact you.

Labels: Kitchen Cabinets, Kitchen Design Ideas, Kitchen Trends

If you have a large enough kitchen, it would be wise to consider adding an island to your new design when renovating the kitchen. If your current kitchen already has an island, consider a few options you have to update your more basic design:

• Sit Down Dining: if you want to add an island, and you have the room, you should seriously think about adding one with a counter surface that will allow people to eat there. To enhance the social aspects of your kitchen, having guests or kids be able to sit at the counter and talk with your while you're cooking is a great advantage. Plan on a counter that can allow for either regular chairs or bar stools, depending on the height.


• You Have Choices: consider whether you're going to go with a small, portable island that has wheels on it, or a larger built-in island. If you go with the built-in, consider whether you'll go with a stock island or have one custom-made for your room.


• Stock vs. Custom: you can save money with a stock island installation. A stock cabinet has already been manufactured and will cost less than custom. Also, a stock one is usually available for delivery right away. However, you have fewer options with stock. A custom island can be built specifically for your room with the options you want - like a sink, room for appliances, with or without counters, and in your choice of cabinet materials and color as well as the countertop surface.


• The Modern Trends: if you're feeling daring, you might consider putting a different countertop material or different color of material on your island versus the other kitchen counter top surface. The trend today is to mismatch, or jumble, the look of various cabinets and countertops.
  

If you'd like to talk with a kitchen designer or finish your kitchen remodel by adding an island, you can find a professional in your area today. It's a fast, free, and easy way to find local kitchen professionals - simply post your project on ConstructionDeal.com and sit back to wait for these experts to call you! It saves time over searching for a company or two, at random, in the yellow pages. And it saves money to have several companies bid on the job. You'll be able to pick the price and company that is just right for you.

Labels: Kitchen Cabinets, Kitchen Design Ideas, Kitchen Islands, Storage

I found an excellent article over at the website for Absolute Remodeling in Westchester County New York. It has some excellent kitchen renovation tips and I've selected a few for you - check out their site for more!

"If you're remodeling an old kitchen or planning a kitchen addition or a new home, here are some strategies to keep in mind:

• A coffered or pitched ceiling can also distinguish the kitchen from neighboring rooms. Going for a high ceiling in the kitchen can boost the perception of spaciousness. Going low in a dining area imparts a sense of intimacy.
  

• Banish rarely used goods -- the picnicware, the punch bowl, the turkey roaster - to the basement, mudroom, or garage. Store the good china in a lighted china cabinet in the dining area.
  

• If you're a baker, consider putting in a baking center with a work surface at 30 or 32 inches rather than the standard 36. It's a more comfortable height for rolling out dough or using a hand-held mixer.
  

• Add a raised ledge or breakfast bar to an island or peninsula to hide the cooktop. If you can't position tall double ovens so that they're out of view of neighboring spaces, think about installing a second under-the-counter oven in an island or peninsula.
  

• Alternate countertop and backsplash materials. Reserve granite for an island and use a neutral solid surface material for all the other countertops. Top a baking counter with a slab of marble. Use ceramic tile or laminate in the wet areas and top a peninsula with maple butcher block. As for backsplashes, you might want to use stainless steel behind a range but ceramic tile elsewhere."
  

There are quite a few great articles on the site. Renovating your kitchen is always the safest, smartest, and most reliable investement in your home. The more you know, the more prepared you'll be to take the plunge. If you need a good kitchen renovator, consider posting your project on ConstructionDeal.com. We'll help you find a quality remodeling company for free - in fact, we'll help you find several! And having multiple bids means you'll get the best price.

And multiple companies bidding on your project give you a better chance to find the right kitchen designer for the most important room in your house.

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Labels: Kitchen Cabinets, Kitchen Countertops, Kitchen Remodeling

Everyone wants to save money. But everyone also would love a new look in their kitchens. One of the most expensive elements to any kitchen remodeling plan is the installation of new kitchen cabinets. Whether you go with stock, semi-custom, or fully customized kitchen cabinets, they are expensive. A great idea to revitalize your kitchen, and save your cash, would be to leave you current cabinets in place and to have the surface, or visible area, of the cabinets replaced.

It's not for every kitchen remodel. If you need additional cabinet or storage space or if you're unhappy with the current layout of the room, this won't help you. You may be able to add a kitchen island for more counter and storage space, if you have the room, but a door replacement is cosmetic and not structural. It's sort of like painting your car - it's not giving you a new car, it's giving you a fresh new look on your current one.

If you'd love a new look in your kitchen, you can save by replacing the cabinet doors and hardware. Add to that a new countertop and maybe even new flooring, and you could save thousands over a complete kitchen remodeling project.

In a cabinet door replacement job, you can replace them with completely new doors and hardware. You can choose the new style, the new color or stain, and the finish on the hardware. If you're doing a budget kitchen remodel, you should start with your cabinets - once you've decided on the style and design of the cabinet doors, you can build the rest of the renovation around them. Matching or contrasting the new stains or color of cabinet doors can really change the look and feel of the room. You might even be able to bring more light into a dark kitchen with lighter colors on the cabinet doors and countertops.

Another aspect to changing your cabinets is that you can upgrade the hinges on the doors. You can switch from the standard hinges that are visible on the outside of the doors to the hidden, or Euro, hinges that are within the cabinets. They can give a much cleaner look and feel to the design of the room.

Cabinet door replacement companies can also make minor adjustments to your cabinet and storage spaces. Lazy Susan spinning cabinets can be installed in existing spaces. Wine racks can replace a single cabinet. Appliance garages can also be added to countertop areas or underneath your current cabinets. Lighting can be added underneath, as well.

A great contemporary option is to add transparent or nearly-transparent cabinet doors along with lighting inside the cabinet (and maybe even glass shelves.) It makes a powerful impact to the room and can considerably lighten a darker kitchen.

A final option - if you've got cabinets that are quality, handmade, or custom in nature - you might consider finding a wood restoration company. These company won't simply replace the doors, they will resurface the existing doors. The door can be cleaned, sanded, wet burnished, and new stains or dyes added. Damage or gouges can be refinished. Coats of gloss or semi-gloss sealers can be added as a final touch. These new finishes can make cleaning easier and protect the surface from any UV damage.

If you need to locate a kitchen cabinet replacement company, or cabinet resurfacing pros, you can post your project for free at Construction Deal. Click through this blog and give us your details - we'll send your request out to as many Cabinet Experts as you would like (which save you time by not having to call them all yourself!) And you can choose how many of the companies in our network will contact you!

Always get multiple bids on any remodeling project so that you can get the job done for the right price in your budget.

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Labels: Kitchen Cabinets, Kitchen Remodeling