10 February 2009

 

Get 4 Bids from Kitchen Renovation Contractors

ConstructionDeal.com can connect you with Kitchen Remodeling Contractors in no time.

Submit your remodeling project - at no cost - and contractors call you!


Find a Contractor - Free

When you need to find a kitchen remodeler, you cah choose one at random from the phone book. Or ask for a referral.

Let ConstructionDeal.com be your solution!

Submit a Kitchen Remodeling Project in minutes:
Start Your Project Now

Homeowners know remodeling their kitchen is the key to improving their quality of life and the value of their home. The kitchen has become the gathering place. With the right kitchen designer, you'll transform the most important room into the best room in your house.

The national average age of American houses is 36 years. As your home ages, it's important to maintain and improve your largest investment. When you need a Kitchen Remodeler, think of ConstructionDeal.com and post your request with us!

It's fast, free and easy!

Construction Deal.com is a trusted member of the Better Business Bureau. We consider your information to be private and it will be held in the strictest confidence (view our privacy policy.) If you would prefer to call us with more questions or to post your remodeling project, please call us at 866-663-4711.

Be Informed
This is our Kitchen Remodeling Blog where we cover all the latest tips and helpful information on the best ways to remodel your kitchen! Bookmark this blog to keep up to date on the latest trends and ideas in remodeling!


Labels: , , ,


01 October 2007

 

Kitchen Renovation: Designing for the 2-Cook Kitchen

From the article Trends in Kitchen Design from the Northwest Renovation magazine:

"Depending on how the duties are divided in a two-cook kitchen, it may be necessary to create two work triangles, with adequate preparation space and clear work centers for each person in a layout that carefully avoids traffic jams. The traffic pattern of each cook should be free from interruption, allowing each to work without bumping into the other.

There are several ways to establish work zones in a two-cook kitchen:


  • Increase walkway clearances, providing each cook with adequate passing space when both cooks are in the kitchen. Walkways expand from 42” in a one-cook kitchen to a minimum of 48” in a two-cook space.
  • Expand countertop space to accommodate the needs of both cooks, with an eye to the accessibility of the equipment and material to be shared by each person.
  • Create a special work center adapted to the specialized needs for one of the cooks: a baking center or barbecue area separate from the primary cook’s triangle.
  • Vary countertop heights to accommodate the variety of heights of the current or future users, providing raised counters for taller users, dropped counters for shorter cooks. A dropped countertop, set at table height, is also a convenient height for a baking area, ergonomically favorable for rolling and kneading dough.
  • Include a work island to create a separate workspace apart from the primary cook’s activity centers"

  • Talk with a Kitchen Designer if you plan on having two cooks in your new kitchen. If you don't already have a kitchen renovation company in mind, post your request on ConstructionDeal.com. It's a fast and free way to let kitchen designers know about your project and, if they're interested, contact you directly. It beats picking one or two companies at random in the yellow pages.

    RELATED POSTS:
    Kitchen Design Ideas
    Small Kitchen Remodeling Ideas
    Kitchen Remodeling: Form and Function



    Labels: , ,


    29 September 2007

     

    What's Cooking in Kitchen Design?

    From a kitchen design article in the Alabama Press-Register there is some discussion of what the latest trends are in luxury kitchen design- of note, what some designers were seeing at the Parade of Homes tour: "Custom builder Mark Swanson and his wife, Jennifer, tour parade homes in other cities to get new ideas, he said. One feature people in higher-priced homes want are quartz countertops instead of granite, he said.

    Swanson built a 4,300-square-foot house in Newcastle for the Parade of Homes, including many of the latest kitchen trends: Cambria quartz countertops; a 36-inch wide cooktop and oven, plus a separate, second oven; a pot-filler over the stove; a copper, vented hood; stainless steel appliances; built-in desk; and slide-out drawers in the cabinets.

    Other kitchen items such as wine or beverage coolers, warming drawers, two dishwashers and islands with a sink continue to be popular, according to builders. Commercial ranges and Sub-Zero refrigerators are also must-haves for many of his clients

    Still, Swanson said he can't build everything into a kitchen. He recalled once putting $25,000 worth of appliances in a client's kitchen that never gets used -- the owners don't cook."

    RELATED POSTS:
    2007 Kitchen Design Trends
    Small Kitchen Remodeling Ideas
    The "Jumbled Kitchen" Trend

    If you do like to cook and would like new appliances installed in your new kitchen, you can find a quality kitchen design company in your neighborhood with ConstructionDeal.com. It's a free service for all homeowners and it saves you time.

    Labels: , ,


    19 August 2007

     

    The Kitchen within a Kitchen

    We're always interested in discussing trends in kitchen design. People want to know what's hot and what's not. Whenever anyone considers remodeling their kitchen, they're generally spending a lot of hard-earned money to do it. So homeowners, like you, want to know what might be a wise investment and what might be a catastrophic renovation.

    I found a article on KIROTV.com called "Beyond Fads: 5 Trends in Kitchen Design That Are Here to Stay" and here is my favorite section of it, on putting a 'kitchen within a kitchen':

    "As more Americans build homes with kitchens that are open to living and dining rooms, kitchens are being treated more like any other room in the house, with elaborate moldings, specialty lighting, and finely crafted floor and ceilings. 'People need their kitchen to be expandable and collapsible, too,' Cheever added. 'On the weeknights, they need to be able to navigate their kitchen quickly when they're just warming up a simple meal. But on the weekends, they need it to open up enough so they can prepare a fancy gourmet meal and entertain a large group of friends while they are cooking.'

    As a result, designers are creating quick prep areas where a small sink, cutting board, and microwave are close together. Larger homes are often using a small butler's pantry off the main kitchen for this purpose, with a clean up sink, microwave, prep area and small refrigerator.
    The butler's pantry has the added convenience of keeping dirty dishes out of the way while entertaining, and storing large amounts of serve ware, linens and china.

    Cheever noted that customers are also putting in larger sinks in the island, to make a food prep zone, and placing larger farmhouse sinks along the back wall for more elaborate "clean up centers.' 'The days when kitchens always had one sink right under the kitchen window appear to be over,' Cheever said."

    If you'd like to discuss some of your kitchen remodeling plans with a designer, you can post your project with ConstructionDeal.com and we'll match you with local pros. For free. It's a fast, free & easy way to find a kitchen remodeling company.

    Labels: , ,


    30 July 2007

     

    Kitchen Remodeling: Outdoor Kitchen Designs

    No matter what part of the country you live in, there is usually plenty of time in the summer to enjoy outdoor cooking. More and more people are having outdoor kitchens installed in back and side yards to make the most of their outdoor time (and maybe even extend it.)

    If you're planning to add a kitchen outside for next summer, we wanted to give you some design ideas to consider and discuss with your Outdoor Kitchen Design company.

    The Basics - What You Have to Have:

    Most people wanting an outdoor kitchen may have, at most, a grill in the backyard. Perhaps there is a patio table with an umbrella. Each time you want to grill out, you've got to carry everything outside - food to cook, condiments, drinks, silverware & plates, etc. And you've noticed that you need prep space.

    For a basic outdoor kitchen installation, plan for a counter that houses a quality grill. The counter should have some storage space to hold non-perishables and adequate countertop areas to prepare for grilling. Make sure the grill is accessible for repairs and that the propane tank can be easily refilled.

    The Next Level - What You Want to Have:

    The real value of the outdoor kitchen is a complete outdoor dining experience. You want it to be an extension of your house - a whole new room - that allows you all the conveniences of being in your regular kitchen but being able to spend more time outside. To take it to the next level, here are components you'll seriously want to consider:
    A Cut Above - What You Want: The Upscale Version

    You'll want all the items above, but you'll want to add a lot of the creature comforts to the design mix. An upscale outdoor kitchen will also have:
    Different designs can help give you what you want and can physically add a whole new room to your house. Depending on how far you go on the quality and amenity scale, your outdoor kitchen can run anywhere from $2000 to $50,000. Some are even spending upwards of $100,000 for a complete state-of-the-art outdoor kitchen. If you're not sure what you'd like to do with your outdoor space, you can talk to an outdoor kitchen expert.

    Post your project on the ConstructionDeal.com site - for free - and we'll match you to quality outdoor kitchen design experts who can help make a space that's perfect for you (and for your budget!)

    RELATED POSTS:
    Kitchen Remodeling: Form AND Function
    Outdoor Kitchens

    Labels: , , ,


    22 May 2007

     

    2007 Kitchen Design Trends

    According to the Kitchen & Bath Design website, there are two emerging trends for the kitchen for next year and beyond:

    "One [trend] is a sleek, ultra-contemporary kitchen aesthetic, with appliances built-in and concealed. The other is a slightly more traditional, but still uncluttered, kitchen style that puts stainless steel, pro-style appliances on proud display.

    And what's the common thread linking the two distinct kitchen design trends? The demand for a host of appliances that go beyond the dated 'stove, fridge and dishwasher' combo.

    Indeed, the designers agreed that having double ovens, two dishwashers and/or dishdrawers, multiple refrigerator/freezer drawers, and even a cooktop with a separate range is fairly commonplace in upscale kitchens. How many "multiples" of appliances installed in an upscale kitchen is only limited by the size of the space, with every inch maximized for optimum function.

    Specialty appliances are also in demand, noted the designers, with built-in coffee makers, warming drawers, undercounter beverage centers and wine storage units leading the pack.

    Demand for function also extends to cabinet interiors, with myriad storage options being installed by designers to better organize busy clients and de-clutter their lives.

    Green design is also making headway, with designers noting that consumers are becoming more aware of the need for water conservation, and for easy-to-maintain products.

    In terms of overall kitchen and bath design, Friedman noted: 'It's very interesting that after the last 15 years of more minimalist designs, which was in answer to the more ornate designs from 20 to 30 years ago, designs are becoming softer, more romantic and more sensual. There's a movement toward more decorative designs that are more refined, tasteful and contemporary than those 30 years ago. People are seeking more authentic period pieces, and classic, contemporary pieces that are better detailed than years ago. There’s more of a classic look with much cleaner lines now.'"

    When you're ready to remodel your kitchen, consider posting your project with ConstructionDeal.com. We can match you with local kitchen designers to help you get the kitchen of your dreams and to help keep you up to date with the latest trends in remodeling. You can post your request for free on our site, you'll receive multiple bids from interested kitchen companies, and you'll save money by going with the best bid for your plans.


    Labels: , ,


    19 April 2007

     

    Save Money when Remodeling your Kitchen!

    The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) has some great tips on how to save money when you're remodeling your kitchen. This list could be used entirely, or you can obviously pick and choose which ones would work for you. The whole point, of course, is to make sure you get to update your kitchen without breaking your bank.

    Because the kitchen has become the most important room in the house, many feel pressured to spend more than they can afford. While it's nice to have all best luxury the world has to offer, you don't want to go overboard. Also, many people will get their first few estimates on a kitchen renovation and convince themselves it's either spend $60,000 or get nothing done at all. There are different levels for every remodeling project. And there is a wide choice in the materials that you use. Consult with a kitchen remodeling company and let them know that you'd like to use some or all of the following budget saving advice:
    Keep in mind that you need to make sure the completely remodeled kitchen looks good together. If you choose not to replace your appliances and they are now surrounded by a nice new countertop and new cabinetry, will those appliances look out of place and ruin the whole thing?

    Also, you don't ever need to try to put in the same kitchen you'd find in a million dollar house - in fact, it could really make the rest of the house look sad and outdated. Not every kitchen needs to have granite countertops - ceramic tiles are perfectly acceptable, look great, and can save you a lot of money.

    Finally, be creative with your kitchen renovation. You could add a chalkboard-like surface material to your refrigerator to write notes to the family. You could make your kitchen match a French cafe with a statue of a chef holding the menu for the day. Consider going with a 50's Diner Retro theme. All the expensive kitchens have the cherry cabinets and granite countertops -- be different, be innovative, and have fun!

    If you'd like to discuss your kitchen remodeling budget with a local kitchen design pro, you can post your request with ConstructionDeal.com - it's a fast and free way to get matched to quality kitchen experts!

    RELATED ARTICLES:
    Budget Kitchen Remodeling: Cabinet Replacement

    Labels: , ,


    18 April 2007

     

    Kitchen Design Ideas

    When you're building a new home or even remodeling your current kitchen space, you need to consider the design layout. You can make changes or set your new kitchen area up based on how much room you have to work with.

    The size of the kitchen will dictate the choices you make - for example, you may not be able to install a horseshoe, peninsula, or "U" shaped kitchen if there is limited space. Many really want to have a kitchen island in there home, but if it prevents clear travel through the kitchen -- it's probably not going to work for you.

    Most new homes have plenty of room in the kitchen area and the sky is the limit when designing your kitchen or remodeling it.

    Layout Options in Kitchen Designs:

    Linear - in a very narrow kitchen, you can sometimes only have kitchen cabinets on one or two sides of the room (with no room for a peninsula counter or island.) The Linear design shape is where you go with a single set of cabinets on one wall only. You may have room for a 2nd set of cabinets on the other wall, but if it prevents a free flow of movement or the ability to do all the work needed in the kitchen, it can be best to limit to one row of cabinets. When you have only one wall of cabinets, it can be a good idea to make sure the cabinets go floor to ceiling for maximum storage. Also, you might consider raising the ceiling height to accomodate more cabinets and to open up the room.

    Galley - the Galley Kitchen Design is similar to the Linear. You've got a narrow kitchen space and need to have as much cabinet space as possible. In a Galley design, you'll have cabinets on both walls, with entrances on one or both sides. There is room to move, turn, clean, and cook with both sets of cabinets on either side. This is a great arrangement when the kitchen is wider than the area in a Linear room, but not quite as long. Floor to ceiling cabinets and increased ceiling space can also help with storage space. It's important to have adequate task lighting and accent lighting in the Galley or Linear kitchen - the area is small and enclosed. Also, there is usually only room for one window at best. Increased lighting will help "open up" the kitchen.

    Peninsula - in wider kitchen rooms, you can pull countertop cabinet space out from the walls to form a peninsula or attached island area. It's a nice option to add additional counter space, additional cabinet or appliance storage, and you can even add an eating area. If the kitchen is wide enough, an island can be added to run parallel with the longest part of the kitchen wall. If there is not enough room for people to pass comfortably with an island in place, it is not recommended to have one installed.

    Corner or "L" - to open up a room or if the kitchen is more square-shaped, an "L" shape set of kitchen cabinets can be installed. Similar to the Peninsula, the Corner kitchen excludes an attached cabinet and usually has cabinets that extend out on one side (usually against a perpendicular kitchen wall.) When the L-shaped kitchen is installed, it usually leaves room for a stand-alone island. This open design allows the kitchen to extend into the dining room or family room.

    Horseshoe or "U" - the largest kitchens usually can have a Horseshoe design, allowing cabinets on three out of the four walls. The fourth wall usually opens up into the dining room or family room. There is sometimes another entrance on the opposite wall. With larger rooms, the kitchen should easily hold a center island. With such large rooms, it's important to vary the heights on all your cabinets and to install a variety of cabinets (wine rack, spice storage, and perhaps some translucent cabinet doors) to break up all the straight and uniform lines in the room. It gives the room more depth and character.

    With nearly all these kitchen styles, a great way to open up the room further and give more light is to install an overhead skylight or two.

    If you need to find a kitchen remodeling company or a kitchen designer in your area, let us know. We'll match you to quality companies in your area - for free. Simply post your request on our ConstructionDeal.com site and choose how many companies you'd like to contact you. And getou get more than 2 bids to help make sure you get the best price!

    RELATED ARTICLES:
    Italian Kitchen Designs
    Kitchen Remodeling: Form AND Function
    Outdoor Kitchens
    Small Kitchen Remodeling Ideas

    Labels: , ,


    This page is powered by Blogger. Isn't yours?

    Subscribe to Posts [Atom]