The Basics of Kitchen Remodeling

The key function of every household or home is the kitchen. It's the place where everyone gathers to prepare food, talk, and enjoy life together. At least that's the way life is supposed to be. Is your kitchen a pleasing place where everyone wants to spend time or is your kitchen the last place anyone wants to be? Is your kitchen old-fashioned and shouting, "I am a relic from the seventies." If the answer to any of these questions is yes, you might want to consider remodeling. I know the R word scares you to death, but remodeling does not have to spell disaster if you prepare, organize, and research. Know what you want and don't settle for anything else. When all is said and done, you will have your dream kitchen where even Beaver and the Cleavers would be happy to visit.

There are many reasons why you might want to consider kitchen remodeling. Perhaps you need more space in your kitchen, or maybe there are aspects of the room that need updating. Still another reason for kitchen renovation is to add value to your home. No matter why you want to make changes, here are some basic tips and information to help you get started.

The first thing you'll want to do before beginning your remodeling project is to thoroughly evaluate your kitchen and make sure you clearly understand your wants and needs. You may also want to take a look at some modern trends in kitchen design. One such trend is the use of multiple work stations, which allow for more efficient activity in the kitchen. A popular method of adding multiple work stations is with the addition of an island. An island is a free-standing, rectangular-shaped structure with countertop space and cabinet storage. It's even possible to add a sink to your kitchen island if you so desire.

Cabinets are another area of the kitchen where many homeowners decide to make changes. You can choose to have custom cabinets built and installed. Custom cabinets are exactly what they sound like -- cabinets that are custom built to fit your kitchen. When it comes to cabinet styles, there are -two primary choices in design. European-style cabinets are frameless, while face-framed cabinets are just that -- framed. The material from which your custom cabinets are built can include various quality woods such as oak, pine, cherry or maple. If you have cabinets that are crafted from a fine hardwood, you may choose to refinish them rather than replace them. Cabinet refinishing simply involves stripping the existing varnish and refinishing the wood. Some people also choose to replace the hardware for an updated look. While you can certainly hire a contractor to refinish your cabinets, many homeowners decide to do the job themselves.

Another area in the kitchen where homeowners make changes are the countertops. If you've got unsightly or low quality Formica, you should definitely consider changing it to a more durable and attractive material. Granite is a popular material for kitchen countertops because of its smooth beauty and lasting durability. Yet another surface where you may desire changes is the floor. If your kitchen floor is less than acceptable, consider installing beautiful, durable laminate flooring. Laminate flooring is easy to install, lasts a long time and comes in a variety of attractive colors and textures.

To learn more about kitchen remodeling and the options available to you, click the graphic in the navigation menu on the right.

Copyright 2006 Jim Sterling - All Rights Reserved

Kitchen Remodeling Ideas


Kitchen Remodeling News:
Planning your new
(ARA) - Upgrading the..

SJ Janis Company Offers Complimentary Remodeling Seminar on Kitchen Design Trends - Wauwatosa Now

SJ Janis Company Offers Complimentary Remodeling Seminar on Kitchen Design Trends
Wauwatosa Now
Admission to the seminar, EURKitchen Remodeling Today: Timeless to Eclectic Design,EUR is $5, and registration is required one week in advance through the Lydell Community Center, 414-963-3947. The session will investigate various case studies to examine .

..


Last week we discussed design trends for the whole house. This week we will focus on the 2012 trends for the..

Woodworking Customers Take Charge with New Design Tools - woodworkingnetwork.com

Woodworking Customers Take Charge with New Design Tools
woodworkingnetwork.com
In the consumer kitchen remodeling sector, for example, Kitchen Tune-up, a cabinetry refacing and remodeling franchise with 70 US locations, placed a proprietary consumer design application on its website. Built two years ago and integrated to .

..

Lowe's and Houzz announce dream
Lowe's and Houzz, a leading social site for home..

Many homeowners decide remodeling is wiser than moving - Los Angeles Times

Many homeowners decide remodeling is wiser than moving
Los Angeles Times
Underscoring this trend: In late January, the National Assn. of Home Builders' remodeling market index hit its highest level in five years. David Crowe, chief economist of the association, said that for many consumers, fixing up their house fits their .
DEPRESSED HOME PRICES FUEL SPIKE IN REMODELINGU-T San Diego

all 13 news articles »
..

Kitchen remodeling trends for 2012 - Deseret News

Deseret News

Kitchen remodeling trends for 2012
Deseret News
The reason: Kitchen upgrades provide an excellent return on the investment, even in a down economy. While a sluggish housing market and high remodeling construction costs continue to push down remodeling return on investment, a kitchen remodel has .
Kitchen inspirationsU-T San Diego

all 2 news articles »
..

Basics are back when it comes to
But this winter it seems everyone we know is either tinkering with their..

3 Recession Home Remodeling Trends Likely to Stick Around - U.S. News & World Report

3 Recession Home Remodeling Trends Likely to Stick Around
U.S. News & World Report
Remodeling industry sentiment, as tracked by the National Association of Home Builders' Remodeling Market Index (RMI), hit a five-year high in the fourth quarter. Suite spot of the market. Builders and remodelers are finding more demand for in-law .

and more »
..

Greenspot - Sustainable kitchens - ABC Online (blog)

Greenspot - Sustainable kitchens
ABC Online (blog)
Thinking of installing a sustainable kitchen? Having recently been through the experience of remodeling a kitchen and having to work top a tight budget but still wanting something that was nice to look at, workable and sustainable. In a perfect world, .

..

What Have You Remodeled Lately? New Moen Research Explores Canadians' Feelings Toward
Bathroom and..

Palos firehouse a finalist in
when necessary,EUR DeHaan wrote in her entry essay for the Ikea Firehouse..

Getting Prepared for Kitchen Remodeling in Your Home | CA Green .
On the other hand, kitchen remodeling can also be done to help increase the value of your property. Kitchen remodeling is definitely an investment that you could make to increase the livability and value of your home...

Technorati Tags: , ,