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Cabinets are top of mind among homeowners considering kitchen remodels, and it's easy to understand why. The role of cabinetry in the finished look and function of the space is crucial to the success of a kitchen design and the enjoyment of spending time there. And since roughly 60 percent of an average kitchen’s cost is spent on the cabinetry, choosing the right cabinets is a critical decision in remodeling and in new construction. So how do you handle picking out the right cabinetry for the kitchen or advising your client on what to choose? Understanding cabinet qualities and the performance of various types of cabinet construction materials is the first thing to embark upon. Based on that, your client can evaluate the price as it relates to the quality of the product. Because cabinetry typically dominates the cost of a new kitchen, I always advise that homeowners contact a kitchen professional to learn about the differences in cabinet quality grades. I recommend that homeowners compare wood or laminate finishes in their selection process. They also should ask about the way the cabinet finish is achieved. The best wood cabinet finishes use a multiple step process of sanding, sealing, hand-wipe staining, and finish coating. Other critical steps in the cabinetry selection process include accurately measuring the space available in the kitchen and surveying the overall configuration of the room to determine the best possible design choices for aesthetic, functional cabinets within budget parameters. The final but possibly most important step is to order the cabinetry correctly. Because cabinetry fits together like a giant Lego set with dozens—even hundreds—of parts and pieces, ordering is no easy assignment. Failure to order all of the parts can result in delays that could put everything on hold for weeks or months, depending on what the part is. For example, a missing or wrong base cabinet means that the countertop can't be installed, and that means the sink and cooktop can't be put in. In addition, today's emphasis on the furniture look in cabinetry, with a continuing trend toward ornate European country styles, means that installation is very labor-intensive. In fact, it often is more like cabinetmaking than simple installation. That's all the more reason for remodelers to consider calling in cabinetry professionals to handle that part of the project. |
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Ready for a new look to your kitchen but you don't want to have to go through the expense of redoing all the cabinetry? Maybe your cabinets are in great shape, but you just want a little different look. It could be a simple change of the knobs will do the trick. Cabinet knobs offer a refreshing way of adding beauty and elegance to your cabinetry. You can easily replace this hardware by yourself. Although you may already have designed a plan, you might be forgetting a couple of details, which could turn out to be frustrating mistakes. So, as you set out to replace or install new ones.
If the cabinets you have in your kitchen now are the stock set that came with the house, chances are they came with a series of stock knobs or handles that aren't as exciting or personal as you would like them to be. You probably selected the wood color and finish, but the hardware is what the factory decided to put on your set. The good news is it can be changed. Whether you have knobs currently or have drawer pulls or handles, you can still change them out for a new set. While you may not think something as small as a few drawer knobs will be enough to change the overall look of your kitchen, you will be surprised. Sure, they're small, but they pack a major punch when it comes to the overall look of the kitchen space. How they out from the cabinet material will change the environment.
With this in mind you need to carefully choose which knobs you want to put on your cabinetry, as they will have a large impact on the overall look of your kitchen. Take note of what other colors and elements are in use in your kitchen. Anything from appliance colors to floor tile and even themes you have put into play in this space should be taken into account when you are selecting hardware for your cabinets. You want something that goes with the look you have created, without clashing.
Another consideration to take when you are purchasing hardware for your kitchen cabinetry is the kind of use and abuse it is going to get. While there are some beautiful decorative knobs on the market, many of these are also less durable than others. If they are made of ceramic, glass and other decorative materials they have a level of fragility to them. If you are the only one using them, or you are saving those decorative ones for drawers that are out of the reach of most people this may not be a problem. But, if you have a number of children who like to run around the kitchen, banging into things and slamming your drawers and cabinets open and closed, decorative hardware may not be able to stand up to this strain.
Finally, decide how much work you want to do to install them. If you are replacing knobs that were already in place on your drawers and cabinets, most new ones will fit the same holes just fine. But, if your old cabinets had pulls or handles, those have more than one hole. You may need to either use multiple knobs (on drawers), or put a back plate behind the knob to cover the other hole (on doors). The other option is to fill the old holes, paint or finish the filled holes, and then create a new hole for the hardware. |
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A well-thought-out, detailed plan is a must for any kitchen project. Whether you design the kitchen yourself, work with a cabinet distributor or home center, or go to a kitchen designer, formulating a plan is the first step. Want to be happier at the end of your remodeling projects? Follow these guidelines and increase your chance of success. Hints for Hassle-free Remodeling - Get a planning workbook. The National Kitchen and Bath Association offers free workbooks at their website: www.nkba.org
- Consider a certified designer. www.nkba.org also offers assistance on finding designers.
- Hire professionals you've worked with in the past, or someone your friends or family have good experience with.
- Get involved with hiring subcontractors. Don't leave the responsibility solely with the general contractor.
- Get at least three contractor bids but be cautious when considering the lowest bidder.
- Get at least three references and make sure to check them.
- Check for proper liability insurance.
- Get a detailed timetable.
- Avoid changing your mind in the middle of the project. Changes lead to cost overruns and delays.
For projects involving cabinets: - Get involved in the cabinetry decision. Don't leave it up to the contractor alone.
- Consider well-built drawers and glides. These get regular use.
- Focus on convenience and utility. For example, Lazy Susans, pull-down soap and sponge holders and deep pot drawers are always useful.
- Factor in the work to your daily timetable and schedule.
- Make a list of everything you currently don't like about your kitchen and plan accordingly.
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- Have a clear understanding of what each supplier or contractor will provide and where it fits into the schedule
- Make certain if the contractor or installer will be responsible for tear-out and disposal and that it is included in the price
- You want to avoid living without your kitchen as much as possible, so do not allow tear-out until all materials are on hand or that you are certain of delivery
- For projects that include structural or mechanical changes consult an architect or building contractor
- Remember that your sink will be removed before the old counter top is removed and plumbing for the new sink cannot be installed and connected until the water is turned on again; the new counter top cannot be installed until the cabinets are installed so make sure the counter top installer is available as soon as the cabinets are set so you will not be without water any longer than necessary
- If you are adding new flooring remember it goes in after the cabinetry is in place but before appliances; make sure the appliance installer is available as soon as the flooring is completed and that the cabinet installer is prepared to come back and install the toe kick (some flooring installers will also complete this for you)
- Ceramic tile and possibly other flooring choices require more than one day to install
- Make sure it is clear which installer is responsible for installing the following: the dishwasher to the plumbing line, any ductwork for the exhaust system, ceiling patching, gas and/or electrical connections
- Since it takes time and additional costs are usually incurred when cabinets have to be re-ordered, one of the most important items you need to have distinctly spelled out in your contract is if you provided the measurements for your cabinets, who is responsible if there is an error? If your kitchen designer or specialist or possibly the architect provided the measurements at the job site, he or she is responsible. If not, then you are responsible. (Check out our section on “How to Measure Your Kitchen”)
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When your cabinets start falling apart, appliances no longer work, and your countertops are chipped or broken it is pretty easy to tell that you might need to remodel your kitchen. Below the cosmetic issues, there are several other reasons that are more important than whether or not the cabinets are outdated. Here are some additional reasons which can help you decide if it is time to renovate your kitchen. Traffic flow: If there's more than one cook in your household, you may want to consider making more room around the main workspace. If you entertain family and friends, you will certainly want an open floor plan that allows the cook to interact with guests. By most standards the width of a walkway should be at least 36" and the width of a work aisle should be at least 42" for one cook and at least 48" for multiple cooks. Sufficient space: Counter space and storage space can dramatically change just by rearranging the layout of your kitchen. The position of your refrigerator or shape of your counter may be taking away useful workspace. Industry standards when replacing a countertop or changing the shape of your kitchen, is that you should have a total of 158" of countertop frontage, 24" deep with at least 15" of clearance above, to accommodate all uses, including landing area, preparation/work area and storage. Efficiency & Eco-Friendly: In today's real estate market, everyone wants eco-friendly features in the home to reduce their carbon footprintOutdated appliances can actually be costing you money due to inefficiencies. New technological advances with dishwashers, disposals and refrigerators could save you a considerable amount of money and may be well worth the investment. For example, purchasing a dishwasher with low-energy consumption, delay timer and economy cycle or half-load button will result in saving water and money. Handicap Accessibility: Is your kitchen accessible to individuals with disabilities? While you may not have a need right now, if you plan on staying in the house a long time or plan on selling the house, it is important to keep this aspect in mind. Will you be able to use your kitchen safely as you get older? While it is often overlooked, this is a key design element in any kitchen remodel. Location: Opening the kitchen to an outside living area is a big trend in newer homes. By Incorporating a door into the layout of your kitchen it would help create a nice flow to an outside deck or patio. You also may want to rearrange the position of windows to allow more or less sunlight or to watch your children play in the yard. Keep in mind that a cooking surface should never be located under an operable window. Before you remodel your kitchen, make a checklist of major and minor problems and keep notes of the features you dislike and like the most. Whether you are planning on working with a designer or taking on the task yourself, a prioritized list of needs and wants will help you better organize your remodeling plans. |
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Kitchen Remodeling
