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You have set aside enough funds for a new kitchen, but you have no idea where to begin. Do not worry. This is a very common scenario. In fact, planning a kitchen is a pretty big task. It begins with a kitchen designer visiting your home to prepare a floor plan. Their job is to counsel you on how to best create a functional kitchen. It would help tremendously if you know in advance what it is that you want and expect out of your kitchen though. So before you squander thousands of dollars on your brand new kitchen, let’s take a look at some important pointers.

KitchenStyle

The style of your kitchen should match the style of your home. A contemporary kitchen, for instance, shouldn’t be built onto an old Victorian cottage. The six main types of kitchen design are contemporary, country, old world, rustic, traditional, and transitional.

Entertaining Guests

How do you intend to use your kitchen? Will it be merely for your family, or do you intend to use it to entertain others? For just a family, you will most likely just need space to prepare a meal, and store food and kitchen utensils. If you choose to entertain, you may opt for extra space to put barstools, plus an additional countertop to use for serving liquor.

Storage Space

The amount of storage you will require depends on your personal habits. If you love to cook, for instance, you will presumably own a large collection of cookware and utensils, all of which will need a place to be stored. Or if you prefer to use paper products (like my lazy self), then you will not need as much cabinet space. Base the storage specifications of your kitchen on a need-for basis. If you do not need extra cupboards, do not get them because it will be a waste of money.

Cooking Habits

If you enjoy cooking often, then you will need a kitchen with enough workspace for food preparation. You will want to include a large countertop in your kitchen design. In addition, you may also opt for enough space to keep an extra large fridge, a big oven, and spice racks.

Shopping Habits

Some people, like myself, prefer to buy a little bit from the store everyday. I basically buy what I plan to eat that specific day. Others choose to purchase large quantities of food and store it for later use. In such a case, you will probably need an extra large fridge and freezer.

For more information on kitchen design, please check out:

http://www.kitchens.com/design.aspx

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Stop and think for a minute about the amount of time that your family typically spends in the bathroom of your home. It is quite a bit of time if you stop and really think about it. The bathroom is one of the most important places in your home other than your kitchen. Let’s face it: Without a bathroom we might not be much different from all the other animals out there. Let’s look at some important bathroom home improvement projects for the weekends.

Caulk Weekend Project

The caulk that surrounds your toilet, sink, bathtub and shower prevents water leaks and water damage in your bathroom. This is important material. The good news is that it is easy and inexpensive to replace. Once a year, you should use a small putty knife and remove the caulk from your bathtub, shower, sink and toilet.

Buy two tubes of bathroom caulking from your local hardware store. You can find tubes that don’t even require a caulk gun to use. Remove the old caulk and replace with new caulk. Your bathroom will look so much better and be more water-resistant at the same time.

Faucet Handles

Faucet handles can collect mold, mildew, scum and grime. They can become unsightly before you realize it. You can easily unscrew these and clean thoroughly. Or you can give your bathroom a facelift and install brand new ones of a different design. If you do this keep the old ones because you can interchange them to give your bathroom a new look without having to purchase more hardware. Make certain to clean the old ones prior to storage.

To learn how to change and clean faucet handles view my AC video on how to do this step by step.

Add Bathroom Accessories

Bathroom accessories don’t have to always be the mats and shower curtains. You can add bathroom accessories that are handy and useful. For example, you can mount a toothbrush holder to get rid of clutter around the sink. You can add towel racks and even toilet paper stacker holders.

You can learn how to mount a toothbrush holder by viewing my AC video on how to this step by step.

Fresh Coat of Paint

A fresh coat of paint will make your bathroom look nicer. You can lightly sand the coat of paint present to remove dirt, grime and mold. This is a fast and easy weekend project to give your bathroom a face lift and make it healthier at the same time.

Toilet Workings

The inside of the toilet tank can be a problem. Once every 2 years, take out the old toilet unit pieces and replace with new ones. This will keep your toilet in working order without having to worry about it suddenly not flushing.

Tile Sealant

It is imperative to seal the grout on your shower tile at least once a year. You can purchase a can of tile sealant at a local paint store or hardware store. Thoroughly clean the tile before you seal it. Sealed tile is less likely to mold and mildew. Additionally, you will keep water from seeping between the tile and the supporting shower wall behind the tile which will reduce shower repairs and potential for water damage in your home.

These are some inexpensive and easy weekend projects to make certain that your bathroom is in working order year round. After all just think of all the time that the family stays in the bathroom.

Remodeling Grand Rapids

Arlington Cabinets- Base Cabinet style

Design: Cream painted maple with a rich dark brown glaze. The set up is with base cabinets only and a long walk through kitchen space. The area space is estimated at 10′x10′.

Materials: All wood

Cost: Approximately $2174 for the specified area

Layout: overlay doors, European style, rich detail.

Beacon Hill Cabinets- Base and wall cabinet style

Design: Natural maple plywood, sides, tops, bottoms and shelves. The set up is with base and wall cabinets, high ceilings, and a smaller walk through kitchen space. The area space is estimated at 10′x10′.

Materials: all wood

Cost: approximately $1635 for specified area

Layout: Traditional overlay, European style

Park Avenue Cabinets- Island style

Design: Hand rubbed finish, with golden stain. The set up is base and wall cabinets surrounding a small island in the center of the kitchen. The area space is approximately 10′x10′.

Materials: all wood

Cost: approximately $1486

Layout: European style, rich detail, epoxy coated side mount glides on drawers

Note: There are three different types of cabinets that you can use to design your kitchen, they are: custom, semi-custom and stock. Custom cabinets are cabinets that are specially made and they contain plod, you choose your style, finish and the type of wood you want. This type of cabinet can be very expensive. Semi-custom cabinets are made from wood and you have more choices, varieties, styles and finishes. Stock cabinets are made from particle board and they come in limited styles and colors.

The delivery of each type of cabinet also varies; custom cabinets are specially made so they can be delivered in one or two months. Semi-custom cabinets can be delivered in four to six weeks. Lastly the stock cabinets can be delivered right away, the next day in some cases.

The best way to decide what kind of cabinets you want will always start with what your budget is. Then the size of your kitchen is the next thing to take in to consideration. Then you should follow up with whether you want to remodel the cabinets that are already there or if you want to remove the old cabinets and put in new cabinets. You have to decide what is the cheapest, smartest most eco-friendly way to go about remodeling your kitchen. You can always just replace the cabinet doors and leave the base of the cabinets in tack if they are still in good condition, and it will look as if you have brand new cabinets.

Sources: www.instockkitchens.com, www.bottomdollar.com, www.pinnaclehomeproducts.com

Remodeling Grand Rapids

As the cost of labor and homebuilding materials continues to rise, the price of rebuilding a home can exceed the amount for which it is insured. According to insurance consultants Marshall & Swift/Boeckh, 58 percent of American homes are underinsured by an average of 21 percent. If destroyed, these underinsured homes will not be rebuilt at the same size or with the same quality materials.

Some insurance companies take the rising cost of labor and materials into account by automatically covering an extra 20 percent in replacement costs above the original insurance amount. Marshall & Swift/Boeckh includes this coverage in its estimates of underinsurance, however.

The gap can grow dramatically, depending on the age and location of the home. Homes typically are insured for the correct amount at the time of purchase. As time passes, however, costs rise, and the gap between the homeowners insurance amount and the rebuilding amount grows. The longer the homeowner has been in the house, the bigger the gap. Replacement costs vary by region as well. Labor rates and material costs tend to be higher in metropolitan areas than in small towns. Homebuilding costs in coastal states are higher than in the heartland.

Another factor driving underinsurance is the home improvement craze. Television programs like “Design on a Dime,” “Trading Spaces,” and “Flip this House” have taken the fear out of remodeling and have shown what a few upgrades can do for the value of a home. Kitchen cabinets, granite countertops, hardwood flooring, vinyl windows and doors, new decks, and room additions can add thousands to a home’s value. According to Remodeling magazine’s “Cost vs. Value Report,” the average kitchen remodel costs $54,000 and adds about $43,000 to the value of a home. A kitchen and bath remodel alone will put a $300,000 home outside the range of “kicker” coverage. Any increased costs beyond that only add to the underinsurance.

If you are concerned about underinsurance, contact your insurance agent. Ask if your policy covers your home’s replacement cost. If not, see if it has a kicker clause and, if so, find out how much the kicker is for. Also, update your agent about any improvements you have made to your home. Don’t be afraid that your agent will increase your premiums dramatically. An intelligent agent will not risk driving away a good customer with unfair prices. Any increase in your premiums will be minimal, but it could mean the difference between replacing your home “as is” or having to settle for something smaller, cheaper, less comfortable, and less inviting.

Remodeling Grand Rapids

Tony Boyett Home Repair’s Etc located on Denton Drive (off Metric Drive) in Austin, TX has 14 years experience in kitchen remodeling. They are a member of the Better Business Bureau Online as well as the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. They will provide a list of customer references upon request, and they display customer testimonials on the site, many of which speak of the reasonable prices. Home Repair Etc doesn’t provide actual pricing on the site, you have to request an estimate based on what you want to have done. You can views pictures of their actual work online, as well, so you can see ahead of time the kind of work they should be able to provide. In addition to kitchen and other remodeling, they also do sheetrock and rotten wood repair, door and window installations and more.

Kitchen Craft of Austin, TX on Burnet Road has been in business for 12 years. They are members of the BBB, NARI, National Kitchen & Bath Assoc., and the Home Builders Assoc. of Greater Austin. They offer a full range of kitchen remodeling products, from cabinets and countertops to vent hood liners and matching door hardware. For Kitchen Craft pricing, you have to request a brochure – contrary to what the name might suggest, “Complementary Products” does not mean free, though that page does claim to offer their products at “prices you will appreciate”. You can view images of their products in a slideshow by clicking “kitchen”.

The owner of Dream Builders of Austin on Cherie Drive has been a builder in Austin for 20 years. In addition to providing a referral list and job gallery online, there is a video with testimonials from customers and in depth footage of kitchen remodeling jobs they have done and they have an excellent explanation of how home equity loans are calculated and why it is better to get a job estimate before you attempt to get the loan. Dream Builders describe their pricing as in the middle, neither the most or the least expensive. The design page states that they will charge a fixed price, with no hidden costs because they will tell you upfront exactly what they will and won’t do and how much everything will cost. Photos of their completed projects are provided in convenient “Before” and “After” slideshows which illustrate just how much good remodeling can transform a house.

Remodeling Grand Rapids

When you move into an apartment or house the first thing that you are going to do is clean everything. The overall cleanliness of the apartment or house should pretty good, as landlords often have cleaned the place in order to show and rent it. However sometimes taking the step to get every sanitized will help you rest assured when you begin to unpack and live in the apartment or house.

Cabinets

You will want to take a damp dish towel and clean the cabinet shelves with a water and bleach solution so you don’t have to worry about anything when you set your dishes and food in the cabinets.

Drawers

Just as you did with the cabinet shelves you will want to clean the inside of the drawers in the kitchen the same way.

Range

You will want to disinfect the range, you won’t need to take the burners apart to clean under the burner rings or broiler pans, any spill over that had happen before you moved should be cleaned up. The area that you will want to be sure to clean is the area of the range that you will be setting food, dishes or utensils on.

Stove

If for some reason there is spill over in the oven all you need to do is turn the oven on high long enough so the spill over burns and then it will be easier to clean off, you won’t have to disinfect the stove racks unless you plan to cook food, such as some pizzas and potatoes, directly on them and the high temperature should kill any germs.

Counters

Just like the cabinets you will want to use a solution to disinfect the counters in the kitchen. Be sure that the solution that you are going to use won’t discolor the counter tops.

Sink

Ajax or Comet are the perfect thing to use when you are cleaning a kitchen sink.

Refrigerator

Just like the counters you can quickly clean out the fridge by running a wet dish towel over the shelves and inside the refrigerator drawers.

Dishwasher

If you feel that you want to clean the inside of the dishwasher, sprinkle one to two cups of baking soda on the bottom and pour some distilled vinegar on to the baking soda. Then run the dishwasher though a standard washing and rinsing cycle.

Kitchen Floors

Sweep and mop the floors with the solution that you cleaned the kitchen counters and kitchen cabinets with.

Once you clean the kitchen you will be able to put away all of the food and dishes that you own and feel good about the clean environment that you can cook in.

Remodeling Grand Rapids

Go for your own style when you choose new kitchen cabinets. How is the kitchen supposed to “feel” once it is created? How do you want it to look? How does the style match with everything else in your house? Different shades of white and antique cabinets cover any time era. Match the whole setting to the rest of the house because that is the important issue here. Keep that in mind when you finish it all up and you have to make decisions on what finish, stain, style of doors and hardware to get.

Just go for the things you like. The design on the cabinet doors does not have to rule on how the rest of the kitchen has to look. The overall colors, the paint, the wallpaper, the wall decorations and other attributes usually fit in that position. Unless you want to match the ideas of certain designers or you want to imitate a certain style, just go with what you think of as being pretty. You have to concentrate however on quality. The duration of your cabinets depends of the quality of the construction. Next are some styles that work just about any kitchen. Your home is your personal haven. The next five designs are some you may want to go with. Choose a design that fits your ideas and then personalize your kitchen so you feel at home in it.

If you want a blend of several things you look for in a kitchen Restful Retreats is what you are looking for. Hurry home from a hectic work day and it will make you feel comfortable.

A graceful solution is The World At Your Doorstep. Ideas from Asia, Africa, some Latin countries and Italy blend together and inspire this kitchen setting. A kitchen that is tailored to perfection and personality is defined, timeless and a real classic piece of furniture.

If you want your kitchen to scream how clean it is you should definitely go with the Simple Element styles. Although this style has a calming effect, it has a sophisticated line-out and offers a lot of cupboard space.

If you are kind off clueless as to what style you anticipate, check out some photos and pick up some ideas to draft your own style. Keep in mind that you want the whole thing to flow and blend and blend and stay smooth. You might have to change the layout even to the point of changing entrances, appliances and fixtures. Narrow doorways or the corners of an island can become more doable when countertops are angled. Ensure plenty of space around work areas in the kitchen so that human traffic can flow smoothly. Changing the general look can be done by decorating with pictures. Do not make it look all too crowded, cramped or small. Adjust the lighting to your creation. Keep in mind that there are times you will want to be comfortable in the kitchen no matter what time of day or night it is. A kitchen should like cheerful and bright all times of the day. The light effect in the kitchen depends a lot on how your cabinets are stained and on the color. The walls look very covered once the cabinets are installed. That means that there will be less surface to reflect light. Consider very light or eve white cabinets if your kitchen does not have much daylight.

Think about these ideas before you start purchasing. It will eventually save you time and money and you will be more comfortable with the whole idea.

Remodeling Grand Rapids

When planning out a new kitchen, the first item to renovate has to be the countertop. It’s probably the most used part of the kitchen. An important aspect to think about it the type of material you would like to use and of all the materials available, none is more suited for a busy kitchen than soapstone.

While people may think of ceramic or granite materials when they think about countertop materials, soapstone is just as durable, if not more, because of its natural properties and resilience to chemical damage. In fact, more and more interior designers are using a soapstone counter for a more rustic appeal.

The Material
If one of your goals for your new kitchen is to make it more beautiful yet fully functional, then you must consider installing a soapstone counter. There are a few characteristics of soapstone which separates itself from other kitchen surface materials. Since it is a natural stone, soapstone is cut from quarries into large blocks and then transformed into slabs. Each block and each slab hold their own individual qualities. In order to enjoy a consistent appearance concerning the color and movement of a slab, it is important to purchase soapstone counters cut from the same block.

Did you know that soapstone dates back thousands of years ago? It has been used as a raw material for centuries. This tells us that a soapstone countertop has the potential to last a very long time and withstand harsh surroundings.

The Properties
Soapstone has many unique qualities and it is these qualities which have led to its many different uses by multiple cultures for generations. If it wasn’t a dependable material, do you think homes would still be installing soapstone counters today? Soapstone is smooth and soft to touch. It got its name due to how the texture of the stone resembles soap.

A soapstone counter is the perfect fit for kitchen because of its strength and durability. Resilient to chemicals, a soapstone counter is also tough against scratches, heat, impact and stains. Unlike stainless steel, the soapstone countertop is an acid and alkali resistant.

The Care Needed
Once your soapstone counter is installed, you’ll want to add a sealant or mineral oil for protection. This ensures the counter will last and keep its brilliance for a long time. Other than this, a soapstone countertop can be cared for just like any other material.

Remodeling Grand Rapids

Comedians joke about the test of any marriage being a home remodeling job. After having lived through a kitchen remodel, I now longer think it’s a joke. And it’s not even vaguely funny.

You see we decided to remodel our 1960’s galley kitchen. Every lifestyle magazine talks about how a kitchen is a gathering place, to catch up on the day’s events, a place to do homework, oh yes, and eat too. Well our kitchen was all of the above and also the place to feed the dogs.

Now most mothers get upset when everyone doesn’t sit down to dinner at the same time. I got upset when everyone did, as there was not any space to move.

Also storage space wasn’t in the right place. The dishwasher was at the opposite end of the kitchen from where the dishes were stored. And my kitchen is 22′ long—a true galley kitchen.

Enter my husband. He, along with another one of his engineer friends, decided it was possible to bump out the kitchen to gain some extra space. I was reassured it would be easy to do, not take a lot of time. Money, did anyone mention money? I’ve watched those TV shows where every remodel project runs over in time and especially money.

Kitchen remodels can cost anywhere from a couple of thousand dollars for new flooring, and paint to well over $100,000 for top of the line cabinets and appliances.

In spite of my better judgment I agreed to the remodel. For the next few weeks I looked at pictures in magazines, online suggestions, even videos on YouTube.

I personally wanted to have the 60 second remodel shown in the YouTube video. Not possible, but in my research I learned 4 questions I needed to ask both myself and my husband:

1. What Do I Really Want?

Like everything in life there’s a difference between what I need and what I’d like to have.

- Ask yourself if you want a decorating makeover with paint, cupboard doors and flooring?

-Or do you need space for people to sit or counter space to make meals?

- Do you cook or are most of your meals microwave or take out?

-Is there enough storage space? Of the type you need?

- Do you have enough electrical outlets and are they in the places you need?

-Is the lighting correct for the job you need to do?

-Do your appliances match what you need?

-Does your refrigerator fit your family?

-Do you need more or fewer burners on your stove?

2. Are You Willing To Have A Disaster Area In Your Home?

Contractors will be in your home for weeks even months depending on the size of your remodel job. If you decide to do a lot by yourself the process can last even longer.

Your refrigerator will move into another room as well as the microwave. Unless you have one of the outlets for stoves, you’ll be without a stove for at least part, if not all, of the remodel.

Consider you will be either eating a lot of ‘take out’ or eating out during this time. You will not be able to use your kitchen during the remodel.

One plus is remodeling your kitchen has been one of those costs which help with house reselling.

3. What Type Of A Remodel Job Are You Doing?

Are you doing a total gut and replace? Or do you want just a surface redo? Either one can work and make you happy.

4. Are There Ways To Reduce The Cost Of Remodeling?

From material choices, to doing it yourself to contractor choice there are many ways to save money. The key to saving money is to think the project through before you start. Restarts and redos’ are expensive.

To Get You And Your Spouse On The Same Page

My suggestion is to first spend some time sitting in your kitchen with a spiral notebook and a pen. Look around you and write down everything you’d change if money were not a concern. Flip the notebook around and ask your spouse to do the same. No cheating here.

Put the notebook with the pen on top of the refrigerator or somewhere you can reach it. Now for one week (or longer) every time you say to yourself, “I wish I had…” or “It would be nice if…” regarding your kitchen, write it in the notebook.

The exercise was an eye opening experience for us. For example, both of us like to cook, but my husband likes to use every pot and pan we have. I’m the minimalist. “Use it, wash and reuse.” He needs lots of counter space and a huge sink. I wanted an easy to clean countertop and he wanted a countertop to use for his baking.

At the end of the week, you and your spouse need to take your list. Mark a 1 next to what you have to have, a 2 next to what would be nice to have, and a 3 next to what would be included in your fantasy kitchen (if money, time and space were not an object.)

Next sit down and compare lists. We decided what we really wanted. Also we found what were a “nice to” and the “wish list”.

Discussion Now Saves Money And Arguments Later

This gave us the chance to talk about what we wanted and start talking about how much we wanted to spend. The next few days we spent online researching prices. After our research we sat down again with our list. This time we were pleasantly surprised at how easily we were able to agree to what we needed to include in our kitchen remodel.

You’ll probably find not everything can or will be included. I’m still hoping to win the lottery, but until then I’m ready to remodel my kitchen with most of the items on my ‘have to have list.’

Remodeling Grand Rapids

A country kitchen can evoke memories of the sweet smell of homemade apple pie baking in the oven. Grandma pulling open that kitchen cabinet means something good is about to happen! A kitchen with country cabinets is a family kitchen. Let’s review some fabulous country kitchen cabinet styles along with tips to help you create and bring back that smell of home, sweet home.

1. Formal Country Kitchen Cabinets.

Often made from birch, maple or oak, this style cabinet is usually simplistic in its design. Look for painted off-white or other pastel colored panels with glass doors behind the center part of the cabinet window. Curtains can be installed from the inside and pulled together in the middle (resembling a vertical bow-tie.)

2. Casual Country Kitchen Cabinets.

If you are looking for an understated cabinet with true simplistic charm, this may be the right style for your kitchen. Experience the big, wide, natural country with cabinets that reflect the lovely appeal of a quaint farmhouse.

3. English Style Country Cabinets.

The English Country style is of an alluring cottage. This style is easily identifiable by the stencil wood cutouts and the assortment of finishes on the panels. Glass doors are sometimes incorporated in the style as well.[1]

4. American Country.

Pine wood and flat panels are reflective of the American Country style. For a clean, fresh look, mix and match traditional with a few modern, but small accessories. Make sure that your American Country style takes control of the kitchen.

5. French Country.

The French Country look is recognized by its panels of medium or dark wood. However, cabinets painted a distressed antique white, black, pastel green and rose are also popular country cabinet colors for the French Country style. Typically, paint and wood finishes are mixed together to create the low luster, clear glaze and light wood finish.

6. Tuscan Country.

The Tuscan Country style is flexible in its color offerings. The wood can be made to look worn and distressed, but it also can be seen in medium and dark colors. Texture is the key element in Tuscan cabinetry. Often the cabinets exhibit an unstructured look because of their open shelving. Bronze hardware completes the “old world” look. The Tuscan Country style can depict the elegant side of country cabinet styling.[2]

7. Strive to achieve unity in your kitchen design.

To increase your successful selection of country cabinets, limit your design colors to three: one neutral, one dark and one light color. If the cabinet wood you select is dark, include contrasting, but complimentary colors in your overall color scheme.[3]

8. Consider incorporating your faucets and kitchen sink to match your country theme.

Since they have come a long way in their design and material elements, a country kitchen sink can truly pull together your kitchen’s overall theme. Choices range from the simplest traditional bucket style to the country farm sink. Dare to be creative in selecting your kitchen hardware elements.

9. Range hoods are a major focal point of many country kitchens.

Range hoods that match your cabinetry also help to solidify your overall country theme while adding value to your home.

10. A range backdrop adds a special touch to your country kitchen.

Your country style range backdrop can really enhance your kitchen’s personality. A ceramic or mirrored tile back-splash depicting country folk-art mural, or a floral stenciled pattern design can really charm up your kitchen.

Bonus Tip 11. Country kitchens can be enhanced with the warmth of a fireplace or even a pot belly stove.

Why not take a relaxing break by your kitchen fireplace? Set the timer so that dinner turns out fine.

The country kitchen of today embodies the best of both worlds. It embraces traditional style by showing appreciation for generational design while containing elements of modern convenience. Define your country kitchen style by deciding which cabinet type is representative of your personality, then make it your own. Your country kitchen can be your little oasis, not away from– but within your home.

[1] http://www.directkitchencabinets.com/Designs.aspx. Accessed August 22, 2008.
[2] http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/dc_design_kitchen/article/0,1793,HGTV_3375_1394809,00.html. Accessed August 22, 2008.
[3] http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/dc_design_themes/article/0,1793,HGTV_3383_1393054,00.html

Remodeling Grand Rapids