When it comes to a kitchen remodel, the design choices are only part of the equation. The plumbing, electrical, and gas work behind the walls are just as important to get right, and that's where the licensed team at RupCoe Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning comes in. We help homeowners throughout South Plainfield and surrounding communities like Edison and Bridgewater bring their kitchen remodel plans to life safely, whether that means relocating a sink line, adding a gas connection for a new range, or wiring in updated lighting and outlets.
Are you keen on a new design? Well then, let us help you with these simple but useful tips to get the best design for you!
Steps to Consider Before Remodeling Your Kitchen
- Figure out the range or scope of your project.
- Determine the portions you intend to refurbish, providing a list of everything you want to change.
- Get the appropriate dimensions and sizes of the area and things you will remove and replace, such as the cabinets, countertops, pantry shelves and appliances.
- If you intend to upgrade your flooring, get the length and width measurements of the area. Multiply these so you can acquire the square foot calculation.
- Write down a list with the supplies and materials required for the remodeling.
- Take a look at your checklist to figure out which projects you could potentially finish by yourself and which may need an expert.
- Focus on what you have on your list. Label must have items or top priority tasks, stuff you would want to carry out and additional ones you are willing to trim down if the expenses shoot up.
- Acquire quotations from expert contractors regarding the aspects and portions of the kitchen remodeling job that you cannot handle by yourself.
- Supply a collection of tasks and your set budget for the job to the professionals so they can give their recommendations and provide you an exact estimate.
- Drop by your desired home improvement center to obtain accurate prices for the projects you will be in charge of.
- Check the estimates of the materials needed.
- Approach the store’s staff to assist you with discounts, bulk rates or other offers.
- When you arrive home, make a computation of the project or materials needed for the remodeling. Make a comparison of the sum with your initial fund or budget to check if everything is feasible.
- Determine your priority projects and the ones that can wait.
- Make sure to assign the gas installation, electrical and plumbing tasks only to the pros to steer clear of risks or damages that you may encounter.
Quality workmanship you can trust for all your bathroom remodeling needs throughout South Plainfield and surrounding communities.
Invest in Your Kitchen
This means that you should use high quality materials throughout. Soft close hinges and smooth drawer slides will make your kitchen seem more luxurious. Solid wood cabinets will last a lifetime, unlike many of the particleboard cabinets that are on the market. Wood veneer is longer lasting than melamine, laminate, MDF or particleboard, and will look good for much longer.
One important consideration is to use the best quality cabinet. Doors, drawer fronts and handles can all be replaced if they become worn in years to come. If your cabinets are well built and well fitted you will save money by not having to replace the entire kitchen. This is also a good time to have a plumber assess your existing sink and supply lines, since replacing cabinetry often reveals aging pipes or connections that are easier to address before new cabinets are installed rather than after.
Measuring for a Kitchen Remodel
One of the biggest mistakes that people make is ordering standard height cabinets in kitchens with high ceilings. Make full use of the available space. Not only will you greatly increase your storage space, you will also create a neater kitchen that fills the room. Large spaces above cabinet tops can look unsightly. Remember, you can always use a stool to reach items on the top shelves. If your remodel involves moving your sink, dishwasher, or range to a new location, it's worth consulting with a plumber early in the planning process to confirm what's feasible given your home's existing plumbing layout.
Choose the Finish
Wooden cabinets can be stained or painted. Both provide a unique look to a kitchen. Staining is easier to touch up, but painted cabinets are more contemporary and stylish. One current trend is cabinets in a high quality white gloss finish. These can look amazing, but consider how they will look in ten years when parts start to look worn, and also consider how they will be repaired.
Choose a Worktop That Complements Your Kitchen
There are essentially three types of worktop – wood, laminate and stone. Stone worktops, such as granite and quartz, can look exceptional. They are, however, by far the most expensive option. Wooden worktops give a rustic feel to a kitchen but do require more maintenance over the years. An advantage of wood is that you can sand it down and stain it to remove burns and marks. Also remember that stone worktops are not indestructible. If intense heat is applied they may crack, and light quartz can also stain. If you are on a budget then go for laminate which is cheaper to replace, and modern laminates are of a very high quality and can be almost as stylish as stone. That being said, a quality marble worktop will turn a dreary looking kitchen into a vision to behold, and you will be the envy of your neighbors and friends. Whichever material you choose, keep in mind that sinks and faucets will need to be properly fitted to your new worktop, which is a task best left to a licensed plumber to avoid leaks or improper seals down the line.
How Often Do You Clean?
If you clean your kitchen every day then stainless steel and smooth laminate surfaces work well. They tend to show crumbs and dirt easily, however, so if you tend to clean every few days, or live in a very busy family house, go for a surface that helps to disguise such things. A textured stone or laminate works well.
Keep Appliances Basic
There is a temptation to get the latest, high-tech appliances and have integrated refrigerators, washing machines and microwaves. This can look great, but appliances have a shorter lifespan than units and replacements can be costly. Free-standing appliances help to give a kitchen more character and are more affordable. If you're switching from an electric range to a gas range, or adding a new gas appliance to your kitchen, keep in mind that this will require a professional gas line installation to ensure the connection is safe and up to code.
Family owned and operated, our team also offers water filtration systems for homes throughout South Plainfield and surrounding communities.
Islands in Large Kitchens Only
Many people want a kitchen island that acts as a place to snack and prepare meals. Some islands also have a hob. If you have a narrow kitchen, avoid this. Often islands take up much more space than anticipated and once installed are hard to move without a refurbishment. Also take into consideration the selling point, as many people want to have a traditional dining table at the center of the kitchen for family meals. You can buy stylish freestanding islands which are ideal in case you change your mind later on. Keep in mind that an island with its own sink or cooktop will require new plumbing or gas lines to be run beneath your floor, which adds complexity and cost to the project that's worth discussing with a professional early in the planning stages.
Keep It Simple
It may be tempting when flicking through a kitchen design brochure to include intricate details, but to stand the test of time a kitchen should be reasonably minimalist. Streamlined kitchens are also easier to keep clean.
Keep It Personal
Remember, your kitchen is for your lifestyle. Showroom kitchens look great, but are not designed to be lived in. Make sure that you have space in your plans for family photos, kids’ art work, calendars, noticeboards, vases and all the other little things that make your family kitchen the center of your home.
