Planning a Kitchen Remodel -
Things to Think About

 Kitchen remodeling will increase the design, function and resale value of a home.  

When shopping for a home, most people start in the kitchen. It's the most important room from a functionality and design standpoint. If you plan to sell within 3 to 5 years, focus on a small kitchen renovation that updates a few main areas, such as the cabinets and the countertop. If you plan to stay for 7 to 10 years, you may want to add in appliances and some new tile.  

Here are some quick tips to consider when planning your kitchen Renovation:
 

Start with your Cabinets as they are usually the most expensive item in a kitchen remodel. You have several different options depending on your budget and style including: Stock, Semi-Custom, or Custom. Framed Versus Frameless, Accessories & Hardware:

Stock, Semi-Custom, or Custom:

Stock Cabinets are either immediately available or can usually be ordered for delivery within a few weeks. Quality ranges widely, so check their features and workmanship.

Semi-Custom cabinets, in stock sizes, let the customer choose different doors and drawer styles and finishes. They usually take about eight weeks for delivery.

Custom cabinets’ biggest issues are price and long lead times.

Framed Versus Frameless:

With framed cabinets, the frame shows around the doors. Frameless cabinet doors cover the frames for a sleeker look. Framed cabinet construction provides more stability than frameless units. However, the resulting smaller openings affect the size of drawers and roll-out shelves.

Frameless cabinets form a box, don’t require a front frame for stability or square ness and have larger door and drawer openings. The drawbacks are the need for careful planning (and sometimes the use of fillers) to make sure you have proper door clearances.

Types of Cabinets, Accessories & Hardware: When you order cabinets and/or draw up a plan, you’ll be defining the type of unit and showing its location and special features. Cabinet types include base, wall, corner, peninsula corner, appliance garages, microwave cabinets, and pantry cabinets. Accessories include draws (with cutlery/silverware trays, bread boxes, and spice rakes); pull-out shelves, cutting boards, tow racks, and bins (wastebasket, recycling, vegetable, etc); lazy Susan’s; tilt-out trays (at sink front); plat and wine racks; special shelving (opening and on inside face of cabinet doors); glass doors; extended stile (to fill extra space between wall and cabinet); moldings; and matching panels for appliances.

When dealing with countertops precise measuring is key to on-budget, on-schedule countertop installations. Also, be sure to clarify the backsplash height and materials in advance. You should look at your options including Laminate, Solid Surface (e.g. Dupont Corian and Silestone), Granite Other Stone and wood.

Laminate: Inexpensive, durable, and with a huge range of patterns and color options (including faux stone types) and wood and other edge treatments. Laminate is stain-resistance and waterproof, but can be damaged by a hot or scratched, and there’s no effective way to repair it. Laminate is adhered to ¾” plywood or particle board, with a frame that keeps it rigid and attaches to the cabinets at the perimeter and at countertop seams.

Solid Surface (e.g. Dupont Corian and Silestone): This material is durable and also heatproof and waterproof, with the advantages of integrated sinks and a variety of edge treatments. Solid surface counters are typically installed by the fabricators.

Granite and Other Stone: Stone counters are popular despite their expense for high-end look and as an investment in a home’s resale value. In addition to granite, there are limestones, soapstone, slate, travertine, engineered quartz, and concrete, among others. Most are durable, waterproof, and heat proof but can chip. Be sure the surface is sealed (unless it’s engineered stone) to prevent staining, and, as with all materials, make sure you get maintenance instructions.

Since granite countertops are prefabricated by the vendor and can not be adjusted on-site, accurate measurements are crucial. Granite is usually available in slabs up to 4.6” X 9”. If two pieces will be joined, they should be matched for color and consistency in the grain pattern. Seams should be in the least noticeable locations like where cut-outs are made, but not around the sink (to prevent moisture penetration).

Wood: Often used on an island, wood is durable with proper care, but usually requires annual  re-sealing. When choosing a finish, make sure that the product is nontoxic and approved for contact with food. Wood countertops are warm, durable, and easy to refinish, but can stain or burn easily and are susceptible to water damage if the homeowner is not careful.

 Flooring materials are more varied than ever before. All the options available may leave you feeling a little confused about what best suits your needs. Remember your kitchen is a High Traffic area, and you'll have dirt from the outside entry door. You should choose something that is easy to clean because spills are common while cooking. And non-slip flooring is always good idea. Your options include: Vinyl & Linoleum, Ceramic, Quarry, or Stone Tile and wood.

Vinyl: Economical, but customers should choose the best grade their budget allows, due to the high traffic on kitchen floors. If they select a wood or stone pattern, it should have as little repeat as possible. In the event of a dropped glass or dish, a resilient floor like vinyl has more bounce and may prevent breakage. Remember, a deeply textured pattern may be harder to clean.

Linoleum: Popular once again because it’s made from natural or “green” materials, linoleum should also be chosen in a quality grade with a good warranty.

Ceramic, Quarry, or Stone Tile: Some of the options include a slip-resistant finish, and glazed versus unglazed tile. (Glazed is less porous and more stain-resistant). Darker grout makes it easier to maintain. Stone tile needs to be sealed to prevent stains. You’ll need an adequate sub-floor to support the weight of stone or ceramic tiles.

Wood: Wood flooring is typically coated with polyurethane for moisture protection. Make sure you are aware of the qualities of different wood species, and the maintenance required and wear issues before you make a selection.

For more information on planning your Kitchen or Remodeling project give Craig a call: 781-826-2577

See some of Almar's Kitchen Projects.

Select Excerpts from RSMeans Kitchen & Bath.

Almar Building & Remodeling

1130 Washington St Suite #3

Hanover, Ma 02339

Phone: 781-826-2577    Fax: 781-826-2578

Almar@almarbuilding.com