Planning Kitchen Remodeling

Prior to meeting with a kitchen designer use some graph paper to sketch out a drawing on how you anticipate your new kitchen to look.

Make sure to draw the sketch to scale. Also generate a list of key features and materials you want to include in your kitchen remodel. Keep in mind a kitchen work triangle for the placement of the three main kitchen elements in your kitchen design plans. The refrigerator, stove, and sink should be located so that you can easily access them while standing at your main meal preparation area. For example, the sink may be placed in a kitchen island, and the stove and refrigerator along the back cabinet walls, adjacent to either side of the sink. By coming up with this type of triangular work area you’ll ensure an optimum kitchen layout.

Often you will not be able to decide on kitchen cabinet types until you visit a local kitchen supplier store. However, if you have thoughts ahead of time of key features and attributes you want to see in your kitchen cabinets write them down, e.g. Lazy Susans, spice racks, wood types, etc. Also, make sure your kitchen cabinet design includes abundant storage space and/or utilizes all the space in your kitchen efficiently. Dead cabinet corners are simply a waste of precious real estate. When designing your kitchen remodel think about using materials that complement one another.

Moreover, use the same color / material for the kitchen appliances, e.g. all stainless steel appliances. Also, make sure to buy Energy Star rated kitchen appliances to ensure an energy efficient kitchen.

While meeting with your kitchen designer also discuss the sequence of events for remodeling your kitchen. I preferably like to see new kitchen floors go in first, after removing all of the old kitchen appliances and cabinets.

This way you won’t effectively end up burying appliances and new kitchen cabinets into the kitchen floor by ½ to ¾ of an inch. You’ll also get a better installed floor since there’ll be fewer cuts required. In addition, you’ll prevent the risk of damaging the new cabinets if the floor was installed last. To protect the newly installed kitchen floor while the kitchen cabinets are installed, simply install protective drop cloths or paper over the floor. In regards to kitchen flooring you have a lot of choices. There is vinyl, linoleum, solid hardwood, engineered wood, and tile to name the five most common kitchen floor types. All have their pros and cons so it’s a matter of personal choice when choosing among your kitchen flooring options. My two pet peeves with tile are that they are susceptible to breakage and can be cold on the feet if under-floor heating is not installed.

If your kitchen remodeling plans include a new center island that will incorporate a sink, special thought is required in how to incorporate the plumbing supply, drain, and venting pipes.

Often then a kitchen cabinet installer can install a temporary plywood countertop, sink and faucet to allow you to use your kitchen until the kitchen countertops and other kitchen design features can be installed.  If your kitchen remodeling plans are well thought out you should have no more than a day or two without the use of your kitchen.