The kitchen is the one room where members of a family can be found eating, working, talking on the phone or just hanging out with friends. The kitchen has always been the nerve center of the family, and never has the kitchen remodeling more important than it is today. As the centerpiece of the home, there are some interesting alternatives for kitchen that go further than the normal.

This kitchen guide contains an assortment of kitchen remodeling home options on hand to homeowners as well as recommendation. Develop safe work practice and stick to them. If you become puzzled, aggravated or in too much of a rush, odds are greater that mistakes that will be made. Read and follow the exact safety rules of every tool and material you will be using. Unplug tools when changing blades. Wear heavy soled boots on any construction site; rubber soles when working on the roof; gloves while handling lumber; and protective eyewear whenever power tools are in operation. Wear ear protection when using power tools as some operate at levels that can damage hearing.

Tie long hair back so as not to catch it by chance in power tools. Select the suitable tool for the kitchen remodeling job, and keep all tools sharp and in good working state. If an object is too heavy or, get help in moving it; bend from the knees when picking up big and heavy objects. Hard hats are suggested when working under or around overhead construction. After the demolition phase, there is usually some preliminary work to be done before you can do your kitchen remodeling. If wide structural, electrical, plumbing, drywall or paneling work is included in your plans, it should take place at this time.

Getting a Contractor

First of all, you should understand why you need a contractor. Looking at the simple lay-out of your kitchen can tempt you to do things yourself. You might also be thinking of hiring different freelance workers, hoping that you might be able to save a few bucks. You should realize that you have your limitations and that you could ruin your kitchen just by planning things yourself. This will both decrease the value of your property and increase your expenses for repair.

You should know that your kitchen is an important part of the house and deserves only the best handling. That’s what a good contractor can give you.

Where to Look

Kitchen remodeling contractors can be found in the yellow pages, newspapers and advertisements. If you plan to pick your contractor this way, you have to do your own research on contractor background, reputation, credentials and experience. There are however, easier ways to get a good contractor than just looking through ads.

- Your friends’ kitchens are a good place to start looking for a contractor. If you find a kitchen that you think has been nicely done, you can always ask your friend to recommend his contractor. Often, this is a very advisable way to find someone to work on your kitchen. The sample work is enough of a testament to the contractor’s skill.

- Nothing can be easier than using an online search engine to find your contractor. Simply key in contractors and your location on the search box. Since there may be quite a lot of them in a results page, you can look into each of them. Compare various contractor services with each other before settling on one you like.

- There are also online listing services. These sites simply have an online list of available contractors in your area. As with manual searching however, this may require a little effort on your part. Listing services give you little information about a contractor other than its business name and contact information.

- A step above the listing service is the online contractor matching service. These are definitely more comprehensive than mere listing sites. They may offer a variety of services depending on the site that you are on. Sites may already conduct a complete background investigation on contractors to ensure that those who are in their site are the best and most reputable ones. Other sites will also allow you to provide your project specifications such as budget and preferences so you get a good contractor match.

You can never underestimate your need for kitchen remodeling contractors. The beauty and value of your kitchen depends largely on your ability to find the perfect contractor. Just look in the right places and you simply can’t go wrong.

Don’t just assume that you can’t afford it or that you have to live with what you’ve got right now. For a few hundred dollars you can make some small changes that will go a long way, aesthetically. For a few thousand dollars you could really make significant differences in your kitchen to help establish a warmer and more welcoming place to cook and to entertain. Depending on the layout of your home and what your design ideas and goals are, it might also be possible to take out a wall or part of a wall to make your kitchen more open to the dining room or living room. It’s a great way to make your home feel bigger and to be more connected to the rest of your family and friends, especially when you have parties or other get-togethers. It might seem like a big undertaking but a Sammamish kitchen remodel company can tell you whether it’s possible and how much it will cost you, so you’ll at least know where you stand. It’s worth considering.

When exactly the best time to install the flooring is depends on your preferences really. So here are a couple of options and the reasoning behind them:

One option would be to lay the flooring down after the base kitchen cabinets have been installed, which you would do after the painting is done. The main argument for this option is that you wouldn’t be wasting flooring material where it would never be seen by anyone and would save a little money in the process(little being the key word).

However if you ever changed appliances to ones of a different size or dimension you might have to add flooring later on and it would not only be a hassle but would also incur labor expenses too.

If you go with this option you would just have to make sure that you remember to allow enough height for your appliances or that your appliances have adjustable height capability and also make sure to have some extra flooring material saved from this project so if you need to add it later on you will have matching stock.

The other option would be to put the flooring material down first before you install your appliances. The amount of extra expense of using the flooring material under the appliances is really quite nominal in the big picture and you would actually save on labor expenses that would be incurred to trim out the flooring material around the appliances.

The benefit of going this route is that it would be a lot easier to move the appliances in and out on an even surface although it isn’t really that difficult either way. Another benefit though is if you ever changed appliances that were of different sizes and dimensions you wouldn’t have to worry about missing flooring.

So these are just a couple of different schools of thought on the best order of sequence for installing the flooring material in a kitchen remodel. Just consider which option works best for you or your contractor and go with it.

At StarMark Cabinetry, we understand that building your dream kitchen – whether you’re working with well-known kitchen designers or doing it yourself – can be a daunting task.

Do you get new hickory cabinets or refinish your existing cabinets? Should you replace your countertops with high-maintenance material or something more user-friendly? Flooring: tile or long-wearing laminate?

So many questions.

And if you’re thinking of selling your home, take note: kitchens and bathrooms are high selling points when you place your house on the market. Be sure these rooms are updated to help boost your asking price.

Here are 5 tips for your kitchen remodeling project:

1. Color and theme. Is it time to do away with the tired green walls and faded appliances? Create a general plan of what needs to be done. If you’re not happy with where your stove is or you’d like more kitchen cabinet space, now is the time to map everything out. Browse the Internet or through magazines for divine inspiration.

2. Lighting. Can you see what’s cooking on the stove? Are you washing dishes in the dark? Perhaps it’s time to stage a lighting plan, ensuring you have wattage above key areas: the stove, sink, kitchen island and family dinner table.

3. Resurface or replace? Are your cabinets in poor shape? Is there unused wall space where custom cabinets would give you more storage options? Now is the time to think about new or resurfaced cabinet space. And while you’re at it, how do the floors look? It may be time to replace that old linoleum with fresh tile, wood or durable laminate.

4. New faucets? When considering kitchen remodeling, it’s always a good idea to take a peek in your sink – typically the most used area in the kitchen – to see if there’s a need to replace the entire sink or simply purchase a new faucet. Today’s modern faucets are durable and made to accommodate your lifestyle.

5. Plan your budget. And stick to it. Choose a reputable contractor, sift through your list of local kitchen designers or do it yourself. Whichever way is best for you, carefully plan how much you want to spend. But since there are oftentimes unexpected surprises that go along with many kitchen remodeling projects, it’s a great idea to stash a little cash. Just in case.

About the author

StarMark Cabinetry is a Sioux Falls, S.D.-based kitchen cabinet company, offering custom cabinetry for homes. Contact us today for additional information about kitchen remodeling projects.

When deciding on the schedule of events for you kitchen plans it is best not to work with hard deadlines. If your project is extensive and you have out of town guests arriving in 8 weeks delay the project until after the visit. The stress leading up to this deadline will only increase as the days go by. You don’t need that kind of pressure neither does your contractor.

The first step to remodeling your kitchen is to demolish the existing cabinetry, countertops and possibly even some walls then haul off all the debris. This is normally the messiest part of the process but the mess can be reduced with a few simple tricks.

1] Have workers come and go through the closest door to the kitchen. If there isn’t a door immediately adjacent to the kitchen have them put down runners leading to the nearest door to keep the floor in good shape while the work goes on.

2] Make certain all cold air returns are completely covered to keep dust from circulating through your HVAC system and distributing throughout the home. Once work is complete replace the filters in your furnace.

3] Tape off all doorways to the rest of the home with heavy plastic to keep the dust and debris confined to the kitchen.

Depending on the scope of your Kitchen Plans your kitchen may be unusable for several days or even a few weeks and eating out can get costly. Ask your contractor to set up a temporary kitchenette for you somewhere out of the way for your minor cooking needs during construction. Explore the idea of relocating the refrigerator to another area. Have the contractor save a few of the old base cabinets and a piece of the counter top then set up a small workspace where you place a microwave and/or a hot plate. This mini kitchen will cut down on costly restaurant bills during construction.

Don’t be surprised when something that isn’t scheduled for remodeling or demolition gets destroyed. You must accept going into that this is part of the kitchen remodeling process. It’s not uncommon for doors and door casing to be scratched or for flooring that isn’t being replaced to get damaged. These are referred to a casualties of construction. The key is to keep your cool and make certain the contractor knows exactly what the problem is and that he is responsible for the repair.

If the cabinetry you are replacing is in decent condition and doesn’t get damaged during the demolition process you should consider donating it to a local charity. By doing this you will be making a positive contribution to you local community and you can claim
these items on next year’s tax returns. You can also donate appliances and fixtures that are still in good working order. Check with the specific charity to see what other items they may need.

Two: do you want your plumbing and electrical outlets moved as well?

Three: how many weeks (or months) are you allotting yourself for this home improvement / kitchens remodeling project?

Lastly: what is your expenditure ceiling? Exactly how much are you willing to spend for your kitchens remodeling project?

Once you have answered those questions, it would be fairly easy to limit yourself to the scope of your project. Limiting yourself is important here, since kitchen remodeling can be both a lengthy and expensive affair. However, it can work to your advantage if you do your research right, put in the necessary hours of work and hire the right kind of contractor. So how do you know which contractor to hire?

There are 2 kinds of contractor. The general contractor is likely to coordinate the entire kitchens remodeling project. That means he or she can hire anyone from interior designer to carpenters, to floor installers, to electricians, to plumbers, even professional artists to install that tile mosaic for your kitchen wall, if you want one. A general contractor pretty much handles the paperwork for you (from building permits to subscribing to building codes.) He or she can also give you a warranty for the work done. Needless to say, a general contractor comes with a steep price.

In case you decide to go whole hog and hire a general contractor, your best bet would always be the one who already has the experience and years behind the profession. You can ask friends and family members for referrals. If you can visit a physical site where the contractor is currently working or a finished project you can see, then so much the better. Remember, general contractors usually offer warranties in case you want something in your kitchen redone; so yes, try to see what provisions he or she would have in the contract about warranties. Most general contractors can work within a specific time frame. So if you have less than a month to go on with this home improvement project then make sure that the contractor will agree to get the work done by then.

On the other hand, if you decide to get most of the work done by yourself, but your would need more specialized contractors for plumbing, or electrical transfers, or carpentry, or glass installation, etc. your best bet would still lie on people with the most experience. Again, you can ask for referral from people you know. In this case, however, it is your job to make sure that they follow your specifications accordingly. If you can find specialized contractors who are willing to provide warranties for their jobs, then it might be worthwhile to hire them. There are a fair number of specialized contractors who have worked extensively in kitchen renovation projects. You can learn more about this particular background by simply asking them about their previous work.

However, you need to consider some factors before you decide on a certain idea. In this way, you can be sure that you would be able to cook and do everything you have to do in your kitchen without the mess. Here’s a list of some factors you need to know before creating kitchen remodeling ideas:

1. Size of the kitchen

In coming up with a good kitchen remodeling design, it is best that you consider the size of your kitchen first. Keep in mind that size matters most in designing your kitchen. The furniture and other kitchen appliances that you will use will depend so much on the available space you have in your kitchen.

For instance, if you want to have a more work space, it is best that you maximize the area by creating a U-shaped kitchen. This design has more space for storage cabinets and other items.

2. Budget

Of course, if you want to come up with something unique or classical, you must have the budget that will suit your taste. For instance, if you will be working on a classical design, you may be spending more on wood furnishings and cabinets. Woods can be quite expensive. Hence, with this kitchen remodeling idea, a good budget is imperative.

3. Flooring says it all

A limited work space is best maximized with good flooring. The visual projection of creating a bigger area, even if it means technically small can do wonders. If you do not have to put so many things in your kitchen and still you need to create an ambiance that will reflect a bigger

4. Color

Achieve visual balance by collaborating kitchen walls, furniture, appliances, and flooring. Coming up with a good kitchen remodeling idea is not so much on the kinds of decors you will add or the whole concept itself. It is more on how you will incorporate visual balance. This can be achieved by using colors that will balance and harmonize the features among the items within the area.

1) Neck crick. Instead of peering into dark cabinets to locate the last can of organic chicken broth, let the chicken broth come to you. Remodel with base cabinets, pantry cabinets or islands outfitted with roll-out trays that extend fully, even when they are loaded down with canned cranberry sauce.

2) Delayed imbibing. Couldn’t find the bubbly? Organize your spirits with a criss-cross wine rack, wine cubbie or wine closet from StarMark Cabinetry.

3) Skull knots. Your lobster pot left an egg on your head when you pulled it off the top of the cabinets. Choose a base kitchen cabinet with deep drawers to swallow bulky roasters, colanders, pots and pans.

4) Scraped knuckles. Like their roll trays, StarMark’s cabinets extend fully, even the deep drawers. (See injury above.) You can easily reach every last piece of cutlery, even the pickle fork.

5) Shin splints. Did you hoof it all over the kitchen finding baking supplies? In your remodel, reserve a cabinet just for you with an adjustable spice rack to customize the storage to your style of baking. You deserve it.

6) Bruised ribs. Heavy stand mixers are awkward to move around. A flip-up mixer shelf stores your mixer until you need it and swooshes it to you politely. Yes, you deserve this, too.

7) Stubbed toe. The fondue pot was useful when you hosted your hyper nieces. Now it lies on the pantry floor and you keep cracking your toe on it. If you won’t use it again for 11 months, store it on a StarMark Cabinetry blind corner pantry shelf. This handy shelf turns dead space into a nook for seasonal items.

Groin pull. Hurdling over extension cords is dangerous. Consider an outlet on your island or peninsula so the apple cider can simmer undisturbed in a crock pot.

9) Hearing loss. Crash, bang, thud! A kitchen can be noisy. But not a StarMark Cabinetry kitchen. Blumotion Soft Close is standard on drawers and roll trays. They self-close the last two inches. Quietly.

10) Chipped bone. Bone china, that is. Choose StarMark Cabinetry roll-out trays with a non-slip surface. Shelf contents won’t crash around during a sudden stop. Bonus: the railings are spiffy chrome.

11) Kids underfoot. In your remodel, think about an area just for the kiddos. Corral snacks, crafts, toys and necessities so they are accessible without help from Mom. Include a refrigerator drawer for after school snacks.

12) Lethargy. Remodel your tired kitchen not just for function, but to lift spirits. Consider two or more finishes: the kitchen in one finish, an island in another and a standalone piece (sideboard, hutch, desk) in another.

When you’re ready to create your dream kitchen – whether it’s with alder cabinets, pantry cabinets or a custom kitchen island – StarMark Cabinetry can help. As the premier choice of cabinet companies, we offer custom cabinets for your kitchen remodeling needs.

When you’re deciding what tools you’ll need for your project, first, decide what type of kitchen remodeling you’re doing. If you’re planning on installing a new set of kitchen cabinets, for example, you’ll need tools that are a little bit different than those you might need to install a new kitchen floor. This is why it’s important that you determine not just the supplies you need to do your job properly, but the tools you need as well. Of course, some tools will vary from job to job, but there are also a number of tools that are shared commonly between jobs, no matter the type of kitchen remodeling job you’re doing.

Among these commonly shared tools is a hammer. In addition to hammering nails, which most home-improvement projects require, you can also use a hammer to gently tap countertop tiles into place. If you’re like most people, you probably already own a hammer, since it’s so useful.

Besides a hammer, you’ll also need a selection of screwdrivers on hand. It’s likely that you already own one or two, but a good investment might be a multiuse screwdriver, where you can change screwdriver heads easily. You can be much more efficient with both space and money this way. An electric screwdriver or screw gun is also a good tool to consider, since it will save you both time and physical effort. With perhaps hundreds of screws to manage, you’ll be thanking yourself for your wise purchase of an electric screwdriver once you’ve come to the end of your kitchen-remodeling project!

Another important and ubiquitous tool is a putty knife. When you are doing your kitchen remodeling, you’ll need one if you’re going to replace kitchen countertops or your kitchen floor. Putty knives make it easy to remove excess caulk or glue with a minimum of mess and effort. Many people do not have putty knives simply “around the house” as they do hammers and screwdrivers, so it’s likely that you’ll need to purchase one especially for your kitchen remodeling project.

Box cutters and saws are also useful because they can be used for a variety of projects, including installing flooring or a new laminate counter top. You might also need to cut materials to size and shape them to fit around corners, for example, so both a box cutter and saw will come in handy for these types of tasks.

In addition to the aforementioned tools, you’ll also need a ladder, pliers, a glue gun, measuring tape and a wrench. For safety purposes, you’ll also want to have a facemask, work gloves, and safety goggles. If your work is especially dangerous, such as if you are installing hard ceiling tiles, for example, you might also want to consider a hard hat.