The Complete Kitchen Remodeling Checklist
by Guest Post on May 30, 2014
Even before a budget is worked out, the homeowner needs to figure out just what he or she wants in a kitchen remodel. Some remodels are little more than weekend make-overs while others can take weeks if not months. These remodel require tearing out walls and rearranging electricity and plumbing. Whatever type of remodeling it is, the homeowner will need a checklist.
Cabinets
Cabinets are framed or unframed. Framed cabinets are the more traditional of the two. The frames allow the cabinets to be wider than frameless cabinets and keep them perfectly square and stable. Frameless cabinets have a door that's hung on a special kind of hinge. They give the cabinet a more modern look. Though frameless cabinets are a bit less stable than framed cabinets when they're not installed, once they are installed they're just as sturdy.
Vertical parts of cabinets are often made out of solid wood while the flat surfaces of cabinets are made of plywood, particleboard or MDF. These materials have less inclination to warp. Solid woods made from deciduous trees are called hardwoods. Woods made from conifers are called softwoods, even though the names have little to do with how hard or soft the wood is.
It's best to have the wood finished at the manufacturer's before it's shipped to the home. That's because wood tends to warp with the changing humidity in a room.
Countertops
Countertops can come in all kinds of materials, including wood. A wood butcherblock countertop, however, should be kept away from the sink or wherever it may be exposed to water. Since it is wood, it can swell and rot if it's exposed to too much water. Other materials for countertops are:
Stone
This can be granite, slate, marble, limestone, soapstone, travertine or other types of stone. These countertops are uniquely beautiful, but porous stone like granite, marble, and limestone need to be sealed to protect against staining.
Laminate
Laminate is much less expensive than stone. It's easy to care for and resists staining. It can also be installed by the homeowner.
Stainless Steel
This alloy of iron and chrome is almost indestructible. It can stand high temperatures and can't be stained. However, over the years it will show scratches. Still, some homeowners who love to cook won't mind this.
Solid Surface
This tough material can be bought in all sorts of patterns and colors, even those that imitate granite and marble. Mild damage can be fixed with sandpaper.
Flooring
Flooring can be as varied as countertops. Floors can be made of laminate, which allows them to be installed over an existing floor. They can be made out of ceramic tile, resilient material, hardwood or stone. Some homeowners even install carpet, but the carpet should be very tough and mildew resistant. Synthetic carpeting might be good for a kitchen.
Sinks
Sinks can be perfectly utilitarian or works of art in themselves with beautiful decoration. The sink can have a single bowl, a double bowl or three bowls. The third bowl is usually attached to the garbage disposal unit. Other sinks can have built-in colanders, dishracks or chopping boards. Sinks can also be made out of many materials, including:
- Porcelain
- Fire clay
- Composite materials
- Solid Surface
- Enameled cast iron
- Enameled steel
- Stainless steel
- Soapstone
- German Silver
- Stone
- Brass
- Copper
Besides different materials, kitchen sinks can be self-rimming, rimmed, under-mounted or integral. Solid surface countertops often come with integral sinks. This makes leaking around the edges of the sink impossible
Lighting
Good lighting is essential in a kitchen. Light not only makes the kitchen look welcoming but is necessary for the safe running of a kitchen. Ideally, a kitchen should have at least one bright window. If the old kitchen didn't have one, it will be worth it to have one installed during the remodel.
As for artificial light, the homeowner will need to know exactly what sort of lighting he or she wants and where it well placed. They can be pendants, track lighting, recessed downlights, and fixtures mounted flush to the ceiling. Lights can be placed over the sink, in the toe kick area and even inside cabinets.
Popular Articles
Three Places to Spend Money on the Exterior of Your Home
When you have the exterior of your home remodeled, you are investing, time, energy and convenience into the project and you want to make sure that...
88318 Views
When to Use a Brush, Roller or Sponge Brush
Brushes are a good choice for painting trim and woodwork. They are also useful for cutting in the edges around the top and bottom edges and corners...
69904 Views
Homemade Headboards-Make an Upholstered or Wooden Headboard
Homemade headboards can add a lot of personality to any bedroom. They can be coordinated with existing furniture and room decor or they can be the...
69570 Views
Creating a Cottage Kitchen with Bead Board
Kitchen decor can range from modern and bold to elegant and elaborate by using strategic kitchen pieces. One of the most popular decorating trends...
48250 Views
Gas Fireplace Diagnostics and Troubleshooting
Follow these steps for diagnosing and troubleshooting Gas Fireplaces repairs. For the average DIYer, this may seem intimidating, depending on the...
28994 Views
Latest Articles
Understanding Indonesia’s Real Estate Investment Laws for Foreigners
Indonesia, with its stunning landscapes, deep-rooted cultural heritage, and renowned hospitality, has emerged as a top destination for foreigners...
on Jan 25, 2024
Real Estate Development in Asian Cities
In many Asian cities, the rapid pace of urban development has led to the decline of historic districts, areas once teeming with cultural richness...
on Jan 25, 2024
Shower Envy: Elevating Your Bathroom with a Stunning Walk-In Shower
Are you tired of the same old routine in your bathroom? It might be time to consider a change, and one way to elevate your bathroom to a new level...
on Jan 22, 2024
Exploring Crowdfunding as an Innovative Approach to Real Estate Investment
The landscape of property selling has been transformed significantly due to the advent of property crowdfunding. This innovative approach,...
on Jan 10, 2024
The Rise of Co-Living Spaces in Asian Cities
Asia, home to 21 of the worlds 30 largest cities, is a significant player in the global economy, contributing 38% of the goods and services of the...
on Jan 5, 2024
Featured Articles
What Type of Licensed Contractor Should You Hire?
on Feb 28, 2017
Hire Contractors / Estimates
Looking for a specialty project? There are many types of contractors available for your home improvement needs. Finding the right type of...
Actions
Top Categories
- Garden / Landscaping / Patio — 263
- Kitchen / Bathrooms — 240
- Real Estate / Finance — 200
- Appliance / Repair — 186
- Interior Design / Decor — 184
- HVAC / Air Conditioning — 147
- Cleaning / Maintenance — 144
- Improvements / Remodeling — 131
- Plumbing / Basements — 118
- Floors / Tile / Hardwood — 115
- Doors / Garages — 113
- Safety / Security — 112
Articles Archive
More DIY Articles
Securing Your Home Following a Break-In
You may wonder what could be worse than someone breaking into your home. It is common to feel violated when an intruder has breached your...
Fireproofing Rentals: How Should Responsible Landlords React?
Buy to let mortgages are one of the biggest growth markets at the moment and the number of people living in rented accommodation is at an all time...
How to Design a Compact Kitchen
Wouldn't it be great if we all had as much kitchen space as we wanted? Well, we all don't have it even if we want it. It can be really challenging...
Good Home Landscaping: Tool for Attracting Homebuyers
If you are planning to sell your house, you need to consider certain factors. Understand that the real estate market is competitive. There is no...
Five Great Ways to Create a Relaxing and Modern Apartment Design
If there is one thing that renters struggle with, it is not the high rental fees or noisy neighbors-- it is the rental rules that limits the way...