Kitchen Remodel

Remodeling a new kitchen is a project you may only do once. So rather than begin by ripping out the old there are steps to take to make sure that you end up with a space that will produce lasting efficiency and pleasure.

The first step is to compile your list of "must haves" in your kitchen design. This is the time to put your ideas to paper. Some places to look are:

- Magazines
- Internet pages

Size: Now decide how big you want it. In either a remodel or a new build space is always finite so you may have to carve off some of the items to make room for the essentials. Remember the triangle between the refrigerator, stove and sink.

Cabinets and Appliances: These are the both the focal point and the prime functional features of your kitchen so take your time on deciding what you want. Style, color and size of the appliances are important because you can't easily change the cabinets once they are in place.


Hardware: A person first setting eyes on your kitchen will notice the cabinets first. But the hardware is next and should provide accents like the trim on a new car while being functional and allowing easy access. This includes self-closing drawer mechanisms and pop-out hardware which enables you to get at items stored in the back of bottom corner cabinets.

Countertops: Despite how much they cost or how good they look countertops are the work bench of the kitchen. Granite is today's material but it is costly. Placing a close second is cultured rock and acrylic polymers which can also be costly and, like real stone, are porous and susceptible to staining. Laminate is cheap, comes in a variety of colors and styles and is easily replaced for a change of style.

Backsplash: As much as the countertops do backsplashes can add the final touches to you kitchen. Your eyes are drawn to this surface as the defining measure of the kitchen. Metal backsplashes, like stainless steel and copper, are popular now but tiles are warmer and you can get them in hundreds of shapes and styles.

Flooring: As much as exotic flooring like cork is becoming popular tile is the all-out favorite because of price. However, as homeowners get older they find that cork it is warmer-looking and softer on the feet than tile.