Are you thinking about renovating your kitchen? Odds are that if you are like most homeowners, the kitchen truly is a primary space in your home. Consequently, if you are going to renovate this all-important space, you want to get it right. Towards that objective, these are 10 kitchen remodel tips that you want to keep in mind as you plan your renovations.
The Kitchen Triangle
In this day and age, kitchens are coming in a myriad of different shapes and layouts. With that understood, there is one design tactic that has worked for decades. We call it the “kitchen triangle,” and highly recommend that as you plan for a remodel, you adhere to this concept.
The kitchen triangle calls for the placement of the stove, refrigerator, and sink in a triangle formation, with no more than six feet between them. By including the triangle scheme in your kitchen design, you create highly functional, efficient workspace that enhances the enjoyment of time spent in this space.
Storage, Storage … and More Storage
The biggest mistake many people make in a kitchen remodel is not planning for enough storage. They focus on new appliances, flooring, and counter tops, but don’t spend enough time plotting how storage can be optimised in a renovated kitchen. The key is to use every bit of “dead space” for storage possible. For example, there is no reason why cabinets cannot extend to the ceiling. Leaving a gap between cabinet tops and the ceiling serves only one unfortunate purpose: the collection of dust.
Let There be Light — and A Lot of It
Yet another common kitchen design flub is a lack of great lighting. A kitchen only ceiling lighting is limited. Consider installing under-counter top lighting. This addition will smartly illuminate counter tops and commonly used work spaces in the kitchen. A qualified local electrician can help with offering lighting solutions which can fit your kitchen style.
Confirm Power Sources
No, it’s not glamorous. Nor is it exciting. However, as part of your kitchen remodel due diligence, you must make certain that you have proper power sources for any new appliances you intend to introduce into your kitchen. This includes making certain that a particular power source can accommodate a specific appliance. You also need to make sure that a power source is readily accessible to the locations of where you intend to place new appliances. Electrical expert Bozo from BC Keystone notes that the most common means of kitchen cost overrun comes from having to rework designs after cabinetry has been manufactured, due to power sources, water pipes and gas lines not being correctly identified. This results in either the existing wiring and pipework having to be diverted if possible, otherwise having to redesign and build the kitchen which can significantly blow out budgets and install times by months.
Countertops and Other Surfaces
Time and again, homeowners grouse about not having enough counter space or other work surfaces in a kitchen. You may be among them. Thus, when plotting a kitchen remodel, make counter space and other work surfaces a priority. Selecting some type of seamless countertop is also advisable. For example, the grout needed between tile can be harder to clean and sanitise.
Keep Safety First
Never sacrifice safety for style when renovating your kitchen. Keep some basic safety considerations in mind as you plot and plan for your new kitchen:
- select slip-resistant flooring
- install countertops with round edges
- install ovens at adult height to protect the kids
- in a home with kids, ensure the kitchen as good vantage of primary play areas
Protect the Interior Air
The air quality in most residences is far worse than what is found out of doors, even in some of the most polluted cities. Protect yourself and your family when doing a kitchen remodel and install a range hood over your stove and oven. Select a range hood that vents outside. This addition to your kitchen will significantly aid in improving and protecting the quality of air in your home.
Ensure your airconditioning in this space factors in any exhaust fans to avoid cooling venting immediately to the exhaust as this will be inefficient. GMTAir recommends placing vents either in a space which will be blocked from the exhaust port, or venting in the opposite direction to allow the air flow to spread across the living space and not directly to the exhaust.
Kitchen For Your Investment Property?
Renovating a property which you don’t live in? Managing around the occupants can create unique issues, so it’s you need to ensure you use professionals who are used to working in these environments. James from Landlord Electrical Services notes that unique lease requirements can mean that tradesmen need to provide adequate notice before entering a property to complete works, and meet strict deadlines – so using professionals who can keep to a schedule is essential to ensure you keep your tenants happy and not cause a potential breach of the lease conditions.
Plan for Trash and Recycling
Yet another element of a kitchen that oftentimes is overlooked in the renovation process is trash containment. As you formulate your plans, make sure you figure out where your trash and recycling bins will be maintained. If you compost, take that into consideration as well.
Place Proper Flooring
Flooring was touched on a moment ago when reference was made to selecting something that is slip-resistant. When thinking about the kind of flooring options available to you, focus not only on safety but durability and maintenance requirements as well. Overall, natural hard stone represents a flooring selection that meets the needs of safety, durability, and easier maintenance.
Go with Fresh Appliances
Finally, when renovating your home, seriously consider getting new major appliances. By going with new appliances, you are spending a bit more money. However, you are also ensuring that the appliances you end up with in your kitchen fit in and harmonise with the redesigned space. You can reduce appliance costs by planning ahead and taking advantage of sales.
By following these pointers, you will create a kitchen that meets your needs, goals, and objectives. You will have an ideal space to prepare wonderful meals and to enjoy time with your family and friends. You truly will craft a kitchen that becomes the heart of your home.
