Kitchen renovation: What to consider

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Facelifts matter

Chances are whether you are living in a brand new home or you have been in your home a long time, there are areas of the home that could use modernizing. One of the most prevalent areas in your home is probably your kitchen. Not only do you prepare meals in the kitchen but chances are this is where your family gathers, it is also where food, dishes and pots and pans are stored. What kind of shape is your kitchen in? Does it meet all the needs of your family? If not, maybe it is time to consider a facelift in your kitchen.

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Considering countertops

Your kitchen countertops not only add beauty to your kitchen but they serve a functional purpose as well. When upgrading your kitchen, cost is nearly always a consideration. One of the best things about countertops is they are available in a variety of materials that range from relatively inexpensive to very expensive. Before you determine which countertops are right for your kitchen you will have to make the following decisions:

• How much to spend - most of us do not have an unlimited budget. Before you start working with a contractor to remodel your kitchen, make sure you know what your budget is going to be. This simple step will help you determine what you can afford and what materials work for your budget.
• Cleaning and maintenance - single people who cook one or two meals a week probably do not have to worry about how easy their countertops are to clean. However, family kitchens need counter surfaces that are durable, easy to clean and stylish.
• Style availability - if you cannot find the color countertops that match the overall decor of your kitchen, you will be very disappointed. Keep in mind, laminate countertops come in a variety of colors and textures which will enhance the beauty of your kitchen.

Speak with your contractor regarding all factors that will go into determining which countertops are most suitable for your kitchen. Keep in mind, the primary consideration will be your budget but there are many budget-friendly options available.

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By Tomwsulcer (Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Kitchen Cabinets: More than storage

The primary function of kitchen cabinets is storage. However, you want your cabinets to be as attractive to the eye as the rest of your kitchen. If your cabinets are shabby looking, you can give your kitchen a nearly instant face-lift by replacing your cabinets. However, as with any other part of your kitchen remodeling projects, there are some things you will have to determine ahead of time including:

• Show me the money - regardless of how minor or major your kitchen project is going to be, you probably have a specific budget. When you are creating your budget, make sure you carefully look at your options for kitchen cabinets to determine what percentage of your budget will go to this important aspect of your kitchen.
• Functionality matters - it may seem like a good idea to put as many cabinets as possible in your kitchen to give you additional storage space. Make sure you carefully think about what you actually need for storing dishes, pans and food in your kitchen. The more functional your cabinets, the more likely you are to be with the finished product.
• Looks matter to everyone - functionality and price are critical to finding the right cabinets for your kitchen. However, if you do not like the way they look, you will not be happy with the finished kitchen. Make sure you decide what color scheme and styles work best in your dream kitchen.

Naturally kitchen cabinets are a personal choice based on a number of decisions including how simple they are to clean, accessibility and functionality. Talk with your contractor at length about your cabinets and what you hope to achieve by installing new cabinets in your kitchen.

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Fixture fixation

Kitchen fixtures have come a long way in the last 50 years. We can purchase fixtures in a number of styles and finishes depending on our own individual requirements. Faucets, hoses and even the style of the knobs on our kitchen taps and faucets can make a huge difference in how our kitchen appears to us and to our guests.

Someone who spends hours cooking in their kitchen may need a separate spray hose, a special tap setup or may prefer a double sink with separate faucets. Like any other part of your kitchen that you are planning on upgrading, talking with your kitchen remodeling contractor will help you find exactly the right figures to not only add to the beauty of your kitchen but will also help you accomplish everything you want.

Some of the popular styles that are available from high-quality manufacturers include:

• Single turn-on - one lever or knob turns on the water and you adjust the temperature by changing the position of the turn-on
• Double fixture features - you adjust your temperature by turning a separate knob or level for cold water and hot water until you reach the ideal temperature.

Keep in mind some features may be better in your kitchen than others and only when you work closely with your contractor can you determine which setup is best for your needs.

Getting the most of your remodeling dollars

Remodeling your kitchen can provide you with not only the satisfaction of getting your dream kitchen but it may also add to the value of your home. This may be important for anyone who is considering selling a home. The functionality and beauty of your kitchen will provide you many years of satisfaction. Remember, hiring the right kitchen remodeling contractor is only the first step. The more detail you can provide the contractor, the happier you will be with your freshly finished kitchen.