Are you ready to breathe new life into your kitchen with kitchen options that will make it come alive and inspire you every time you walk into the room? At Countertops and Cabinetry By Design, we specialize in improving kitchens – whether you’re starting from scratch or remodeling.
We carry a wide array of selections; choose from popular brands such as KraftMaid, Merillat or Starmark. Our kitchen visualizer allows you to be able to mix and match different products and styles. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a seasoned home improvement expert or just beginning your first project, Countertops and Cabinetry By Design is here to help inspire you with kitchen ideas.
What Do I Need to Know About Kitchens Before Remodeling?
Making the decision to remodel your kitchen can be a big deal—it’s both time consuming and expensive—so it is important to choose a remodel you will be happy with for a long time to come (or at least until you decide to sell your home). Most of us look forward to the day we can customize our kitchen, creating a dream-worthy space. Even if you have the perfect kitchen space in your mind, when it is finally time to begin your remodel, the task can feel overwhelming. You will first want to consider how you will use your kitchen space—in other words, consider how you and your family will actually use the kitchen.
Answer such questions as whether you frequently entertain, whether you are an avid cook, and whether your children will be using the space for tasks such as homework. Creating a “must-have” list as well as a “wish” list will give you a clearer idea of which direction you should take with your kitchen remodel. If your budget is stretched fairly thin, you might want to consider having your current cabinets resurfaced rather than replacing them, or replacing drawer pulls and handles along with the countertop to spruce up your kitchen without breaking the bank.
Layout is a crucial element of your kitchen remodel, and the best way to ensure your kitchen space is optimally designed is to hire a professional from Countertops and Cabinetry by Design to assist. Your design team will draw up a working layout then work with you to nail down the details. Since the kitchen is often one of the most-used rooms in your home—as well as one of the most sought-after features for resale—a little careful planning and professional can help you ensure your kitchen “vision” falls neatly into place.
What Elements to Include in Your Kitchen Remodel?
Once you determine how extensive your kitchen remodel will be, you will work alongside with your greater Cincinnati Countertops and Cabinetry by Design professional to complete a working layout. Then comes the exciting time to begin deciding which specific elements will be included in your remodel. If you are replacing the countertops, you will determine the budget allowed for the countertops, then, within that budget, choose a striking countertop. You may have your heart set on a granite countertop, or your tastes may run more toward quartz or natural stone. You may even decide to go with a solid surface countertop such as Corian. Whatever you choose, the cabinets and countertops in your kitchen will set the tone for the look of your entire kitchen.
Cabinets also make a huge difference in the overall look of your kitchen. You can choose from stock cabinets, which come in standard sizes and are the least expensive, semi-custom cabinets, which come with extra features and are mid-range in price, or custom cabinets, which allow you to completely customize your kitchen cabinets, but may take a few weeks to arrive and are at the high end as far as price. When choosing your cabinets, you will want to consider how much storage you need in your kitchen—then add more than you think you will need. There are few people who believe their kitchen has adequate storage, so always opt for more than you think you need.
Your next choice will involve the type of sink you want for your kitchen remodel. Farmhouse sinks have gained popularity in the past decade or so, and are also known as apron sinks, as they extend over the edge of your counter with deep basins. Traditional or rustic farmhouse style kitchens are most likely to have this type of sink. Another type of sink, undermount sinks, are installed directly under the counter, and while very versatile, fireclay or cast-iron sinks are not typically installed as an undermount due to their weight. Stainless steel sinks, on the other hand, are often used in kitchens because they are light, easy to install and functional, offering great heat and stain resistance. It’s important to note that stainless steel sinks can be noisier than other sink types. Granite composite sinks are manufactured by combining crushed granite with a resin filler and are incredibly durable and stain resistant, muffling dishwashing noise.
Cast iron sinks are sprayed with a porcelain coating, and while they are heavier and more durable than some other types of sinks, the porcelain can chip easily, and abrasive cleaners can wear down the enamel coating. A fireclay sink is made from clay and glaze which are fused at very high temperatures. While fireclay sinks are nearly identical to cast iron sinks, they are a bit more durable, resisting chipping, etching, and stains.
Appliances, fixtures, and lighting are additional elements you will choose for your kitchen remodel. Many people love the look of stainless steel appliances, while others opt for traditional white, cream-colored, or black. In addition, the lighting in your kitchen can make a huge difference in your décor. You may opt for bright track lighting, undercabinet lighting, recessed lighting, wall sconces or even chandeliers. Finally, you will choose the fixtures which best complement your sink, countertops, and cabinets.
Searching for Design Inspiration for Your Kitchen Remodel?
Perhaps you already have firm ideas in your mind for your kitchen remodel, or perhaps you need a bit of inspiration. Looking at Pinterest or Houzz online can be a great source of inspiration, as you are likely to find design elements you love—and that you may not have even known existed. If you do not have the intention to sell your home anytime soon, you are more able to simply choose what you love. If, however, you have plans to sell your home within the next few years, you may need to forego customizing your kitchen to your specific likes and dislikes, and design a kitchen that will not incur a high cost and will aid in selling your home. The design professionals at Countertops and Cabinetry by Design can offer suggestions and ideas regarding your new kitchen remodel and which direction could be the best for you.
How Long Does It Take to Remodel a Kitchen?
The amount of time it will take to remodel your kitchen is largely dependent on the level of remodel you want. You may only be looking to replace your worn countertops, or perhaps you want to have your kitchen completely remodeled, including cabinets, flooring, fixtures, and appliances. At Countertops and Cabinetry by Design, our professionals will work hard to make your kitchen remodel as simple and uncomplicated as possible. In fact, in many cases, our clients walk through our door with rough dimensions, we discuss what they are looking for as far as a kitchen remodel, and in a very short amount of time, we can have a quote in their hand, subsequently scheduling installation by the end of the first meeting. We understand how difficult it can be to have your kitchen in remodeling chaos, so we will work hard to have your remodel completed within the shortest amount of time possible.
What Does the Kitchen Remodeling Process Look Like?
Once you have met with one of our experienced designers and determined what you are looking for in your kitchen remodel design, we will help you define the scope of your project, which will give us a good idea of how long the remodel will take. Your budget will certainly be a factor—some experts recommend that a full kitchen remodel equal 10-25 percent of the total value of your home. With the help of a Countertops and Cabinetry by Design, you will select the styles, colors, and patterns for your cabinets, countertops, sink, and fixtures. You need to be aware if your kitchen remodel will require any permits and obtain the appropriate permits when necessary.
Once all the items for your remodel have arrived, you will move everything currently in your kitchen to a safe place, and, if possible, set up a “temporary” kitchen, perhaps in your dining room. Rough construction will now begin—if your old kitchen “footprint” is preserved, this step will not take that long, however, if you are making significant alterations to your current kitchen layout, the time frame will be extended. Cabinets will be installed, and finish construction will follow. The construction zone will be cleaned, and you will be left to enjoy your new, beautiful kitchen.
What Information Should I Have with Me Before Talking to a Professional About Remodeling My Kitchen?
You will need to have the dimensions of your kitchen when you first meet with a professional from Countertops and Cabinetry by Design. You will also need to have some idea of your design goals, and a list of any questions you want to ask our professional team. We are committed to ensuring your questions are fully answered and that you feel comfortable with your choices. We also perform your kitchen remodel in the shortest amount of time possible so you are not forced to live in construction chaos for any more time than absolutely necessary.
How We Can Help?
It is incredibly important that you have a reputable contractor as a part of your kitchen remodel process. We pride ourselves in being one of the most trustworthy businesses in the industry, and we train our team to perform our daily operations with our company values top of mind. We always put our clients first and always do what we say we are going to do. We want our clients to feel as though they are in control of their kitchen remodel, and we rarely use subcontractors (except in very specific circumstances) so we remain in control of the end result. If you live in the greater Cincinnati area, Mason, or West Chester, call Countertops and Cabinetry by Design today for a free consultation regarding your kitchen remodel. To get a head start, be sure to reference our helpful Kitchen Planner.