Contractor Tips Blog

Mar
28

Kitchen Remodeling

Posted in Interior Design

Kitchen remodeling continues to be one of the most popular of all remodeling projects in the United States.  A remodeled kitchen that is modern, efficient, well designed and attractive adds a great deal of value to any home.  Kitchen remodels vary in size and scope depending upon the homeowner’s needs and budgets.  In some cases the kitchen remodeling could involve only the replacement of flooring and countertops, where in other cases an addition to the home could be built to accommodate a completely new and much larger gourmet kitchen.  One thing that all kitchen-remodeling projects have in common is the long lead times for materials, especially cabinets and tops.  Often cabinets take up to two months to obtain, as they are typically built when they are ordered.  Tops can take up to two weeks to fabricate after the cabinets are installed. 

Many homeowners find it beneficial to engage a contractor that specializes in remodeling projects early on in the process.   A qualified and experienced remodeling contractor will be able to manage the long lead times and schedule the project based upon the delivery date of the long lead time items.   Design build is becoming a very popular option in residential construction, because of the reduced risk to the homeowner as well as the reduction in the overall build time of the project.  In addition, to managing the entire design process, based upon the homeowner’s guidelines, the design build contractor will be able to provide updated budgets as the design process and selections take place.  

Kitchen remodeling is an excellent means for a homeowner to increase the value of their home, as well as the functionality!

Posted on behalf of J Christopher Design & Construction Services

Aug
28

Kitchen Remodeling

Posted in Interior Design

One of the most dramatic of all home improvement projects is a complete remodeling of the kitchen.  A professional kitchen remodeling can also add a great deal of value to any existing home, as in today’s world, people want gourmet kitchens that are well thought out, functional and have sufficient space to act as a gathering place for the modern family. 

An experienced kitchen remodeling contractor who offers both kitchen design and kitchen remodeling services is an alternative that should be seriously considered by any homeowner considering such a project.  Kitchen remodeling projects are fairly complex projects with long lead times on such things as kitchen cabinets and countertops.  In is critical that these items be ordered correctly before the projects starts in order to avoid delays. 

An experienced kitchen designer will be able to correctly prepare drawings that will allow the contractor to order the cabinets with confidence that the layout and dimensions are correct.   Often delays in kitchen remodeling projects are the result of design issues due to the lack of experience by the designer.  An experienced contractor will have the ability to accurately schedule and execute the project, while minimizing the amount of time necessary to complete the kitchen remodeling.  They will have access to the best and most experienced subcontractors in the marketplace as well.  In kitchen remodeling nothing beats an experienced firm that offers both kitchen design as well as construction services! 

A qualified and experienced contractor that is licensed and insured will be able to make your dreams reality.  They will be able to provide both design and constructions services to complete the kitchen remodeling project on time and on budget!

Dec
20

Getting the Best from Your Small Kitchen

Posted in Interior Design

Small kitchen spaces are a common feature of many modern-day habitations, in fact, they are an almost unavoidable part of small-space city living. Older surburban homes also tend to have smaller kitchen designs, a relic of past times when the kitchen was seen as a purely utilitarian space for cooking and nothing else.

Whether you’re grappling with limited kitchen space in a new apartment, or are a long-time homeowner thinking of remodeling your small kitchen, here are some tips for for a kitchen design to get the best out of close culinary quarters. 

1.      More storage

There are many ways to maximize storage in a small kitchen. Stacking cabinets are a great way to increase cupboard space in a high-ceilinged kitchen. Excess utensils and cups can be hung on hooks underneath and on the sides of cupboards. Stackable wire racks, pull-out utility carts, and microwave carts can be used for storing dinnerware, cookware, or food items. Tuck away condiments, drinks, or spices in a lazy susan or a basket on top of the refrigerator, and if the ceiling is high enough, hang pots from it.

2.      More workspace

Because there typically isn’t much counter space in a small kitchen, meal preparation and clean-up can be tiresome. One way to increase counter space is to install an electric cooktop that can also be used as a countertop; another way is to install a smaller sink. Pair a tall faucet with a small sink to make washing dishes and filling large pots easier. Reduce counter-top clutter by installing a slide-out cutting board and consider getting an under-the-counter refrigerator and freezer to increase legroom.

3.      More inviting

Aesthetics is an important feature of kitchen design and this is especially true for small kitchens. Small kitchens have a tendency to appear uninviting but by paying close attention to things like décor, color scheme, and lighting, you can create a small kitchen that is a pleasant space to be in. Attractive cabinetry, nice flooring, and decorative cupboard handles can up the ante in a small kitchen. Cheerful colors and soft tones will make a small kitchen seem larger and airy, as will a harmonious color scheme. Adding track lighting or recessed lighting is another good way to open up a small kitchen space and achieve a warm, cozy feel, and using mirrors instead of tiles for the backsplash also creates the illusion of more space.

Nov
15

Kitchen Remodel Survival Guide

Once you have settled on the perfect kitchen design, hired a good remodeling contractor, and set up your budget, it’s time for the contractor to tear your old kitchen apart and start installing your beautiful new kitchen!  It’s an exciting time, but also a messy, inconvenient time.  Unlike on television, a major kitchen remodeling project will not be completed in an hour or even a weekend.

Your remodeling contractor will be able to give you a more accurate estimate, but depending on the scope of your remodeling project, plan on being “kitchenless” for at least several weeks while your contractor gets the job done.

Work with your contractor to minimize your kitchen downtime.  Try to put off demolition until most of the new fixtures and materials have been delivered.  Special order items like custom cabinets can take weeks for delivery and there is no sense in getting started until they have been delivered or at least until they are nearing the delivery date.

The easiest way to deal with living without your kitchen is to take a vacation or move into a nearby hotel for a while.  Unfortunately, moving into a hotel or going on vacation is not a practical or cost effective solution for most people.  However, you may be able to schedule the renovation to coincide at least partially with a vacation or a visit with family members.  Just a few days away from the mess and inconvenience of the renovation can provide a welcome “sanity” break.

During the time that you will be living with the remodeling project, you will probably be eating out a lot or living on take out or delivery food.  You can cut down on eating out by creating a “mini-kitchen” with a microwave, coffee pot, toaster, and small refrigerator in whatever space you can find such as an extra bedroom or a corner of the living room.  You may be able to temporarily put your old refrigerator in a garage or other area so you can use it during the remodeling. In addition, this may be a good time to consider brushing up on your grilling skills.

No matter how inconvenient, remember that your remodeling project will be done in a few weeks and you will be able to enjoy your new kitchen for years to come.

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