Your kitchen is an integral part of your home. You don’t want it to look dull and ugly because it might leave a negative impression to your visitors. And if you spend a lot of time in the kitchen, you definitely want to feel good and proud if you have a very attractive space in there.
Now if your kitchen no longer appears attractive to you, it means it needs to be freshened up. You need to do some remodeling. But contrary to popular belief, there actually is no need to spend thousands of dollars to do it. If you have the money, then you simply can hire remodeling companies to do the work for you. But if you are the adventurous type, then doing it on your own should be quite interesting.
Here are some very good tips on how to go about the project of kitchen remodeling if you’re a beginner:
In an article by Mark Wynn Ryan for HowStuffWorks.com, titled “Basic Tips for Kitchen Remodeling,” he emphasizes the importance of identifying the focal point.
To create a distinctive space, your first move is to look at your kitchen with an eye to what might serve as a focal point. A large window, alcove, or long wall can be the start. Take advantage of a bank of beautiful windows with an eye-catching counter that runs the length of the window wall. If you love to entertain and are lucky enough to have ample space, consider setting your room up to include two back-to-back kitchens; one with a full-size range, a fridge, ovens, and a sink, and the other with an ice-maker, a wine chiller, a second sink, a mini-fridge, and a microwave, plus an abundance of storage. Pretty much anything you dream up can be executed with the help of a talented design team. It’s up to you!
See more of his tips in the link below:
http://home.howstuffworks.com/home-improvement/home-diy/kitchens/how-to-design-a-kitchen5.htm
We believe that a key aspect of remodeling is to figure out how much space you have. By doing so, you will have a pretty clear idea on what you can work on. There’s no point in thinking about big and major changes like putting in new kitchen appliances if your space is very limited.
Before we move on to the other tips, take this video in mind, talking about the different mistakes you should avoid in kitchen remodeling. The video below comes from Consumer Reports:
Now moving on, you must realize how advantageous it is to be able to save money when buying new appliances and other kitchen components, and you can actually do it by looking for bargains. Take this set of tips from DIYNetwork.com:
Finding Bargains:
When shopping for appliances, look for floor models. You’re usually only giving up the box the item came in. Be sure to check with the dealer about the warranty. They might be willing to extend the warranty to unload the item.
Shop in early fall for appliances. Last year’s models need to go to make room for the next year’s models.
Shop scratch-and-dent appliance sales. Make sure the scratches are cosmetic and not structural.
Ask for volume discounts, some places offer discounts if you buy all your appliances in one place.
When shopping for windows and doors, don’t just check the big box retailers, go to your local building supplier, (where your contractor shops). The savings can be up to 20 percent.
Look for cabinet retailers or wholesalers that offer free design services such as measuring your kitchen and planning your layout.
Go directly to the place that sells granite slabs. You can save 25 to 30 percent by cutting out the middle man.
See the rest of the article here:
Be reminded that you only have the luxury to find and shop for bargains if you decide to do the remodeling yourself. Should you hire a contractor, the usual scenario is that they’ll be taking care of everything for you and it usually means you’re going to spend more, too.
Finally, here’s another bunch of helpful reminders from Reader’s Digest, in an article titled “Top 10 Kitchen Design Tips.”
Make room for storage.
“The biggest mistake people make at the planning stage is not allowing for enough storage,” Jacqui says. “Use every nook and cranny. Put overhead cabinets right up to the ceiling, rather than leaving a gap on top that collects dust.” Consider deep drawers for easier access to pots and pans, and include enough storage for appliances that otherwise would clutter up countertops.
See the light.
Unlike in other rooms of the house, overhead lighting is insufficient in kitchens, says electrician Richard Terode. “In the kitchen, you don’t want the light behind you, casting a shadow on the workspace. You need it positioned to fall in front of you.” He likes under-cabinet lights because they shine directly on countertops.
Power play.
Be sure there are appropriate power sources for relocated or new appliances. Many people realize too late that they don’t have the right gas or electric lines, Richard says. Plumber Stuart McGroder also suggests measuring appliances to ensure that they fit comfortably into allocated spaces. “If a dishwasher is crammed in, it could push up against the hose and won’t drain properly,” Stuart says.
Space and surface.
There’s no such thing as too much counter space. Choose a surface that’s easy to work on and care for. But keep in mind that grout between tiles is hard to maintain and that stainless steel will scratch very easily.
Start fresh.
Don’t reuse appliances or items from the old kitchen. It may seem as if you’re saving money, but an old appliance will stick out like a sore thumb in a new environment, says Jacqui. Find other ways to economize. “You don’t have to spend $100 on a drawer handle when cheaper ones still look fantastic,” she says. “The same goes for countertops.”
There are more tips from this article and you can read them here.
In the end, kitchen remodeling is a very fun endeavor and you will eventually feel more accomplished if you’re doing it on your own. Although there are risks involved, you can minimize the errors by studying the common mistakes to avoid we mentioned in the video above.
The blog post Kitchen Remodeling Tips for Beginners is available on http://window-treatments.net
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