A Bunch of Things Your Kitchen Remodeler Wishes You Knew About Kitchen Remodels

Introduction

While you may be in the market for a new kitchen, you might not know what type of remodel is best for your home. As a kitchen remodeler, I get to see many different kitchens come through my shop. This gives me the opportunity to see what works and what doesn't work for different types of homes with various budgets.

A bunch of things your kitchen remodeler wishes you knew about kitchen remodels.jpg

1. Kitchen Cabinet Options

Cabinet options. Your remodeler knows that the first step in planning a kitchen remodel is to choose what style of cabinets you want. If you're not sure, talk with your contractor about the many styles and types of cabinetry systems available today:

  • Cabinet materials. Your remodeler knows that cabinet materials vary widely, from solid woods to engineered woods, laminated surfaces to veneered surfaces, and everything in between.

  • Cabinet color options. The possibilities for kitchen cabinet colors are endless—but they don't have to be overwhelming! Your remodeler can help guide you toward colors that will look great with your existing decor and complement any existing elements (like granite countertops) while still giving the room some pizzazz when it's finished.

  • Cabinet sizes/styles/finishes (including hardware). Your contractor has worked on kitchens of all shapes and sizes; if there's a specific type of kitchen he hasn't built yet but would like a shot at doing so someday—say an Arts-and-Crafts bungalow with casement windows—he'll let you know upfront so he doesn't accidentally miss any important details during construction like having more than one way out in case there's ever an emergency situation because he didn't know how important this was until now!

2. Choose the Right Cabinets

The second most important decision you'll make when remodeling your kitchen is the cabinets. The right selection will enhance the space, add value to your home, and provide long-lasting satisfaction. We've compiled a list of tips below to help guide you through this process:

  • Choose cabinets that match the style of your home. You want them to blend seamlessly with everything else around them, so choose ones that complement other furnishings in the room or house as a whole. This could mean choosing modern finishes or traditional styles depending on what's already there—either option can work if done well!

  • Choose cabinets that match your kitchen's size. Make sure they have adequate storage capacity while still being aesthetically pleasing; over-sized or undersized pieces will stand out more than they should because they don't fit properly into their surroundings.

  • Choose cabinets that match your kitchen's layout/functionality needs (i.e., does it have enough prep counters? Enough countertop space for food prep?). Your current setup may not accommodate all of these things comfortably without making sacrifices elsewhere—and remember: having too much storage space might seem like an advantage at first but can lead down dangerous paths later on!

4. Install it the Right Way

Your cabinets are the most important part of your kitchen, and it’s important that you choose them correctly. But there’s more to it than just picking out a style, color, or finish. You also need to make sure they're installed correctly on the wall. This is the only way they won't warp after they've been installed—and keep in mind that improperly installed cabinets can be very expensive to fix!

Here's what you need to know:

  • The first step is selecting the right type of cabinet material for your space and lifestyle. Do you have toddlers who love hand-me-down toys? Then solid wood may not be ideal as it can be harder to clean up if something breaks (like glass). * Next comes measuring for cutouts and openings around electrical outlets, vents and pipes. Most installers will do this for free; however if you want them done professionally then expect an additional cost (usually $200-$300). If doing all this yourself then get some help from someone who knows how because wrong measurements could lead you purchasing more materials than needed which wastes time & money!

5. Squaring Up and Nailing in the Cabinets

The cabinets are in and the trim is installed. The next step is to make sure that they're perfectly square and nailed in place.

If you've got a helper, this process is even easier. One person can hold up the cabinet while another uses a rubber mallet to pound it into place. If you're working alone, use a nail set (or even just your fingers) to tap each nail into place before driving them in with a hammer or some other kind of tool.

A word on nails: Nails come in different sizes and lengths, so be sure to get the right ones for your job! A good rule of thumb is not to use nails any longer than an inch or two—anything longer than that may split your wood when driven through it (and if you end up splitting it halfway through installation and then have to try again later on down the road... well... let's just say it will cost more money).

6. Install them Correctly on the Wall

  • Install them accurately. Make sure your cabinets are installed on wall studs, at the proper height and distance from the walls. It’s also important to leave a 1/2 inch gap between your cabinets and the wall so that you can easily clean behind them without damaging either surface. Finally, be sure to leave a 1/2 inch gap between each cabinet as well—this will make cleaning even easier!

7. Countertops and Movable Shelves

Countertops and movable shelves should be durable, easy to clean and repair.

Most kitchen remodels include some sort of countertop replacement, whether it's just replacing your sink or doing everything from scratch. The countertops in your kitchen are the most visible part of the room, so they should also be functional and beautiful. You want a surface that's easy to clean because we all know food can create messes! It also helps if it's durable enough that you won't need to replace them every year or so because they've been scratched up by metal utensils or knives.

Movable shelves are another way for homeowners to add extra storage space without taking up too much room on their counters. These are especially useful when there aren't any cabinets available nearby where you could store items like pots and pans instead of underneath them in drawers (which tend not have enough room). They often come ready-made but they can also be custom-built according to whatever needs may arise during installation - such as needing two instead one large shelf next time around).

Conclusion

Having a beautiful, functional kitchen is an important part of making your home feel like a home. Whether you’re looking to update your kitchen or remodel it completely, we hope that this article has given you some new ideas and inspiration!

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