Plan your kitchen remodel or renovation

If you are planning to remodel your kitchen, then various aspects need to be considered before you begin. Given below is a series of steps and guides you can keep in mind to make kitchen remodelling a fun-filled, constructive event.

 

A basic plan

A well thought-out and detailed plan is a must before you begin remodelling your kitchen. This plan should be designed keeping in view the current good and bad aspects in your kitchen. You also need to decide whether you plan to design the kitchen yourself, use a kitchen or interior designer or work with a reputable kitchen installer or home centre.

Flooring

With so many flooring options available, consider the advantages and disadvantages of the different options. . Ceramic tiles, wooden floors and eco-friendly materials are good options for good looking and durable flooring, but so are polished concrete and natural stone. How you use your kitchen should determine the most practical flooring within your budget.

Optimum workspace

Modern trends show that nowadays couples or nuclear families often cook together and share kitchen chores. Thus workspace in today's kitchens should be utilized such that more than one person can work efficiently without getting in the other person's way. You can also create distinct work centres by separating workspaces with sinks, microwave or other appliances.

Storage space

Modern trends also indicate that nowadays with women working out, very few items are cooked from scratch and storage space for items needs to be increased. Thus cabinets have entered the scene in a big way. One can choose from frameless and framed cabinets and can order from custom or standard designs. Check for rollout, tilt-out and other storage features inside the cabinets.

Kitchen sinks

Sinks are an important element in any kitchen. These are available today in a variety of colours, materials, sizes and design options to suit every pocket. You can choose from cast iron, stainless steel, plastic, and top-mount or under mount models. You can also select from single-bowl, double-bowl, deep and shallow models.

Considering appliances

While purchasing appliances for your kitchen remember that these should suit the entire concept of the kitchen design. Opt from built-in or free standing styles and select ranges in materials that go with the colour combinations and materials used in your kitchen.

Avoid common design mistakes

When working with professionals, they can prepare detailed working drawings for the installation contractor to follow. A certified kitchen designer knows how to organize materials and elements in the space provided. However, this is still your kitchen and ultimately the space should be designed around your needs and wants.

If you are going to be undertaking a do-it-yourself kitchen remodel, below are some common design mistakes:

• The most important consideration for kitchen design is allowing enough clearance for cabinet doors, pull-out   drawers, dishwasher doors and accessories that extend into the room.
  
  
• Inside corners are a particular problem for clearance.  Be sure drawers and doors have enough room to fully extend.
  
  
• Another area where mistakes can occur is where the trim and moulding meet cabinets, especially if  custom-sized appliance and cabinets are used.
  
  
• If recessed lighting under the cabinet is used, be sure to recess the bottom of the cabinet so the lighting doesn't   show.
  
  
• Make sure all existing electrical outlets are appropriately placed in the new configuration.
  
  
• If the counter has an overhang, make sure the drawers and doors still operate freely.
  
  
• When commercial appliances are used, their heavier weight may require extra flooring support, or they may need to be built up to match counter height.