Posted on Tue, Aug 24, 2010
Posted by: Brian Ciota, Vice President
After you have made a wish list and considered a budget for a kitchen remodeling project we recommend working with a professional kitchen designer to create a plan for the project. Consulting a designer doesn’t have to be costly. Most kitchen showroom and home centers offer design services. Some designers will offer an initial "free" home consultation. There are design/build remodeling contractors, including McClurg, who will include the cost of the design service in the total cost of the project.
Consult a professional who is certified by the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA). NKBA certifications are based on written exams and industry experience. Always check the credentials of the designer you consult to verify that they are trained, certified and experienced.
NKBA suggests you do some research and prepare some specifications for your project before meeting with a kitchen designer. Here are some suggestions to prepare for that meeting:
- Make a checklist of major and minor problems that you have with your current kitchen. Consider the following:
- Are you happy with the traffic flow through your kitchen? Is there adequate counter, storage and floor space in the present configuration of your kitchen?
- Is your kitchen efficient? New appliances may have more efficient features and can save money on energy costs.
- Are there children or people with impairments living in your home? If so, the design of the kitchen should address safety and access for these individuals.
- Do you like the location and design of your kitchen? What are the best features? What do you want to change?
- Collect ideas and information. Read magazines and books for ideas and visit online galleries to view kitchen projects. Here are some resources:
Make a clip book of the pictures and ideas that reflect what you want to include in your project. Bring the idea book to your meeting.
- Visit showrooms and retailers and make a list of appliances, cabinetry, counter surfacing, flooring and other products you plan to use in your kitchen. Gather information about dimensions and installation if you can. Many retailers offer product information brochures to consumers and most manufacturers have product information posted on the internet. It is helpful to identify appliances because the dimensions will be factored into the design. A good designer will address this with you.
- Discuss your budget expectations with the designer. Your designer will make suggestions to help you achieve your desired outcomes and will help you keep within the limits you set for the project. A designer is knowledgeable about product lines and can save you money.
- NKBA has designed a Kitchen and Bath Workbook that includes a handy worksheet to prepare for a planning meeting with a professional designer. Complete the information as you do your research and make a copy to share with the designer.
- Questions to ask your designer:
- How can the efficiency of my kitchen be maximized
- Where can appliances be placed?
- What built-ins can be used in the design?
- How should a pantry be incorporated in the lay-out?
- How should cabinets be organized? Discuss the purpose of each unit. Consider stackable shelves, roll-outs, cup and plate racks and dividers to meet your needs.
Do you have any questions about your designing your kitchen? Our kitchen designer Paul Thompson, Certified Master Kitchen and Bath Designer, will provide answers.
Paul Thompson is an experienced, award winning kitchen and bath design consultant who began working with us in June. He has been designing beautiful kitchens and bathrooms (as well as other rooms) since 1987. His credentials include Certified Kitchen Designer, Certified Bathroom Designer, and Certified Master Kitchen and Bath Designer. Paul's designs have won many awards including 1st place in the CNY Chapter of National Kitchen and Bath Association's design contest in 2006 and 3rd place in 2007. Paul is available help you with your kitchen remodeling ideas and project plans. Call him at (315) 673-2051 or schedule an appointment online.
Posted on Tue, Aug 17, 2010
Posted by: Brian Ciota, Vice President
If you’ve put together a wish list the next step is to determine how much it will cost to remodel your kitchen.
- Cost is determined by the scope of your project. A minor kitchen update where you are painting existing cabinets, installing new countertops and flooring can cost under $10,000. A major remodel where you are upgrading appliances and installing new cabinets, countertops, flooring and making structural changes can cost anywhere from $50,000 to well over $100,000. Cost may also be influenced by where you live. Remodeling Magazine annually publishes a report on “Cost Versus Value.” For our region (the Middle Atlantic States) the average cost of a minor kitchen remodel of a 200 square foot kitchen is $22,130 while the cost of a major remodeling project is $59,905. An upscale remodel averages $115,608.
- Establish your priorities when planning your project. What do you want to change the most? What can you keep? What can be replaced at a later time? Knowing what is important to you can help you save money over the course of the project. If granite countertops are not important to you, then you can save money by installing granite-look laminate counters. Countertops can be upgraded at a later time.
- Consider your home’s value. Is resale value important to you? Are you planning to live in your home for a very long time? A common principle you may have read about remodeling a kitchen is that the cost should be no more than 15 percent of the current value of your home if resale value is important to you. If you are anticipating selling your home in the next few years, spending up to 15 percent of the value on a remodeling project can be a lot. However, if you plan to live in the home for 10 years it may make sense to spend more to renovate the space to meet your long term needs.
- Identify the “big ticket” items for your project and shop around. Cabinets are generally the most costly item in a kitchen remodel and can be as much as 20 to 30 percent of the budget. Appliances and counter surfaces are also expensive line items. Knowing the cost of these items will give you a ballpark estimate of what you can expect to pay for your project. Labor and installation can be double the costs that you spend for material. Check out home shows and talk with retailers and contractors. Visit showrooms and compare products and prices. We are a design/build firm and we shop with our clients to guide them in the process of selecting products for their project.
- Talk to friends. Talk to friends who have recently remodeled their kitchens and review reference magazines on remodeling to get a realistic idea about what it will cost you. Research on your part will help you prepare a realistic budget. A design/build contractor can prepare a budget for you.
- Work with a design/build professional. A kitchen remodel is a significant investment and it pays to consult with a professional kitchen designer who is certified by the National Kitchen and Bath Association. However, a kitchen designer alone may not provide the best cost information or adequately address structural and mechanical issues. You wouldn’t want a designer to build or a builder to design. Working with a design/build firm combines both services into one. A professional designer who works with your contractor will be best suited to determine logistics, suggest materials and products, and create a functional design that incorporates your personal style and budget.
- Plan your budget to address unexpected circumstances that may occur once the project is underway. Your contractor may encounter unforeseen issues once the project begins such as having to reconfigure plumbing or electrical circuiting, re-framing wall supports, adding duct work, or other problems. As a design/build firm we generally are able to get this cost down to 2 to 5 percent because we address most problems in the planning stage. Be sure you have enough in your budget to deal with the unexpected.
Which of these tips do you find most helpful? What tips would you recommend to homeowners?
Posted on Tue, Aug 10, 2010
Posted by: Brian Ciota, Vice President
Most people begin a kitchen remodeling project with a “wish list” – everything you NEED and WANT in your dream kitchen. To help start your wish list, we’ve developed this handy A-to-Z guide of features you’ll want to consider as you plan and budget for your project:
- Appliances. Research appliance makes and models. Your choices will impact the design of your kitchen and your budget.
- Built-ins. Make a list of items you would want built into the design of your kitchen. Appliances now are made in counter depth sizes to fit into standard cabinetry. Other types of built-ins to consider are banquettes for breakfast areas and appliance “garages” to house microwave ovens, coffee makers and mixers. Don’t forget to factor in a broom closet if your space allows for it.
- Cabinets and Countertops. Visit showrooms to identify the type of cabinets and countertops you want to use in your project. Note the line, style, material, color and finish for cabinets and type of material, edging and colors for countertops.
- Drawers and Desk Areas. Pull-out drawers are great for under-countertop storage. Check them out when you visit showrooms. Many kitchens feature a desk area for a computer and for doing paperwork such as bill paying or meal planning. On the desk you could add a charging station for cell phones and PDAs.
- Electronics. In addition to appliances, computers and flat screen televisions have found a home in the kitchen. Think about adding these to your space along with a cable service.
- Flooring. Flooring in kitchens includes wood, ceramic tile, vinyl, laminate, concrete and carpet. Other materials used are granite, bamboo and marble. Flooring should not only be attractive but easy to maintain and practical. Go to showrooms and read product reviews.
- Galley or Gathering Space. Think about the space in your home. An efficient galley kitchen is a great asset for food prep for a serious cook while space for informal meals and family gatherings is important to households with children and for those who like to entertain. To achieve extra space you may have to extend the kitchen by adding an addition or reconfiguring an underused dining or living room in your plan.
- Hardware. Select hardware that is attractive, easy to clean and fits within your budget. If you’re planning to live in your home for a long time consider easy to use products like cup shaped pulls on drawers and lever handles on doors where appropriate. “Universal Design” ideas can be implemented in your project to create a space that can be used over the course of a lifetime.
- Islands and Peninsulas. Islands and peninsulas are the work stations of a kitchen. Generally they are designed for food prep, informal dining and storage.
- Jewels of the Kitchen. “Jewels” of a kitchen are items you add for aesthetics like pendant lighting, glass cabinets, custom tiles on backsplashes and areas for display of collections.
- Kitchen Triangle. The kitchen triangle considers the placement of the stove, refrigerator and sink/dishwasher area in the design of a kitchen so that a cook can work efficiently. Read our kitchen triangle article for more information.
- Lighting. Lighting is essential to the function of a kitchen. In your plans consider natural sunlight. If your kitchen needs more sunlight, consider skylights and sun tunnels. Your plans should also take into account lighting over work and dining areas and under cabinets. Options for lighting include florescent, halogen and LED. Fixtures to consider for the kitchen are pendant lights, under cabinet units and recessed lights.
- Moldings. Moldings add architectural interest to a kitchen but also finish off cabinetry, doors and flooring. Pay attention to ornamental moldings when you are looking at photos of kitchens.
- Nooks. Nooks or alcoves are recessed areas of a room that can be used for dining or displays. They add interest to a kitchen but also provide functional space.
- Outlets. Add extra outlets to your wish list. If you don’t, you’ll wish you had considered the height and placement of outlets as well as the number to include when you operate small appliances and gadgets in your kitchen.
- Pantry, Pull-out Storage. There is nothing more frustrating than reaching into the recesses of cabinets to find food, pots and pans and dishware. Look for drawers and cabinets that provide easy access to these items.
- Quick Access. Consider adding carousels (Lazy Susans) to corner cabinets for spice and food storage. Under cabinet trash disposal and recycling pullouts should be included in your plan.
- Recipes and Cookbooks. Plan areas to organize cookbooks. Computerize your recipe files. Here’s a tip for cherished family recipes - frame them; a favorite recipe in your grandmother’s handwriting will be treasured for generations.
- Sinks. Sinks are the most important fixture of a kitchen. Choose them wisely. Consider depth, faucet styles, utility and ease of cleaning. Don’t forget to select a waste disposal. If you have children, choose a waste disposal with safety features.
- Tiles. Floor and backsplash tiles can be used very creatively. If you are using tile on the floor, consider non-skid products. When you’re choosing tiles, don’t forget to select the grout as well.
- Under Counter Appliances and Storage. If you are adding additional refrigerator space consider installing a beverage refrigerator under a counter. A mixer can be stored in base cabinets with a pop-up shelf to free counter space.
- Ventilation. When selecting cooktops and ovens consider ventilation. Ventilation hoods come in a range of styles and some cooktops use down-draft ventilation. Your choice should be factored into your kitchen design.
- Wet Bars and Wine Storage. A space dedicated to beverage storage and glassware is always a plus in a kitchen.
- Xtra Ideas. A kitchen remodeling project is a big investment. Take the time to read product reviews especially when it comes to appliances and consumer information about kitchen remodeling projects. Read what others are saying. Sources you may want to check out are Better Homes and Gardens' Kitchen Bath Ideas, HGTV Kitchens and our Kitchens Gallery.
- Your Personal Touches. Choose colors fabrics, wall decorations, kitchen collections and other items that reflect your likes, interests and lifestyle.
- Zones. When you put together the plan for your kitchen think about the way you want to use your space and plan around “zones” for food prep, clean up, dining, storage, baking, beverages, paperwork etc. The National Kitchen and Bath Association offers an online “Kitchen and Bath Workbook” to help you plan your project.
Take your time when planning a kitchen remodel to address all the details. If the list seems overwhelming, consider hiring a design/build contractor to walk you through it.
Did we leave anything out? What do you have on your kitchen “wish list”?
Posted on Tue, Jun 22, 2010
Posted by: Brian Ciota, Vice President
Recently I met with a client who wanted to remodel a kitchen. Her house was built in 1958 and the kitchen layout and cabinets were original to the home. She told me it wasn't a practical design. She had to get down on her hands and knees to access the lower cupboards, the work triangle didn't provide for modern appliances, food prep space was scarce, the sink had an old fixture that lacked a spray to clean dishes, and the faucet was too low to fill large pots. When she was preparing meals, she often banged her head on an exhaust hood placed over a cook top on a peninsula.
This homeowner, who is a "Baby Boomer", plans to live in the house for another 20 years. She wants the kitchen to work for her today and in the future. She's also concerned about installing any "accessibility" features that might affect the resale value of her home.
If you can relate to this situation and are planning to remodel your kitchen, consider the following ideas to enhance the function, safety and value of your home:
- If your plans include "gutting" a kitchen, reframe doorways and allow at least 36 inches for clearance and easy access.
- Install multi-height, rounded edge countertops so household members can work either standing or sitting.
- Install storage with pull-out shelves, carousels and adjustable height shelving to keep you off your knees and from stretching on your toes and losing your balance when you reach in the back of upper cabinets for stored goods and dishware.
- Add a stove top "pot filler" water fixture to your cooking area so you won't have to lift heavy water filled pots and carry them from the sink to the stove.
- Place your garbage disposal switch in a location where it is easily accessible.
- Install built-in storage space for recyclables and trash.
- Add anti-scald faucets with lever handles to your sinks.
- Use D-shaped or pull-style cabinet and drawer pulls.
- When selecting a refrigerator, consider an easy access side-by-side model or an under-counter drawer-style unit.
- A drawer-style dishwasher will reduce the need for bending.
- Add extra electrical outlets for small appliances, including under the counter for easy access.
- Install bright non-glare task lighting over work areas, -sink, stove and counters.
Before you remodel, consult a kitchen designer or a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist about your needs and options. They are knowledgeable about aesthetics and details that you may not have considered. More information about "Universal Design" ideas for kitchens is available on the American Association of Retired Persons Web site.
Posted on Tue, Apr 20, 2010
Posted by: Brian Ciota, Vice President
When you look at the placement of appliances in a kitchen, have you ever noticed the sink, refrigerator and stove form a triangle? It's not a coincidence. In the 1950s, the University of Illinois conducted a study to determine the most "sensible" kitchen design for a four-person home. Researchers concluded the most efficient way for a "cook" to work was to organize a kitchen's three dominant food preparation areas into a "work triangle." The concept caught on and is still used by kitchen designers today. Kathy Petrocci, one of our Kitchen and Bath Project Consultants, notes that "small kitchens can work as well as large kitchens when functionality is achieved through applying the basic principles of the work triangle."
The kitchen "work triangle" is defined by the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) as an imaginary straight line drawn from the center of the sink, to the center of the cooktop, to the center of the refrigerator and finally back to the sink. The NKBA suggests the following guidelines for determining a work triangle:
- The sum of the work triangle's three sides should not exceed 26 ft. and each leg should measure between 4 ft. and 9 ft.
- The work triangle should not cut through an island or peninsula by more than 12 inches.
- If the kitchen has only one sink, it should be placed between or across from the cooking surface, preparation area or refrigerator.
As kitchens have grown in size and with more appliances, the regular work triangle may not be practical for all. Most modern kitchens have a microwave oven, coffee maker and dishwasher (a luxury item in 1950s). Other appliances may include double ovens, wall ovens, range hoods or down drafts, wine coolers and even TVs and computers. When you think about designing a kitchen space consider the following:
- Select your appliances first, factor the dimensions into the design. Gauge clearances for opening appliances. Double door refrigerators with freezer drawers will need clearance space as do dishwashers and ovens.
- Include work aisles into the plan. Keep aisles 42 to 48 inches wide.
- Each work area should have adequate counter space. A sink area should have about 36 inches of space or more. There should be counter space near a refrigerator for gathering items, and space near a cooktop to place ingredients and allow pans to cool down.
- Place appropriate storage space near each work area. Pantry storage should be near the refrigerator. Storage for pots and pans should be near the cooktop and storage for mixing bowls and spices should be near the sink/prep area.
- A receptacle for trash should be placed near the sink, not under it. A trash pull-out is more functional when placed to the right of the sink.
Finally, if you're planning to renovate a kitchen consider hiring a certified kitchen designer. There are many factors to consider which might be overlooked by a do-it-yourselfer. Taking the time to address all of the details with a designer will help to optimize your investment in your home.
Sources:
KitchenBathIdeas.com
Better Homes and Gardens Special Interest Publications, Kitchen and Bath Ideas January/February 2010
http://akitchenfantastic.blogspot.com/2006/01/work-triangle.html
http://www.kitchens.com/Design/Layouts/Work-Triangle.aspx
Posted on Tue, Mar 02, 2010
Posted by: Brian Ciota, Vice President
If you're planning to remodel your kitchen, no matter what style, consider these trends to add function and value to your home.
1) Pull-out Storage. Roll-out shelves and deep divided storage drawers simplify kitchen organization and control clutter. Gone are the days of getting down on your knees to find a pot lid in the back of your under-counter cabinet. Deep drawers with dividers provide a place for baking trays, lids and frying pans. Pantry pull-outs are great for organizing canned and boxed foods and bottled drinks. There are pull-out units designed for storing vegetables and bread. In the sink cabinet, pull-out towel racks and pull-down drawers can be added to put pot-scrubbers, sponges and dishcloths out of sight. Pull-out waste baskets hide garbage and make retrieval a simple task. Near a range or wall oven create a baking center with roll-out shelves. Add a pull-down rack for your cookbook and a pull-up mixer storage shelf. Pull-out cutting boards are handy. Increase your work space for food prep or planning by adding a pull-out table.
2) Tiered Kitchen Islands and Peninsulas. Multi-level islands and peninsulas add work and dining space to kitchens. Dual counter heights create food prep zone ideal for baking. One of the latest trends to create more usable kitchen space is to add a table height area to an island for eating, working or planning. Add an over-hang to an island or peninsula counter for informal eating. Instead of stools, consider a bench for seating. Geometric shapes are replacing the traditional rectangular form to maximize function of island and peninsula counter space and add style.
3) Integrating Kitchen and Dining Spaces. A kitchen is the most active room of a home. A dining room is often the most under-utilized room of the house and is located just off the kitchen. It makes sense to integrate these two areas for family gathering and entertaining. Many remodeling projects join these two spaces together by removing walls or creating half walls. Half walls can provide a pass through area or a buffet to serve both rooms. Think about how you use these spaces when planning to remodel.
4) Stainless Steel Appliances. Stainless steel appliances continue to be the top choice among consumers. Stainless steel is versatile and can be mixed and matched with other appliances - black, white and bisque. Stainless steel also blends well with a variety of wood and laminate cabinets, counter surfaces, back splash materials and flooring products. While harvest gold, avocado and burnt orange have come and gone, stainless steel appliances endure and continue to add style and value.
5) Pendant Lights. Pendant lights are lights with shades that are suspended from the ceiling by either a chain or a rod. They are decorative and address task illumination in counter, island, corner or dining spaces. Pendant lights are ideal in food prep area and over sinks. They work well in homes with high ceilings. Pendant lights can be multi-light fixtures or they can be individual units. Kitchen designers often use individual units in groups of two or three. If you are thinking about installing pendant lights, consider a dimmer switch to adjust the illumination. There are many styles and colors of pendant lights. They're chic, functional and provide a finishing touch to a kitchen.