Kitchen Backsplash Review Blog

I’ve already considered the budget and materials I want to use.

1. Scan your kitchen for a visual sense of what it looks like now, and how you want it to be. Start with the cabinets or the countertops.

2. Browse through magazines, websites & TV shows for ideas on how simple changes can alter the look of your kitchen. Customizing them for your own layout is the easiest way forward.

3. Pick a floor plan, consult with kitchen design experts, or follow the do-it-yourself way to start remodeling.

Painting your kitchen cabinets can less costly than refacing or replacing your cabinetry. The most expensive remodeling project is by far replacing kitchen cabinets when doing home improvement. If your cabinets are in reasonable condition, but their finish is bedraggled then painting is a good choice. Instead of forking out a fortune on replacing your cabinets, you can upgrade and renew your kitchen’s look for a lot less.

When choosing paint, pick one that is acceptable for your cabinetry. Your local paint store or home improvement store can guide you. Generally speaking, the best paint to use on cabinets is latex, preferably one hundred percent acrylic. It is very durable, sticks easily and is washable.

The best way to apply this type of paint is to use spraying equipment. The finish is much smoother than when applied with a brush. Hardware, paint and home improvement stores rent spray equipment at reasonable prices. However, do plenty of taping to protect any surfaces that you do not wish to paint.

Alternatively, use a good quality brush to paint your cabinets. The higher the brush quality the better. Your local paint store can advise you when selecting the right brush. Basically, synthetic bristles work with some paints and natural ones work better with others. However, avoid using rollers because they leave stippled or roller marks on the surface.

Your first step is to prepare your cabinets, removing each bit of hardware and every door, and marking the location on each one that they came from. Better still, use good quality sandpaper to sand the wood to its bare form. This helps your paint to stick. Also, ensure that you
Remove all remaining residue with mineral spirits.

After doing all the stripping, sanding and cleaning, repair all damages to the doors and cabinets. Putty is great for filling in nicks. However, you will need to let the putty thoroughly dry and sand it well before doing any painting. Then prime the bare wood with an acrylic primer before starting to paint. This will guarantee that the paint will stick to the surfaces.

Usually it is only necessary to use two coats. Let the first one dry thoroughly before proceeding to apply the second coat of paint. Begin your painting with the cabinets first and then your doors. You may wish to use a sawhorse when doing your doors. This will help you reach every edge and avoid drip marks.

Another simple method of improving or updating your kitchen’s look is with new hardware. Handles and hinges are generally reusable, but if you are going for a new and updated appearance then you may wish to purchase new ones, but remember to take the old ones with you to ensure the existing spacings and holes match. Newer hinges will be less stiff with use. Newer handles can give your drawers and cabinets a more modern appearance.

Clinton Maxwell
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/remodeling-updating-kitchen-cabinets-110676.html

I live in Brooklyn, New York.

Load all the stuff in a truck and take it to the City Dump. You will have to pay a small fee. You can also call the City Dump and ask for a bulky pick up of your stuff, they may also charge a small fee. If the debris is too much, then rent a bin from the City and when it is loaded, ask them to pick it up or hire any of the locals with a truck big enough and have them dump it at the City Dump.
Good Luck

Is there a formula for figuring this out? We know exactly how much our materials will cost (appliances, tile, cabinets, etc.) but have no idea what to expect when they give us an estimate for labor. Any help would be appreciated!

Definitely get other bids. However, you do want to be comfortable with the contractor you let into your home, and to be around your family. Sometimes, the lowest price isn’t the way to go, and it’s worth paying a little more for the comfort factor of feeling like he will do a good job. It’s impossible to say what the labor should be, since there are TONS of factors in remodeling a kitchen. When you get another bid, make sure – AND THIS IS IMPORTANT – that you are pricing out EXACTLY the same items with all contractors! This means the same appliances, same sink, same faucet, same tile, same countertop – everything. Make sure each contractor includes the same items – demo, new sheetrock, electrical work (be specific about what you are adding), plumbing, etc. If you don’t compare apples to apples, the additional bids you get will be completely irrelevent.

I am in the process of updating my kitchen by replacing the cabinets and countertops. I want granite counter tops and Thomasville cabinets. Has anyone used Home Depot for this project in Rochester Hills, Michigan?

My coworker used the one in Taylor, MI. She paid about $10K and was happy with the results. It’s pretty much luck of the draw because Home Depot uses subcontractors.

Homeowners who do home repair projects opt for kitchen remodeling. It is understandable because this room is the most used area in any home. It is also a frequently traveled endures a lot. In fact, kitchen remodeling increases your home’s value.

Begin with a budget, including exactly what amount you are able to fork out for the project. You should take into account the length of time you will live in your home – if it is less than five years, set a limited budget because you do not want to waste unnecessary money and not get any return back. Otherwise, allow for much more. It is worthwhile investing in your dream kitchen if you stay longer. No matter your budget’s size, set aside extra funds for unexpected expenses.

To create a sensible budget, you have to have exact costs for each thing. Research each item, the varied prices and quality. Begin your research with estimates for kitchen furnishings, flooring, kitchen cabinets, energy efficient appliances and anything else you want to add.

Start gathering ideas for the theme or look you want. Go to kitchen showrooms and home improvement centers, and view Internet sites and magazines. Then create a file of the ideas you like and what you have learnt, but do not forget to include pricing.

After doing the research, determine how much each part of the job will cost. If you see everything in front of you, it will be much easier to envisage.

Whatever you do you should indulge in at least one or more things that you want, versus need. This may be added flooring or even special kitchen cabinets. Learn to cut cost in one area to save for something special in another area. For instance, if those cabinets are the one’s you want, then you can cut out some of the budget in the flooring area and get vinyl tile squares installed yourself.

You can save a great deal of money if you evaluate which jobs you need a contractor for and which ones you should be able to do by yourself. Most homeowners can manage painting. You can sew your curtains, install flooring, and save all that extra cash for the bigger items you really want in your kitchen.

Once the budget is planned, decide how you plan to pay for everything, without using credit cards. Credit card interest is high and you will pay far more than you budgeted for. It is best to pay as you need things and save money. Cover each phase of your project one step at a time.

Another option is to think about getting a home equity loan, which can offer much lower interest rates than your credit cards. You can invest in what you need and spread your payments over a longer period. In certain circumstances, you may get tax cuts as a result, but whatever the case stick to the project’s budget and do not go stupid with the money from your loan.

Ken Morris
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/cabinets-kitchen-remodeling-planning-111244.html

i am remolding my small [very small] kitchen but i am having a hard time finding appliances that work in my kitchen. i love to cook, bake and entertain but because my appliances are so small its difficult to do so. i need help. so any websites would help.

Check out: http://design.hgtv.com/kitchen/ or http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/hi_kitchens/0,2036,DIY_13925,00.html

I am going to try and help my mother remodel the house. She has decided since we use the kitchen the most, to start in it first. My mother and I have never really done any remodeling before, so I need some tips, like what to do first, and things like that.

I know she wants to get a new sink, and counter tops, along with painting the walls.

I am looking for any ideas, websites, and tips from experience.

Please help!!!!

What a fun and great way to add value to your Mom’s home. Keep in mind some simple project ideas can be very involved. Good Luck with your kitchen remodel. I hope these websites help you.

The DIY Network has some awesome project ideas…

http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/pac_ctnt/text/0,2019,DIY_14161_33146,00.html

Home Depot and Lowe’s are also great sources…

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ContentView?pn=SF_MS_PD_New_Mover_Dream_Home_Kitchen&langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=categorySelect&category=Indoors&Ne=6000&N=0

Kitchen, without a doubt has become the center of any home not only in New York but throughout the country. Its raw essence has evolved into something all-encompassing, making it a place for everyone from the family to guests from all walks of life. Today, the thought of kitchen remodeling can be more exciting than daunting. Projects of this kind have long-since proved their considerable impacts in the family’s quality of life as well as the overall value of the home. And the best part about it? With kitchen remodeling, you can expect a recoup in your investments from a minimum of 85% to more than the total cost of the renovation.

Functionality and comfort are keys to make the kitchen remodeling project result lasting and most enjoyable. Whatever your budget is, whether you plan to go for a total renovation or just a surface-level one, it is possible to integrate these elements into the design. To help you out on this, here are several ideas:

Family time is Quality Time

As much of the family gatherings and entertainment of guests are staged in the kitchen, opening up and connecting to a family room is a great kitchen remodeling idea. This can be done if the family room is at close proximity by either taking the separating wall down completely to adjoin them or just put cabinetry on the bottom part of the walls and keep the top area open. Another way to create a gathering area as an extension of the kitchen is through adding a semi- or fully attached breakfast room.

The Island

Adding an island into your kitchen remodeling design is a great way to maximize functionality in the area by adding to the available storage, making simultaneous cooking and food preparation much easier, as well as serving as a dining counter where people can just hang around or casually dine.

Innovative storage solutions

As clutter and disorganization is a major factor that keeps things in the kitchen not only unsightly but less functional as well, adding cabinetry serves ideal. The key to extend their functionality is integrating innovative designs that saves space and makes items more accessible like lazy Susan and pull-out shelves. Cabinets are considered to be the building blocks of the heart of your home and are among its most noticeable features. The selection of materials and quality of workmanship of your cabinetry will greatly affect the appeal of your kitchen.

Lighting and Ventilation

Lighting is among the elements that could greatly boost the quality of your kitchen remodeling result. Aside from obviously making the changes more pronounced and setting the ambiance, it also creates an illusion of more space making the area seem less crowded and more comfortable. To fully take advantage of natural light and warmth, a cost and energy efficient idea is to have a skylight installed.

Together with strategically placed lighting, proper ventilation also plays a great role in making each and every task in the kitchen done more comfortably. Depending on your style and budget, you can choose from among a variety of ventilation hoods ranging from basic models to extravagant ones.

Eugene Makeev
http://www.articlesbase.com/kitchens-articles/kitchen-remodeling-bring-in-functionality-and-comfort-to-your-household-712370.html

The ads say that they include solid oak cabinets and granite countertops (with certain specifications as to cabinet size and linear feet of counter), as well as demolition and installation. (This is in Southern California, San Gabriel Valley area.)
Also interested in the $2995 bathroom remodel ads if you have experience with those.

Before under taking a kitchen remodel – Ask yourself – Do I need a new kitchen? http://www.brandsconstruction.com/Blogb2/blog5.php/Do-I-Need-A-New-Kitchen/

Before Hiring a Kitchen Contractor – Know you have the right contractor. http://www.brandsconstruction.com/Blogb2/blog5.php/Kitchen-Contractors-Before-Hiring-Kitchen-Contractors/

If you desire a new kitchen, planning and understanding of each of your goals needs to happen for you to be satisfied with your new kitchen.

Many people go out and spend hard earned money on a new kitchen, essentially throwing money away because they are spending money on trying to make their life better – instead of focusing on what they want and what they need, and then finding a balance between these two if reality and their budget does not allow them what they want.

The total dollar for a new kitchen is simply a total of over 100 items put together. If you want to be happy with the results for a new kitchen – It takes work!

Keeping a folder and a small box with your kitchen planning info for each area, will bring you success and satisfaction with your new kitchen!

Appliances

http://www.brandsconstruction.com/Blogb2/blog5.php/Appliances-New-Kitchen-Appliances/

http://astore.amazon.com/appliances-new-kitchen-appliances-20/

Cabinets

http://www.brandsconstruction.com/Blogb2/blog5.php/Cabinets-Frame-Cabinets-Frame-Less-Cabinets/

http://astore.amazon.com/kitchen-cabinets-kitchen-products-20/

Countertop Selection

http://www.brandsconstruction.com/Blogb2/blog5.php/Kitchen-Countertops-Selection/

http://www.brandsconstruction.com/CopperminePhotos/thumbnails.php?album=11

Lighting

http://astore.amazon.com/new-kitchens-lighting-supply-20

Maintaining and Cleaning Your Kitchen Appliances

http://www.brandsconstruction.com/Blogb2/blog5.php/Kitchen-Appliance-Cleaning-Kitchen-Appliances-Guide/

Hope This Helps! Wishing You Success!