Kitchen Remodeling Basics

The kitchen is one of the most used areas in any home. If you want a cup of coffee, a snack, or a full meal, the kitchen is where you go to get it. A lot of work takes place in the kitchen so if you are planning to do some kitchen remodeling you need to do some homework. Kitchen remodeling requires planning for counter space, storage space, and general layout that is functional and convenient.

In past years, many women stayed at home and often cooked three meals a day for their family. In today’s more modern world, women hold jobs outside the home and often share the cooking responsibility with other family members.

This requires additional work stations where multiple people can work in the kitchen at the same time. Kitchen islands have become popular because they not only provide additional workspace, they can also add an additional sink or cook top.

Kitchen remodeling usually requires taking a serious look at cabinet space. Older kitchens typically did not have enough cabinets to accommodate the standards we live by today. Storage space is a top consideration when planning a kitchen remodel. Your local hardware store or a kitchen planner can show you options that will help you make the best use of the space you have available.

Choosing Durable Materials For Your Kitchen

Because of the high traffic and frequent use, you need to purchase quality materials and make sound choices for counter tops, flooring, and even appliances. Countertops usually get a lot of use and need to be made from a very durable material.

You have several choices for countertop materials such as granite, tile, marble, and laminate. Laminate is usually the cheapest but it also has the shortest life. Granite, tile, and marble can literally last a lifetime, if a little care is used to maintain them.

Flooring also comes in a variety of materials such as vinyl, ceramic tile, and wood. It is important to note that wood needs to be sealed in order to prevent moisture damage.

Vinyl is usually the most economical but also has the shortest use life. Ceramic tile is very durable but does carry the risk of breakage. When choosing a ceramic tile, be sure to choose one that is open stock. This means if you break one you will be able to replace only the broken tile.

Kitchen remodeling can often drastically increase the value of your home. When prospective buyers are shopping for a house, they usually rate the kitchen as being very important. It is also the most expensive room to refurbish but spending a little extra time and money to get quality components and design will always be worth your investment.