Tag Archives: kitchen renovation

Kitchen Countertops: 6 Kitchen Renovation Tips To Remember

If your kitchen is old or you want a different look, you need to consider these tips for the project to be a success:

Begin with the countertops

Kitchen countertops have the most significant impact on the design of the kitchen. They also cost a lot, especially if the kitchen is large. For you to avoid wasting money and create a look you love, begin your project by thinking about the type of countertops you will install.

Visit the local stores and find out what is in stock. For you to be content with your project, you need to be happy with the countertops first; therefore, ensure that you choose the right ones. Countertops vary in material, quality, size, among many other things. Choose the ones that fit your project.

Aim for quality

Kitchen renovations are costly, and you can’t be doing them after every few months. To do them once and properly, go for the best quality materials possible. In addition to the high-quality cabinets and appliances lasting for longer, they also have a high resale value.

You don’t have to buy new materials. If you don’t have deep pockets, consider going for used materials. They might be used, but still in good condition and of high quality. Some of the best materials are those bought from a business selling reused building materials.

If you are unlucky in these stores, try your luck online. Find individual sellers selling high-end items at affordable prices.

Pay attention to the layout of the kitchen

The kitchen needs to be practical and functional. How you lay it out depends on your priorities and needs. Think about the look you want to create and the people that will be using it. If it’s more than one person, incorporate more than one workstation.

If you have a large kitchen, add a kitchen island or get a wheeled cart that you can move around and put away when you aren’t using it.

If you aren’t sure of what will work with your household, make use of the classic work triangle; arrange the sink, stove, and refrigerator in a triangular pattern.

Have a realistic budget

Most large renovation projects end up taking more time and money than you anticipated; therefore, it’s wise to have extra cash on the side in the event the project goes over. A good rule of thumb is to have 10-20% more money for unplanned expenses.

The last thing you want is going to the bank to get another loan in the mid of the project. Even worse is ending up with a half-finished kitchen because you ran out of cash.

When coming up with a budget, remember to factor in the hidden costs. These include labor, materials, taxes, shipping, and delivery costs. These add up fast; therefore, it’s paramount that you put them into consideration when coming up with an approximation of the amount of money you need for the project.

Make use of all areas

You don’t want to spend a lot of money giving your kitchen a makeover and be left with unutilized areas. Make use of all areas in the kitchen. Use the toe-kick storage beneath the cabinet doors to store items that you don’t use daily. These include linens, serveware, and step ladder.

Using all the spaces gives you the satisfaction that you spent your money wisely. At the same time, it keeps your kitchen counters clutter-free.

Work with the right contractor

Not every countertop contractor you come across is right for your project. You can buy premium materials then end up with ugly countertops after hiring the wrong contractor. Many people end up with the wrong contractor as they are in a hurry to hire

To find the right professional, take your time. Approach several granite contractors Durham and ask for their current license and insurance. Also, ask about their past customers. Don’t just get the names of the customers. Call them and ask about their experience with the contractor.

If the professional checks out in every area, go ahead and draft a contract detailing the starting date, completion date, and any other details of the project.

How to Create Additional Space on your Kitchen

It is nice to have a large kitchen where it can accommodate all of your kitchenware and appliances. Having a large kitchen can help you move around easier and more comfortably. Likewise, you can have the opportunity to upgrade your kitchen countertops and make your kitchen look luxurious and elegant.

However, not all households have spacious kitchens. That is why kitchen renovations or remodeling may be a challenge for them. But that doesn’t mean you cannot do something about your small kitchen anymore. In fact, there can be ways to make your kitchen stand out and create additional space.

Some ways to improve and make your kitchen look bigger and spacious is by removing clutter, utilizing your kitchen countertops and cabinets, and use other parts of your kitchen area. It takes resourcefulness and creativity to improve your kitchen instead of spending extra cash for a countertop replacement or tearing down your kitchen walls.

Remove clutter

One important step to create additional space on your marble countertops is to remove clutter. For one, too much clutter on the countertop surface can limit your working space. Some people tend to be stressed easily when they see unnecessary clutter. As a result, it can affect their productivity and mood throughout the day.

Homeowners tend to put things on kitchen counters to get access to it easier. Plates and other utensils are often placed on the counter area. However, this common practice can limit your workspace and inadvertently create clutter in the kitchen. In such cases, perhaps you may consider having open shelving for your kitchen utensils.

Meanwhile, cookbooks can come in handy in the kitchen unless you use it often. Still, your cookbooks should be stored somewhere that won’t cause clutter in your kitchen. Otherwise, it may be a good idea to keep them inside a cabinet or give them away if you are not using it anymore.

But if you tend to look over your cookbooks for recipe ideas, why not try to replace it with something compact and more modern-looking? Consider installing a tablet containing kitchen-related apps that can help with your cooking activities. Use a hook or stand where you can secure the tablet. Make sure to keep it away from the stove or sink.

Utilize your kitchen countertop and cabinets

If you have enough space to add granite kitchen countertops or a kitchen island, you can use it as an additional storage space. Or, you can improvise by using your old drawer or dresser and turn it into your own kitchen island. You can repaint it, readjust its size, and add accessories and other features so it would match your kitchen theme as well.

You can do more to your existing cabinet and countertops, too. Use hooks and hanging organizers and install them on the countertop walls or inside the cabinets for additional storage for kitchen utensils and cleaning items. There are hanging racks that do not need screws to be installed. However, make sure it has strong support and only use these hanging organizers one hook at a time to ensure its stability.

You can also put other items inside the kitchen drawer aside from plates and silverware. Remove small clutter from your countertops by storing spices and other pantry items inside the drawer.

Use other parts of your kitchen area

Aside from the countertops, cabinets, and cupboards, you can also use other parts of your kitchen area as an additional storage area. For example, you can use the kitchen window sill to put your cleaning items or some kitchen canisters. You can also put small potted plants on the sill to add a touch of nature on your kitchen.

You can also turn your stove burner cover as additional workspace. Likewise, the space on top of the kitchen wall cabinet can also serve as an additional storage area. You can also utilize that slim space between your refrigerator and kitchen wall. You can build a DIY cabinet in that area, or use it to store cleaning tools such as the kitchen mop.

Big or small, you can make the most out of your kitchen space

It doesn’t matter how big or small your kitchen is. Creativity and resourcefulness are keys for a cheap yet worthwhile kitchen renovation. But if you are planning for a countertop replacement, you can contact professional and reliable granite countertop installers in Durham and check them out today.

Let’s Weigh the Pros and Cons of Granite Countertops

best kitchen countertop contractor

Your kitchen can be a more familiar and preferred place for entire family, if you redo it. Granite countertop can help you in making your kitchen a better place. The kitchen countertop plays an important role in deciding the look and feel of the entire kitchen. You can change your kitchen’s interior by considering the kitchen countertop replacement. A new granite countertop can make your kitchen appear livelier, and also there are many perks of working on granite surface. However, you should consider more kitchen countertop options, and make the apt choice according to your needs and requirements.

Things to know about granite countertops

Just like any other material, granite has its own advantages and disadvantages. In order to make sure that is granite the right material for your kitchen counter, you should learn about its pros and cons. The more you know about the material, the better choice you can make for your kitchen.

Pros of granite countertop

Granite countertops increase the value of the kitchens. This material looks elegant in the kitchens. It can instantly convert your mediocre kitchen into a high-end kitchen.
Granite is really very tough stone, and thus it is highly durable. It can withstand rough cooking. This material is even apt for commercial kitchens.
Granite countertops have natural look and feel. It has natural textures and patterns. Thus, when you install granite countertop, you get the earthy feeling.
Granite is a sleek and non-porous material. It does not promote the bacteria growth. Thus, you get clean and hygienic cooking surface.
Granite countertop is really very easy to clean. Soap water and cloth is all you need for cleaning. However, it is highly recommended to clean the spills right away.
Granite is a repairable stone. In case your countertop gets cracked or chipped, you can get it repaired.
Granite is a heat resistant material. You can directly put hot pan and pot on your countertop.
Granite has extremely flat surface. It gives you the perfect place for cooking cakes and cookies.

Cons of granite countertop

Granite is an expensive material. If you are planning budget friendly kitchen renovation, then granite is not an option for you.
Granite countertops require regular sealing.
Your granite countertop Morrisville nc can be forever stained if you seal it with existing stain.
Granite is quite heavy material. It requires additional structural support.

Resurfacing Kitchen Countertops

Over time, kitchen countertops lose their sheen and shine because of scratches and burns. Kitchen countertop resurfacing is a popular and budget-friendly option available for perking up the entire look and feel of your kitchen. Perhaps the most exciting thing about kitchen countertop replacement is the scope of using a number of designs, color and materials to get your desired worktop.

Things to consider while resurfacing the kitchen countertop

There are plenty of things to consider when you are planning for kitchen countertop resurfacing. It is because countertop replacement is an expensive investment, which is going to impact over a long period of time.

Beauty: Every homeowner wants their countertop to look good in their kitchen. A kitchen countertop should look good. Opt for material that is available in plenty of colors, textures and finishing. Your chosen countertop surface should also have the quality of maintaining its sheen and shine for years.

Maintainability: Maintainability is another important aspect of the countertop. Don’t opt for countertop surface that stain or scratched easily. There are many countertop surfaces available on the market that possesses stain and scratch resistant quality.

Durability: If you want your countertop surface to last longer, you should take durability into account while purchasing the kitchen countertop. A countertop surface should not get cracked or chipped easily.

Cost efficiency: Kitchen countertops are available in wide-range of prices. You should look for the countertop surface that not only fits into your budget specifications, but also provide value for your money. If you are looking for cost effective options, then ceramic, tile and concrete countertops are all you need.

Kitchen renovation with new countertop

A new kitchen countertop can instantly change the way your kitchen look. Along with choosing the right countertop surface, you should take care of many other small and big aspects of kitchen countertop resurfacing.

Kitchen countertop installation is another important aspect to consider. A countertop should be properly sized, cut and fixed for the perfect finish. It is not possible to get such level of perfection with DIY methods. Hiring a countertop contractor for this purpose is a good idea. These professionals know how to adequately install the countertop.

Kitchen Remodeling – Why Remodel Your Kitchen

Kitchen remodeling will ease your lifestyle and increase value of your property. There are many genuine reasons to remodel your kitchen. As kitchen is the heart of the home and the place which witness maximum activities, it is important that it has everything up to date.

Reasons to Remodel Your Kitchen

Kitchen remodeling can be a major undertaking. A kitchen with all modern appliances, good ventilation, correct lighting, scintillating kitchen countertop, easy to use and beautiful furniture, and right flooring can make your life really very easy. If these reasons are not enough for you to remodel your kitchen, have a quick glance over below mentioned reasons for kitchen remodeling:

Function

Through kitchen remodeling you can improve the functionality of your kitchen. For example you can adjust kitchen island height according to your comfort or create room for two cooks or have a walk-in pantry. Thus, if you are not comfortable in your own kitchen, then kitchen remodeling can work for you.

Deterioration

After some years, the kitchens start deteriorating. If your kitchen has cracked tiles, peeled countertops, broken cabinet doors and outdated kitchen appliances, then you should totally think about kitchen remodeling. Such deteriorated kitchens decrease the usefulness of kitchen.

Safety

Sadly, most household accidents take place in kitchens. Through kitchen remodeling, you can improve the safety of your kitchen to minimize the risks of accidents and make it as safe as much as possible.

Value

Remodeled kitchen can add value to your property. You can attract potential buyers with beautiful kitchen.

Energy Savings

Energy savings can be the inspiration for a kitchen renovation. Think about adding skylights to bring more sunshine, replacing old kitchen appliance with energy-efficient appliances and installing solar water heaters can cut the utility bill. These energy saving modifications will not only cut your utility bills but also put less stress on the environment.

Style

Simply hire a kitchen contractor to remodel your kitchen. An experienced and skilled contractor can style your kitchen in a beautiful manner.

These are some apparent reasons for kitchen remodeling. So, just ask yourself- Is it time to remodel kitchen? If YES, then hire a kitchen remodeling contractor NOW!

How to Plan and Budget for a Kitchen Renovation

A kitchen renovation is daunting as well as exciting project. Deciding what you want in your new kitchen isn’t easy but planning for new kitchen is FUN. Evaluating the scope of kitchen renovation project is the ideal thing to do when you start forming the kitchen remodeling budget.

Budgeting for Your Kitchen Remodel

Setting and staying within kitchen remodeling budget may sound obvious but it is not as simple as you think. Before touching the calculator, do market research. Find out what is available in the market and at which rate. Visit shops, read home improvement magazines, check out trade shows and browse online resources. And then prepare your ideal kitchen wish list with price tags.

It is not possible to confine the kitchen remodeling budget without conducting the market research. Real price of kitchen items may be different from your anticipated price. You may have planned about replacing kitchen appliances, floor, furniture, paint, countertop, lights and plumbing system, but if your budget does not allow you to replace all these things, you either have to increase your budget or compromise over a few things! The more research you do before making the final kitchen remodeling budget, the less likely you will have to change your plan.

Make a list of kitchen renovation priorities

It is important to prioritize your priorities. What is more important? New kitchen appliances or new furniture or new kitchen countertop installation? Note down your priorities. Just in case, if any unexpected expenses eat your budget, you will still get the top things of your list done.

When setting your priorities, think what impact the little renovations will make on your life. You should think about functionality over design. For example- It is more important to get leaky faucets fixed than getting a fully functioning chimney replaced.

Final words-

Kitchen renovation is the big investment. Thus, you should only hire an experienced kitchen contractor for your kitchen renovation work. Smart kitchen contractors know how to renovate the kitchen within limited budget. You can even take recommendations of a kitchen contractor for deciding the best kitchen remodeling budget.

Enjoy Your New Kitchen!

Sophisticate your kitchen with granite countertop

Why Granite countertop is the first choice of homeowners?

The kitchen is the heart of a home, where you, your friends and family members gather to eat and share routine talk over a delicious meal, refreshing drink and quick snacks. It is one of the most important alcoves in your home, so don’t you think it makes sense to select kitchen countertops which reflect the value of your kitchen? Fortunately, choosing the perfect countertops is not a difficult task because modern countertops are available in a lots colors, designs and materials. Among all granite countertops are gaining a lot of popularity among homeowners.

Many homeowners choose granite countertops over other solid surface counter because of elegance and durability of granite. Granite countertops are carved from natural stone that is why they inherit earthy shades entwined with crystalline whirl which catch light from all directions. These kitchen countertops are very resistant to wear and tear, staining, scratches, mold, and mildew, as granite is the second hardest material after diamonds. The surface of these countertops is really very easy to clean and maintain. All you required is a soft cloth, warm water and soap, and cleaning is done.

Why to choose granite countertop?

Granite countertops are manufactured with an eclectic palate of colors and patterns. Apart from natural granite color custom countertops are also available in several colors. The colors like black, gray, brown, white, green, blue, and red are available to match with your kitchen decor. The colors are even laced with copper, silver, and gold, and blend with tiny crystal fragments to provide distinguish appearance to every countertop. You can adorn your kitchen with these scintillating kitchen countertops.

The granite counter is overlaid with a polished finishing. This makes the surface a countertop glossy also minimizes its porosity, and its vulnerability to liquid absorption. Yes, with the polished finishing, your countertop will look good as well as provide long lasting service. If you are thinking about kitchen renovation or constructing a new kitchen then granite countertop can full fill all your expectation and impress you with its long lasting and trouble free service.

Give complete makeover to your kitchen with Granite countertops

Adorn your kitchen with Granite countertops

Are you planning, kitchen renovation? Are you seeking luxury stuff to provide a vibrant appearance to your kitchen? Or are you searching something new for your kitchen? Well, if your answer is YES! Then granite countertops can be the ultimate option for you. These countertops will definitely give elegant look to your kitchen. Granite countertops are a durable having good resistance against scratch and stain. It means that it will give you long lasting service. Granite countertops can be great kitchen countertop which can give amazing look to your kitchen.

Granite countertops can become the center of attraction of your kitchen décor as scintillating feature of granite stone have its own natural beauty. In order to add shine and luster in your countertop, you need not have to use any additional paint or polish. Granite stone has in-build natural sheen and shine. Granite countertops are super smooth so it is absolutely a luxury feel to cook on these tops. These countertops are available in various shape, size, color and design. You can use according your needs and requirements. Not just kitchens, granite can also provide adorable appearance to your bathroom and other part of the home.

Advantages of Granite countertops:

There are countless advantages of granite countertops. Notable facts about granite is that it is non-porous material which does not allow scratch. Granite is an extremely smooth material so it dusts and dirt hardly accumulates in it, thus maintenance of granite countertops is much easier. Cleaning and dusting of granite countertops are also very easy as well as it will not consume your much time and efforts.

In terms of strength and hardness granite deserves applause. After diamond, granite is second hardest naturally occurring material so it can bear plenty of load. Granite also has property of heat resistant. This material does not act as catalyst and also do not catch fire. This also means that there will be no burning marks or spots on your countertop. Most striking properties of granite countertops is that seasonal changes will cause minimum impact on granite. So, what are you waiting for? Adorn your kitchen with fantastic granite countertops now!!