The
idea behind kitchen remodeling is a rather
old one. In fact remodeling tries to
change mainly the visible parts of the kitchen
and give them a new look. Most of the time it
is done to save money, sometimes its also a nice
way of keep work and disturbance as small as
possible. Especially if your existing
cabinets are still in good shape kitchen
remodeling or refacing can
be a perfect alternative.
Before
you start thinking about remodeling your kitchen,
you should have some general thoughts. If
you are not happy with the color or look of
your doors and countertop, but the
appliances are still in good conditions, than
refacing is the right way to think about.
In case you do not like the way your kitchen
is designed and where drawers and doors are
located, you might better look for a entirely
new kitchen.
Areas
where remodeling can be done
First
and most visible part of any kitchen are
cabinets with doors and drawers.
By exchanging them with new once, the
look of any kitchen will change often
dramatically. Whilst often the visible
outside parts of the cabinets get refinished,
the biggest part concerns kitchen doors and
drawer fronts. Generally there are two kinds
of doors available: framed and panel type doors.
Whilst framed doors give a kitchen a more traditional
look, panel style doors will make them look
more modern. As the drawer fronts are
also exchanged, make sure that all drawer
guides are checked and exchanged if needed
as well.
From
a visibility point of view, the second most
important part of any kitchen remodeling is
the worktop or kitchen top. Here you can choose
for a huge variety of materials and colors. The
range goes from marble or granite to DuPont® corian
and laminate boards. Available in nearly every
type of color and pattern, it is the perfect
way to change the look of an entire kitchen.
Kitchen
sinks and faucets
Together
with any kitchen top reworking comes the question
of the kitchen sink and faucets.
Make sure you do not change the countertop
and leave the old
kitchen sink in it. Being
one of the most frequently used parts of any
kitchen, the sink usually carries the biggest
burden. Have a close look and better have it
changed as well. As far as the faucets are
concerned it is really worth to have a look
on how modern kitchen faucets can make work
easier. Ask your remodeling company for any
suggestions they have, it could be worth rethinking.
The
next area where changes might be needed are
the kitchen appliances. Make sure everything
from fridge to oven still works well. Even
if they work you might want to change them
in order to save on energy. A good example
are today's refrigerators which consume a lot
less energy than 10 or 20 years ago. Do not
just look if your appliances still work, but
also how much energy the need. This way you
might save extra money in the future.
Lighting,
floors and curtains
In
every remodeling process, lighting
should be a topic. With simple spots or fluorescent
lights it can look so much nicer.
Spending little money in some indirect lighting
and even small kitchen will look larger.
Finally
and often overseen in any redecoration is floor
and curtains. Before thinking about changing
kitchen fronts, you might consider
changing the kitchen
floor. Have a look if
your existing floor will go well with the newly
selected kitchen colors. Even further if your
room has one or more windows make sure you
do not forget to change and refresh your curtains.
Just imagine what it will look like, having
old curtains around a fresh and new looking
kitchen.
To
sum it up, every remodeling needs good
planning beforehand. Make sure you have a close
look at your old kitchen before you decide
going to reface. Find a good refacing company
around your area and ask them for a detailed
quote. Compare it with the price of a new kitchen.
Depending on all the changes needed, kitchen
remodeling can
be a very cheap way of getting a totally new
look.
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