The duration of a kitchen remodel can vary significantly depending on factors such as the size of the room, the extent of the renovation, and the availability of materials and labor. On average, a typical kitchen remodel can take anywhere from 5 to 7 weeks for a simple remodel, or 10 to 16 weeks or longer for larger rooms and more extensive projects involving structural changes, tile work, and custom work. It's essential to discuss the specifics of your project with your contractor to get a more accurate estimate of the timeframe.
It would be nice if we all had the talent to do home renovation projects on our own but unfortunately, there are many skills needed to accomplish a kitchen remodel. If you want to get your hands dirty you may consider the demolition part of the project but even that requires the ability to deal with electrical and plumbing tasks. And what will you do with the debris? Ultimately, weigh the pros and cons based on your personal skills, available time, budget, and the complexity of the project. If you decide to hire a professional contractor, be sure to research and interview multiple candidates to find one who is reputable, experienced, and communicates well.
Yes, as long as they are in good working order. Most dishwashers are 24” wide and freestanding ranges are 30” wide, so even if they stop working, a replacement should fit your new kitchen. Items like sinks and cooktops require cutouts in countertops so if they are old but still working, it may be wise to replace them. The same holds for built-in ovens. Current ovens are generally 30” wide, so if your old oven still works but is not a current size chances are the new cabinet will be too small. Refrigerators are taller these days so it’s wise to leave space for a current model if you’d like to keep your existing refrigerator. If plumbing products like faucets or garbage disposals are over 5 years old, we recommend replacing them.
An open space is preferred by most homeowners. Removing a wall is a great way to achieve that look. Walls are classified as “load bearing” or “non-load bearing”. Non-load bearing walls can be easily removed in many cases. Load bearing walls can often be removed but an architect/engineer will need to be consulted to determine how to support the “load” once the wall is removed. A beam or header is used to span the space where the wall used to be. The beam can sometimes be recessed into the ceiling, but not always. Keep in mind that your floor will be affected when removing a wall. You’ll need to piece in or replace some amount of flooring.
Removing soffits will give a more open feel to the room and allow the use of taller wall cabinets, providing more storage. If your kitchen has soffits, there is a good chance they contain electric or plumbing. that can be reworked or at worst hidden. Structural or HVAC work in soffits makes removal a much more complicated and potentially expensive task.
Start with the ceiling and work your way down. Recessed can lights are the most popular item in kitchens today. They don’t intrude into the room and can provide loads of useful light. Pendants can add a nice design flair to a room. Use them over an island or sink. Lights inside cabinets can highlight display pieces. Undercabinet lights are beneficial at work areas. Ceiling lights tend to create shadows on countertops, and undercabinet lights can remove them and allow for a safer prep environment. Finally, toe-space lighting can act as a night light for the night owls in your home.
There is so much information available to us today. The internet is a great source for “hacks” on how to care for anything. If your new kitchen products did not come with use and care instructions go to the product manufactures website for guidance. If you don’t care for the products yourself, do not rely on your cleaning service to know what is right for specific goods. Remember, a mild abrasive is still an abrasive.
The most popular countertop material these days is quartz. The cost of quartz can vary so it may not be best for your budget but it is very durable, easy to maintain and comes in a wide variety of colors. Paint is still the most requested finish for cabinets these days. We used to paint exclusively on maple but improvements in MDF (medium density fiberboard) have seen it rise as a nice alternative to maple. MDF is a very stable material and is not affected by humidity as much as solid wood. With care, it can keep its smooth finish for a longer period of time. For those of you who like wood take a look at walnut or quarter sawn oak as nice alternatives to paint. When it comes to flooring, strip oak flooring is still king. It’s warm, can be stained in many colors and be refinished. If you have a dog or small children who like to ride their bikes in the house, you may want to think of tile. There are lots of shapes and colors to choose from. If holding down the cost is what would make your flooring choice “the best” you may want to look at Luxury Vinyl Tile. (LVT) The product is durable, can sometimes be installed over your old floor and as mentioned, won’t break the bank.