Sunday, May 31, 2015

Kitchen Remodeling Costs

Below is a recent article I found on the “Huffington Post” website…  You can see the original article by CLICKING HERE.  The article was posted on April 11, 2013 and then updated on June 11, 2013.  It talks about how much the average kitchen costs and what the trend is.

Below is that article…  My two cents comes first.

Based on what my clients spend for a kitchen remodel, I think the average numbers shown below is realistic for cabinets, countertops, plumbing, electrical, demo work, cabinet and countertop installation and appliances.  It is important to note that every home has a unique space.  The best way to find out what a kitchen remodel costs is having an experience kitchen designer take a look at your space.

The advise with regard to “wish list” is good.  You should provide your kitchen designer with all the bells and whistles you may want.  Look through catalogues with your designer so you know what is available.  Let the designer help you narrow down what’s important to you.  I know that cost is most often a factor, but at this stage it is not.  You can find out what those bells and whistles cost first as a whole.  If the estimate is not something you are comfortable spending, then as the designer where you can save.  Until you know a little something about how much it will cost to renovate your kitchen space, I don’t think you should think about “maximum budgets” as the article below suggests.  Most clients I work with need some pricing education first.

Another thing…  There are countless and countless options to you with regard to kitchen remodel.  Houzz is a pretty good tool to help you become aware of such options.  An experienced designer should save you a ton of time with narrowing your choices down.  If there is something you don’t like about your current kitchen, explain that to your designer.  If the designer is good, they will go through their memory banks and show you possible solutions.

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If you’ve recently completed a major remodel or decoration project, where did the majority of your dollars go? Chances are, your kitchen took the lion’s share. Over the last five years, nearly four in ten home improvement dollars have gone into kitchens and future spending is likely to follow the same trend, according to a recent survey by Houzz.

U.S. homeowners on average spent $28,030 to remodel their kitchens over the last five years, with costs varying widely at different budget levels. Nationwide, the average cost for a high-end kitchen was $54,942, $22,390 for a mid-range kitchen, and $7,133 for a lower-budget kitchen. Regionally, homeowners in the East South Central part of the country spent the least on their kitchen remodels (average of $19,981) while New Englanders spent the most at $35,678 on average. These numbers varied widely by market, too — the average cost for a high-end kitchen in Washington, DC was $89,444 while a high-end kitchen in Oklahoma City, OK averaged $33,160. The average cost for a mid-range kitchen in San Francisco was $35,744 while in Jackson, MS homeowners spent $12,517 on average for a mid-range kitchen.

Given the variability in costs — and the fact that a significant number of homeowners reported going over budget — how do you avoid breaking the bank when you remodel your kitchen?

Set a Maximum Budget

Create a wish-list for everything you want, whether that means professional-grade appliances or built-ins. Be as detailed as possible so that professionals can give you an accurate estimate of actual costs. Allow for a few places where you’ll want to splurge (like a kitchen backsplash) and a contingency — structural problems often crop up that you may not have anticipated if you’re doing major construction on your kitchen.

Keep the Same Footprint

One of the biggest cost drivers for a kitchen remodel that homeowners often under-budget and don’t adequately plan for are structural issues. Changing the footprint of your kitchen in any way will bump up your budget. Moving the kitchen or building an addition, involves major construction as well as new electrical, plumbing and flooring.

Opening up to another room could require structural work and unforeseen costs if you don’t have a load-bearing wall. Even relocating the sink or range would mean moving the plumbing or gas lines. Understanding that there are no standard costs for a remodel — every home is unique because of its age, layout and construction type — will help you be more realistic about the potential costs of your project.

Pick Your Fixtures and Finishings

This sounds easy, right? You’d be surprised how many homeowners run up costs and delay projects because they haven’t thoroughly researched and picked design elements like light fixtures, cabinetry and hardware in advance. With so many options, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Granite, wood, soapstone, marble, quartz surfacing, laminate, concrete, tile — these are just a few materials to consider for countertops alone.

Get started by researching different products online, including costs and usage (marble is susceptible to stains, for example) in order to find the product that’s right for you. Before making a purchase, get a sense for how the product looks in finished spaces; there are more than 260,000 photos of real kitchens on Houzz to help you gather and refine ideas for your own space.

Contractors will need to have your finishes and fixtures in order to provide accurate, final pricing. While it’s tempting to change your mind during the process, having a plan and sticking to it is the best way to keep your budget on track.

Find the Right Professional

58 percent of homeowners planning projects in the next two years plan to hire a professional, and even homeowners planning to take on a kitchen remodel themselves will likely consult with a professional at some point during the process. Finding the right professional for your project and style will make the experience much more enjoyable and help get your remodel done on time and on budget.

While referrals from friends and family can help get you started, you’ll want to find a professional whose design aesthetic matches your own. Research local remodelers, and read their ratings and reviews. Personality is just as important — more than two-thirds of homeowners in the Houzz survey cited “a personality I can work with” as an important factor when it comes to hiring a professional for their project.

Ask to meet with professionals at your home so you can assess how they work, take note of the questions they ask and who’s willing to give you some rough numbers. Bring basic space, electrical, mechanical and lighting plans to your meeting to help a contractor provide you with a more accurate, initial estimate.

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Recent case study video I created is below.  Give the Kitchen Gallery a call if you would like us to have a look at your kitchen.

 

The post Kitchen Remodeling Costs appeared first on Kitchen Gallery -- cabinets, countertops, design and installation.



from http://nhkitchens.com/kitchen-remodeling-costs/

Saturday, May 30, 2015

New Youtube Playlists

Recently I organized all the videos created into playlists on YouTube.  This will make it easier to see the information you want to see in one place and consecutively.  CLICK HERE for our YouTube playlists.  Enjoy…

 

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from http://nhkitchens.com/new-youtube-playlists/

Friday, May 29, 2015

Where is the Kitchen Gallery

Just in case you are having a hard time finding us you can see a Google map by following this link — CLICK HERE

Or you can navigate to or directions page by CLICKING HERE.

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from http://nhkitchens.com/kitchen-gallery/

Thursday, May 28, 2015

Google Business Page and Youtube

I have spent a little time and expect to continue in the future to add content to the Kitchen Gallery’s Google Business page.  On that page you will see pictures of completed kitchen remodeling projects and bathroom vanity ideas.  Also, you will see a lot of videos showing customer testimonials, budgeting case studies and projects just getting underway.  You will very likely learn something new with regard to the kitchen renovation process.  This will help insure your project is a stress free experience.

CLICK HERE for our Google Business page.

Another impressive resource is our Youtube Channel.  It has more of the same, as described above and keeps on growing.

CLICK HERE for our Youtube Channel.  You will find more than one hundred videos on our channel relating to kitchen design.

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from http://nhkitchens.com/google-business-page-and-youtube/

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Bathroom Remodel in North Hampton, New Hampshire

Here is a bathroom remodel we did in North Hampton, NH featuring a frameless cabinet manufactured by UltraCraft. The door style is called Breckenridge and was done using cherry wood and a dark stain. The countertop is LG Cirrus quartz. Quartz is a great countertop for the bathroom because you do not have to seal it and is not porous.

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from http://nhkitchens.com/bathroom-remodel-north-hampton-new-hampshire/

Tuesday, May 26, 2015

North Hampton, New Hampshire Kitchen Remodel

North Hampton, New Hampshire Kitchen RemodelAnother happy customer.  Check out the video below or copy and paste the URL below…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNaypUgGjnc

If you think we can help with your next kitchen or bathroom remodeling project give is a call.

Kitchen Gallery
69 Lafayette Road
North Hampton, NH 03862
603-964-8939
www.nhkitchens.com 

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from http://nhkitchens.com/north-hampton-new-hampshire-kitchen-remodel/

Monday, May 25, 2015

Kitchen Corner Base Cabinet Options

Below is a quick video I created that shows the base corner options. In my professional opinion, if you have the room, the “Super Lazy Susan” corner cabinet is the best choice. That option is shown second in the video.

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from http://nhkitchens.com/kitchen-corner-base-cabinet-options-2/

Sunday, May 24, 2015

Kitchen Corner Base Cabinet Options

Below is a quick video I created that shows the base corner options. In my professional opinion, if you have the room, the “Super Lazy Susan” corner cabinet is the best choice. That option is shown second in the video.

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from http://nhkitchens.com/kitchen-corner-base-cabinet-options/

Saturday, May 23, 2015

Norcraft Cabinet Construction 2014

Below I made a brief video on how the Norcraft cabinet is constructed.  I hope that you find it informative.

 

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from http://nhkitchens.com/norcraft-cabinet-construction-2/

Friday, May 22, 2015

Your Shrinking House — How Wood Reacts to Moisture

One service call I get after a kitchen has been installed is customers noticing the crown molding that was up against the ceiling has dropped.  In most cases, that is due to moisture drying up in the wood and shrinking.  Usually it takes a season or two to experience this.  The wood used to build your cabinets and molding will be dried before manufacture.  However, the wood still has the ability to take in moisture even after it has been cut.  Finished wood takes a lot longer to take in moisture than unfinished wood.  Therefore, the wood stud structure of your house will likely shrink faster and/or greater than the finished parts of your house.  For our seacoast area your house can show signs of shrinking during the winter and expanding during the summer.  During our summer months is when moisture in the air is at its highest.  So more likely than not that dropped crown molding will pick itself back up again during the summer.

The video below will give you a better understanding with regard to the effects of moisture in wood.

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from http://nhkitchens.com/how-wood-reacts-to-moisture/

Thursday, May 21, 2015

Cabinet Finished End Options | Kitchen & Bath Remodeling 603-964-8939

Below is a quick video on the common finished end options for a cabinet.

 

In the video I refer to an integrated door style finished end.  Below is a picture showing you what I mean.  The integrated finished end is on the left side of the cabinet.

Kitchen Gallery | 69 Lafayette Road | North Hampton, NH 03862 | 603-964-8939

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from http://nhkitchens.com/cabinet-finished-end-options-kitchen-bath-remodeling/

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Face Frame Cabinet Overlays Explained | Kitchen & Bath Remodeling 603-964-8939

Below is a quick video that will explain the common face frame door and drawer overlay options.

A related video post you should have a look at is on the face frame vs the frame-less cabinet construction — CLICK HERE — to view that post.

 

 

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from http://nhkitchens.com/face-frame-cabinet-overlays-explained/

Tuesday, May 19, 2015

Face Frame vs Frame-less Cabinet Construction

There are really two different cabinet constructions.  A cabinet that is frame-less and one that has a face frame.  The video below demonstrates the two.  The advantage of the frame-less cabinet more space and a little easier access to the inside of the cabinet.  The face frame cabinet is still most popular in the seacoast area.  In the video, the frame-less cabinet is on the left and face frame cabinet is on the right.

A related video post that would be good for you to watch is on cabinet face frame overlays — CLICK HERE — to view that post.

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from http://nhkitchens.com/face-frame-vs-frame-less-cabinet-construction/

Monday, May 18, 2015

Norcraft Cabinet Construction

Below is a quick video of what the Norcraft cabinet construction is like.  Enjoy…

 

The post Norcraft Cabinet Construction appeared first on Kitchen Gallery -- cabinets, countertops, design and installation.



from http://nhkitchens.com/norcraft-cabinet-construction/

Saturday, May 16, 2015

How are cabinets finished | Durable Finishing Process for Cabinetry

Most cabinet manufactures will brag about their finishing process, as they should.  It is often a multiple step process that results in a finish that is quit durable to everyday abuses.  A baked on finish gives you the most permanent result.  Some cabinet manufacturers will run their cabinet parts through the baking oven more than one time.

A oven cured catalyzed conversion varnish vs a Lacquer finish as a top coat is commonly used by the best cabinet companies resulting in a durable finish a cabinet consumer demands.  Oven cured catalyzed conversion varnishes provides a clear, non-yellowing, chemically resistant finish.  Lacquer and catalyzed lacquer finishes are not as durable.  Lacquer finishes can develop signs of wear, particularly around cabinet knobs and pulls, even after a few years of use in the field.  This is the everyday exposure to moisture near sink base cabinets and dishwashers.  Unlike catalyzed conversion varnish, lacquers also yellow over time.

The best cabinet finishes are certified by KCMA (Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association).  This certification process tests how resistant the finish is against chemicals and harmful household products.  An oven cured catalyzed conversion varnish is typically applied by a professional, climate controlled system.  Ovens cure the finish to 130 degrees.

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from http://nhkitchens.com/cabinet-finish/

Friday, May 15, 2015

Signs Your Kitchen Needs to Be Remodeled

Are you a property owner? If so, exactly how long have you stayed in your home? Whether you have only resided in your house three months, three years, or even thirty years, there may come a time when you desire a modification. We often associate change with getting a brand-new home, but there is a way that you make a modification without needing to make another big purchase. If you are trying to find a change, when it comes to your home, you way want to think about remodeling your kitchen.

When it pertains to kitchen remodeling, there are lots of residents who wonder why they should even bother. If you are among those residents, you may wish to take the time to familiarize yourself with the most typical indicators that you need or can profit from having your kitchen remodeled. If any of the scenarios, pointed out down below, applies to you in, anyhow, it could be time for you to start your next home enhancement job; a kitchen remodeling task.

Maybe, the most evident indication that you should remodel your kitchen is if it is breaking down in anyway. To lots of residents, breaking down implies different things, however, in essence, it implies if your kitchen looks like if it is in extremely inadequate quality. If you discover holes in your walls or ceiling, kitchen cabinets that are not appropriately working, kitchen counters that have big gashes in them, or bumps in your kitchen floor tiles, it could be time to remodel your kitchen. When a kitchen has glitch with it, you need to not just be interested in the appearance of it, however also the security. That is why it is important that you, at least, repair any problems in your kitchen, even if you do not intend on doing a large remodeling task.

As previously mentioned, another one the lots of indications that you might should have your kitchen renovated is if you need a modification. As much as lots of property owners like their homes, it can get rather boring to look at the exact same thing, every single day. A kitchen remodeling task is the best method to spice up your life, as well as your home. If you do not have the time, the competence, or the money needed to remodel your whole kitchen, you might wish to simply concentrate on a certain part of it, such as your cabinets and so on.

Cash is another indication that you might desire or have to remodel your kitchen. Choosing to remodel your kitchen isn’t really just a huge choice, it is a pricey one. Although many homeowners need to have their kitchens remodeled, there are numerous who can not afford to do so. If you have the cash, you are prompted to remodel your kitchen when you have the possibility, particularly if your kitchen is presently in bad shape. Whether you just recently entered some cash or saved with the hopes of being able to pay for a kitchen remodeling job, you ought to start while you still have the chance. Regrettably, cash is sometimes difficult to hold on to. That is why if your objective was to remodel your kitchen, make certain that you adhere to your initially intention; you can benefit a number of means from doing so.

Although the above discussed points might apply to you, you may still be wondering whether you need to really remodel your kitchen. Possibly, it is finest that you take time to think of your decision. The decision to remodel your kitchen is a large one; it is one that should not be made on an impulse.

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from http://nhkitchens.com/signs-kitchen-needs-remodeled/

Thursday, May 14, 2015

Buying What You Need to Remodel Your Kitchen

Have you recently chose to remodel your kitchen? If so, have you decide exactly what you would like to get done? Whether you are only curious about changing your kitchen cabinets or if you want to remodel every inch of your kitchen, you will need materials. The supplies that you require will all depend on the sort of remodeling that you plan on doing. Despite the fact that your kitchen remodeling materials will vary, you can typically purchase them all from the same place.

As formerly pointed out, the sort of kitchen remodeling you plan on doing will have an impact on which provides you will require. For example, if you are intending on changing your kitchen cabinets, you will should discover new cabinets to set up. The very same can be said for kitchen flooring, lighting, and countertops. If you have to purchase a fairly multitude of kitchen remodeling supplies, state if you are planning on remodeling all or the majority of your kitchen, you might want to patronize among your neighborhood house enhancement shops. The majority of home enhancement establishments have a relatively huge choice of home remodeling materials and materials, including laminate countertops, floor tiles, ceiling tiles, light fixtures, and cabinets. Acquiring all your remodeling materials simultaneously will assist to conserve you time.

Although it may be a good concept to shop at among your local home enhancement establishments, you may not want to. If this is the case, you need to examine the net and exactly what it needs to provide. There are a number of online retailers that would be willing to deliver their kitchen remodeling materials straight to your door. In addition to standard sellers, you can also discover other people and companies who specialize in producing quality, customized items, such as kitchen cabinets. Whether you cannot discover exactly what you are trying to find locally or if you wish to have something, such as your kitchen cabinets, custom-made created, you are advised to look online. An easy net search should return the results that you were trying to find.

When it pertains to home improvement projects, it is very important that you get the products or products that you require, such as floor tiles or light fixtures, however you can not complete a home renovation task without the right devices. If you do have some house enhancement experience, there is a good chance that you could already have the majority of the tools that you need. If you require added items or if you don’t have any at all, you will have to buy yourself some. The items that you need will all depend upon the remodeling that you are doing, that is why it is an excellent concept to familiarize yourself with task instructions, along with the devices that are required prior to you get started. If you are acquiring your remodeling products from a house renovation shop, it may be a good idea to conserve yourself an additional trip and get your devices at the same time.

As the one in charge of remodeling, you can shop for products, materials, and devices anywhere you want to. Despite the fact that you have full control over your kitchen remodeling task, in addition to what is or isn’t being utilized, you might want to put in the time to compare the costs of everything that you should purchase. As long as you get the tools and materials that you require, it really shouldn’t matter, but why pay more cash than you should?

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from http://nhkitchens.com/buying-need-remodel-kitchen/

Wednesday, May 13, 2015

How much do Kitchens cost

So what does a new kitchen cost?  What are people spending in the New England area?

Nationally (according to Houzz.com survey data) the average cost of a new kitchen or addition is $27,000.  There are a lot of variables that go into finding out what your kitchen will cost.  For the New England area the average kitchen costs $35,100.

A cabinet is a cabinet?

There are good better and best cabinet constructions with all different price points.  There is such a thing as spending too much for little difference in cabinet construction.

For countertops, in most cases laminate (i.e. Formica, Wilsonart) is still the least expensive.  Often the next price point is granite, then quartz and Corian after that.

Door styles, species wood and premium finishes also influence the price of cabinetry.

Out of all the remodeling projects a home owner can partake in, renovating the kitchen is still the number one project among U.S. homeowners surveyed.  Surveys show that approximately 32 percent renovated their kitchen in the past five years.  And 45 percent will likely remodel their kitchen in the next two years.  The idea of remodeling a kitchen is in the minds of homeowners by more than double any other room in the house.

What features are people interested in?

Better storage is most important to consumers looking to renovate.  Pantry storage even in the smallest spaces are key for food storage and other kitchen items.  When people are working on their “wish lists”, traditional cabinetry, granite countertops and stainless appliances are top priorities and inspire folks to initiate new projects.

An island designed kitchen with seating is most often asked for than any other cabinet design configuration.  Islands often work well allowing for multiple work surface areas and casual dining. 

The Kitchen Gallery has completed kitchen renovations starting at $3000 and up to $60,000…  Generally the average customer spends between $15,000 and $20,000 with some premium materials, like granite countertops and all wood cabinet boxes.   The right way to find out how much your kitchen will cost, is to invite us to your home for a measuring.  Contact the Kitchen Gallery when you are ready to take that step.

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from http://nhkitchens.com/how-much-do-kitchens-cost/

Tuesday, May 12, 2015

What Kitchen and Bath Trade Shows are Showing

During the year, there are many kitchen and bath trade shows for kitchen and bath designers like the Kitchen Gallery.  Below is a few quick tables showing what percentage of products are displayed.  This gives you an idea what the trend is currently…  The data is based on year 2013 shows to date.

Cabinet Construction

  • Full Overlay Faceframe — 89%
  • Frameless — 6%
  • Inset door — 6%
  • Faceframe Partial Overlay — 1%

Countertop Materials

  • Granite — 33%
  • Laminate (Formica, Pionite, Wilsonart) — 26%
  • Solid Surface (Corian) — 21%
  • Engineered Stone (Cambria, Silestone) — 14%
  • Wood — 6%
  • Other (stainless steel, concrete, glass) — 2%

Contact the Kitchen Gallery to learn what the pros and cons are to each option.

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from http://nhkitchens.com/what-kitchen-and-bath-trade-shows-are-showing/

Monday, May 11, 2015

Templating for New Countertops

Generally, the more expensive countertops (i.e. granite, Corian, quartz) require a template when doing a kitchen remodel.   Fabricators want to accurately cut the material the first time and they would rather do most of the cutting at their fabrication shop.  Because of the dust factor, you would want that too.

Usually, you will get the best result templating your new countertop with the old countertop removed from your cabinets.  If you are getting new kitchen cabinets, then this isn’t an issue.  However, if you want to keep your old cabinets, removing the old countertop does inconvenience you being without a sink.  Unless you cleverly re-install the old countertop or a part of it so you can plumb up your old sink until the new countertop is installed.  With the old countertop off, the templator can verify that the countertops are level and/or on the same plane – a necessary step to insure that the new countertop installation will go smoothly.  

Often we can template a kitchen countertop with the old countertop still in place.  There are some obvious benefits to this for the home owner.  Keeping the old countertop in place means the homeowner will still have use of their kitchen sink while they wait for the new countertop to be installed.  On average your new countertop will be ready for install 7 to 10 days after template.

So which is better, a digital template or a wood template?  A template of your new countertop can be created digitally (using a computer and lazers) or using strips of wood luan.  Either approach doesn’t have any clear advantage over the other from the homeowner’s point of view.  The digital template, if the operator is trained properly, can result in doing the template faster.  The average kitchen takes about 1 to 1-1/2 hours to template using the wood luan method and between 45 minutes to one hour using the digital template method.  The templator will have some questions that only a homeowner should answer.  So it is important that the homeowner be present during the template.

So when are you ready for a template?  If new cabinets are being installed, then all base cabinets that will come in contact with the new countertop need to be properly installed.  All appliances, particularly the dishwasher, range and cook tops need to be on-site.  Plumbing fixtures such as sink and faucet need to be available to the templator.  If you are keeping your old cabinets, then all items on old countertop need to be cleared.

If you have any questions about the templating process, please use the comment block below…

 

 

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from http://nhkitchens.com/templating-countertops/

Saturday, May 9, 2015

Budgeting – Remodel or Sell?

Do you renovate or do you sell your house?  A lot of folks consider that, but are leaning toward keeping their home and renovating because they can’t get the money they want.  Remodeling your kitchen or baths is the best way to add value to your home.  Unless you plan on being at your current home for more than 10 years, return on renovation investment has to be an important part of deciding which way to go — move or keep what you have.  Moving out of a house can be more a pain than renovating a house.

If you had to pick either the kitchen or the bath, the kitchen is still the best place to invest.  Some questions to consider when contemplating a remodeling project…  Are there design problems that need fixing in terms of layout?  Are your appliances getting tired or dated?  How does the hardware and fixtures look?  Have your laminate countertops seen better days?

Granite countertops are still the popular choice over laminate, Corian and quartz.  The price of granite has come down considerably since it was first introduced.  It is superior to laminate in that it is stronger, harder, abrasion resistant and has a unique look.  Sometimes just changing your countertops will go a long way at improving or upgrading your kitchen.  You can go to HOW MUCH $$$ to get an idea of what a countertop may cost.

The kitchen is the central hub of our homes.  A good kitchen designer will keep that in mind.  Renovations done correctly will enhance your life, promote efficiency and better function.  Everybody hangs out in the kitchen so it needs to be build in such a way to sustain the traffic.  The idea of working through a remodeling project can be a bit of an inconvenience, but long term the results can be very satisfying.  If you select your contractor carefully, someone with demonstrated experience, the headaches of renovation go away.

In the end, whether you’re selling or staying; when the project is completed, you should be able to say, “I am glad I did this.”

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from http://nhkitchens.com/remodel-or-sell/

Friday, May 8, 2015

Sealing Granite Countertops

Have you sealed your granite countertop lately?  No one likes to maintain anything, its a pain in the neck.  However, if you want things to keep looking as though they are new its just something we have to do.  With regard to granite countertops, you should seal them every 6 to 8 months.  Unless you choose to use one of a few different permanent granite sealers available. Read on to learn more.

So what happens to granite if you don’t seal it regularly?  Some granite species are more porous than others.  However, usually the polish on the countertop will go away.  Is this reversible?  The answer to that is “kind of”…  The shine of granite can be brought back by using a combination of acetone and polishing.  A process the average homeowner wouldn’t want to do.

As I mentioned above there is the option of having your granite countertops permanently sealed…  To permanently seal the average sized countertop, cost will be around $400, usually less if you do it before the countertop is installed.  So the permanent sealer is on your countertop before it is put in service, naturally the best time to apply the sealer is when the countertop is installed.  However, you can have your countertop permanently sealed after install.  The manufacturer of the sealer provides for a 15 year warranty against staining.

Personally, I had the permanent sealer applied about 3 years ago to my Bianco Romano granite countertops.  I only have used soap and water to clean my countertop.  My countertop still looks great…  If you are in our service area and would like to get an estimate for having the permanent sealer applied to your granite countertops, give us a call today.

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from http://nhkitchens.com/sealing-granite-countertops/

Ceilings That Are Not Level and Crown Molding

Often folks like the look of wall cabinets and crown molding going to the ceiling.  It can make a room look larger — see photo below.

crown-molding-to-ceiling

Sometimes bringing the crown molding to the ceiling doesn’t look so good if your ceilings aren’t level.  If cabinets are installed level and plumb (as they should), but your ceiling isn’t level, then the crown molding can travel up hill and look strange.  Being a solid piece of wood, crown molding doesn’t have much flex to it.  And sometimes dips and valleys in a ceiling are to large to using caulking to make them disappear.

The photo below shows a piece of crown molding traveling up hill from left to right.  In this short distance, the slanted molding doesn’t stick out too bad.  If this was a longer run of molding, then it wouldn’t look too good.

crown-molding-running-on-an-unlevel-ceiling

The solution is to move the crown molding down off the ceiling about 1 to 2 inches and create a shadow line like the photo shown below…

crown-molding-off-ceiling-with-shadow-line

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from http://nhkitchens.com/ceilings-that-are-not-level-and-crown-molding/

Thursday, May 7, 2015

What do people buy?

When homeowners remodel their kitchen, they will often purchase the following:

New cabinets

New countertop

New sink

New faucet

Knob and/or pull hardware

Appliances — microwave, refrigerator, stove/range, ovens, cook top, ventilation system

New flooring

Plumbing services

Electrical services

Most often it doesn’t make sense to save anything from the old kitchen.

 

The post What do people buy? appeared first on Kitchen Gallery -- cabinets, countertops, design and installation.



from http://nhkitchens.com/what-do-people-buy/

Wednesday, May 6, 2015

Installation Process

So you bought some kitchen cabinets…  There not much good without installing them.  Here is generally how the process works when the Kitchen Gallery gets involved with the installation of cabinetry and counter tops.  In advance of cabinet arrival, we will put together an installation proposal for customer to review.  The first day of installation will often be a Monday so we have the benefit of a full work week.  That installation schedule could look something like this:

APRIL 1 (MONDAY) — remove and dispose of existing cabinetry — KITCHEN GALLERY

APRIL 1 (MONDAY/TUESDAY) — remove and dispose of existing tile flooring — KITCHEN GALLERY

APRIL 1 (MONDAY/TUESDAY) – electrical rough ins, if any – KITCHEN GALLERY

APRIL 2 (TUESDAY) – continue to remove flooring as needed start new floor install – KITCHEN GALLERY/FLOORING COMPANY

APRIL 3 (WEDNESDAY) – continue tile floor install – FLOORING COMPANY

APRIL 4 (THURSDAY) – continue tile floor install – FLOORING COMPANY

APRIL 5 (FRIDAY) – complete tile floor install – FLOORING COMPANY

APRIL 5 (FRIDAY) – start cabinet installation if flooring is completed – KITCHEN GALLERY

APRIL 8 (MONDAY) – start/continue cabinet installation – KITCHEN GALLERY

APRIL 9 (TUESDAY) – continue cabinet installation – KITCHEN GALLERY

APRIL 9 (TUESDAY) – arrange for appliance delivery — HOME OWNER

APRIL 10 (WEDNESDAY) – complete cabinet installation – KITCHEN GALLERY

APRIL 10 or 11 – template countertops for granite – KITCHEN GALLERY

APRIL 18 (WEDNESDAY) – install granite countertops — KITCHEN GALLERY

APRIL 19 (THURSDAY) — plumb up kitchen sink and dishwasher — KITCHEN GALLERY

The process lasts about 2-1/2 to 3 weeks when a templated countertop is required (i.e. granite, quartz or Corian).  Although the project is often 100% complete in that 2 to 3 week time period, the main goal the Kitchen Gallery has is to get your kitchen sink running.

If I can be more specific, please post a comment below.

 

 

 

The post Installation Process appeared first on Kitchen Gallery -- cabinets, countertops, design and installation.



from http://nhkitchens.com/installation-process/

Kitchen Remodel Hampton NH | 603-964-8939

http://www.nhkitchens.com | 603-964-8939

Kitchen Gallery
69 Lafayette Road
North Hampton, NH 03862

http://nhkitchens.com/contact-directions/

Remodeling kitchens and bathrooms in sales tax free New Hampshire since 1981. Offering kitchen design and bath design, cabinetry, counter tops and full installation services.

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Kitchen Remodel and Bath Remodel in…
North Hampton
Portsmouth
Rye
Exeter
Stratham
Hampton
Seabrook
Greenland

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from http://nhkitchens.com/kitchen-remodel-hampton-nh-603-964-8939/

Tuesday, May 5, 2015

Small Space Solutions

More Storage for your Kitchen, Bath or Laundry Room
If you have more stuff than you know what to do with, the easy thing to do to solve your space issues is rent a dumpster!  Or you might value your stuff a little more so the alternative would be to work with a cabinet designer that might have some “out of the box” ideas that will max out the space you do have.  So there is hope, don’t rent the dumpster yet.
A good way to get more storage space in you kitchen, bathroom or laundry room is to go up.  A very popular solution would be to increase the height of your wall cabinets.  Older kitchens most commonly have 30 inch high wall cabinets with the rather unpopular dust collector gap of about 12 inches from top of cabinet to the ceiling.  Cabinets come in many heights.  Most commonly 30, 36, 42 and 48.  Also, many cabinet manufactures are offering custom heights without charging a customizing fee.  Wall cabinets that go to the ceiling also make a room look larger.
About 15 years ago it was popular with builders to put in a sheetrock soffit.  From the ceiling down to the bottom of the soffit is often a pretty good chunk of space.  As long as there isn’t significant plumbing (usually a drain line) or electrical inside these sheetrock soffits, they can be removed without breaking the bank.  Your cabinet designer should take the time to inspect inside those soffits before ordering your new cabinets.
If you like the idea of taller wall cabinets, be prepared to use a step stool to get to the top shelf.  This top shelf is good for items you don’t use everyday and will cut down on your dusting.  For adjustable shelving in wall cabinets, it is often good to add a bonus shelf.  Take a look at your current wall shelves.  Typically, folks will stake plates and items on top of each other, but still have space from the top of the item to the bottom of the next shelf up.  Adding a shelf may allow you to use that space.
Recently in Rye, New Hampshire we worked on a kitchen that had a lot of windows.  Although a bit unusual, the customer liked the idea of making the windows inoperable and design open wall cabinets that would fit over the windowed space.  The advantages, customer would still get natural light in the room and solved a storage issue they were having.  Granted this idea is not for everyone, but worked out for this particular application.

Corners in a kitchen are always a topic of discussion with most kitchen remodeling jobs.  Still the best option is the 36 inch Super Lazy Susan.  If you haven’t seen one lately, you can view video of a kitchen we recently did in Hampton, New Hampshire below…

In the video above, you will see a “blind corner cabinet” and the “Super Susan corner cabinet” with bi-fold door.
There is a third option for corner base area, corner cabinet with drawers.  Not my favorite choice because the space you loose and the cost.  May work well for a large kitchen.
Another key cabinet to have in your kitchen is the drawer base.  These should be placed strategically next to dishwasher and/or range because the tools needed in cooking wont be far away.  Large pot and pan base cabinets are often better than a cabinet that has two doors and roll out trays.  With a roll out tray cabinet you have to open the two doors then the roll out.  With a pot and pan base, you just pull out the drawer.  The disadvantage to the pot and pan base is the drawers cannot be adjusted.  Roll out trays can offer some minor adjustment if you have that tall lobster pot you are trying to store.
When I am looking at kitchens that have a cook top, I often see a false drawer at the top of the cabinet.  This is to make room for the cook top under the counter top.   However, I will most often order a regular cabinet as though the cook top weren’t there.  In most cases, on the job site I can customize the above drawer so the space under the cook top can be used for storage.  Similarly, for a sink base cabinet.  The false drawer area can be used as a sink tip out.
Another cabinet I often add to a kitchen design is the 9 or 12 inch tray base.  Cookie sheets are easier to reach if they are stored vertically and not on top of each other.  Alternatively, I will also add a vertical partition in a deep refrigerator wall cabinet for storage of cookie sheets, serving platters and/or cutting boards.
Speaking about refrigerator wall cabinets…  A lot of kitchens that are in need of remodel often have a wall cabinet over the refrigerator that is only 12 inches deep.  This cabinet is pretty hard to get to when you have a refrigerator that exceeds 30 inches in depth.  It also promotes storage of unsightly items that just don’t have any business being on top of a refrigerator.  The better way is to install a 24 inch deep refrigerator wall cabinet.  Yes you will likely, still need the step stool, however it will give the refrigerator a more built in look and offers deeper and better storage for seasonal items.
How about adjustable shelving in filler space.  As long as you have two base or wall cabinets next to each other, you can use up wall space with a filler pullout.  This storage solution is often used for spices, oils, cooking sprays and/or sauce jars.
Another out of the box storage area people forget is the toe kick space.  Standard base cabinets have 4-1/2 inches of vacant toe kick space.  It isn’t good space for every application, but I have been known to work in a pull out for a step stool in that area.  Another area that is under utilized is under the sink base cabinet.  We often have to make room for the plumbing and garbage disposal in that area, however I have installed a roll out tray at the bottom of this cabinet.  Where practical, customers often like the added convenience.
Hampton, New Hampshire beach area has some real small kitchens.  Often buildings have been converted to  full time homes, but lack the land for adding an addition.  So in the past I have put together islands on wheels.  In order to have a stationary island, it is often practical to have at least 36 inches of space all around the island.  With a movable island on large locking rubber caster wheels, that requirement no longer applies.  Peninsula base cabinets,where the storage can be accessed on both sides is a great cabinet for a movable island.  The movable island will give you a nice work surface and extra storage space in a small kitchen.  Then roll it away when not in use.
From this quick article, you can be rest assured that there are plenty of creative solutions to make your small kitchen more efficient and better organized.  There are more options I haven’t covered.  Let me know if you need help narrowing down storage options for your next project.
 

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from http://nhkitchens.com/small-space-solutions/

Monday, May 4, 2015

When to install flooring

So if doing the floors over in your kitchen is part of the project…  When do you install the floor?  Before or after the cabinets get installed…

The answer is it depends…

For hardwood or ceramic tile floor — you can do the floor before or after, you get a better install if it is done before the cabinets are installed.   If you do the floor after the cabinets are installed then cabinet installer will need to raise cabinets up the thickness of the hardwood flooring or tile.  For hardwood flooring the cabinets are raised 3/4 of an inch…  For tile, probably 1/2 will do.  You never want to nest cabinets in a floor.  You might have trouble getting the dishwasher to slide under the countertop when the time comes.

For sheet type flooring like linoleum — you could do the floor first…  But I think it is better to install the floor after the cabinets are put in.  That way if the sheet type flooring looks dated or needs to be replaced, the floor can be removed easier if it isn’t under the cabinets.

Leave a comment below if I can be more specific.

 

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from http://nhkitchens.com/when-to-install-flooring/