One of the most stressful undertakings we have as homeowners is renovating our home. With the kitchen being the heart of the home, it makes sense that planning custom kitchen remodeling isn’t always a walk in the park.
But there are a few things to consider with your customer kitchen remodel —things that will make life easier, and give us a functional, enjoyable, hard-wearing space.
We’ve rounded these things up today, to give homeowners across the U.S. some insight that can help you on the exciting, nerve-wracking kitchen renovation journey.
The Ultimate Homeowners’ Guide: What To Consider With Your Custom Kitchen Remodeling
#1. Put the dishwasher near the sink
Our water restoration crew see poorly planned kitchens all the time. Placing the dishwasher on the opposite side of the kitchen from the sink means dripping food, grease, soap, and water all over the floor as you pack your dishwasher. Over time, this causes some pretty serious damage to your flooring and kitchen cabinetry.
In addition to the damage factor, having to traipse across your kitchen with an armful of dirty dishes, or reaching back and forth from the basin to the dishwasher isn’t anyone’s idea of a good time. Make it easy on yourself—put the dishwasher under, or beside, the sink area.
#2. Put electrical outlets where you’ll use them
Planning where your microwave, refrigerator, and small appliances will go means you can plan your outlets accordingly. Nobody wants cables stretching across their kitchen counters, especially when you’re investing time and money into improving your kitchen.
#3. Allow space between counters or islands
Experts suggest leaving a 1.2m gap between counters, or between your counter and kitchen island. It’ll give you more breathing room if there’s more than one person in the kitchen, and reduce the chance of accident if you’re navigating around an open drawer, cupboard, or dishwasher.
#4. Call in the experts
If your custom kitchen remodeling involves a drastic change, it’ll be wise to call in a plumber and/or electrician to check that your plumbing and wiring can handle the upgrades.
#5. Don’t skimp on paint and flooring
Kitchens are high moisture areas. It’s important to prepare your walls and floors properly before laying down new lino, paint, wallpaper, etc. to minimize the risk of damp and mold developing. Continuing the same flooring and wallpaper you have throughout your home may seem cost effective, but it could harm your kitchen in the long run.
Also, make sure your kitchen flooring is slip, stain, and moisture resistant.
#6. Check your counter real estate
We recommend that our clients have at least 18 inches of counter space to the left of their oven and sink, and 24 inches to the right. This gives you the flexibility to cook comfortably, even when there are other people in the kitchen. Because you’ll be using this space for years—even decades—to come, it’ll benefit you to create as much useable space as possible from the beginning.
Conclusion
Many of our clients set out to DIY their kitchen remodel, but change their mind when they realize what is involved in such a mammoth operation. Never be afraid to call the professionals—and never be afraid to demand the best.
Want to leave your kitchen remodel to the experts? Call Quick Dry Restoration, the property renovation specialists for a comprehensive custom remodeling service.
