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Let’s face it; the kitchen is the central gathering point in the home, morning, noon and night. Not only do family meals originate there, but many homeowners in the Toronto, Montreal, and Calgary and other cities across Canada are increasing the size or design of the kitchen to provide extra space for more relaxed dining. The dining room is then either converted into a more formal area, for entertainment purposes, or else transformed into a den or family room.
More than any other room of the house, the kitchen is the most versatile. It is used to prepare meals, feed the family, store foods, and clean and stow service ware and other household items.
The kitchen is also the family gathering place, the centerpiece of the home. Therefore, it is important that every kitchen remodeling idea be taken into consideration. This is especially true when available space is limited, and kitchen remodeling cost a concern.
The first kitchen remodeling tip is to consider the three basic kitchen functions: storage, food preparation, and clean-up. A well-thought out kitchen design will accommodate each of these three functions.
Ease of movement and convenient layout of kitchen design is important. The classic “work triangle” should be the basis of the floor plan. The kitchen sink, refrigerator, and stove, as the three kitchen features used most often, should be arranged in a triangular pattern.
The work triangle concept saves unnecessary steps when preparing foods, and proves the most convenient layout design.
Another kitchen remodeling idea is to incorporate more than one work center so that more than one person can work efficiently in the kitchen at one time. A self-standing chopping block, service island, or other similar kitchen feature will increase convenient work space.
Even when space is very limited, an extra work area can be created by separating the microwave oven and the stove. Provide free counter space at the other end of the kitchen where a cutting board could be placed for food preparation. Enabling a second person to help with mealtime preparation without the two people getting in each other’s way.
Other considerations for small kitchen remodeling include space-saving built-in appliances whenever possible. Also consider appliances that not only save space, but increase convenience as well: a trash compactor, garbage disposal, and dishwasher, for instance.
Moderately-priced sheet vinyl is the most popular flooring for a kitchen; wood floors and ceramic tile – although more pricey – are also good choices. A qualified, licensed kitchen remodeling contractor is your best resource for expert advice on which type flooring and appliances best suit your budget and space requirements.
If you, like many other homeowners, are planning a kitchen remodeling project to modernize fixtures and upgrade appliances or increase overall space, you are probably a little dazzled and overwhelmed by available options.
To simplify matters, make a list of what your goal is. What is it you want to achieve with renovations? Is it to exchange old appliances for new, provide more cupboard, counter, and storage space, increase floor space, or simply to beautify the room?
Once you’ve established what your purpose is, consider only those options that will help accomplish it. Don’t allow your head to get turned by state-of-the art “kitchenery,” or pushy store clerks trying to make a sale.
After establishing your purpose for the renovation and deciding upon floor plan design, you will need a materials list to get a better idea of project needs and costs.
If you already haven’t, now is a good time to consider hiring a reliable contractor. Contractors are usually the person who creates the materials list. Not only do they have a realistic grasp on what project needs are, but they most probably work with several businesses and can get the best prices on materials
Whether you plan on doing all or just part of the kitchen renovations yourself, consider these helpful tips:
Interested contractors skilled in the area of kitchen renovations will bid competitively for your project – offering you the best service at the best price!
Falco Painting & Contracting 41 Hewitt Cres. Ajax, Ontario