 Everyone who's ever sold a home knows that the kitchen is traditionally the most important room to buyers – and that some dated kitchen features can put home buyers off, or result in a much lower offer. Kitchens are still seen by most of us as the heart of the home, and the impression your kitchen makes on a potential buyer can make or break a sale. It's not just about impressions, either. Remodeling a kitchen is expensive, and most buyers want to move into a home where they won't need to pour a lot of resources into lengthy renovations straight away. We've asked real estate experts to list the kitchen features that make this crucial room look dated and reduce your chances of a successful sale.  1. Old-Fashioned Kitchen Cabinets Whether your kitchen cabinets are truly old or just have that old-fashioned look, buyers will notice. Victoria Shockley, Senior Maintenance Coordinator for Utopia Management(opens in new tab), one of California's top property management companies, warns sellers against 'classic-styled white or wood-colored cabinets. While these are beautiful, they can feel outdated if they are in an older style or finish. Consider replacing them with a modern color like dark green, blue, or black, or add some character with a metallic finish.' Shaun Martin, the owner of Denver-based The Home Buying Company(opens in new tab), seconds this view, explaining that 'natural wood cabinets are often seen as old-fashioned and can make a room seem dark and uninviting. Consider replacing your cabinets with modern or contemporary designs (below) to give the room a fresh and updated feel.' It's worth exploring kitchen cabinet ideas to get a sense of what's current before replacing yours – you can see the difference in the kitchen makeover before (above) and after (below). 
Consider replacing or servicing your appliances if they are antiquated or damaged.' 'If they're not energy efficient or don't match the rest of your kitchen's style, replace them with ones that are more up-to-date and with higher star ratings and finishes,' adds Victoria Shockley of Utopia Management. Our top tip is: a buyer may overlook one appliance that needs replacing, but if they're all dated, it is best to replace them before putting up your home for sale.
5. Linoleum Flooring
Sorry, linoleum. Once a popular cost-reducing flooring option for kitchens, today linoleum is 'one of the most dated kitchen features', according to Shaun Martin. Replacing linoleum with a more modern flooring material like tile or wood can instantly upgrade the look of your kitchen and make it much more appealing to potential buyers. If neither wood nor tile is your preference, or you don't want to spend on higher-end materials before a sale, vinyl kitchen flooring is worth exploring. 6. Over-The-Counter Microwaves Although the microwave is a kitchen staple, Daniel Brewer says that 'many people are starting to prefer a microwave cabinet or drawer, so that the stove can have a proper ventilation hood. Having a microwave over the stove also can cause the microwave to age faster – it's in the line of fire for grease splatters, etc.' If you are selling a home with a higher-end kitchen, then paying attention to this detail can make a real difference to how potential buyers react to what they see. What Makes Your Kitchen Cabinets Look Dated? Tarnished or broken cabinet pulls, faux wood veneers, super-shiny black finishes, scratches, dents and chipped finishes all make kitchen cabinets look dated. How Do You Style An Outdated Kitchen? The best way to style an outdated kitchen is to replace kitchen cabinet doors, though you can update kitchen cabinets without replacing them, whether by swapping out pulls or by painting kitchen cabinets. Swapping out countertops and flooring will also have an impact, as will updating old appliances.  Interior designer Sapna Aggarwal of Bungalowe shares a sisterly bond with Filisha, the co-owner of this 1950s home in Sherman Oaks, California—the two have been friends since college. So when it came time for Filisha and her husband, Krushna, to update their über-dated kitchen, there was no question that Aggarwal would be the one to oversee the transformation. “Obviously, I was going to be involved, but mixing construction with friends and family isn’t easy,” says the designer. Fortunately, there were no fights or fallouts, even though Aggarwal admits they had their moments. What proved tricky was getting Filisha to land on a particular vision. “Aesthetically, it was a bit of a challenge, because she appreciates literally anything that is done well,” says her friend, laughing. “For example, she’ll see a Spanish-style house and be like: ‘Oh, my God, that’s so my vibe,’ but then say the same about a really modern and minimal look.” In the end, they settled on a calming canvas that could change with Filisha over time as her tastes do (drawer handles can be swapped out; fresh art can be hung). With all parties happy to wave farewell to the existing kitchen’s cropped curtains and laminate floors, here’s a breakdown of how Aggarwal made the space feel personal.  With a limitless budget, Aggarwal would have elevated the space with a blend of slim Shaker doors and fluted cabinetry. But with souped-up millwork out of the question, she brought in a variety of textures in a more cost-effective way. The simple act of going with a trio of cabinet colors (the refrigerator wall is white oak, the lower cupboards are painted an olive hue, and the island is a creamy mushroom shade) checks the dynamic box. Each door front also has a different style of hardware, from brushed brass knobs to leather-bound handles to marble-topped pulls. “It was fun to play with a range of finishes without getting too crazy with over-customization,” she explains.  While the kitchen stayed in its original spot, you’d almost never know looking at the “before” photos, and that’s thanks to the fact that Aggarwal took down the wall separating it from the sitting room. Because Filisha and Krushna have large extended families, this newfound openness fosters an easy sense of gathering when they host. To really make it cozy and welcoming, Aggarwal put in a skylight and, echoing the architecture around the rest of the house, carved out an arch-shaped pass-through that looks on to the dining area and makes it easy to hand dishes over. “It has ended up being everyone’s favorite detail in the house,” shares Aggarwal.  “I like to do vent hoods as inserts so there can be a custom surround, but this is the first time I’ve done it in stone,” explains Aggarwal (previously she’d only worked with plaster). Wanting to try something outside her comfort zone, she opted for an unpolished leathered granite in her friend’s case “so you can feel the natural veining in the stone.” The celestial-looking granite makes another appearance on the island’s surface, while the surrounding countertops are a Taj Mahal quartzite (also leathered for extra texture). “By using natural materials, the contrast doesn’t feel too loud or in your face,” reasons the designer.
  In your kitchen, there is one thing that can really make or break the look of your space. Now, this is a small thing that you would not notice if it was on par. So, do you give up?
The answer is drawer pulls. Now, you might not think that something so little would have such an impact, but it does, which is why you need to purchase ones that match the look and feel of your kitchen cabinetry. Kitchen cabinet drawer pulls can be a small but important detail in the overall design of a kitchen. They can add a touch of personality and style to the space and make the kitchen feel more finished. They also tend to be quite functional and can make it easier to open and close the drawers. Having nice kitchen cabinet drawer pulls can bring a sense of style and personality to a kitchen and make it feel more complete. They can also be quite functional, as they can make it easier to open and close the drawers. Finally, they can be a great way to tie together different elements of the kitchen, such as the countertops and the backsplash. All of these factors can help make the kitchen more visually appealing and inviting. Contact us or come to our showroom and talk to one of our experienced designers. We'll guide you through your new kitchen design process.
It generates the heartbeat of the household – and more – depending on the time of day.
On the weekend, it emits delicious scents of bacon and coffee in the morning. In the evening, it’s lasagna and garlic bread. If your kitchen feels drab and uninspired, chances are you do, too. Not to worry, though; we’ve got a bunch of tips and ideas (that suit a variety of budgets, really!) to help inspire and revive it. But before we get into all of that, let’s quickly go over some important things to keep in mind when doing a kitchen renovation. Pre-Renovation Considerations As with any big project, there are a few things that need to be considered before breaking out the sledgehammer. Being aware of these and planning accordingly can save you from dreaded renovation headaches and financial woes. A kitchen remodel can be a huge undertaking and is definitely something you want to get right the first time. Budget Kitchen remodeling costs can range from inexpensive – for the easier DIY projects to big budget – for fancier high-end modern kitchen looks. If you don’t have oodles to spend, don’t worry. View it as an opportunity to dip into your creativity. You’d be truly amazed by what can be done on any budget. The best kitchen isn’t always the most expensive one. New Kitchen Layout Changing the floor plan of your kitchen is a massive undertaking. Whether you’re doing it to increase the square footage or as a part of a whole home remodeling project, a new kitchen layout is a chance to design your dream kitchen. There’s a reason you’re considering a kitchen makeover, so you probably have some ideas of what you want in the new space. Hiring a contractor will help you see your new kitchen dream come to life. They’ll be able to assess the space, see which drywall can be knocked through, where you can add more light, and get the most out of the space overall. There’s nothing better than a whole new kitchen designed by you, for you. You can enjoy being as creative as you want in a space you love.  Inaccuracies Due to Overbidding
When you overbid a job – meaning you estimate that it will require more materials or labor hours than it realistically calls for – you’re likely to lose out on a lot of projects. If you’re worried about the cost of materials or unsure of how long it will take your team to complete the work, you might be tempted to put a high price tag on your proposal just in case. But general contractors closely compare the bids they receive from subcontractors for an idea of price ranges, and many of them also perform their own takeoffs to check measurements. If your bid comes in significantly higher than others, the job will go to a lower bidder, and you’ll be back to searching for other projects. Inaccuracies Due to Underbidding Underbidding can win you the job, but you shortchange yourself in the process. When you underbid a project, you’re held to the quote you originally provided even if the job costs more than you anticipated. So you won’t recoup the cost of any materials that are more expensive than you planned for or any added manpower or overtime – these costs will come out of your pocket. An exception to this is change orders. When plans change in the midst of a project, you’ll have the opportunity to reevaluate your estimate and provide a new quote for the changed work – but again, if you underbid on the change order, you are responsible for covering any extra costs. There might be times when it’s worth it for your overall business strategy to intentionally underbid a project, which we’ll discuss later. But remember, in order to underbid on purpose, you still need to have a strong handle on what an accurate estimate looks like for the job. Developing a Positive Reputation with Contractors If you consistently submit accurate, professional proposals to Contractors, they’ll begin to take notice. General contractors measure success on the same things you do – time and monetary efficiency – just on a larger scale and with more moving parts. Your accurate bid means they can spend less time checking your estimate – they’ve worked with you enough to know that you have a good grasp on the cost of getting the job done without price gouging, and this way your company can give the Contractor peace of mind. When a Contractor knows they can trust you to bid the job correctly and deliver on your estimate, you can expect to win more jobs from them. Saving Time with Accurate Estimates Bidding accurately is also a simple time saver for your construction company. An accurate estimate allows you to order the right amount of materials – no scrambling to source more supplies or find storage for a surplus, and it keeps your crew schedules on track. When one job is bid accurately, your time is freed up to evaluate other projects and keep a steady flow of work for your team. Knowing When to Aim for Submitting the Lowest Bid If you’re trying to break into a new area of specialization and get a foot in the door, underbidding can be one way to catch the attention of the general contractor. This could be the case if you’ve expanded to a new trade and your team doesn’t have many projects under their belt, or if you’re trying to get into government contracting, where those with the lowest responsible bid tend to win. In these instances, the main goal might be adding these projects to your portfolio rather than simply making a profit. Perform your takeoff and create your estimate as you normally would, and then you’ll be able to see how much of the total price you can shave off to increase your chances of winning. You need to have a strong understanding of your overhead and other indirect costs to make cuts to your price. When you know your normal markup for labor, for example, you’re able to reduce it by a fraction if needed. Be careful of coming in too low, however, because this can still result in losing the job if your qualifications are questioned. You also don’t want to set the bar so low that you can never make a profit in this area. How to Create More Accurate Estimates You may already understand why accurate estimates are so important, but how do you go about improving your process so that you can be more precise? These 5 tips can help. 1. Get ahead of deadlines If you’re always working down to the wire on submitting proposals, your estimating team is stressed and playing catch up. Instead, be proactive. Find a tool that lets you increase your takeoff speed so that time isn’t wasted in the measurement stage. The faster you can perform takeoffs, the better able you are to decide which projects are worth bidding on in the first place, and you have time to gather more information, conduct potential site visits, and create a comprehensive proposal that will get your company noticed. 2. Eliminate mistakes caused by human error. Sometimes a ruinously inaccurate bid is a result of something as simple as a misplaced decimal point or a typo. This is an easy fix, so don’t let it happen to you. Use a pre-construction platform that keeps all your data in a single source of truth. You should be able to go from takeoff to estimate to proposal in one software without transferring data elsewhere and introducing the opportunity for mistakes. 3. Get familiar with the details. Even if you want to send only a high-level overview in your proposal to the Contractor, get in the habit of making your internal estimate as detailed as possible. A labor and material estimate allows you to break down costs in terms of items and assemblies, but even if you prefer unit cost estimates, you should separate all indirect costs, rather than adding markup into the price of your measurements. Knowing your true direct costs enables you to adjust markup, overhead, or labor charges as desired both per estimate and company wide. Don’t forget to include other indirect costs associated with the project, like freight, delivery charges, or refuse containers. 4. Take material cost increases into account. If you can, share your takeoffs with your suppliers along with your quote request to ensure the most accurate possible order. And remember that prices rise regularly, so be sure you’re informed about supplier increase cycles. Don’t assume your materials will cost the same now as they did three months ago – double check before finalizing your estimate, and if you anticipate an increase mid-project, include a clarification about time-sensitive pricing in your proposal. This way your cost remains accurate and the Contractor isn’t caught off guard. 5. Anticipate waste. We’d all like to think our crews are perfect, but in reality they’re human. People have off days and don’t accomplish as much as they intend. They make mistakes when measuring and have to scrap some supplies. Account for this in your estimate by tracking how much waste is generated on average per measurement or per material (and labor) and add that percentage into your total price so all your bases are covered. By following these 5 practices you should see your estimated costs start to line up much more closely with actual completed job costs, so you can bid more, win more, and grow your business. Looking for a pre-construction estimate that will help you save time and improve your home remodeling processes? Click Here So You Want to Remodel Your Bathroom An increasing number of people find that they can remodel their bathrooms to create the perfect place in which they can relax, refresh, rejuvenate and/or have a romantic time. A bathroom redo can be an inexpensive and fun way to spruce up your entire house. So, what you need are some tips for remodeling your bathroom. When you decide to begin a bathroom remodeling project, it is quickest to organize your goals before shopping for materials. Choose what items you want to replace, add, or take away from the bath area. Consider refinishing existing items such as bathtub, shower, sinks and toilet, or renewing the tiles or tub and shower enclosure to give a new look to your bathroom even with just a little investment. The bathroom is one of the most used areas of the house, so you want to be sure that you have it remodeled in such a way that it will last for a long time. Remodeling is extremely exciting because it means you are getting to create the ambiance you have always wanted in one of your favorite places: the bathroom.  Why Remodel If You Can Decorate? Perhaps you would like to redo the bathroom, but at the same time you would like to keep things uncomplicated. If it is time for a bathroom makeover, count yourself lucky when you see the number of wonderful current decorating ideas for the bathroom today. There is a huge amount you can do with simple decorative treatments that avoid a full remodel. If you have a small bathroom, remodeling ideas should mostly revolve around freeing the space of clutter and making better use of the available space. Using shelves, taller cabinets, and other organizational items will help the room seem larger because everything has a place and there is nothing left to crowd the space. There are any number of cabinets available to fit over the toilet or along empty walls to maximize the available area, or cabinets can be hung on the wall to free up floor space. Regardless of the size of your bathroom, it is important that you sort out the existing items in the bathroom and choose which items you want to keep and which items can now retire. Clearing out unimportant clutter from the bathroom can help you decorate the room easily and match items for your fresh theme. Don't be afraid to be bold and exciting - make your bathroom a fun place to visit! Another decorating idea for a bathroom is to redo the porcelain sink and the tub. These tend to take a lot of abuse through the years, and with a fresh treatment, they will look brand-new. It's a lot cheaper than putting in all new fixtures, and it really does make your bathroom look good. A common bathroom decorating idea for people on a budget is adding or replacing light fixtures. While choosing a light may seem like a daunting task, be aware that once you have chosen the perfect lighting to enhance your bathroom's theme, it can make a dramatic change to the overall feel of the room. Of course, also consider new paint, tile or wall paper to freshen up the space. Following the new bathroom decorating trends while maintaining individual taste and style can be achieved with a little research and great imagination. Building on these ideas is sure to help anyone create the bathroom of their dreams. Home decorating magazines can be quite helpful, because if you see decorating materials that you like, there is often a section that shows how you can get them. They are also good at allowing you to see how the materials you're interested in fit with other colors in the room.
But I Need to Remodel
If you find that redecorating just won’t do, and you really need to remodel, as part of your planning process create a bathroom remodeling check list to help you determine how much of an upgrade you can afford. Make sure you know exactly where your fixtures will go when designing your remodeling project, since you need the plumbing there to accommodate them. Unless you can somehow move the location of your fixtures, your sink, tub, and toilet are going to be exactly where you have them right now. In most cases, the location of your fixtures is going to be a hard limit, so plan accordingly. Depending on the size of your bathroom and your budget, there are a few bathroom remodeling tips that can the project go smoother, as well as make life after the project easier. For large-budgeted bathroom remodeling projects, you can go beyond your dream bathroom by expanding the area and separating the toilet from the bath area. You can even add spa treatments, bathtubs, water jets and other more expensive bathroom add-ons. If you have a more modest budget, one of the most important things is to make sure that the shower area is easily accessible. For example, some showers require a person to step up in order to enter the shower, while others are just walk-in showers. Whichever kind of shower you choose, it is important to note that it will have to be well installed in order to prevent leaks. Another method of controlling bathroom remodeling costs could be instead of replacing your tub and all the wall tiles, you could look into a tub and wall unit that fits right over an existing tub and wall. By using this technique and for a few hundred dollars the area can look as if it is brand-new. The alternative is replacing everything, which could run into the thousands. When you choose where smaller fixtures go in the bathroom remodeling design, think function over form. For items such as the towel rack or even the toilet paper roll, keep in mind that they should go in places that are sensible, The towel rack might look nice by the door, but if it's out of arm's reach of the bathtub, then you won't be happy whenever you get out of the shower, for example. With all things in bathroom remodeling design, if you design with an eye for common sense and space, you will be successful in your attempt to create a room that's both stylish and functional. There is no greater joy to a homeowner then to remodel a favorite room such as the bathroom. So, enjoy every minute of it, and, more importantly, enjoy the outcome of your work and labor. Once you are satisfied with the project, you can take your first relaxing shower and enjoy the long-term benefit from the investment you made. Berceli has undertaken extensive home remodeling over the past 22 years. Our team comprises of professionally experienced interior designers, CAD specialists, general contractors and project managers. Contact us for a free consultation. Eastside design & build Interior Remodeling of NYC will design a stunning kitchen for you.10/18/2022
 Eastside Design & Build of NYC specializes in beautiful bespoke bathrooms, bedrooms and kitchens in New York City and & the metropolitan area.
Everyone wants to live in a home which looks fantastic while also providing years of useful and enjoyable comfort. With our help you can achieve this. Our talented designers will help you to achieve the home you have always dreamed of. If you have a specific look in mind for your apartment, our design team will come up with a look that suits your taste. Using the most up to date computer design technology, We will design you an amazing kitchen that is ideally suited to your taste, budget and needs. We will then provide a complete installation service, taking care of everything from the electrical wiring and plumbing to the final finishing touches like tiling and painting. Whether you want a sleek and minimal look, a cozy traditional country kitchen, or a totally individual new look, We can design something to suit you and your family down to the ground. Perhaps you don't need a whole new kitchen installation, but simply want some new ways to freshen up your existing rooms. This is not a problem for Eastside Design & Build Interior Remodeling of NYC. We can make a few easy little adjustments, such as installing new counter-tops or cabinet doors, and give the room a boost at a fraction of the cost. Everything is carried out using durable, high quality materials for a stunning finish. So whether we are undertaking a large or small task, Eastside Design & Build of NYC will make sure everything looks brilliant and works smoothly. If you want to create a space to be proud of in your home, get in touch with Eastside Design & Build of NYC and start discussing your ideas. You don't need to worry about the quality of the service when you are working with this professional family run company. You can reach us by calling (212) 300-9838  Your family spends considerable time in your kitchen and you want to make the most of that time together. A kitchen redesign can help you do that, but how can you ensure the new layout of your kitchen is one that is functional, inviting and livable? These tips can help you make the most of your kitchen redesign project. 1. Start with a kitchen cabinet provider that offers kitchen design services. A free consultation will allow you to preplan your kitchen layout and see exactly what the finished room will look like before you shell out major dollars on a design that doesn’t work for you. If something doesn’t appeal to you, try again. 2. Consider what other activities will take place in your kitchen besides meal preparation and eating? Will your kids be using it to do their homework while you cook? If so, a center island might enhance the bonding experience. 3. Do you need extra kitchen storage space? Then consider a built-in pantry with rollout shelves, a drawer base cabinet, oven cabinets and lazy Susan's 4. Evaluate your personal style and build it into your kitchen redesign. Are you a fine china collector? Then opt for glass-paned cabinet doors to show off your collection. Decorative touches like crown mouldings and cabinet finishes also reflect your interior design personality. A kitchen redesign doesn't have to be an expensive proposition, but it’s also an investment in your home and family togetherness. Make those dollars count. With a little planning and ingenuity, we can make your kitchen redesign project one that you and your family will be pleased with and proud of for years to come. Eastside Design & Build interior remodeling offers a variety of cabinetry units in a selection of different styles and finished. Our selection of cabinets will make your kitchen look great, work smart and last for years. Visit Eastside Design & Build of New York City at https://www.eastsidedesignandbuild.com  There are a lot of homeowners planning on doing a kitchen remodel next year. Many of them will emerge victoriously from the process with the kitchen of their dreams. However, there will be plenty of homeowners who’ll soon find out that they made costly, time-consuming and frustrating mistakes during their renovation. Get your pen and paper ready because we’re going to reveal the top remodeling secrets that you need to know about before starting your kitchen remodel to ensure your projects success.
There are a lot of variables to consider. Here are 20 Kitchen Remodeling Mistakes To Avoid. Plus 3 bonus kitchen remodel.
Renovating your kitchen is a huge undertaking with many variables and critical details to consider that are key to a successful finished product. The last thing you want during your remodel is regret! We’re going to reveal the most common design and remodel mistakes, so you can take the necessary steps to avoid them and be sure you’re left with the fully functional and gorgeous kitchen you envision. Mistake 1: Putting Form Over Function It’s natural to want a beautiful end result when you’re doing a kitchen remodel. However, don’t focus on aesthetics to the exclusion of functionality. You still need to spend every day in the kitchen working – and you’ll be unsatisfied with your kitchen design if you find out it creates more work for you in doing your everyday tasks. For example, good kitchen design focuses on work zones. For food prep, your stove, refrigerator and prep counter should be in close proximity. Sometimes homeowners design a kitchen putting the refrigerator on the other side of the kitchen or even on the other side of the island. While the design may look good, you’ll quickly grow tired of all the extra legwork when you’re doing food prep and cooking. Another common “form over function” mistake when doing kitchen remodeling is to not consider how your cupboards, refrigerator, microwave and dishwasher open. For example, can you open the refrigerator and nearby cupboard door at the same time? You probably think this is something silly that never happens in real life, but it’s a lot more common than you may think. A design slipup like this is especially frustrating when putting dishes away or for families that tend to have more than one cook in the kitchen at a time. Mistake 2: Designing for the Neighbors Sometimes homeowners do a kitchen remodel with their friends, family and neighbors in mind. They buy appliances they think will impress others, get custom kitchen cabinets that “one up” the cabinets their neighbors just purchased. They put in an expensive tile because it’s the “in” thing to do. Keep in mind that your friends and neighbors don’t live in your home. They don’t prepare or cook food in your kitchen, much less go through an everyday routine in your home relying on function and efficiencies. You can also bet they’re not going to pay your invoice when you do a kitchen remodel either. I mean if they are, then you’ve got yourself a good friend, but chances are that’s not the case. Point is, don’t design for other people – design for yourself. Create a home you’ll love with the features that most benefit you and your family. Don’t worry about what anyone else will think of it, unless you’re remodeling solely for the purpose of selling your home. In that instance you’ll want to do your due diligence in determining the features within a kitchen that are in current demand, but that’s an entirely different topic. Mistake 3: DIY Remodeling If you are an HGTV fan, you are probably thinking it’s an easy task to renovate your home. What could go wrong? Whereas you may be excited and raring to go on your remodel, performing portions or all of your remodel yourself can actually be more costly and time consuming than you realize. Television shows are anything but reality it seems. Forty-eight hours and two thousand dollars will not produce a modern gourmet kitchen like they portray. There is a lot that a homeowner can do, but unless you are a general contractor, it’s important to work with a licensed professional to make sure that you take all the necessary factors into consideration. There will be plumbing and electrical plans, and perhaps even structural and permitting concerns that need to be addressed in the design stage. Depending on the year that your home was built, there’s a chance that upgrades such as the plumbing and electrical will be needed in order to meet current building codes, or safety concerns such as lead or asbestos to worry about. And of course, you don’t want to risk having to tear apart your newly remodeled kitchen to repair faulty electrical or plumbing work if you take on tasks you aren’t really qualified to do. It’s cheaper, by far, to pay someone who has the necessary skills to get the job done right (and in a timely manner), than to have to re-do major work later. Mistake 4: Losing Site of What the Kitchen Is For It’s easy to get caught up in all the latest styles and the look that you are going for, and forget that the function of the kitchen is the most important part of your design. No matter what amenities you add, the basic “work triangle” is going to be key to your kitchen’s functionality. The sink, stove, and fridge should be convenient to one another and there should be enough space to move easily between them. Design Tip: When you are designing your remodel, think about which way every appliance will open and make sure they don’t interfere with each other. If you are adding an island, make sure the oven and refrigerator doors still have room to open fully, and ideally that you’ll still have room to walk around them when they’re open. Likewise if your appliance opens into the heart of the kitchen or into a wall. When you look at model kitchens, it is likely to be the colors, styles and patterns that initially catch your eye, but choosing major appliances is a key step that needs to happen very early in the design process. Think about what your family needs, and determine which appliances best meet that need. Then when you know how much remaining space you have to work with, you can design around those appliances. Mistake 5: Failing to Include Enough Storage and Counter Space You can’t work efficiently in a kitchen without counter space, and since lack of it is such a common complaint, it’s a good idea to make it a point of focus when you are designing your new kitchen. Speak with your general contractor about tips and tricks they have up their sleeve for increasing your countertop space. One way to extend your counter work area is by adding decorative elements to the ends of your cabinets, such as corbels or shelving supports to create added room for the top to extend. Another idea involves reconfiguring the layout or flow of your space to include a peninsula or freestanding island. Just like you need space to work in, you need places to keep all your kitchen tools. Excess storage is never a problem, but a shortage always is. Experienced general contractors, like TWD, have experts on staff that are nationally certified in universal design. Meaning they can advise you on the best way to include adequate storage that is easily accessible to you now, and as your needs evolve. The last thing that you want to do is design a beautiful kitchen today that doesn’t meet your needs tomorrow. Mistake 6: Neglecting the Lighting It’s easy to understand how homeowners might forget to include lighting in a kitchen remodeling project. Lights often just seems to be there as a given, and not warrant much thought right? However effective lighting not only makes it possible to prepare food more efficiently, but it also rejuvenates you. Pay particular attention to lighting sources over your stove and countertop areas where you will be spending the most time. Taking it a step further, as we age our vision adjusts and changes. While we may never admit to it, it is inevitable. Incorporating sufficient lighting will add to the ambiance of the space now, and it will also aid in your independence to safely perform everyday tasks when those days come. Ideally for a beautifully designed kitchen, there should be at least three types of lighting. General overhead lighting for illumination of the room, task lighting that is more focused and accent lighting. Pendant lights are great for illuminating prep areas. Under-cabinet lighting, over-cabinet lighting or even along the toe kick of your cabinetry show off and accent some of the design elements that you love the most, like that sexy backsplash that you splurged on. Mistake 7: Ignoring the Aesthetics Designing a kitchen remodel is a lot of work, and it’s easy to forget that what you love about certain designs is how they look! It may seem silly to focus on appearance, but picking your color scheme and decoration is an important part of remodeling because it determines how much you will enjoy being in the room when it is all done. Particular colors speak to us in different ways. Some are calming. Others are passionate or mysterious. There are specific schemes that invoke feelings of all natural or organic qualities making them great choices for eating areas. Color psychology plays an important part in any home improvement project, especially in rooms that you and your family spend a substantial amount of time in, like the kitchen. Mistake 8: Busting Your Budget Your remodeling contractor can advise you what to do about almost any aspect of your kitchen remodel; though nobody but you can work out your budget! You’ll need to assess your finances, home value, local real estate prices, what the overall goal is for your kitchen remodel, what your needs versus wants are, etc. A comfortable budget needs to be established in the very beginning during the planning phase of your project. It does your home no justice to go through the planning and design phase of your kitchen remodel project, only to then determine that the funds to support your vision are not available. Be sure your budget includes a way to pay for contingencies. You may plan to spend all your savings on the remodeling, and have a credit card for backup. That’s fine as long as there is credit available. Otherwise, you have to plan to set aside some money for “just in case” situations. In any remodel project, there are unknowns that can arise once a wall is opened up or material is removed. Rule of thumb is to set aside 10% of the total cost of your renovation as a precautionary safety measure. Mistake 9: Tunnel Vision Homeowners can get too focused on their vision, and lose sight of the bigger picture. It’s important to be aware of how your kitchen fits in with the rest of the house. Your colors can match or contrast with the colors used elsewhere, but they must work together. Remember to consider all elements of your space: cabinet hardware, backsplash, fixtures, flooring, wall color, etc and how they all tie together. You also have to think about the future. Be sure to include the features that will add the most value, and will be what future owners will want unless your plan is to age in place staying in your home for the foreseeable future. Mistake 10: Skimping On The Small Stuff Once you dive into planning your remodel, there’s no hiding the fact that the cabinetry will be the most expensive item in your kitchen remodel. Don’t let the price tag of the cabinets themselves shut down your consideration for the small add-ons. The cabinets, while costly, will be a lasting feature in your home. Sure, you or a future buyer could switch out cosmetics like the appliances, paint scheme, flooring or even the countertops, but unless you are performing a large scale remodel chances are the cabinets will be there for the long haul. That being said, don’t hastily pass on the small cabinet add-ons just because of the base price tag. While it may not seem like a make or break situation to your kitchen, including features such as drawer dividers, pantry pullouts, lazy Susan’s, etc. will help maximize your available kitchen storage and efficiency. Not to mention, these features typically cost more to add to your kitchen design later on. Mistake 11: Insufficient Electrical Outlets Everything you love in life seems to require power. Your can opener, KitchenAid, and even smart device that you need for your favorite recipe all plugs into the wall. You’re going to need more than two outlets to make those famous blueberry muffins! Talk to your general contract about ways to hide additional outlets within the island, backsplash or in a drawer for those times you need another nearby socket available. Mistake 12: Too Much Open Shelving If you’ve been scouring Pinterest or binge watching remodel shows on television, then you’ve seen the hype on incorporating open shelving into your kitchen design. While it is gorgeous in the magazines when the trendiest dishware can be perfectly staged alongside the fresh flowers that you can only assume were just picked out of the garden. That is undeniable. However, do real families actually live, eat and do dirty dishes in those staged kitchens? Be honest: Do you want everyone that steps foot into your kitchen seeing your mismatched glassware, novelty mugs or generic-brand spices on display 24/7? Odds are, no. Open shelving is a great addition … in moderation. During the planning stage, think about what items you would like out on display that you can realistically keep clean and organized. Perhaps wedding china, heirloom dishes, the artsy bowl you picked up overseas, or wine glasses are perfect to exhibit, then hide the rest behind closed door cabinetry. Mistake 13: Overlooking Oven Backsplashes and Ventilation The oven tends to create a lot of mess and odor, which is why your kitchen remodel should include plans for making it easier to clean the air and surfaces. One such pragmatic item is a backsplash, which is an element that makes it easier to clean the spatters, oil, grease and other foodstuffs around the stovetop. It’s much easier to clean a backsplash than it is it clean wallpaper or even a regular wall. Indeed, heavy cleaning of these items can lead to wear and tear on your paint and wallpaper. The second item you’ll want to make a priority when you’re doing a kitchen remodel is installing good ventilation. Nobody wants to walk in smelling the bacon you cooked a few days prior? An inexpensive oven may come with a hood which re-circulates air, but it doesn’t truly clean the air. It’s better to invest in a ventilation system that will help pull the odors out of the air, vent smoke and heat out of your space. Mistake 14: Forgetting About Your Surroundings While you may only be remodeling your kitchen, think about the entrances to your kitchen. Are there any connecting rooms? During the demo phase and even build out of your new kitchen, construction dust will be in air. You’ll want to make sure that your general contractor has made adequate plans to contain as much of this construction dust and debris to the one room being worked on and/or to the staging area for your remodel. In addition to that, if you will be keeping any large or bulky furniture in the construction zone, be sure to properly protect it from drywall mud, paint drippings or spills that could happen. You’ll need to properly plan how your contractor will have access to the construction area. In some instances a rear door may be most convenient point of access to avoid workers trudging through your entire home having to use the front door. This is a topic that you’ll want to discuss with your contractor at the pre-construction meeting to ensure that everyone is on the same page come start day. Mistake 15: Overlooking The Trash Trash is not something you want as your focal point of your newly remodeled kitchen. If cabinetry space allows, having a cabinet dedicated to trash and recycling pull-outs is ideal for keeping unsightly garbage tucked away. This design option makes recycling convenient and easy to manage for your entire family. Treat yourself to soft-close cabinetry while you’re thinking about it. Case in point when a cabinet is not available, you’ll want to carefully consider a dedicated placement within your kitchen. Having an open wastebasket in the center of the kitchen most likely is not a part of any kitchen you’ve dreamt about. Mistake 16: Waiting To Choose Appliances Choosing your appliances last or later in the design phase of your project can cause a lot of extra work on your part, as well as your contractor. The size and specifications of your appliances are imperative to know as they have a direct effect on the size of the surrounding materials. By choosing your gadgets first, it is easier to design the cabinetry and countertop around it for a perfect fit instead of the other way around. Mistake 17: Stainless Steel Overload Your major appliances have been planned since day 1 (from our advice in mistake 16 listed above, of course) and like most homeowners, you may have chosen stainless steel for your fridge, oven and dishwasher. Be mindful of going overboard with stainless, as you will still be adding in a microwave, toaster, coffee station, cooking and frying pans, etc. Stainless Steel overload can have a cold feeling, rather than the cozy inviting space you were planning on. Try mixing in a colored or different metal choice for your hood or other cooking gadgets. Mistake 18: Making Changes During Construction You know the saying, cross all of your T’s and dot all of the I’s before you begin something. Same goes for construction. Once your kitchen remodel is underway, the cost of making changes skyrockets. All of the materials that you have chosen have been ordered, received and have been staged ready to begin your remodel. Changing your mind on the floor tile, fixtures or other selection midstream can result in … – Your project coming to a screeching halt. – Additional operating costs to re-order and revise the current contract. – Extra funds being needed to cover the difference in pricing between materials. – Applicable restocking fees of the original material (can often be up to 25%), – Labor and/or material delays holding up your project. Mistake 19: Forgetting To Have Fun Let’s not forget that you’re planning your dream kitchen. Your vision will soon be a reality. No more of that dingy space that you simply don’t love. You’re in motion towards getting rid of that broken cabinet, that drawer that sticks, and hello … the 80’s called and want their color palette back! How exciting is that? While remodeling can be stressful at times, when you entrust an experienced general contractor to take care of the details it allows you to focus on what you will enjoy most in your newly remodeled space or how you’ll decorate it. Don’t be afraid to incorporate in that cheery pop of color that you connect with. Mistake 20: Not Hiring Eastside Design & Build for Your Remodel While this may be your first time doing kitchen remodeling, the team at Berceli has worked on remodels of all sizes and complexities since 1999. Building an extensive portfolio. They have the knowledge, skills and experience to turn your kitchen design ideas into a beautiful reality. With over 21 years of experience as a remodeling contractor throughout the New York area, they’ve seen it all, and fixed quite a bit of it too. Just look at their gallery of recently completed remodel projects and you’ll quickly see how versatile their services really are. A good kitchen renovation not only boosts the value of your home, it also makes your home more warm, inviting and comfortable. On the flip side, a bad renovation can be a stressful, costly and time-consuming mistake. That’s why you’ll want to do everything you can to avoid these mistakes when doing your kitchen remodel |
AuthorEastside Design & Build marketing team. Archives
October 2023
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