Kitchens

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Kitchens

This article was written and distributed by the Federation of Master Builders, the building industry's largest trade organisation, representing over 13,000 small and medium-sized companies throughout the UK. If you'd like to know more about the FMB, or would like to find a reputable builder, try the Find a Builder web site at: http://www.findabuilder.co.uk.

Let’s talk: Kitchens

For some, a new kitchen is simply a case of updating kitchen units and equipment, but for others it’s an opportunity to completely re plan the room with many opting to increase its size by building an extension or knocking down internal walls. Take some time to think about how you will use the room and decide the layout that’s best for your lifestyle. Where are your drains? The available drains and outside walls will almost always determine the layout of the kitchen. If you start moving drains about to accommodate your layout this can prove expensive and will require Building Regulations approval. The eternal triangle Remember the working triangle theory linking the oven/hob, fridge and sink. Make sure they are close enough together to avoid lots of walking. During construction think about how you are going to cope without a kitchen. The hot water and cooking facilities will inevitably need moving or replacing at some point so get your contingency plan in place. When Wanda Blake was planning her kitchen it was important that it blended into her house as it is completely open plan. Wanda had spotted a design she liked but when she priced it it came in at £20,000. She asked a kitchen designer to produce a similar design within a much smaller budget. If your kitchen is part of a large living area, bear in mind that appliances can be very noisy. Wanda really did her research on this and discovered some appliances which were not only very quiet but not too expensive. “Low noise was a real priority for us and I’ve been very impressed with them.” Overall Wanda advises taking your time with colour schemes and letting the kitchen evolve around you to suit your needs.

Updating your Kitchen

The kitchen is increasingly becoming the cooking, dining and living space with many people restructuring the huddle of rooms which were once kitchen, utility and dining room into one large, light living space. Some are going even further by opening the room up into the garden and using glass walls and roof lights to maximise the light. Those who like to spend a lot of time in the kitchen or have families will be keen to have a practical and functional kitchen, which may require a large area for dining and entertaining. Even with a small space the kitchen is still the hub of the house so it’s worth thinking about comfort as well as utility – consider creating a different area at one end for relaxing in – use book shelves, comfortable chairs, rugs different lighting and flooring to create the right mood. Most of us are working to a budget and may want to save money by doing much of the updating ourselves but there are some jobs where you will need the professionals: Supporting walls Don’t attempt to knock down walls yourself. If it is a supporting wall it will need to be replaced with an RSJ (reinforced steel joist). Even if it is not a supporting wall you will need to ensure that the work complies with building regulations. Use an experienced builder to get the job done. He can help you with planning and building regulations and can work with a structural engineer and/or an architect to make sure the job is completed safely. Plastering If you need any plastering work done don't skimp on this – It’s worth spending on a professional to achieve an excellent finish. Flooring This is a tricky job and although makeover programmes make it look easy it can look terrible if it is done badly. If you are redoing the flooring consider asking your builder to put in under floor heating for you. This has the advantage of not taking up valuable wall space, it is inexpensive to install, economical to run, there is no maintenance and the heat distribution is total. It can be installed under almost every floor type, wood, tile and laminate making it ideal for refurbishment projects. Tiling Tiling is difficult and time consuming. It is one of the most visible areas of the kitchen and done badly it can ruin your new look. Gas and electrics Moving or changing utility points (water, gas and electrical) will add to the cost of the project, but it is well worth making sure you have a good supply of well placed electrical points. Make sure you use an approved electrical contractor. To find an approved electrician in your area visit www.findabuilder.co.uk containing details of approved electrical contractors. If you are moving or installing a gas boiler or cooker, make sure the installer is Corgi registered. There are 45,000 Corgi installers in the UK and many of the FMB’s 13,000 members are also Corgi registered.

7 Materials For Creating The Perfect Kitchen Countertop
By: James Mahoney
The kitchen countertop has to be able to take a lot of abuse including the heat of pots, cutting and knives and abrasive cleansers. The ideal countertop should be able to stand up to heat and the sharp edge of a knife.

Let us take a look at 7 of the most popular kitchen countertop materials being used today:

Granite
A natural stone, granite is a popular choice for it's classic beauty and durability. Granite is the hardest and densest of the natural stones. It can create a kitchen countertop that is extremely scratch resistant and can keep its luster longer than most materials. granite slabs are the most expensive of all kitchen countertop surfaces, although it is still considered a very practical material in that it is virtually indestructible.

Marble
Another natural stone, marble is considered to be the height of elegance and will last longer than most kitchens. It is however, is very expensive and requires some care: acidic foods such as orange juice will etch the finished surface of a marble kitchen countertop.

Slate
Because of it richness and beauty slate is usually used in interior applications such as kitchen countertops, bathroom sinks or fireplace surrounds. It can be used in either modern or traditional kitchens as well as in combination with marble. Slate is durable, strong, and can withstand hard use. It is less expensive than marble.

Concrete
This is one of the biggest trends in kitchen countertops today. It is a good look for clean, industrial and contemporary kitchen designs. Available in pre formed sections or poured and formed on-site. Concrete is a good material for unusually shaped counters. Concrete kitchen countertops are expensive, require a sealant and must be treated with care. The countertop can crack if the concrete should contract. Concrete can be stained any color. The most popular color is a natural gray tone. The top layer can be finished as desired.

Corian
A solid surface material that first became popular in the 1990's It is highly recommended by kitchen countertop experts. It is a totally manmade product and is not porous. As a solid surface it can easily be repaired if scratched or burned.

Stainless Steel
Advantages include very hygienic, easy to clean, has ability to stand up to exteme wear and heat. Stainless steel can provide a great look for an ultra modern kitchen. Some disadvantages with stainless is that it can be noisy and that scratches can develop.

Tile
Tile surfaces can be tough, hard-wearing, takes hot pans, heat and stain resistant as well as beautiful. There are many types of tiles including ceramic, porcelain, quarry, glass,
natural stone and mosiac. Available in many colors, sizes and textures. It has good design flexibility. Tile can often be used for trim or backsplashes. The downside of tile is that the
grouts can be easily stained. Also the tiles can become chipped or cracked.

Author Bio
James Mahoney is the owner of Kitchen Designers Idea.com. Learn about
today's kitchen design ideas by visiting his site at Kitchen Designers Ideas.com. If you liked this article and would want to subscribe to his information packed newletter visit: Kitchen Designers Ideas.com

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Make Your Kitchen Cabinets Look Great for Less
By: Lee Dobbins
Kitchen cabinets are one of the most prominent features in your kitchen. If your cabinets are looking worn or drab, it affects the whole look and feel of your kitchen.

The good news is there are several options available to you that can easily update your kitchen with a modern look. Some options are expensive and others are more economical.

If you like the cabinet layout and the cabinets are in good condition, refacing or resurfacing your kitchen cabinets may be a good choice for you.

Refacing or resurfacing consists of replacing the cabinet doors and drawer fronts with new ones and then treating the cabinet frame with a matching veneer. There are many types of woods and plastics available for this, so your options are virtually unlimited.

To get the best results, it's always best to hire a professional to do this work. It can be quite expensive, though, ranging anywhere from $3500 to over $10,000. The work usually takes 2-4 days, depending on how many cabinets and drawers are involved.

If your cabinets are weak or damaged or you just want to change their design, replacing them entirely is another option. Replacement cabinets may not cost much more than refacing/resurfacing them, either. Brand new cabinets can add more usefulness to your kitchen and increase the value of your home, as well

If resurfacing or replacement of your kitchen cabinets doesn't fit your budget, there are much less expensive alternatives.

My first choice for renewing the look of kitchen cabinets is paint. What a difference a coat or paint can make!

For a retro look you can use splashy colors such as pink, turquoise or orange. Be brave and paint designs on the cabinets or use stencils or a faux finish. Add some matching hardware and you've got new cabinets for less than $300!

Another idea is to permanently remove all the cabinet doors. This wouldn't be appropriate or even functional for every style of kitchen. It might work well for a cottage kitchen design or even an antique Victorian design. You could line the shelves with lace or doilies that flap over the edge to add to the look.

An alternative to completely removing the cabinet doors is to replace them with old windows that are the right size. You could also create new doors from different types of materials such as bamboo or fabric.

Another idea for resurfacing kitchen cabinets is to wallpaper them or apply contact paper. A plain pattern is best and, of course, make sure it is washable. You don't necessarily need to cover the whole surface. You could cut out different shapes or patterns and apply them to the cabinet surface. This would be a good short-term solution to freshening up your kitchen.

So there you have it. There are many ways to make your kitchen cabinets look great without breaking the bank!

Author Bio
Lee Dobbins writes about Kitchen Decorating for every budget. Visit www.a-kitchen-decorating-idea.com for more ideas on how to revitalize your kitchen cabinets.

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10 Important Things to Consider Before Designing a New Kitchen
By: Harvey Juric
Here are 10 important guidelines for your kitchen design project.

1. For efficiency, the work triangle (the space between the sink, refrigerator, and stove) should measure 26' or less with no single side longer than 9', or less than 4'.

2. In kitchens smaller than 150 sq. ft., opt for at least 13' of base cabinets, 12' of wall cabinets, and 11' of countertop. In kitchens which are larger, go with at least 16' of base cabinets, 15 1/2' of wall cabinets, and 16 1/2' of countertop.

3. For convenience, plan work aisles to be at least 42" wide for one cook, and at least 48" wide in multi-cook kitchens.

4. Specify a minimum of 24" of counter space on one side of the sink and at least 18" on the other.

5. To create the most accessible landing for unloading groceries, allow at least 15" of counter space on the handle side of a standard refrigerator; on both sides if it's a side-by-side model. Or include a landing area directly across from the refrigerator, but no more than 48" away.

6. For cleanup ease, install the dishwasher within 36" of one edge of the sink and allow for at least 21" of standing room next to it.

7. For microwaves and ovens, provide at least 15 " of counter space nearby, at least 16" deep.

8. For optimum clearance, no entry, appliance, or cabinet doors should interfere with another.

9. For comfort and to help avoid repetitive-motion injury, plan for work counters of different heights; between 28 and 36" off the floor (easier for chopping and seated-use access), and between 36 and 46" for general tasks (higher counters accommodate taller cooks).

10. To install a cabinet unit above the cook top, make sure the clearance is at least 24" for a fireproof surface, 30" for an unprotected surface.

Designing a kitchen is as much a science as it is an art. Knowing the recommended measurements to use when planning the project can make all the difference in the final outcome.

Author Bio
Harvey Juric, is a veteran custom home builder in Southern Ontario. If you like this article, there is more at: www.ontario-home-builder.com

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How To Create A Designer Kitchen
By: Stephen Haver
How do you create an attention-grabbing, designer kitchen on a reasonable budget? How do builders and remodelers design kitchens that sizzle? They've figured out the secret to creating kitchens that sell. They hire a kitchen designer! So, if builders think kitchen design is a smart idea, do you think it might be worth the investment?

Today's remodeled kitchen can easily cost $25,000 - $50,000 or more. If you are going make a sizeable investment upgrading your kitchen, you may want to allocate a portion of your budget to kitchen design. Why? Because a good designer comes up with great ideas. You pay for a trained eye to see what you can't see. A good designer suggests design elements that won't blow the budget. They know which details are relatively inexpensive, but add significant "punch" to your project.

Once you've budgeted money for design (generally 3-5%), now what do you do? Well, before looking for a kitchen designer, start thinking about what want in your kitchen. A kitchen designer will ask you what you have in mind so they can narrow the focus of your design. Is there a specific appliance that you want to make the focal point of your kitchen? Do you like exotic wood cabinets? Or do you just want a kitchen where everything coordinates and flows together?

Before you contact a kitchen designer, you may also want to visit a kitchen appliance dealer. A designer vent hood or an oversized range can serve as a great focal point for your new kitchen. Then you may want to start looking in design magazines, a great source for design ideas. Find the kitchen or the design elements you like in a magazine and simply replicate those ideas that appeal to you. Finally, after you've gathered some general ideas of what you want in your kitchen, start looking for a kitchen designer.

Where do you find a good kitchen designer? And once you've settled on a designer and come up with a design, how do you know what your design will cost to build? How do you avoid designing a kitchen you can't afford? Wouldn't it be helpful if you had some guidance throughout the design process to determine construction costs?

That's where a "design-build" firm can help. Design-build remodelers offer both design and construction services. When working with a design-build contractor, the designer creates the beauty (the floor plan, the cabinet elevations, the finished material selections, etc.) and the contractor creates the estimate. There's no more guesswork. When you hire a design-build contractor you know exactly what the design will cost.

Today, there are number of professional remodelers offering design services. Some design-build remodelers provide in-house design services. Other contractors outsource design to kitchen-designer, business partners. The best design-build contractors couple top design talent with professional construction services.

So how do you create a designer kitchen? Since they appreciate the value of good design, you may want to start by looking for a good design-build contractor. Check their work, check their trade associations, look at their project pictures and talk to their designers. A reputable design-build remodeler can be a valuable partner for creating your new designer kitchen!

Author Bio
Stephen Haver is the owner of design-build firm Update Construction, serving Houston, TX since 1992.
www.updateconstruction.com

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