(Kitchen Remodeling)
This article is written for those who want to find a kitchen remodeling contractor immediately - after reading. If you fall within this category then take some time to read weight through to the end before you hire any contractor.
Experience
Before you settle down with one contractor compare their years in business. You need to choose one that has been around for longer. I usually say a contractor that is more than 5 years in business is better than most. However, it is not always about the time but about the number and magnitude of jobs done. Do take that into consideration as you compare them.
Qualification
Some remodeling contractors do not have the necessary qualifications and this could prove dangerous especially for a complicated task. Yes I do understand the fact that some learn on the job but I often say it is better to hire someone who has taken time to study the subject matter.
Certification & association
Another way to compare the contractors is by checking their certification and associations. There are a number of industry requirements that each of the remodeling contractors need to stick by. Failing which their licenses could be revoked.
Check whether the contractor is a member of any industry association. Consider hiring one that is affiliated to some organization because these may have all the points mentioned above due to networking with other experts.
Compare Quotations
The price is one of the most important factors to compare kitchen remodeling companies with. After contacting them, each one of them should come to your place for an inspection - this is why I say at this stage you need to shortlist them to at least 3 so you don't have too many people coming in to your home. Find the best quotation and hire your best contractor.
Prescreening services - as a vital aspect of comparison
The reality of comparing remodeling contractors is that most of them can really fool you and you can find yourself hiring the wrong one. This is especially true if you don't have much experience doing business with contractors. They can really be conniving.
This is why I strongly recommend choosing from a list of prescreened remodeling contractors in your area. Yes there are sites that offer this service absolutely free online. Click the link and you will be taken there.
The best way to compare is to using FREE prescreening services.
Go to http://www.findkitchenremodelingcontractors.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Hector_V._Jameson
Kitchen Remodeling
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Thursday, October 23, 2008
10 Tips For Kitchen Remodeling
(Kitchen Remodeling)
10 Things to Do to Remodel Your Kitchen Faster
Remodeling a kitchen can be a very big job. Depending on the extent of the remodeling project, remodeling a kitchen can take weeks or even months. There are, however, some things you can do to remodel your kitchen faster. The ten ideas listed below will get you started on ways to remodel your kitchen faster and still have a finished room that shows quality work and attention to details.
1. Work with the existing space if at all possible. Moving walls takes a great deal of time. It is also costly. If you are trying to update or remodel, try to think creatively about how you can make better use of the existing space. If you are trying to enlarge the kitchen, try to do so by moving or removing only one wall. This will reduce the amount of electrical work, as well as the amount of framing and drywall work necessary.
2. Don't move the sink. Moving plumbing also takes a great deal of time, and adds significant cost to your project. Even if you are replacing the sink, keeping it in the same location will save the time of rerouting pipes, which could also result in the need for work to replace flooring.
3. Don't move a gas line or gas appliances. Moving a gas line will take additional time in completing your kitchen remodel. In many localities, this will require the assistance of a professional. You will need to schedule this work and allow the time necessary to move the line and then make any necessary repairs to walls and flooring.
4. Choose standard-sized pre-built stock cabinets. These cabinets will probably be available for immediate pick-up or delivery, eliminating the wait for custom work and delivery. These stock cabinets will be ready to simply set in place and attach to walls or floor. This saves the assembly time required for special-order cabinets and the on-site construction time for custom cabinets.
5. If you choose custom or semi-custom cabinets, pitch in and assemble the cabinets yourself for your contractor. Assembling pre-cut cabinets is not terribly difficult if you have some do-it-yourself remodeling experience. Assembling cabinets takes time, however. If you can assemble the cabinets in advance and have them ready for your contractor or for installation, you will save time during the actual remodeling project.
6. Use large stock cabinets to make a pantry instead of building a closet. This saves the time of knocking out wall, re-framing for the closet, hanging the drywall, etc. You might even find that you prefer the appearance of the matched cabinetry throughout your remodeled kitchen.
7. Reface instead of replacing your cabinets. If your existing cabinets are in reasonably good condition, have them refaced instead of replacing them. This will also save time. In some cases, the actual work can be done in a day.
8. Install a new countertop. A new countertop will make your remodeled kitchen look bright and clean. Your choice of countertop material could completely change the appearance of your kitchen.
9. Don't install a backsplash. If you are trying to remodel your kitchen faster, don't take the time to install or replace a backsplash. Tile installation takes some time to set and allow it to dry completely. If you are in a hurry, leave this for a weekend project at some point in the future.
10. If you are building a window seat, save construction time by installing stock cabinets as the base for the seat. You can easily find stock cabinets the right height for a seat. Just choose cabinets that match or complement your kitchen cabinets. Then you need only position the boards on top of the cabinets and add cushions.
These ten ideas can save time on your kitchen remodel. You will probably think of others as you begin planning your project. But you can make a good start with these ten things to do to remodel your kitchen faster.
Copyright 2008 by ABCD Publishing
Dan Fritschen, the author of this article, is the founder of the websites http://www.remodelormove.com and http://www.remodelestimates.com
He is the author of five books on home remodeling.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dan_Fritschen
Kitchen Remodeling
10 Things to Do to Remodel Your Kitchen Faster
Remodeling a kitchen can be a very big job. Depending on the extent of the remodeling project, remodeling a kitchen can take weeks or even months. There are, however, some things you can do to remodel your kitchen faster. The ten ideas listed below will get you started on ways to remodel your kitchen faster and still have a finished room that shows quality work and attention to details.
1. Work with the existing space if at all possible. Moving walls takes a great deal of time. It is also costly. If you are trying to update or remodel, try to think creatively about how you can make better use of the existing space. If you are trying to enlarge the kitchen, try to do so by moving or removing only one wall. This will reduce the amount of electrical work, as well as the amount of framing and drywall work necessary.
2. Don't move the sink. Moving plumbing also takes a great deal of time, and adds significant cost to your project. Even if you are replacing the sink, keeping it in the same location will save the time of rerouting pipes, which could also result in the need for work to replace flooring.
3. Don't move a gas line or gas appliances. Moving a gas line will take additional time in completing your kitchen remodel. In many localities, this will require the assistance of a professional. You will need to schedule this work and allow the time necessary to move the line and then make any necessary repairs to walls and flooring.
4. Choose standard-sized pre-built stock cabinets. These cabinets will probably be available for immediate pick-up or delivery, eliminating the wait for custom work and delivery. These stock cabinets will be ready to simply set in place and attach to walls or floor. This saves the assembly time required for special-order cabinets and the on-site construction time for custom cabinets.
5. If you choose custom or semi-custom cabinets, pitch in and assemble the cabinets yourself for your contractor. Assembling pre-cut cabinets is not terribly difficult if you have some do-it-yourself remodeling experience. Assembling cabinets takes time, however. If you can assemble the cabinets in advance and have them ready for your contractor or for installation, you will save time during the actual remodeling project.
6. Use large stock cabinets to make a pantry instead of building a closet. This saves the time of knocking out wall, re-framing for the closet, hanging the drywall, etc. You might even find that you prefer the appearance of the matched cabinetry throughout your remodeled kitchen.
7. Reface instead of replacing your cabinets. If your existing cabinets are in reasonably good condition, have them refaced instead of replacing them. This will also save time. In some cases, the actual work can be done in a day.
8. Install a new countertop. A new countertop will make your remodeled kitchen look bright and clean. Your choice of countertop material could completely change the appearance of your kitchen.
9. Don't install a backsplash. If you are trying to remodel your kitchen faster, don't take the time to install or replace a backsplash. Tile installation takes some time to set and allow it to dry completely. If you are in a hurry, leave this for a weekend project at some point in the future.
10. If you are building a window seat, save construction time by installing stock cabinets as the base for the seat. You can easily find stock cabinets the right height for a seat. Just choose cabinets that match or complement your kitchen cabinets. Then you need only position the boards on top of the cabinets and add cushions.
These ten ideas can save time on your kitchen remodel. You will probably think of others as you begin planning your project. But you can make a good start with these ten things to do to remodel your kitchen faster.
Copyright 2008 by ABCD Publishing
Dan Fritschen, the author of this article, is the founder of the websites http://www.remodelormove.com and http://www.remodelestimates.com
He is the author of five books on home remodeling.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dan_Fritschen
Kitchen Remodeling
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Kitchen Remodeling Tips For a Tight Budget
(Kitchen Remodeling)
One on always on the minds of homeowners is the value of their home, particularly ways to increase its resale value, and upgrading the bathroom and kitchen is the best way to accomplish that. People usually focus on the kitchen and bathroom when looking at a house, as well as any utility equipment like the heater and cooling system in place. Beyond these three areas, buyers often take the stance that there is nothing they can really fix to increase the value of their home. However, many homeowners never take steps to perform the needed upgrades due to the costs of kitchen remodeling.
When considering updating the kitchen, the easiest way to create a budget is to make a list of what you would like to see in your kitchen and what you would like to accomplish with the upgrade. Then review the list and determine which items are just nice extras and which are necessary. Establish a budget for the kitchen remodeling costs and price all items that have been marked as necessary and assess whether or not there is room in the budget for any of the extra things. Although you may have some grand ideas, your budget unfortunately may not permit all of them and it is important to start with the basics.
The best method for keeping kitchen remodeling costs down is to do make it a partial do-it-yourself (DIY) project. Yes, you can do some of the work on your own. In fact, some contractors will deduct money from the bill if the homeowner performs some of the labor for jobs such as tearing out wallboard or flooring. If the homeowner is willing and capable of performing this work, money previously designed for these areas of the budget can now be spent on the extras. However, be sure you know what this contractor will do if you do perform some of the work as not all contractors will make any adjustments to the bill regardless of how much work the owner performs.
Many kitchen surfaces may be in good enough condition to be renewed by refinishing which can save the costs of total replacement. Look closely at your current countertops and cabinet facings to determine whether or not you really need to replace the complete unit or if finishing the facings and top will be satisfactory. Tearing out cabinets is not only a messy project but also very costly. Many times the shelving and frames of the cabinets are in perfectly good condition. Removing, refinishing and even replacing the doors and handles can significantly cut back on the costs of kitchen remodeling leaving more room in the budget for some of your favorite extra ideas.
One area where kitchen remodeling costs may increase is flooring. Depending on the condition of the original floor, you may need to replace the sub-flooring. If not, you may be able to cut down on costs by simply placing a new sub-floor over the original floor but keep in mind that doors into the kitchen may need to be adjusted to allow for a better swing.
The columnist Eric Slarkowski is specifically interested in topics associated with parts of the kitchen. You can see his abstracts on kitchen cabinet colors and kitchen cabinets remodeling over at http://www.kitchen-cabinets-tips.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eric_J._Slarkowski
Kitchen Remodeling
One on always on the minds of homeowners is the value of their home, particularly ways to increase its resale value, and upgrading the bathroom and kitchen is the best way to accomplish that. People usually focus on the kitchen and bathroom when looking at a house, as well as any utility equipment like the heater and cooling system in place. Beyond these three areas, buyers often take the stance that there is nothing they can really fix to increase the value of their home. However, many homeowners never take steps to perform the needed upgrades due to the costs of kitchen remodeling.
When considering updating the kitchen, the easiest way to create a budget is to make a list of what you would like to see in your kitchen and what you would like to accomplish with the upgrade. Then review the list and determine which items are just nice extras and which are necessary. Establish a budget for the kitchen remodeling costs and price all items that have been marked as necessary and assess whether or not there is room in the budget for any of the extra things. Although you may have some grand ideas, your budget unfortunately may not permit all of them and it is important to start with the basics.
The best method for keeping kitchen remodeling costs down is to do make it a partial do-it-yourself (DIY) project. Yes, you can do some of the work on your own. In fact, some contractors will deduct money from the bill if the homeowner performs some of the labor for jobs such as tearing out wallboard or flooring. If the homeowner is willing and capable of performing this work, money previously designed for these areas of the budget can now be spent on the extras. However, be sure you know what this contractor will do if you do perform some of the work as not all contractors will make any adjustments to the bill regardless of how much work the owner performs.
Many kitchen surfaces may be in good enough condition to be renewed by refinishing which can save the costs of total replacement. Look closely at your current countertops and cabinet facings to determine whether or not you really need to replace the complete unit or if finishing the facings and top will be satisfactory. Tearing out cabinets is not only a messy project but also very costly. Many times the shelving and frames of the cabinets are in perfectly good condition. Removing, refinishing and even replacing the doors and handles can significantly cut back on the costs of kitchen remodeling leaving more room in the budget for some of your favorite extra ideas.
One area where kitchen remodeling costs may increase is flooring. Depending on the condition of the original floor, you may need to replace the sub-flooring. If not, you may be able to cut down on costs by simply placing a new sub-floor over the original floor but keep in mind that doors into the kitchen may need to be adjusted to allow for a better swing.
The columnist Eric Slarkowski is specifically interested in topics associated with parts of the kitchen. You can see his abstracts on kitchen cabinet colors and kitchen cabinets remodeling over at http://www.kitchen-cabinets-tips.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eric_J._Slarkowski
Kitchen Remodeling
Friday, October 17, 2008
Kitchen Remodeling:Small Kitchen Remodeling
Everybody wants to be a part of it... New York, New York. Being the major global city that it is, NYC has long since been accommodating the urban sprawl. The high costs of acquiring a house and lot brought forth the rise in smaller living units like condos and apartments. Staying in such, you would have to learn to live with limited space but it doesn't mean that you cannot make a home out of it. Of course you can, and you can start with the most frequented area by remodeling your small kitchen.
Small kitchen remodeling entails many things to consider. Aside from creating a more comfortable and better-looking area out if it, one of the other challenge is maximizing its functionality. Thinking of everything there is to do like selection of the right appliances, design and accessories may seem overwhelming. To ease the frustration of putting this task into action, here are several ideas to help you plan your small kitchen remodeling project:
• Ease in moving around is an important factor to incorporate in the design of your small kitchen remodeling plan. The 'work triangle' is a classic layout that the makes use of the three most utilized features in a kitchen: the refrigerator, sink and stove. This arrangement has long-since proved to help avoid people getting in each other's way, especially in the process of meal preparation. Other than this layout, another design technique that you can follow is to create more than one work center.
• Storage space should be maximized and this can be done by choosing the right features and appliances. If you have a large walk-in pantry, have it removed and install one with roll-out style having only one door. This way, you would save up on the floor space as the later style requires lesser. Another trick to use in small kitchen remodeling is to have your ovens and refrigerators incorporated into the bench tops or cabinets. Choose to have integrated drawers and sliding shelves to keep your pans, pots, cutleries, pantries, to spices. Having less clutter seen is one way to make the area seem much spacious. The elements to keep in mind when shopping for kitchen features like sinks and dishwashers is to choose those with compact size and modern style.
• Among the important considerations in small kitchen remodeling are the lighting and flooring. This two, when carefully planned could create wonders in adding up to the space. Lighting should be strategically laid out in such a way that shadows and excess heat is avoided. The flooring should complement the hues of the cabinets, thus making tiles and wood more ideal. You can also have heating installed underfloor to avoid bulky mounted heaters occupying more space.
To be able to come up with the best result, hire the right New York City contractor to do the small kitchen remodeling for you. All it takes, is ample time in researching and additional costs which in the end would surely prove beyond its value.
Eugene Makeev has been in the home improvement industry for a while. His skills and expertise, which have been polished through time, are now used to help New York home owners avoid the common pitfalls in home improvements by matching their needs with the right, prescreened Kitchen Remodeling Contractor New York To know more, visit New York Contractors
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eugene_Makeev
Kitchen Remodeling
Small kitchen remodeling entails many things to consider. Aside from creating a more comfortable and better-looking area out if it, one of the other challenge is maximizing its functionality. Thinking of everything there is to do like selection of the right appliances, design and accessories may seem overwhelming. To ease the frustration of putting this task into action, here are several ideas to help you plan your small kitchen remodeling project:
• Ease in moving around is an important factor to incorporate in the design of your small kitchen remodeling plan. The 'work triangle' is a classic layout that the makes use of the three most utilized features in a kitchen: the refrigerator, sink and stove. This arrangement has long-since proved to help avoid people getting in each other's way, especially in the process of meal preparation. Other than this layout, another design technique that you can follow is to create more than one work center.
• Storage space should be maximized and this can be done by choosing the right features and appliances. If you have a large walk-in pantry, have it removed and install one with roll-out style having only one door. This way, you would save up on the floor space as the later style requires lesser. Another trick to use in small kitchen remodeling is to have your ovens and refrigerators incorporated into the bench tops or cabinets. Choose to have integrated drawers and sliding shelves to keep your pans, pots, cutleries, pantries, to spices. Having less clutter seen is one way to make the area seem much spacious. The elements to keep in mind when shopping for kitchen features like sinks and dishwashers is to choose those with compact size and modern style.
• Among the important considerations in small kitchen remodeling are the lighting and flooring. This two, when carefully planned could create wonders in adding up to the space. Lighting should be strategically laid out in such a way that shadows and excess heat is avoided. The flooring should complement the hues of the cabinets, thus making tiles and wood more ideal. You can also have heating installed underfloor to avoid bulky mounted heaters occupying more space.
To be able to come up with the best result, hire the right New York City contractor to do the small kitchen remodeling for you. All it takes, is ample time in researching and additional costs which in the end would surely prove beyond its value.
Eugene Makeev has been in the home improvement industry for a while. His skills and expertise, which have been polished through time, are now used to help New York home owners avoid the common pitfalls in home improvements by matching their needs with the right, prescreened Kitchen Remodeling Contractor New York To know more, visit New York Contractors
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eugene_Makeev
Kitchen Remodeling
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