Kitchen remodel usually takes from 1 week to 2 months are more. The remodel time depends on the material availability and contractor’s ability. Kitchen remodels start with demolition, then electrical, lights and plumbing updates, some wall modifications if requested. Next wall patching and sometimes painting (painting can be done at the very end of the remodel as well). Next cabinets are installed. Granite countertops go next. Appliances, flooring and other finishing touches follow. Below is some more information on the new model kitchen.
Kitchen Working Triangle
The University of Illinois developed the concept of the work triangle in the 1950s after they conducted a study to find the most sensible kitchen design for a four-person home. Researchers developed the kitchen triangle, connecting the critical three work areas in your kitchen – the sink, cooker and refrigerator.
Gallery Shape Kitchen Triangle (click for bigger image)
According to this theory the distance between the areas should be no less than 4′ (1.2m) and no larger than 9′(2.7m). The three sides of the triangle should total no more than 26′(7.9m).
L Shape Kitchen Triangle
However, in today’s homes full of conversions, extensions and open plan living, this rule is just too limiting. One set rule cannot compress or expand to suit the kitchens function for example, and doesn’t take into account clients needs or the individual space.
Peninusla / Island Kitchen Triangle
When I begin to design a kitchen space, I have the “work triangle” in mind to keep traffic in the workspace to a minimum. By choosing a focal or centre point such as the cooker or cooking area and arranging the other main work areas within an easy distance (one turn, or just a step or two away without any obstructions between them) you can design an adaptable space.
U Shape Kitchen Triangle
This creates an easy flow in the kitchen, for differing daily needs, working as efficiently when cooking for one as it is for an entire family.
Kitchen One Wall Alternative
If it seems impossible to create this triangle in your kitchen, due to layout or restrictions with your services etc, it is still possible to create an efficient design. Consider how you will use the kitchen, spacing the work areas out accordingly. Try not to let any traffic violate the flow of the kitchen, and consider a centre point to anchor the other work areas – such as an island (see diagram) which would still allow two people to work in the space without invading each others space.
Islands / Peninsulars
Bigger kitchens usually have peninsulas or islands. Sometimes even the bar. We’ve made beautiful designs where islands slowly becomes a bar where you can have your breakfast and lunch.
Islands pre-fab granite slabs usually come in 2 sizes – 8 ft by 3 ft or 8 ft by 4 ft. If you are planning to put in raw slab then you can get slabs much bigger size but please note that you would have to pay extra for bullnosing.
Some islands have sinks or cook tops on them. If you want to have such configuration, we will be happy to design your new kitchen keeping that in mind.
Peninsulas are connected to main kitchen but usually have bigger slab on top for more counter space that can be approached from 2 sides so it cost a bit more. Our estimator will provide you will a custom quote for that.
Countertops
Stone – Granite or Marble
Pros – Very durable, beautiful, easy to clean, good for pastry inserts within other types of countertops. We have them included into our All Inclusive kitchen remodeling package.
Cons – Expensive, must be sealed regularly to avoid looking dull, Marble stains more easily than Granite.
Ceramic Tile
Pros – Comes in a huge selection of colors, styles, patterns and textures. It’s durable, easy to clean, moisture and heat resistant, easy to install yourself, inexpensive and you can add a few expensive tiles to dress it up. Great for a complimenting backsplash with other types of countertops.
Cons – Grout can stain and look dingy even after cleaning, tiles can crack or chip.
Wood – Butcher Block
(Hard Rock Maple is Best, Red or White Oak or Beech are Good too.)
Pros – Warm, homey look, can be sanded, great for chopping, easy to maintain, great for a cutting board insert within another type of countertop.
Cons – Must be oiled regularly, hard to keep sanitary, shouldn’t be used next to sinks or near water because of staining and wood rot.
If you like us to manufacture your wood countertops, please us know.
Solid-Surface
(Think Corian®)
Pros – Durable, many colors, styles, and patterns to choose from. Sink and/or backsplash can be integrated. Easy to clean and touch up (with steel wool or sandpaper – check with manufacturer).
Cons – It’s fairly expensive, and won’t withstand heat.
Metal – Stainless Steel, Copper, Brass and Zinc
Pros – Stainless Steel is just that – stainless. Copper, Brass and Zinc are beautiful and unusual. Great for putting hot pans on. Great for backsplash, especially behind the cook top.
Cons – Expensive, aside from stainless, it can be hard to find, shows nicks and scratches.
Here is the link to great article and pictures of these countertops.
Here is the link to SpecialtyStainless.com, a company we have found with great pricing that manufactures and ships stainless steel countertops (at about $70/ Sq Ft) that you can use for your new kitchen.
Concrete
Pros – Can be colored or textured to create many looks. Tiles, shells, or other objects can be embedded for a unique look.
Cons – Expensive and must be installed by a professional.
Glass
Pros – used as a great combination of other countertops, see some pictures. Very easy to clean and no maintenance required.
Cons – Have to avoid dropping hammer or something heavy on top.
Laminate
(Think Formica®)
Pros – Cheap, easy to clean and maintain, multitudes of styles and colors, resists stains, easy to install yourself, readily available. It was used for rental apartments in 60th but Home Depot still sells those.
Cons – Hot pans burn it, knives cut through it, can’t be repaired.
Lavastone
Pros – Resists water damage and scratching, you can put hot pots on it.
Cons – Very expensive and hard to find.
Kitchen Flooring, Lights and Painting
Kitchen Flooring
When it comes to flooring, we recommend tile in the kitchen. Tile can be regular 12×12 inches or fancy travertine. You can also go with granite tile to match the granite countertops but it is a bit more expensive and a bit more slippery. If you need a nice design or a pattern on the floor we can happily accommodate you for a bit extra.
Laminate floors are next recommended floor for the kitchen. They are very water resistant and very tough. If you have hardwood floors throughout the house and you want that seamless look then hardwood floors can also be installed but remember you have to be a little careful with water and always wipe off the spills especially if you have solid hardwood floor. For Instant flooring calculator and prices please visit our Flooring section.
Kitchen Lighting
There are always multiple lights recommended for the kitchen.
For the ceiling it is best to have recess lights above cabinets and some in the center. Recess lights have to be about 4 ft apart to provide sufficient kitchen lighting.
Under cabinet lights are recommended for some fancier kitchens but they are so practical that we really recommend them. They come in fluorescent, xenon and others. It is best to go to your local home improvement or lamp store and buy the ones that you like and we will be happy to install them.
If you have 10ft or more ceiling then over-cabinet lights look great too.
If you decide to have glass cabinet doors in the kitchen, inside-cabinet lights are recommended but we suggest to get glass shelves then.
We charge about $150 per each recess, fixture or under-cabinet light and $150 for each new light switch.
Kitchen Wall Painting
Remember, always paint the kitchen with SEMI-GLOSS paint. That way you will not damage the walls with grease and protect the paint for years to come.
Kitchens usually don’t need accent walls. Simply choose a color that is a few shades lighter than cabinets and your kitchen will look great. If you want the cabinets to really stand out instead and they are light color, then use a contrast color.
Please let our estimator know if you need a quote on the painting. You can always paint yourself if you have some skills and a free weekend. It is recomended to paint the kitchen once remodeling is done although it is not necessary unless you change configuration of cabinets or some walls were removed/moved.
Kitchen Ventilation
Kitchen ventilation is VERY important unless you want your house to smell like food every day. If you don’t have the draft in the kitchen we will be happy to install one for you.
When choosing a hood, please remember that $300 ones are for looks only. If you need the hood that really works, it starts at $900.