by Diane Plesset | Archive, Accessibility, Function, Safety, Sustainability, Technology, Additions and New Homes, Appliances and Plumbing, Bathrooms and Kitchens, Building and Remodeling Plans, Cabinets, Countertops, Lighting and Electrical, Tile |
Custom Kitchen Features Can (Will) Make a Big Difference!
Bespoke and artisanal are fancy buzz-words for “custom,” probably because the latter word has been overused to the point where custom-made anything is no longer special, in the same way that “full service” doesn’t have the same impact it once had. In past years, the only way to get custom kitchen features was to pay for custom cabinets. But things have changed, and many modular and custom-modular cabinet manufacturers offer customizable features for a reasonable investment. Some of the cabinet enhancements include: (more…)
by Diane Plesset | Archive, Accessibility, Function, Safety, Sustainability, Technology, Appliances and Plumbing, Bathrooms and Kitchens, Building and Remodeling Plans, Cabinets, Countertops, Lighting and Electrical, Tile |
Kitchen Islands Are Great, But There Are Other Alternatives, Too
Kitchen islands are the most frequently-requested features, according to statistics. The available space determines whether or not an island is appropriate. But there’s more than just space. Islands do affect the function of a kitchen, and should be carefully planned according to the individual family’s work-flow habits.
Space Considerations
To accommodate a kitchen island, there must be at minimum of 42″ between countertop edges (not cabinets), according to the National Kitchen & Bath Association guidelines. 48″ is preferred, especially if more than one person will be using the space simultaneously. How does this translate? To have an island, a kitchen must be at least 13′-6″ wall to wall in one direction:
4′-3″ (opposing cabinets with countertops) + 7′-0″ (42″ aisleways on both sides of the island) + 2′-3″ (narrow island with 1-1/2″ countertop overhangs) = 13′-6″
A standard kitchen sink or a cooking surface should not be placed in such a narrow island, for safety reasons. The narrow island is a good place for a smaller sink, a built-in microwave below the countertop, additional storage and food preparation countertop. (more…)
by Diane Plesset | Archive, Accessibility, Function, Safety, Sustainability, Technology, Appliances and Plumbing, Bathrooms and Kitchens, Building and Remodeling Plans |
Choose Kitchen Appliances First For Best Function
Why choose kitchen appliances first? It’s human nature to focus on cabinets and countertops, when you’re thinking about remodeling your kitchen, because you’re concerned about how the new kitchen will look, unless a high-priority item is a commercial cooktop or range and large hood as a focal point. This will ultimately lead to frustration, and possible expensive mistakes. You can avoid problems, if you select your appliances first (unless you’re including new doors and windows), then move on to other kitchen features. (more…)
by Diane Plesset | Archive, Accessibility, Function, Safety, Sustainability, Technology, Appliances and Plumbing, Bathrooms and Kitchens, Building and Remodeling Plans |
Bathroom Remodeling: Why Select Plumbing First?
Bathroom remodeling involves hundreds of decisions, and at least 100 steps in the process. Everything in your bathroom is placed around the plumbing. Locations of a shower, tub, toilet, and sinks are important to achieving ultimate safety and function — and a beautiful new bathroom. Here are some guidelines to help you: (more…)
by Diane Plesset | Archive, Accessibility, Function, Safety, Sustainability, Technology, Additions and New Homes, Bathrooms and Kitchens, Building and Remodeling Plans, D-I-Y and Problems, Remodeling Budget |
Have Remodeling Reality Shows Got You Frustrated Or Angry?
Remodeling reality shows can be fun, inspiring — and frustrating!
Misinformation Is Rampant!
Remodeling reality shows are still popular, despite the bad press they’ve received. I don’t know about how you feel, but it frustrates the heck out of me, because these programs spread misinformation to Homeowners. There’s a glut of home remodeling shows on several channels. Although they are fun to watch, they should be viewed as entertainment and not as serious “How-To” guidelines. There are several categories of misinformation that get my blood boiling:
• The time it takes to do a project
• Overall cost of the project — what consumers would pay for something similar
• Realistic cost of labor and materials — how much the Homeowners actually paid
• You’ll save a lot of money if you do the work yourself!
The Time It Takes To Do A Project
The audience has no way of knowing how much of the actual filmed project ended up on the editing room floor. This can cause serious problems for D-I-Yers and remodeling consumers who think that a bathroom can be remodeled in a week or less. A standard 5×8 bathroom remodeling project can take four to six weeks (or more), from demolition to completion. And the time frame they tell you doesn’t include the time required to make decisions or get permits before construction starts!
by Diane Plesset | Archive, Accessibility, Function, Safety, Sustainability, Technology, Appliances and Plumbing, Bathrooms and Kitchens, Building and Remodeling Plans, Cabinets, Contractors, Countertops, D-I-Y and Problems, Flooring, Lighting and Electrical, Remodeling Budget, Tile |
D-I-Y Kitchen Remodeling Success: Know What You Can Do and Cannot Do
D-I-Y Kitchen Remodeling required skill and patience.
D-I-Y kitchen remodeling was the last thing that Naomi wanted, but Michael was confident that he could be the general contractor. Like a lot of homeowners, they had been thinking about remodeling ever since they bought the home. Everything about the existing kitchen was dated: white laminate cabinets with continuous oak pulls, white laminate countertops, a dropped ceiling with fluorescent lighting. (more…)
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