Five Signs You Need to Remodel Your Kitchen

Some homeowners make a decision to remodel or renovate after years of deliberation. For others, the decision is relatively spontaneous. In both cases, a certain event usually inspires the final decision: a windfall of money; a change in lifestyle; or, perhaps, a structural issue that needs immediate attention.

At MKBD, we're happy to educate our clients about all aspects of the remodeling process. (This blog is a perfect example). However, we do appreciate deliberative clients. Whatever the instigating "event," deliberative homeowners often enjoy an easier remodel. In remodeling, of course, studious planning translates to success. 

While "deliberating" is not the same as "planning," homeowners who have thought about remodeling for some time usually come to the design table equipped with knowledge and studious opinions. 

On other hand, some clients come to the design table with problems that need immediate attention. Often, these clients have ignored the slow deterioration of their kitchen--and then, suddenly, the deterioration hits a peak! 

To avoid this unhappy circumstance, we suggest looking out for possible signs that you will want or need a remodeling project soon. 

Five Signs You Need to Remodel 

Old Appliances

Old appliances offer a clue to the general condition of the kitchen. If the appliances are old, the floors, cabinets, and countertops are likely old, too. As a cue, then, old appliances are simply one easy-to-discern sign of an outdated kitchen. 

But outdated appliances don't merely look old; they act old. Do you have an old, noisy refrigerator? Well, noise is the least of your problems. An aging refrigerator wastes excessive energy while providing lackluster service.

The same is true of most outdated appliances, including your oven, dishwasher, and microwave. New, energy-efficient (Energy Star) models can provide substantial savings in energy while offering a new, refreshing level of functionality (no more spoiled veggies).

Ahh, new appliances. In this MKBD project, the new refrigerator and Bosch double oven provided a new level of functionality--and pleasure.

Improperly Grounded Outlets

In older kitchens, improperly grounded outlets pose a safety (and efficiency) concern. Unfortunately, many homeowners are not able to easily discern this potential problem.

To test your outlet, purchase a circuit tester or a multimeter set to an AC voltage appropriate for your outlet. You want to make sure, too, that all wall outlets are equipped with GFCI outlet protection. To ensure safety, you need one GFCI outlet as the first outlet of a branch--the outlet closest to the breaker.

At MKBD, we can easily address any electrical safety concerns. Give us a call: 215-355-4747.

Like old appliances, improperly grounded outlets are clues to the general condition of the kitchen: if they're old, the kitchen is likely old.

Old Floors

Your kitchen floor is the literal and figurative foundation of your kitchen. Cracked tiles or warped floor board will effect not only the function of your kitchen but the aesthetic appeal of the space.

Like improperly grounded outlets, old floors can present safety concerns, like slips and falls. On the other hand, old floors also pose aesthetic concerns; in a word, their ugly.

A new kitchen floor can be one a beautiful and enduring investments. For the kitchen area, especially, new floors provide a new "foundation" to build upon.

In this Bucks County-area project, hardwood floors replaced old cracked tiles--the result is a safe, beautiful, and durable new floor. 

Old Style

While not necessarily a functional concern, old style can compromise your well-being. A frumpy, old kitchen with outdated cabinets and old, dull paint does not necessarily send an enticing welcome. Does our kitchen bore you? Do your elements feel frumpy?

In recent years, manufacturers have developed new, intriguing materials for your countertops. Over time, tastes in paint color change. Old floors might speak of a different era. All of these style problems can be addressed by a remodeling project.

When you update your style, you inject new life into a space.

Old Design

Today's kitchen often function as the center of family activity, a place to meet and eat. Current designs promote this function, opening the space, and often combining dining and cooking areas.

An older design might feel cramped in comparison. If you find yourself avoiding your kitchen, you're probably not simply avoiding of cooking and cleaning--you're avoiding the claustrophobia of your outdated design.

 In this Bucks County MKBD project--the open floor plan created a dynamic space to cook and eat.

FREE In-Home Remodeling Estimate!

If you have any questions about your next kitchen remodeling project, please feel free to call MKBD for an individualized consultation. Let's talk budget and more! Call now! 215-355-4747.

Better yet, check out our Free In-Home Remodeling Estimate on this very blog!

Kitchen Remodeling: Learning the Basics

In the world of kitchen remodeling, mistakes are often the result of poor planning or poor communication. Ideally, you will work with a kitchen remodeling company who understands your personality and unique needs. Ideally, you and your kitchen designer will see eye-to-eye on the crucial layout questions. Ideally, your remodeling staff will be courteous and clean.

By easing communication, a great kitchen remodeling company can limit the stress of the experience. Who knows, with the right company, you might even find the entire experience--from planning to demolition to the actual remodeling--pleasurable.

On the other hand, the wrong remodeling company can increase the stress of the experience. And by "wrong" we simply we mean a remodeling company that does not communicate well. Often, the results of poor communication are not obvious until the work is complete. You told your designer you wanted  to ease traffic flow in your kitchen; in practice, however, you find yourself continually bumping into your spouse. You thought you chose a certain specific stain for your cabinets, but upon completion you dislike the color--and maybe even the cabinets, too! 

Of course, communication is a two-way street. The first key is finding an intelligent, thoughtful, and communicative remodeling company. The second key is articulating your vision as precisely as possible.

Every detail in this MKBD project, from the built-in warming drawer to high-grade kitchen hardware, is a precise articulation of the client's vision. Warm wall colors complement the glazed maple cabinets and pink granite countertops. Red exotic hardwood floors provide the  luxury the client desired. 
  

The problem many homeowners face is the vision itself. So many people just don't have enough experience to understand the ins-and-outs of kitchen remodeling--and the potential pitfalls. The best solution? Learn as much as possible. 

The Internet is a great place to research answers--you just have to be careful about the source. Make sure the information is coming from a professional. Better to seek This Old House than some remodeling forum rife with "horror stories." 

Our blog, Kitchen and Bathroom Remodeling Tips and Tricks, is full of informative articles. To get started, check out our kitchen remodeling articles. Or better yet, get specific: learn a little bit about each topic below and you'll be on your way to a successful experience. 

Learn Kitchen Design

Perhaps the most important element of any kitchen remodeling project is the design itself. To acquaint yourself with the basics of kitchen design, you might perform a basic Google search for "kitchen design"--or better yet, "kitchen layout." Kitchen "design" and "layout" refer to basically the same idea: the architectural plan for your space; but "layout" is, perhaps, a better layman's term for the novice.

In researching layouts, look for the information that makes most sense to you. Some people are visually-minded, and can easily "see" the way they want their kitchen to look. If this is you, do not let yourself be distracted by tired notions of the "kitchen triangle." Today's kitchens emphasize new traffic patterns. Allow yourself to visualize your perfect kitchen--you can always refine that vision with your remodeling company.

Others might find it hard to visualize the space. If this is true for you, try to define exactly how you would like to use your kitchen. Would you like your kitchen to be an entertainment hub? Are you a serious cook?

Read Kitchen Remodeling Tips for the Serious Cook I and II.

Read Kitchen Design for Entertaining.

In you know you're the entertaining type, articulate this idea to your remodeling company up-front. In this MKBD remodeling wonder, the kitchen island doubles as a table, perfect for entertaining.

Learn About Kitchen Cabinet Materials

You might think kitchen cabinets are pretty straightforward. Well, they're not, so a little knowledge goes a long way. Instead of wasting your time learning about specs and design, though, learn about colors and materials. If you can articulate the type of cabinet you want, your remodeling company will be able to guide you through the more arcane design and installation decisions.

Read: Kitchen Cabinet Materials: Learn What's Best for Your Kitchen Remodeling Project.


Learn About Kitchen Floor Materials: Tile and Wood

Like kitchen cabinets, a lot of the information about kitchen floor installation and design can seem arcane. On the other hand, the choices for kitchen flooring are enough to make your head spin. We suggest learning about the basics: tile and wood. A majority of homeowners will choose one of these two materials. If neither suit your vision, then by all means, research other options.

Read: Wood Floors & Cabinets: A Kitchen Remodeling Lookbook.

In this Glenside project, the customer knew the exact material and stain they preferred: Brazilian redwood, stained a lovely cherry red. 

Learn About Kitchen Appliances

Here's where most people go overboard. It's not necessary to research every last model of oven on the Internet, but it is important to have a working knowledge of brands. Try to figure out an appliance budget, and do not allow yourself to research appliances that go over budget. This is a common mistake that has sidetracked many an industrious homeowner.

Read: How to Choose the Best Oven.


FREE In-Home Remodeling Estimate

If you have any questions about your next remodeling project, please feel free to call MKBD for an individualized consultation. Let's talk the kitchen backsplash and more! Call now! 215-355-4747. Better yet, check out our Free In-Home Remodeling Estimate on this very blog!

The Wow-Factor: A Kitchen Remodeling Lookbook

Last week, in our first post of 2015, "A Kitchen Renewal Guide for the New Year," we asked, "What changes would you like to see?" You might want to exercise or eat more kale--but obviously these aren't the type of changes we're talking about!

What changes would you like to see in your kitchen? If you're thinking about a kitchen remodeling project, now is the time to begin exploring your options.

Many homeowners begin, simply, by looking for inspiration. You'll find plenty of gorgeous pictures (and practical advice) on sites like Pinterest, Houzz, or HGTV. Others begin by looking at kitchen showrooms. Some look at appliances.

Whatever your style, it's important to remember: a remodeling project is a major undertaking! Do not worry if you find yourself in the exploration stage for months. Some homeowners come to MKBD only after a year or more of exploration.

To facilitate your exploration, MKBD posts occasional "Kitchen Lookbooks" with photos and details from our prior projects. In November, we focused on wooden floors and cabinets. Today, with a nod to BIG changes, we're talking WOW factor--those kitchen upgrades that turn heads, that astonish, that illicit a genuine, "Wow!"

Wow! A fireplace in the kitchen? Why not?

The Single Luxurious Element

A kitchen upgrade is pointless unless it makes your life easier. At MKBD, we understand this simple fact: before luxury, a kitchen must be practical and functional. "Utility first" is the mantra of all good home remodeling companies.

But a kitchen does not have to be merely utilitarian. The addition of a single luxurious element (like the fireplace above) can transform your kitchen, elevating the feeling of the space from practical to magical.

And yet, we must say: a luxurious upgrade can be every bit as practical as, say, new cabinets. The fireplace in this MKBD project projects a warmth and vitality that invites relaxation--and we all need a little extra relaxation. In the winter, too, the fireplace provides a good source of warmth. Finally, a unique luxury upgrade can increase your home’s value. The wow-factor  can certainly entice potential buyers.

In this MKBD project the luxurious fireplace is seamlessly integrated into an otherwise elegant kitchen. This is important: you want to make sure your luxurious element complements your kitchen design.

Luxurious Cabinetry

At MKBD, we're big on cabinetry. In fact, we believe all of our custom cabinetry deserves a "wow!" In the Shaker-inspired MKBD project below, however, custom cabinetry is employed in a unique way. This simple yet elegant custom pantry presents two solid doors of sturdy cherry cabinetry that open to a practical walk-in pantry.

An MKBD custom-built pantry

The wow-factor here is the inventive cabinetry design that is seamlessly integrated across the kitchen to create a thematic feeling--in this case, a Shaker feeling. Following the spirit of the Shakers, the "wow" is subdued and elegant.

The timeless simplicity of the Shakers blended with a modern sensibility creates a space with natural materials, clean simple, lines, and a warm brown palette.

A Luxury Cook-Top

A luxury range is the quintessential combination of luxury meets utility. At MKBD, we advocate a wide variety of cook-tops with varying prices, but truly, the ranges that perform the best just happen to be those that look the best.

In this MKBD project, this workhorse Wolf range, replete with five burners, is the centerpiece of an otherwise elegant kitchen design

A luxury cook-top is a nod to the chef. In this MKBD project, the Wolf range provides a spot of "wow" in a sea of cherry cabinetry.

FREE In-Home Remodeling Estimate

Many homeowners choose to call a remodeling company at the very beginning of the exploration process. We believe this is the best option--and not simply because we are a remodeling company!

A remodeling company can guide you in your exploration, saving you time. A home remodeling company can also help you set reasonable parameters for your project. How long might the project take to complete? What are the best materials for your lifestyle? And how about the cost?

At MKBD, we offer a FREE In-Home Remodeling Estimate

If you have any questions about your next kitchen remodeling project, please feel free to call MKBD for an individualized consultation. Let's talk budget and more! Call now! 215-355-4747.

Better yet, check out our Free In-Home Remodeling Estimate on this very blog!

A Kitchen Renewal Guide for the New Year

Despite the cold, lifeless weather, the New Year often inspires homeowners with a sense of renewal. In the first weeks of January, as the frantic holiday hungover subsides, many homeowners find solace in cleaning and organizing.

At MKBD, we think the New Year is a perfect time to think about your next remodeling project. Once the Christmas tree and holiday decorations have been packed away, you can view your space anew, with fresh eyes. What changes would you like to see? Now is the time to start planning for a spring or summertime remodeling project.

Yet you don't have to wait until the weather warms to make improvements. Today, in the spirit of renewal, we're thinking about simple improvements that can improve the look and feel of any home--and we're starting with the busiest room in the house: the kitchen!

Beyond building an actual addition to your home, a kitchen remodeling project can be one of the more expensive of all remodeling projects. Yet the space itself is also amenable to minor projects that can make a major difference.

A simple coat of paint can transform the kitchen ambiance. Cabinets can be refinished, restoring the original luster. An oven refacing just might reinvigorate your passion for cooking.

So check out our Kitchen Renewal Guide (below) for some simple projects, from DIY to professional. 

Touch-Up Nicked Surfaces 

No matter how careful you might be, your cabinets (or walls) bound to suffer a few scratches or nicks. The damage might be minor, but seeing the same blemish day after day just might compromise your enjoyment of your kitchen. Instead of fretting about it for an entire season, why not perform a simple touch-up now? A good touch-up can make most scratches or nicks disappear.

A touch-up is a simple DIY project. Before you buy a touch-up kit or break out the paint, however, make an honest assessment of the damage. If you're not confident of your skills, or you feel that the damage is more than a scratch or nick, call a professional.

A Fresh Coat of Paint

A step up from a touch-up, a fresh coat of paint can work wonders for your kitchen, enlivening the space with clean color. You might choose to simply re-paint your walls or choose an entirely new color.

In this MKBD project, freshly painted creme cabinets are playfully offset by the muted yellow walls: an invigorating combination for the New Year.

A paint job can be a DIY project, but if you're pressed for time or simply not confident in your skills, a paint job can be capably and quickly performed by a professional home remodeling company like MKBD.

Refinish Your Cabinets

Of all kitchen elements, the cabinets often see the most abuse. Be honest, how gently do you open and close your cabinets? For most of us, the answer is: not so gently at all! Add to the wear and tear the greasy residue of kitchen smoke and it might not take too long for your cabinets to show their age.

Happily, kitchen cabinets can be easily restored with a little stain or paint.

Again, this work is relatively simple, and for many it's a perfect DIY project. You just want to make sure that you allot and appropriate amount of time. If you plan to stain your cabinets, make sure you remove the old finish with paint remover, sand the surface smooth, and use a wood filler to repair any nicks. If you plan to use paint, the process is essentially the same. Just make sure you choose an appropriate color that will match the rest of your kitchen's palette.

New wood cabinets, like these cherry cabinets, offer a dramatic presentation. After a few years of wear and tear, however, they might be in need of a simple refinishing.

If the work of staining or painting your cabinets sounds like too much, of course you can call the professionals. This is routine work for a home remodeling company like MKBD.

An Appliance Makeover

Many homeowners mistakenly assume that appliances that have lost their luster should be replaced with something new and shiny. This is not true at all! As long as your appliances are in good working order, they're perfect candidates for a refacing or simple paint job.

Many appliances come equipped with a stainless steel (or, sometimes, wood) face panel that can be easily restored. Your best bet is to contact the manufacturer. If you're appliance does not have a face panel that can be restored, you can install a custom-built panel or trim. Check out Kitchen Source for a few options. Refacing is a relatively straightforward DIY job.

Another option might require the help of a professional, but is still relatively simple and inexpensive. Some appliances can take a new coat of paint from an appliance refinisher. Just Google "Appliance Refinishing" for your local area.

A brand new stovetop gleams. Once it loses its luster, you might think about refinishing.

FREE In-Home Remodeling Estimate!

If you have any questions about your next kitchen remodeling project, please feel free to call MKBD for an individualized consultation. Let's talk budget and more! Call now! 215-355-4747.

Better yet, check out our Free In-Home Remodeling Estimate on this very blog!

How to Choose the Best Oven

In last week's post, detailing how to choose the best cooking range, we made a distinction between ranges and ovens:

The oven is the enclosed cooking unit used for baking, roasting, or broiling.The range rests atop the oven (or on the counter), and includes your burners. The range is for boiling, sautéing, or pan-frying. The range might also be called the cooktop or stovetop.

Most homeowners buy a combination oven and range--a duo that some manufacturers call a stove or (confusingly) an oven. Yet many homeowners buy a separate oven and range, and install the separate units in different parts of the kitchen. At MKBD, we promote this approach, when feasible, as it creates two separate work stations, easing traffic flow in a busy kitchen.

Beyond these considerations, for the purposes of shopping, we prefer to analyze the oven and range as separate units (even when they will be purchased as one unit). In this way, a homeowner can focus acutely on the elements he/she wants or needs for each unit. In reality, although the units are often combined, both perform different functions. By clarifying your needs for each respectively, you will be equipped to make the best decision to suit your family's cooking lifestyle.

If you missed our post on ranges, you can read it here. Today we will discuss ovens!

In this stunning MKBD project, the homeowner installed two separate oven units, a single and a double (apart from the range) to accommodate some serious baking. Thanksgiving, anyone?!

How to Choose a Good Oven

As we noted last week in our discussion of ranges, your first oven-buying consideration should be space. In most smaller kitchens, your choice will be limited to a combination range and oven. However, if you have more space, or a unique design amenable to separate units, you can, indeed, buy a separate oven and range.

Beyond generally thinking about kitchen space and design, you will also need to think about the specific space available for your oven. If you're performing a full kitchen remodeling project with an entirely new design, you should be able to define this size yourself. If you're replacing an oven for an older kitchen, you'll likely need to break out the measuring tape to ensure that your new oven will accommodate your current layout.

Once you've figured out your general and specific space requirements, research the available oven types:

Of the available combination units, a freestanding oven stands alone, usually at the end of a cabinet. A freestanding range can also fit between cabinets.

For a perfect cabinet fit, however, a slide-in or drop in-oven might be best.

A slide-in oven will fit seamlessly between cabinets, yet its contoured sides help to ensure that the elevated cooktop will rest above the cabinets.

A drop-in oven will look similar to slide-ins but will be made to look custom fit to the cabinetry. If you're installing a unit into an older kitchen design you might need to modify the cabinets. A drop-in is distinguished by a drawer at the bottom of the oven for storing pots and pans.

Another option is a separate wall oven, which is placed at waist or eye level. Wall ovens are sold as single or double units (the image above displays both!), and come in standard widths of 24", 27", 30", or 36".

In this MKBD project, a drop-in oven is made to custom fit the cabinetry. Note the distinctive detail: the drawer at the bottom of the oven. 

Gas or Electric

As we noted last week, depending upon your available fuel source, the choice between a gas or electric stove might've already been made for you.

If you do have a choice, though, let your cooking preferences guide you.

First things first: Chefs might prefer gas ranges, but bakers typically prefer electric ovens. Pro-electric bakers will tell you that electric ovens distribute heat more evenly and that electric ovens reliably produce dry heat, which is crucial for browning both baked good and roasts.

We tend to agree with this view. So if you're a baker, and you're buying a separate oven, your best choice will probably be electric. If you're buying a combination range and oven, choose the fuel source that is most amenable to your cooking style.

If you cook most of your food on the range, you might do better with a gas unit; if you cook most of your food in the oven, an electric unit might be best. Another option is a combination gas and electric, a "dual fuel" stove. A dual fuel unit might be more expensive, but it offers the best of both worlds.

For this Philadelphia-area MKBD project, the homeowner installed a combination gas oven and range and a separate electric oven for baking. Now you're talking!

Convection or Regular? 

Beloved by cooks, a “convection” oven cooks food more evenly, in less time, and with a nice brown crust. A regular oven produces heat only from the heating units. The addition of a fan allows a convection oven to blow hot air around the food.

Convection is the key to crispy pie crust and crackling roast beef. Better yet--at least for the harried homeowner--a convection oven can reduce cooking time for most recipes by 25%.

Despite the advantages, even though this option is widely-available, many homeowners choose a regular unit. At MKBD, we advocate convection ovens to most homeowners. A convection oven might require a little trial and error, but once you learn the ins-and-outs, you'll never go back to regular!

***

FREE In-Home Remodeling Estimate!

If you have any questions about your next kitchen remodeling project, please feel free to call MKBD for an individualized consultation. Let's talk budget and more! Call now! 215-355-4747.

Better yet, check out our Free In-Home Remodeling Estimate on this very blog!

Kitchen Remodeling Tips for the Serious Home Cook: Part One

At MKBD, we work with a variety of client tastes. Some homeowners want purely stylish kitchens with beautiful amenities like hardwood cabinets and granite countertops. Other homeowners simply want a basic space suitable for a busy family, with just enough storage and work space to be efficient and economical.

Of course, for MKBD, each family and each unique preference deserves a special attentiveness. Yet, in our experience, no preference requires as much attentiveness as the demands of a serious home cook.

A serious home cook's kitchen must be easy-to-navigate and easy-to-clean. The serious cook requires plenty of counter and storage space. Of course, most cooks enjoy company, but when space is a premium, the serious cook also demands efficiency. Yet, efficiency is not the only goal. The serious cook rarely skimps on quality or beauty.

Perhaps most importantly: the serious cook's kitchen must make him/her feel happy. After all, they'll likely be spending a lot of time in the space.

If you’re a serious home cook, or live with a serious home cook, and you’re considering a kitchen remodeling project, you'll want to read our first installment of Kitchen Remodeling Tips for the Serious Home Cook. And remember, if you have any questions about your next kitchen remodeling project, please feel free to call MKBD for an individualized consultation. MKBD is currently offering a FREE Kitchen remodeling estimate, FREE design, and FREE custom layout to all new customers.

Let's talk cooking and more!

Call now! 215-355-4747 or visit us online at www.masterkitchendesign.com.

Many cooks believe that a perfect work triangle--like this MKBD-exclusive professional kitchen-style project--is a design must.

A Kitchen Layout for the Cook

By far, the most important element of a cook-friendly kitchen design is the layout. So if you're working with a professional remodeling company or kitchen designer make sure you express your needs clearly. Ideally, you want the efficiency of a professional kitchen scaled down to your available space.

Professional kitchen are organized around the concept of the work triangle: the three-point work station, from the range, to the refrigerator and/or pantry, to the sink, and back to the range. Many cooks believe the work triangle is a must as it segregates the three functions of kitchen work: cooking, storage, and cleaning. However, as we've noted before, kitchens.com disputes this doctrine:

"The work triangle isn't without its flaws though...It assumes that a kitchen will only have three major work stations and one person cooking. As kitchens grow in size, and feature more than three workspaces, the regular work triangle isn't always practical. And in many households today, two or more people share cooking duties. Because of these issues, designers do not always play by the triangle's rules when it comes to drafting kitchen plans."

Your kitchen layout, then, will be largely defined by size and the number of cooks. If you have one serious cook and limited space, we suggest a design with a traditional work triangle. If you have more cooks or space, however, you might choose to add additional work spaces for preparation and/or cooking.

A gas range is a must for the serious home cook. In this Philadelphia MKBD project, the client demanded only professional-grade appliances, and this range certainly fits the bill!

Kitchen Appliances for the Cook

A cook-friendly kitchen design is a must, but most cooks get really excited about the appliances, especially the range. Obviously, ranges come in a variety of price levels with a seemingly infinite number of options, but for the serious cook the most important option is the energy source.

Any cook worth his/her salt will tell you this simple truth: gas is preferable to electric. You'll want to look for sealed burners, cast-iron grates, and easy ignition controls. And keep it simple. A true cook doesn't really need extra features--all he or she really needs is a reliable flame with steady temperature control--the true advantage of a gas range. 

Many serious home cooks opt for separate ovens with convection option for perfect, even baking. Look for an ample oven space with easy-to-remove grates and a powerful broiler with 3000+ watts of power.

A quality refrigerator is not only the provenance of the serious cook--homeowners across the country demand refrigerators with abundant storage space.However, remember, larger is not always better. A refrigerator might take precious countertop space, and if you have a small family, you simply might not need a large refrigerator. And don't waste your money on a built-in unit. A free-standing model will be deeper, which can be helpful when the holidays roll around and you need a place to store your brined turkey!

Finally, a cook's dishwasher merely needs to perform its function--and stay out of the way! Serious cooks should opt for better ranges and basic dishwashers, although it's nice to have cleaning options for heavy duty jobs like pots and pans. 

Ample cabinet space is a must--especially for smaller kitchens like this Center City MKBD project.

Cabinets for the Cook

Serious home cooks, by nature, need more storage space for the tools of the trade. The cook will have more pots and pans, more ingredients, and more seemingly obscure gadgets, like potato ricers or food mills. (Please don't tell your home cook that we called the potato ricer and food mill obscure!)

Choose simple closed cabinets with deep shelves for storing larger plates and bowls. Skip the ornate patterns that might prove hard to clean; ditto decorative hardware. Install adjustable shelves. And for the most efficient use of space, build your cabinets all the way to the ceiling.

Your choice of material should be guided by efficiency and durability. For an in-depth look at some of the most popular cabinet materials, please read "Kitchen Cabinet Materials: Learn What's Best for Your Kitchen Remodeling Project."

***

Want more remodeling tips for the serious home cook. Stay tuned next week for our next installment of Kitchen Remodeling Tips for the Serious Home Cook!

 FREE In-Home Remodeling Estimate!

If you have any questions about your next kitchen remodeling project, please feel free to call MKBD for an individualized consultation. Let's talk budget and more! Call now! 215-355-4747.

Better yet, check out our Free In-Home Remodeling Estimate on this very blog!

DIY or Professional? When it Pays to Pay a Pro

For many homeowners the cost of a kitchen remodeling project is prohibitive. As we've noted before, remodeling projects nationwide range from a relatively "minor" investment of $18,856 to a "major" investment of $54,909. A homeowner can expect to pay 10-25% of a home’s value for a high-quality kitchen remodeling project.

To cut costs, many homeowners choose to perform DIY renovations. In theory, a DIY renovation is a fabulous idea: a thrifty and handy homemaker can make a lasting kitchen upgrade at a fraction of the cost. If you possess professional skills and an abundance of free time, a DIY project might be your best choice.

Most DIY homeowners understand that kitchen renovation work is laborious and time-consuming. However, many DIY homeowners neglect the importance of technical expertise--the DIY craze has convinced many homeowners that renovation is as simple as following "Five Simple Steps to a New Kitchen Floor."

In fact, renovation is not as easy as "Five Simple Steps..." Blood, sweat, and tears can only get you so far. Without a great deal of technical know-how you're DIY project might be doomed from the start.

At MKBD, we've talked to many homeowners who have started DIY projects only to abandon the work halfway through. Most of these homeowners are determined and capable, yet they lack the technical know-how to solve unexpected problems.

We've seen crucial design mistakes, cut power lines, and water pipes spewing water. And all of this costs money--the precious money the DIY homeowner hopes to save!

Some DIY jobs are easily accomplished and some are best left to to the professionals.  To save you some hassle, we've compiled some simple tips below. Hopefully, these tips will help you save some money by answering a simple question: Should I DIY or call a professional?

DIY or Professional?

Kitchen Cabinets

The work of building and installing new kitchen cabinets is best left to professionals. Here (from the National Kitchen and Bath Association) is just one example of the technical expertise required to properly install kitchen cabinets:

"Once the base kitchen cabinets are lined up and connected, your contractor will be able to tell what kind of "shimming" may be needed on the walls and floor. A shim is a narrow wedge of wood that works much like a matchbook placed under the leg of a wobbly table in a restaurant. If your floors or walls are at all ‘wavy,’ as is the case in many older homes, shimming will be necessary."

Does this make sense to you? If not, make sure you call the pros. 

However, you can easily perform your own kitchen makeover by simply painting your old cabinets. Just prepare yourself for some hefty lifting. Each cabinet must be removed before painting. Then, once you’ve removed the cabinets, clean each cabinet with a sponge and soapy water. Next, sand the cabinets, then apply your primer. When the primer is dry, paint the cabinets with several coats of your new color, allowing the cabinets to dry after each coat.

 

For this Main Line project, MKBD created custom-made maple kitchen cabinets

Kitchen Floors

While the installation of a new kitchen floor does require some technical know-how, the biggest investment is sweat equity. If you want to install your own kitchen floors, prepared to work! Ripping up old flooring requires tremendous amounts of time and effort.

Thankfully, you can cover a kitchen floor with as many as three layers of new flooring before any removal is required. Just ensure that the new installation covers a smooth, clean surface. And remember to clean and vacuum your old kitchen floor thoroughly; any debris might later appear through the surface and damage your new floor.

And, of course, before you begin, make sure you get a precise measurement of your square footage. You don't want to purchase more flooring material than you need!

The verdict? If you're ready to work hard, and you can simply cover your old floor with a new layer, a DIY floor installation might be reasonable.

However, if you must rip up your old flooring, or if you want to install a specialized floor material like ceramic tiles or wood, we suggest contacting a professional.

In this North Wales, PA project, MKBD installed butterscotch wood floors. Wood floors are best left to the pros.

Install Appliances

The installation of a new appliance is rarely as simple as plugging the appliance into an outlet.It should go without saying that any electrical or plumbing work should be performed by a professional.

Electrical outlets should be properly grounded and installed according to code. And believe it or not, plumbing is often the most complicated element of a renovation. Just ask DIY Advice:

"Plumbing is the most complicated aspect of most bathroom and kitchen remodeling projects. Plumbing must conform to building codes to prevent dangerous and unhealthy conditions. The National Uniform Plumbing Code applies generally to the entire country.

You also must follow local codes, which may be more stringent. When planning your project request information about local plumbing codes from your local building department. Have the plans approved before starting work and perform all work to the satisfaction of the inspector. Draw a detailed plan that includes a list of all materials."

For these reasons, MKBD suggests leaving the installation of appliances to the professionals.

***

FREE Kitchen Appliances with any Full Kitchen Remodeling Project 

At MKBD, we partner with our customers to provide competitive prices. And now, for a limited time, we’re leveraging our buying power to offer you a tremendous deal: FREE kitchen appliances with a full kitchen remodeling!

To qualify for this offer, you simply have to schedule a FREE, no obligation kitchen design consultation—a value in itself! During our brief consultation, we will help you draft the kitchen design and layout of your dreams. Best yet, all consultations include a FREE, no obligation estimate. Call now to take advantage of this limited time offer: 215-355-474.

MKBD Exclusive: FREE Appliances with Your Kitchen Remodeling Project

A kitchen remodeling project is a serious investment. According to the nationally respected site, Remodeling, remodeling projects nationwide range from a relatively "minor" investment of $18,856 to a "major" investment of $54,909. In general, a homeowner can expect to pay 10-25% of a home’s value for a high-quality kitchen remodeling project.

If you're working on a strict budget, accounting for all the elements—cabinets, floors, countertops, and appliances—can quickly become an exercise in compromise. Depending on your budget, if you want to install your dream hard wood floors, you might need to opt for a less-expensive cabinet material, like plywood. Or perhaps you'll have to forgo your beloved ceramic backsplash for your even more beloved ceramic countertops.

At MKBD, we work to hard to ensure that our clients can afford a dream kitchen--without compromises. This is why we're currently offering FREE kitchen appliances with a full-scale kitchen remodeling project (more on this deal below).

In this major MKBD project, a 48" Sub-Zero refrigerator complements a Wolf cooktop,  double ovens, and a built-in microwave, proving that a seamless design is as important as the appliances!

Why FREE kitchen appliances, you might ask?

Why not FREE kitchen floors or cabinets or countertops?

Well, here's a little remodeling secret: most kitchen appliances are dramatically overpriced, and when homeowners shop for appliances they're subject to mark-ups--mark-ups that MKBD is not subject to. With our extensive industry experience as well as our connections with premier appliance manufacturers and distributors, we've learned how to procure the best appliances at the best prices--and we pass the savings to our clients.

MKBD also understands how to match each client with the best appliances for his/her lifestyle. Today's appliances come with an array of added features--features you might not want or need--and of course these features boost the price. So we partner with our client's to make sure they're not paying for needless bells and whistles.

Finally, we believe that the true value of a kitchen remodeling project is the expert craftsmanship. Appliances are made in industrial factories by nameless workers. Your new kitchen floors, cabinets, and countertops, however, will be built and installed explicitly for you by expert craftsmen familiar with your unique needs.

If you're interested in sourcing your own kitchen appliances, we recommend choosing the best for your needs. Do not pay for what you do not need--or event want!

This Old House has a helpful article for those looking to cuts costs without compromising quality: "The (Don't Get Burned Kitchen Remodeling Guide."

If you want to save yourself the hassle of haggling for the best prices, take advantage of MKBD's exclusive offer: FREE appliances with any full-scale kitchen remodeling project. Please see our details below!

For this project, in Hatboro, PA, MKDB installed custom Shaker cabinets, simply painted, to complement the Viking oven and range.

FREE Appliances with any Full Kitchen Remodeling Project

At MKBD, we partner with our customers to provide competitive prices. And now, for a limited time, we’re leveraging our buying power to offer you a tremendous deal: FREE kitchen appliances with a full kitchen remodeling!

To qualify for this offer, you simply have to schedule a FREE, no obligation kitchen design consultation—a value in itself!

During our brief consultation, we will help you draft the kitchen design and layout of your dreams. Best yet, all consultations include a FREE, no obligation estimate.

Call now to take advantage of this limited time offer: 215-355-4747