Stainless Steel Once found mostly in commercial kitchens, stainless steel has slipped into vogue within the past two decades. These countertops are custom made to fit your kitchen, so you're guaranteed a tailored look. Pros: There's a reason stainless steel is used in restaurants and other high-traffic kitchens: It's nearly indestructible, and it resists heat and bacteria.It also provides a very distinctive look that feels appropriate in contemporary and industrial-style kitchens. Cons: Fingerprints show and must be wiped off frequently, and stainless steel can also dent. It can be loud as pots, pans and dishware clang against the surface. Chemicals can affect its color and cause unwanted etching. Stainless steel is extremely expensive due to the custom fabrication. Concrete Think concrete is just for floors? Think again. Slightly edgier than other materials, concrete countertops have an industrial chic that fits right into a loft or adds interest to an otherwise traditional space. Pros: Concrete is extremely versatile: It can be cast in any shape and custom tinted any shade you wish. You easily can add unique inlays, such as glass fragments, rocks and shells. Concrete stands up well to heavy use, although it isn't as heat resistant as some other surfaces. Cons: Because it's porous, concrete will stain without frequent sealing. With time and settling, small cracks can develop. Concrete is extremely heavy and will need strong support beneath. Like stainless steel, its custom creation ups the price tag. Butcher Block Butcher block has a classic appeal and always looks fresh. It's especially fitting for traditional, country and cottage-style kitchens. Pros: Many homeowners like butcher block's warm, natural appearance and variegated wood tones. Although knives scratch it, many people like the shopworn look it develops — after all, it's what chopping blocks have been made of for years. But you can also sand scratches down with ease. Cons: Wood swells and contracts with moisture exposure, and butcher block is no exception. It harbors bacteria and needs frequent disinfecting. Oiling is a must to fill in scratches and protect the surface. Paper Composite Paper countertops? You read it right. Created from paper fibers mixed with resin, this surface is ecofriendly and a whole lot more durable than it sounds. Pros: Paper composite evokes the look of solid surfacing or laminate but with a warmer sensibility. It's surprisingly hardy and can withstand heat and water admirably. It's also a great deal lighter than natural stone or concrete. Cons: The material isn't scratchproof and is susceptible to chemical damage. It needs an occasional rubdown with mineral oil, and even sanding, to refresh it. Although it sounds as though it would be a lower-budget option, it isn't (unless you install it yourself). I look forward to any comments or feedback you have on the various materiasl you have used. Good luck with your renovation. Have a great week. talk soon...
Stainless Steel
Once found mostly in commercial kitchens, stainless steel has slipped into vogue within the past two decades. These countertops are custom made to fit your kitchen, so you're guaranteed a tailored look.
Pros: There's a reason stainless steel is used in restaurants and other high-traffic kitchens: It's nearly indestructible, and it resists heat and bacteria.It also provides a very distinctive look that feels appropriate in contemporary and industrial-style kitchens.
Cons: Fingerprints show and must be wiped off frequently, and stainless steel can also dent. It can be loud as pots, pans and dishware clang against the surface. Chemicals can affect its color and cause unwanted etching. Stainless steel is extremely expensive due to the custom fabrication.
Concrete
Think concrete is just for floors? Think again. Slightly edgier than other materials, concrete countertops have an industrial chic that fits right into a loft or adds interest to an otherwise traditional space.
Pros: Concrete is extremely versatile: It can be cast in any shape and custom tinted any shade you wish. You easily can add unique inlays, such as glass fragments, rocks and shells. Concrete stands up well to heavy use, although it isn't as heat resistant as some other surfaces.
Cons: Because it's porous, concrete will stain without frequent sealing. With time and settling, small cracks can develop. Concrete is extremely heavy and will need strong support beneath. Like stainless steel, its custom creation ups the price tag.
Butcher Block
Butcher block has a classic appeal and always looks fresh. It's especially fitting for traditional, country and cottage-style kitchens.
Pros: Many homeowners like butcher block's warm, natural appearance and variegated wood tones. Although knives scratch it, many people like the shopworn look it develops — after all, it's what chopping blocks have been made of for years. But you can also sand scratches down with ease.
Cons: Wood swells and contracts with moisture exposure, and butcher block is no exception. It harbors bacteria and needs frequent disinfecting. Oiling is a must to fill in scratches and protect the surface.
Paper Composite
Paper countertops? You read it right. Created from paper fibers mixed with resin, this surface is ecofriendly and a whole lot more durable than it sounds.
Pros: Paper composite evokes the look of solid surfacing or laminate but with a warmer sensibility. It's surprisingly hardy and can withstand heat and water admirably. It's also a great deal lighter than natural stone or concrete.
Cons: The material isn't scratchproof and is susceptible to chemical damage. It needs an occasional rubdown with mineral oil, and even sanding, to refresh it. Although it sounds as though it would be a lower-budget option, it isn't (unless you install it yourself).
I look forward to any comments or feedback you have on the various materiasl you have used.
Good luck with your renovation.
Have a great week.
talk soon...
Tile Modular and inexpensive, ceramic and porcelain tile offers nearly limitless options for colours and designs. Tile works with almost any kitchen style, from country to majestic Old World. Pros: It holds its own against heat and sharp blades, and resists stains. If one or two tiles chip or crack, they're fairly easy to replace. Cons: Tile's uneven surface can make it difficult to balance a cutting board or roll out a pie crust. Unsealed grout is prone to staining; standing moisture can damage it and contribute to bacterial growth. Laminate Made of paper blended with resins and fused to particle board, laminate has been a kitchen mainstay for decades. In the past, it hasn't always had a reputation as stylish, but that's changing: The latest designs on the market mimic stone, butcher block and other pricier surfaces. Pros: Laminate is one of the most affordable countertop materials, so it's a good choice if your budget is tight. It's low maintenance and easy to clean. Its light weight doesn't require the support of a thick cabinet base. Cons: Laminate is prone to scratching, burns and, in some cases, staining. With wear and moisture exposure, the layers can peel. Because of the raw particle board core, you can't use laminate with undermount sinks, and it's also difficult to repair if it gets damaged. Soapstone Although it's in no danger of overtaking granite, soapstone has come into its own as a countertop material. It offers subtle, nuanced beauty yet feels humbler than granite or marble. Pros: Soapstone has a natural softness and depth that fits very well with older and cottage-style homes. Although it usually starts out light to medium gray, it darkens with time. (Most people enjoy the acquired patina, but you may consider this a con.) Cons: Soapstone needs polishing with oil to keep it in top shape. It can crack over time, and it can't handle knife scratches and nicks as well as some other types of stone. The natural roughness of its surface can scuff glassware and china. I hope this review was able to give you some good ideas and thoughts for your kitchen renovation. We will finalsie this seroes on Friday when we review another 4 materials that you can use. Have a great week. talk soon
Tile
Modular and inexpensive, ceramic and porcelain tile offers nearly limitless options for colours and designs. Tile works with almost any kitchen style, from country to majestic Old World.
Pros: It holds its own against heat and sharp blades, and resists stains. If one or two tiles chip or crack, they're fairly easy to replace.
Cons: Tile's uneven surface can make it difficult to balance a cutting board or roll out a pie crust. Unsealed grout is prone to staining; standing moisture can damage it and contribute to bacterial growth.
Laminate
Made of paper blended with resins and fused to particle board, laminate has been a kitchen mainstay for decades. In the past, it hasn't always had a reputation as stylish, but that's changing: The latest designs on the market mimic stone, butcher block and other pricier surfaces.
Pros: Laminate is one of the most affordable countertop materials, so it's a good choice if your budget is tight. It's low maintenance and easy to clean. Its light weight doesn't require the support of a thick cabinet base.
Cons: Laminate is prone to scratching, burns and, in some cases, staining. With wear and moisture exposure, the layers can peel. Because of the raw particle board core, you can't use laminate with undermount sinks, and it's also difficult to repair if it gets damaged.
Soapstone
Although it's in no danger of overtaking granite, soapstone has come into its own as a countertop material. It offers subtle, nuanced beauty yet feels humbler than granite or marble.
Pros: Soapstone has a natural softness and depth that fits very well with older and cottage-style homes. Although it usually starts out light to medium gray, it darkens with time. (Most people enjoy the acquired patina, but you may consider this a con.)
Cons: Soapstone needs polishing with oil to keep it in top shape. It can crack over time, and it can't handle knife scratches and nicks as well as some other types of stone. The natural roughness of its surface can scuff glassware and china.
I hope this review was able to give you some good ideas and thoughts for your kitchen renovation. We will finalsie this seroes on Friday when we review another 4 materials that you can use.
Have a great week.
talk soon
Granite Pros: Granite's beautiful mottling and the host of colors and patterns found in nature make each piece one of a kind. It stands up well to splashes, knife nicks, heat and other wear and tear. Cons: Like most stone, granite must be sealed every so often to avoid stains. And its heaviness means you'll need very sturdy cabinet boxes to support the weight. Solid Surfacing Made primarily from acrylic and polyester,solid surfacing first was sold under the brand name Corian, which is often (erroneously) used as a generic term for it. Today, it's made by a host of manufacturers and has enjoyed steady popularity over the years. Pros: Because solid surfacing is nonporous, it's virtually maintenance free — no sealing or special cleaning required. Although it can be susceptible to scratches and burns, those are easy to sand out. Color and pattern options are extensive, and because you're not trying for the look of a natural material, you can experiment with vibrant hues such as turquoise or tomato red. Seamless installation means there are no cracks to trap dirt and debris. Cons: Solid surfacing can have a patently artificial look and feel, yet can approach the price of natural stone. As mentioned above, it doesn't stand up to hot pans or sharp knives as well as other materials. Quartz Surfacing Crafted of resin and quartz chips tinted with color, quartz surfacing (also called engineered quartz or engineered stone) is a good compromise between the beauty of stone and the easy care of solid surfacing. Pros: Quartz surfacing has the same advantages as solid surfacing with regard to maintenance. As an engineered product, it's available in a far greater range of colors and patterns than natural stone. Cons: This material doesn't have the natural variegation of granite, so it may be evident that it's an engineered product. It's relatively pricey, although its durability can make it a worthwhile investment. Marble Is there anything that looks and feels more glamorous than a marble countertop? Peerless in terms of its luminescence and distinctive veining, it's an ultratraditional choice. Pros: Nothing beats marble for sheer elegance. It stands up to heat well, and because it remains perennially cool, it's a traditional choice for pastry and baking stations (read: Dough won't get too soft). Cons: Marble is very suspectible to stains even with sealing. For that reason, it's not often used throughout an entire kitchen — most homeowners limit it to one or two small areas. It can also scratch and chip. There we covered 4 different materials today. Let me know your thoughts and feedback. Have a great day. talk soon.....
Some of their findings have concluded: 1 in 5 of kitchen sponges tested had levels of contamination equivalent to that of a used band-aid
At different times we all have suffered from an upset tummy or something worse and blamed some of the food we have eaten or other things we have consumed.
The truth of the matter is that sometimes the our kitchen is making us sick. There have been a number of studies by the Australian Food Microbiology into how we maintain our kitchens.
Some of their findings have concluded:
1 in 5 of kitchen sponges tested had levels of contamination equivalent to that of a used band-aid
Most Australians continue to wash their dishes by hand, regardless of whether or not they own a dishwasher,
1 in 3 only change their kitchen sponge very few weeks
Nearly 50% of households wait until their dish cloth gets really dirty and smelly before replacing it
Over 80% of Australians use their dish cloth to quickly rinse a cup or eating utensils under running water without soap.
At least 25% of households only clean their tea towel when it gets really dirty
1 in 4 use their tea towel to dry their hands and wipe down dirty bench tops
More then 50% of kitchen sponges were highly contaminated with bacteria such as E.coli and Staphylococcus aureus
Average tap hot water temperature is only 30 - 40 degrees which is not hot enough to kill bacteria as they can live in temperatures of 44 degrees.
Overcrowding - who hasn't had family and friends over for dinner and everyone sits and stands around the kicthen to chat
Cross-contamination - germs can spread easily around the kitchen via our hands, chopping boards, cloths, knives and other utensils
Inadequate hand washing
Inadequate cooking (to many cooks spoil the broth)
Incomplete washing
This is why we always recommend to customers that visit our showroom to give themselves adequate bench space because that is the essential to a we'll run and organised kitchen.
The other point is to have a bench top that is easy to maintain and clean.
If the health of you, your family and friends is important you need to have a well designed and laid out kitchen.
This is another reason why a custom made kitchen is the way to go because you take these factors into consideration when you design a clients kitchen.
So if you were thinking of renovating your kitchen then now may be the right time to do it. Plus there has been such an advancement in the design and style of appliances then you do need to upgrade.
Have a great weekend.
Talk soon.
You can now start to prepare your final design.
It concerns finalizing the "blueprint" for your kitchen remodeling project. Its focus is on pulling all the ends together. In a sense, it is a review or a summary of all we have written about in the previous posts.
To pull it all together, you will rely on everything you have learned and prepared from the preceding posts. If you have decided to choose a Kitchen Designer, you may be able to avoid much of what this chapter contains. All others, however, should pay heed.
FINAL DESIGN
You can now start to prepare your final design.
By now, you will know your old kitchen like the back of your hand. You will also have a complete picture of what you want and how it will fit into the overall scheme. You need, now, to mesh the 2 into a complete, visual and feasible plan. It must be one which you and your employees can read and understand.
One of the easiest ways to do so is to use one of the latest design kits. It can help you draw up and combine all kitchen elements.
You can also work with your kitchen designer, contractor and/or subcontractors to create it. There are still those who prefer to draw it painstakingly by hand. Choose whatever method is best and works for you. This final design will require exactitude. Be sure you have measured every window and door.
Take a tape measure and check out the size of each appliance as it now is. Fill in the exact size of the new appliances. The same applies for all changes. You need to be sure of the height, width and depth of cabinets and other forms of storage space. You cannot and must not guesstimate. Whoever is doing the job needs exact measurements.
On this final product you must indicate such things as new switch placements, and other aspects of the altered or retained electrical system.
The same applies to plumbing, heating and cooling systems. Indicate clearly what you want.
Place the new appliances in their changed or remaining location on the diagram. Indicate all exists, entrances, windows and other pertinent elements on the design. Note all pertinent data such as counter top placement, size and height. Do not forget ANY detail. If you do, the result could create problems. It may result in delays and increased expenses.
In creating this design or plan, make sure you use recognizable symbols. Make sure your design is comprehensible to all working on the remodeling job. If you are in doubt, consult them. Ask if this is the right type of design model?
For your own sake, you might also want to supply a mock-up of your finished kitchen. You can have more fun with this version. Draw to scale your kitchen. Draw a plan on your computer. Overlay it with all the necessary schematics if you want. You can also simply cut and paste the various elements you want to see.
OTHER PAPER WORK
There are other aspects of remodeling you need to finalize. You need to prepare a progress report. It is the time line of your job. You need to also have a calendar upon which to mark both the scheduling of tasks and the time line in which it is occurring. Make sure these are easily accessed.
In addition to this, prepare or finalize your shopping list. This will include all materials you will require to see the job through. It will have specific model names and numbers. It will list prices and contact numbers. It will note delivery systems and dates.
If you have a contractor, still keep a list relating to materials. It will provide something to compare the work-in progress model with what you have previously agreed upon. If you are working with subcontractors, retain it for the same reason. In some contracts, you will be obligated to provide specific items or materials.
This list will ensure you get the right material and do so on time. If you are doing all the work, this list will guide you to making the right choices and, hopefully, keep you on track and on budget.
BUDGET
Be sure you have updated your budget. Keep this vital collection of facts and figures on hand. You may have to revise it during the remodeling. Whether the figures will go up or down will depend upon the individual kitchen remodeling job, the people involved, and the many external factors that you only think you have control over.
FINAL NOTE
This design is the product of everything you have done since the project started. It is the culmination of all your hard work. Make sure it is as accurate as possible. Go over the directions, the design, the materials, indeed all data and pertinent information with a fine-toothed comb.
Only then, should you issue it to the pertinent parties. After perhaps a change or 2, and there usually are 1 or 2 alterations at the request of one or other of the involved parties, you are ready to begin the actual kitchen remodeling.
If you have been following our regular posts then you should be on your way with your Kitchen Renovation
All the best.
talk soon....
You have now come to a decision that can add substantially to it. How much, if any, of the work do you plan to do on your own? This is a serious question. The answer to it is not general. It is based upon each individual. It relies on various factors. How much money you have will also affect your choice of going it alone or hiring a professional. Another influential aspect is the extent of the project. If it is a small renovation job, it may require little to no external involvement. Time also becomes a factor in your decision to hire a professional or not. If you do not have the time to handle the remodeling project yourself, you will call in others to do it for you. However, this is not the first question you should ask yourself. The most critical question you need to seriously consider is this. "Can you handle the work essential to completing the work required?""Are you capable of doing all the necessary work involved?"
You have a basic plan developing further every day.
You just know your kitchen will be amazing after this remodeling job.
You know how long you can survive without it. You and your family are sure of certain aspects.
Materials and colors and appliances are selected. You are really pumped for this project. Sure, you are still working on your budget. You should be.
You have now come to a decision that can add substantially to it. How much, if any, of the work do you plan to do on your own? This is a serious question. The answer to it is not general. It is based upon each individual. It relies on various factors. How much money you have will also affect your choice of going it alone or hiring a professional.
Another influential aspect is the extent of the project. If it is a small renovation job, it may require little to no external involvement.
Time also becomes a factor in your decision to hire a professional or not. If you do not have the time to handle the remodeling project yourself, you will call in others to do it for you. However, this is not the first question you should ask yourself. The most critical question you need to seriously consider is this. "Can you handle the work essential to completing the work required?""Are you capable of doing all the necessary work involved?"
You can avoid it by doing the following:
Before you decide to work on the kitchen by yourself,sit down
Grab a pencil or use the computer.
Take a deep breath
Look at the overall job.
List the specific requirements for the various tasks
Detail what you can handle on your own. Be honest. Be very, very honest.
Note what you cannot do.
Note what you feel uncomfortable doing.
List the professionals who can do these specific jobs.
Look at your preliminary budget.
Factor in the costs and reconfigure it.
Repeat the whole process again.
You may have to rework the budget several times until it balances. Keep in mind, however, that you may save money in the long run if you hire a professional. In fact, there are many good reasons why you should hire a pro. You get the job done right. You can sometimes save money. You save time and energy. You will not be spending all your time working on the remodeling project. For some, paying others to work frees them up. They have more time and less stress if they allow someone else to take charge of the actual work.
Kitchen Designer
A Kitchen Designer is a professional. He or she is certified. The services a Kitchen Designer offers are available through a variety of sources. He or she may be allied with contractors of the various trades, architects, builders and even retailers. You can find one through the usual means:
Recommendation of a friend or builder
Through checking specialty periodicals. Many provide before and after pictures or feature specific kitchen designs. The name of the designer may be provided in the article. He or she may even be prominent in the article or be the author of the piece.
Ask a local contractor for a referral. If you plan on hiring one, see if he or she has any particular preference.
Visit retail or kitchen supply shops. Some of these stores have a Kitchen Designer on staff. They could also recommend one to you.
Visit show houses or model homes. Ask them whom they use if you like the style.
If you decide to opt for a professional designer, select at least 3 to interview. Set up a meeting. Bring what you have to show. Discuss the project frankly with them. See how well each candidate communicates. Do they understand your goals? Do they see your vision? Can they put it into paper? Moreover, can they indicate what is wrong suggest a work-around.
The perfect candidate will ask the right questions. They will ask about the style of cooking and the purpose of the room. He or she will seek to know the size of the family. They will want to know about who cooks, who uses the room and how busy it gets.
The Kitchen Designer will also want to hear about the problems and your intended solutions. If the individuals do not ask you any questions, they may not really be listening to what you have to say. Their responses will help you single out one from the other.
Narrow down the field by checking out their previous projects. Ask them for a portfolio. See if they have anything posted on line.
Talk to former customers. Are they versatile? Can you see them turning your dream kitchen into a reality? Remember. Your designer needs to thoroughly understand what you want. The more he or she knows and can relate to, the more conceivable it is you will achieve a good design.
After you have made your final choice, the work begins. Bring your materials to cement this relationship. Do not leave out any detail.
Be sure to include these materials:
a file containing the information you have so far
a picture of your existing kitchen
a description - verbal, pictorial, virtual or written, about what you want
any preliminary plans
your budget. Do not forget your budget - ever.
A Kitchen Designer is a flexible contractor. She or he can do all or part of your design work. A Kitchen Designer can look at your Dream Kitchen and decide whether it is workable. He or she can provide a floor plan or specify materials. A Kitchen Designer can oversee the entire remodeling job or just contribute his or her area of expertise.
There are benefits from going with a Kitchen Designer. This allows you more time to concentrate on the actual construction for the kitchen. If you have little or no designing skills, are weak on creative solutions or lack the ability to work successfully with any of the design software, a Kitchen Designer is for you. She or he will take the edge and stress off the job.
A Kitchen Designer may be helpful in other ways. He or she usually has contacts in the building and supply industries. As a result, you may be able to obtain materials from major manufacturers at a discount rate. A Kitchen Designer is also able to provide you with a high-tech draft of your idea or ideal. In addition, he or she can quickly generate a list of all the materials you will need to complete the job successfully.
You may not wish to hire a Kitchen Designer. The cost will be another addition to your budget. You may have some talent in the area of design. Furthermore, if you are computer savvy, you may be able to create your own design with the help of the various design softwares now available.
CONTRACTORS AND SUBCONTRACTORS
If you are not willing or able to handle the remodeling job on your own, you have a couple of options. You can hire a contractor or several subcontractors. A contractor is a person who generally handles the entire project from start to finish. He or she will hire, fire and schedule all the various trades needed to complete the job. In fact, the contractor will be responsible for a great number of things.
These include but are not restricted to:
obtaining all supplies and materials
scheduling and co-ordinating all the different trades
contracting with all subcontractors
obtaining all the necessary permits
arranging for the various inspections throughout the people for the remodeling renovation project
The specifics will be set down in a contract. This is a binding document tying both parties together. There are legal obligations to be met by both. Both parties must adhere to the letter of the law as placed in the contract. Make sure when you or a lawyer prepare it that it contains the following basic information.
The details of the work to be done
The responsibilities of the contractor and the employer
An approximate date for starting and ending the project
A clause for binding arbitration
If you decide to be your own contractor, you may wish to subcontract the rest or parts of the work out. A subcontractor is some- one who works for a contractor. These individuals may be plumbers, carpenters, electricians, floor layers or work in other similar occupations. They, too, will require contracts specifying their responsibilities. Do not forget to address such things as site clean-up, material purchase, pick-up and/or delivery. Always try to provide specific dates for beginning and finishing the work.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT PEOPLE TO WORK WITH
Whether you are picking a contractor or subcontractor, you can follow the same procedure. You check out the possibilities in the white pages, through trade papers and on the net. You can ask neighbors and other people who have had their kitchen recently remodeled.
Once you have a list - 3 is the bare minimum, you set up interviews. Prior to the interview you ask for a bid. Be sure you provide all the necessary information. This will ensure greater accuracy in their quotes. You then set up the meeting. Prior to the meeting, you need to look into such things as their reputation in the trade. Ask at building supply centers about their credit, skill and adherence to dates. See if they have any complaints listed in the Better Business Bureau or Chamber of Commerce.
During the meeting you will ask about credentials and past remodeling jobs. Question them about their experience. See how well they relate to your design. Are they honest in their opinion? Do they see what you envision? If you feel you can trust them, that he or she is the right person for the job, the project is on its way sooner than you think.
OPTIONS
If you do the entire work on your own, you can set you own pace. Many home remodelers, however, may decide to either hire someone or take on certain aspects of the job. If you decide to combine your efforts with those of the tradespeople, be sure you have a specific time line in mind. You will want to do your portion in such a manner as to not interfere with the work of the trades. You can do so if you keep the deadlines in mind and are organized.
If you do participate, consider doing the demolition work before construction begins. Tear out walls, fixtures and ceiling tiles. Remove all appliances. Disconnect the sinks. If you are doing preparatory work, make sure you have the drywall up and ready for the next step. After or between certain types of work, you can finish such things as painting, wallpapering, staining and laying down the new floor.
With all this behind you, you have one more step in your scheme towards creating a better kitchen. This is the last chance to alter and change everything from your budget to your design elements. You are now making the final approach.
Good luck with your planning your kitchen renovation.
Talk soon....
