So you've been looking at homes for sale.
The kitchen just is not up to snuff with a home you are looking at.
You're lucky, before becoming a Real Estate Agent I was a home stager and before that I was a Kitchen Designer at the Home Depot.
I have plenty of experience in kitchen design.
1. Avoid turning your home into a theme park. Be true to your home's original design intent. Don't go dropping an ultramodern Swedish IKEA Euro kitchen into a stately old Tudor. The same can be said for dropping in an over the top tile and wood spanish extravaganza into mid-century modern Eichler.
2. Lay out a good prep work triangle betwixt sink, stove and refrigerator. Like wise also pay attention to the cleaning work triangle of sink, dishwasher and storage.
3. Base cabinets are 24 inches in depth as a standard from the NKBA. Cabinets can be reduced or increased in depth. Be sure to consult your cabinet manufacturer's specifications for details.
4. Wall cabinets are 12 inches in depth as a standard from the NKBA. If you opt for glass doors make sure you choose the matching interior option.
5. Classic never goes out of style.
6. The top row of cabinets does not have to match cabinet to cabinet with the bottom row of cabinets.
7. Build some walls to add architectural interest to your cabinets, build a hutch between the walls.
8. Not all kitchens are big enough for an island, Islands require 42" of clearance in a working area near sink, refrigerator or stove for a single cook and 48 inches of clearance with two cooks. 36 inches of clearance is required for a walk way on the side of the island in a non working area. Don't forget that the island will require an electrical outlet.
9. Each major appliance does require it's own dedicated electrical circuit and breaker.
10. Get permits and check with your city for building codes in your area.
11. DO NOT DEMOLISH YOUR OLD KITCHEN UNTIL YOUR NEW CABINETS ARRIVE AND HAVE BEEN CHECKED FOR DAMAGES. Many people complain because their kitchens have been out of commission for months on end. My question to them is why tear out the old one so early?
12. Set up a temporary kitchen in the dining room, move the refrigerator and microwave. A good contractor can build you a temporary sink (ask for it in your contract)
13. Account for your finished floor height. If you are going to be putting in really thick tiles you may have to build up the bottom of the cabinets to be at that the finished floor height. You will have problems installing your dishwasher if you don't take this into consideration. Check your cabinet manufacturer for a raised dishwasher cabinet to save your back!!!!
Any questions please contact me and I will be glad to assist you. Let's find you fixxer uppers a great project house to work on. Give me a call
