We are on the final steps of the complete kitchen remodel. In this last blog, we’ll walk through appliance installation, wiring fixtures, and plumbing. We’ll finish with inspections which will round out all the steps for a kitchen remodel.
Appliance, Plumbing, and Fixtures
A plumber or a DIYer can do the appliance installation. You’ll need someone that has experience connecting the water supply to the refrigerator, dishwasher, sink, and faucet. An air gap must be installed for your dishwasher and countertop. Run a few tests to ensure installation is complete and there are no leaks. Contact your electrician to finish out the receptacle plates, fixtures, and ductwork. Electrical work can be an easy job for a homeowner. If you called in the professionals for initial wiring and plumbing work, its a good idea to have them come out for the final tasks.
Final Inspections
It’s time to go through the checklist and ensure all the tasks are complete. If you worked with a general contractor, make sure you perform a final walk-through. Keep note of the things that still need attention. Carefully inspect every aspect of the project. If you feel confident and satisfied with the work, there is one final step – inspection.
Your general contractor would make arrangements for final inspection and permits. If this were a DIY project, you would need to contact inspectors yourself.
All your kitchen needs is a good cleaning. Once the cleaning is done, you’ll have a brand new kitchen to break in. Whether it was a grueling eight weeks or several months, you will celebrate your decision to remodel your kitchen.
About Masters Kitchen and Bath
Masters Kitchen & Bath has been providing top quality construction, cabinetry, and design on kitchen renovations and remodeling since 2004. We coordinate and manage construction, ordering and installation. Masters help homeowners get more enjoyment from their home with new kitchen designs that blend beautifully with their new or existing home decor. Visualize your complete kitchen remodel by visiting our showroom. We also offer consultations. Our seasoned Project Manager will inspect your job site, listen to your specific needs, and offer you design suggestions that best meet your needs.
We are proud to offer beautiful and American made Decora and Kemper Cabinets.
Masters Kitchen & Bath serve the following areas: Addison, Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, Chicago, Des Plaines, Elk Grove Village, Elmhurst, Elmwood Park, Evanston, Forest Park, Franklin Park, Glencoe, Glenview, Kenilworth, Lincolnwood, Melrose Park, Morton Grove, Mount Prospect, Niles, Norridge, Northbrook, Northfield, Oak Park, Palatine, Park Ridge, Prospect Heights
At this point in the process, we are more than halfway through the steps involved in a kitchen remodel.
Let’s discuss flooring!
Before cabinets, appliances, and fixture installation, the flooring must be complete. Flooring installation can take a week or so, especially if you have subcontractors doing the work and the type of flooring you have chosen is considered.
Flooring Options
Sheet Vinyl – If you are going with a less expensive type of floor, sheet vinyl is a great option and typically takes 1-2 days. It’s perfect for the DIYer, and not a lot of labor is required.
Ceramic Tile – Another good option for a DIYer is ceramic tile. Doing it yourself can save time and money; however, it requires some patience. To properly adhere the tile to the floor, you will need a cement backer board so the flooring can adhere to thin-set mortar. Hiring a professional for this job could cost you a lot with substantial labor expenses.
Engineered Wood – The industry has come a long way, and one of the most popular flooring options is engineered wood. It looks and feels like solid hardwood but a much more affordable option. This flooring option is relatively easy for DIYers to install.
Laminate Flooring – Another popular option as it’s relatively easy for someone looking to install it themselves. It’s also on the lower end as far as pricing. Great for moisture-rich areas as it’s easy to clean.
Solid Hardwood – Many people steer clear from solid hardwoods as they can be a lot to keep up with over time if not correctly cared for. Installing hardwoods requires a lot of equipment, and we suggest contacting a professional to do the job.
Cabinet and Countertop Installation
After the flooring installation has occurred, the next step in the kitchen remodel is installing the cabinets and countertops. If you are doing the kitchen remodel on your own, this would be a good time to call some friends to help you out. Depending on where you purchased your cabinets, the supplier should have a crew that can help with installation.
Countertops can be tricky as it seems easy to do. However, if you have chosen tile for your counters, it’s best to hire a professional to do the work. Silestone, Formica, and Corian will most likely need to be installed by the supplier. Most suppliers will require a contractor to purchase the materials so it would be difficult for the DIYer to buy. Granite, marble, and quartz are extremely heavy, so your best option is to hire a professional.
In the next blog, we will be discussing appliances and fixtures, and then we will be on closing out with a fully remodeled kitchen.
About Masters Kitchen and Bath
Masters Kitchen & Bath has been providing top quality construction, cabinetry, and design on kitchen renovations and remodeling since 2004. We coordinate and manage construction, ordering and installation. Masters help homeowners get more enjoyment from their home with new kitchen designs that blend beautifully with their new or existing home decor. Visualize your complete kitchen remodel by visiting our showroom. We also offer consultations. Our seasoned Project Manager will inspect your job site, listen to your specific needs, and offer you design suggestions that best meet your needs.
We are proud to offer beautiful and American made Decora and Kemper Cabinets.
Masters Kitchen & Bath serve the following areas: Addison, Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, Chicago, Des Plaines, Elk Grove Village, Elmhurst, Elmwood Park, Evanston, Forest Park, Franklin Park, Glencoe, Glenview, Kenilworth, Lincolnwood, Melrose Park, Morton Grove, Mount Prospect, Niles, Norridge, Northbrook, Northfield, Oak Park, Palatine, Park Ridge, Prospect Heights
Last week we discussed demolition and how to live without your kitchen for several weeks (maybe even months). This week we are going to discuss what happens next after framing has been completed. Now that your kitchen has been gutted, it’s time to figure out plumbing, wiring and HVAC rough-in.
But first, let’s explain what rough-in means. Rough-In means to bring in the various lines (Plumbing pipes, duct work, electrical conduit) to the space, but not make the final connections. For plumbing, this would be the pipes in the walls and floors that lead to the sinks, bath, toilets, etc, but not actually hooking up those fixtures. (via quora)
Plumbing Rough-In
More often than not, your kitchen remodel is going to require moving the sink, dishwasher and refrigerator to a new location. This means the water supply and drain lines will need to be rerouted. Maybe your appliances are going to remain in the same place, if so, it’s still a good idea to update the old piping. The most common scenario is to update from galvanized steel pipes to PEX. Even the most experienced DYIer will subcontract out this job. When the plumbing rough-in is finalized, it will need inspections mandated by permit requirements. The inspector will review everything to ensure the work has been done correctly and according to code.
Wiring Rough-In
If you thought plumbing was intense, electrical upgrades can be even more overwhelming! New kitchens can require a lot of electrical load – as many as seven circuits. Your home should have 200-amp to effectively power a new large kitchen. We highly suggest hiring a professional electrician for this job.
Keep in mind that the wiring rough-in will also need to be reviewed by an inspector before further work can be completed. If this is a DIY project, you will need to make sure you are responsible in contacting an inspector to review your work.
HVAC Rough-In
In conjunction with plumbing and wiring, HVAC ductwork may be required for this project. If you don’t have a lot of experience with installing sheet metal ductwork, its a good idea to hire a HVAC contractor for this job. A HVAC professional that has experience with physics of airflow will understand how to position new vent registers and cold air returns in the best locations.
Inspection Passed!
If everything went well with inspection and you met code requirements, it’s time to put up some walls and ceilings.
This is where the kitchen transformation gets super exciting and your vision comes to life. Walls will be insulated with fiberglass or other high quality insulation. The next step is perfect for the DIYer. Hanging up the drywall with tape and finish does not require inspection or passing code requirements. No need for contractors if you are looking to save money.
Next week we’ll discuss flooring and cabinet installation.
About Masters Kitchen and Bath
Masters Kitchen & Bath has been providing top quality construction, cabinetry, and design on kitchen renovations and remodeling since 2004. We coordinate and manage construction, ordering and installation. Masters help homeowners get more enjoyment from their home with new kitchen designs that blend beautifully with their new or existing home decor. Visualize your complete kitchen remodel by visiting our showroom. We also offer consultations. Our seasoned Project Manager will inspect your job site, listen to your specific needs, and offer you design suggestions that best meet your needs.
We are proud to offer beautiful and American made Decora and Kemper Cabinets.
Masters Kitchen & Bath serve the following areas: Addison, Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, Chicago, Des Plaines, Elk Grove Village, Elmhurst, Elmwood Park, Evanston, Forest Park, Franklin Park, Glencoe, Glenview, Kenilworth, Lincolnwood, Melrose Park, Morton Grove, Mount Prospect, Niles, Norridge, Northbrook, Northfield, Oak Park, Palatine, Park Ridge, Prospect Heights
The decision has been made. You are getting a brand new kitchen! While it’s all very exciting and the end result is going to be amazing, now it’s time to think through how you are going to live without your kitchen for a short time. It’s time to start planning and organizing your temporary kitchen space.
Temporary Kitchen
More often than not, your appliances and plumbing will be out-of-order during portions of the project. You’ll need to designate your dining room or living room as a temporary informal kitchen. Electric, tabletop cooktops are inexpensive and a great alternative. You’ll need a microwave and also designate a spot to wash your dishes. You can also cook up some meals in advance and just heat them in the microwave. Move all your kitchen utensils, flatware, pots and pans and dinnerware into plastic bins for easy access.
And, there is always eating out as an option. Not ideal for weeks on end but definitely convenient when you are without your kitchen.
Demolition
Now that you have designated a temporary kitchen, it’s time for demolition. It’s going to be noisy and messy so make sure you are prepared!
Out with the Old
Whether done by you or your general contractor, removing the old appliances and cabinets is the first step. Demolition can be fun but also very messy. Be sure to equip yourself with safety gear and be cautious of lead-based paint or asbestos. This requires proper handling and we recommend contacting a professional to haul it away. You’ll also need to make arrangements for a dumpster service for all the old materials.
In with the New… almost
Now your kitchen is a shell and if framing work is necessary, the contracting crew will start the framing job. Dependent on the size of the project, for example, new windows, adding walls, removing walls, this could potentially involve a lot of time. Be patient and keep your eye on the completed kitchen remodel.
Next post we will discuss Plumbing, Wiring, and HVAC Rough-In
About Masters Kitchen and Bath
Masters Kitchen & Bath has been providing top quality construction, cabinetry, and design on kitchen renovations and remodeling since 2004. We coordinate and manage construction, ordering and installation. Masters help homeowners get more enjoyment from their home with new kitchen designs that blend beautifully with their new or existing home decor. Visualize your complete kitchen remodel by visiting our showroom. We also offer consultations where our seasoned Project Manager will inspect your job site, listen to your specific needs and considerations, and offer you design suggestions that best meet your needs.
We are proud to offer beautiful and American made Decora and Kemper Cabinets.
Masters Kitchen & Bath serve the following areas: Addison, Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, Chicago, Des Plaines, Elk Grove Village, Elmhurst, Elmwood Park, Evanston, Forest Park, Franklin Park, Glencoe, Glenview, Kenilworth, Lincolnwood, Melrose Park, Morton Grove, Mount Prospect, Niles, Norridge, Northbrook, Northfield, Oak Park, Palatine, Park Ridge, Prospect Heights
https://masterskitchenbath.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Masters-Logo-01-1024x382.png00Goranhttps://masterskitchenbath.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Masters-Logo-01-1024x382.pngGoran2019-08-05 16:39:502019-08-05 16:49:47Living Without a Kitchen
A complete kitchen remodel can seem overwhelming but don’t lose sight of the fun part – designing your dream kitchen. If you have made the decision to remodel, we’re pretty sure you have already started brainstorming and visualizing what you want your kitchen to look like.
With a realistic mindset of your current layout, explore the possibilities of some basic and classic kitchen design plans. Consider the workflow, ease of movement and the kitchen triangle rule.
The One-Wall Kitchen Layout
This is where all appliances, cabinets and countertops live on one wall. This type of design can typically be found in small spaces or very large oversized “chef inspired” kitchens. The advantage to this type of design is, it’s easy to design and remodel. One of the biggest disadvantages to the one-wall design is you can’t stick to the kitchen triangle rule.
The Galley Style Kitchen Layout
You’ll find this kitchen design in apartments, condos and smaller spaces. This style typically offers a decent amount of cabinet and counter space, however one of the biggest drawbacks is the tight corridor. Galley style kitchen don’t allow for multiple people to be in the kitchen at one time nor does it make a great space for gathering in the kitchen.
The L-Shaped Kitchen Layout
One of the most popular layouts that provides openness and flexibility. This design adheres to the kitchen triangle principle (refrigerator, cooktop and sink are close in proximity of the work space). The L-shaped design offers many possibilities when it comes to design.
The Double-L Layout
Perfect design for the chef of the house. This layout offers tons of work space with plenty of counter capacity as well as enough room between the two L’s for an island. Typically two or more people can be working in the space at the same time with the amount of space this layout offers.
The U-Shape Layout
Similar to the galley style design, the U-shape can give you plenty of counter and cabinet space while still offering some openness so you aren’t feeling cramped. One drawback is that this design doesn’t offer the best for traffic flow however with this design, you really get to utilize all the space from wall-to-wall.
Turning Your Ideas Into Reality
Now that you get the idea of all the classic design options, it’s time to thing about the resources you will need to execute your kitchen remodel plan.
Have you decided to the remodel yourself or have you spoken to a designer or general contractor? For those that decide to take on the project themselves, there are several inexpensive computer design software options to help you with planning. You can always head to your local bookstore to look for cardboard punch out kits. Helps you visualize your space in a 3-dimensional view. If you decide to go the general contractor route, make sure you ask if design or sketches can be part of the proposal.
Hiring a general contractor – Do you research and interview several contractors. GC’s can range from big construction firms to small business. Make sure you speak with multiple people so you can properly choose the right person for the job. Remember that for several weeks, these people will be going in and out of your home. Read reviews and choose a reputable company. Also remember that things can happen during the entire process so be flexible and understanding – some things can be out of their control.
Do it yourself – Do you have the skills and experience to do it yourself? Taking the project on can help save money and time (if you have the availability to knock it all out in a timely manner). Keep in mind, this isn’t a project for the new DIYer or inexperienced individual. Talk to other people that have done similar work on their own. Understand all the pro’s and con’s and what you are getting yourself into.
About Masters Kitchen and Bath
Masters Kitchen & Bath has been providing top quality construction, cabinetry, and design on kitchen renovations and remodeling since 2004. We coordinate and manage construction, ordering and installation. Masters help homeowners get more enjoyment from their home with new kitchen designs that blend beautifully with their new or existing home decor. Visualize your complete kitchen remodel by visiting our showroom. We also offer consultations where our seasoned Project Manager will inspect your job site, listen to your specific needs and considerations, and offer you design suggestions that best meet your needs.
We are proud to offer beautiful and American made Decora and Kemper Cabinets.
Masters Kitchen & Bath serve the following areas: Addison, Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, Chicago, Des Plaines, Elk Grove Village, Elmhurst, Elmwood Park, Evanston, Forest Park, Franklin Park, Glencoe, Glenview, Kenilworth, Lincolnwood, Melrose Park, Morton Grove, Mount Prospect, Niles, Norridge, Northbrook, Northfield, Oak Park, Palatine, Park Ridge, Prospect Heights
https://masterskitchenbath.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Masters-Logo-01-1024x382.png00Goranhttps://masterskitchenbath.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Masters-Logo-01-1024x382.pngGoran2019-07-24 15:15:032019-07-24 15:15:03Designing and Planning your Kitchen Remodel
Remodeling your kitchen is not an easy task. Here are some things to consider when deciding whether or not to do a kitchen remodel.
Hiring a general contractor to manage the kitchen remodel has several benefits. While it may seem expensive, think of the time, knowledge and professionalism a contractor brings to the table. If you have the courage to do the remodel yourself, be sure to educate yourself on the entire process and develop a good plan. Either way, take into consideration that you will have to live without a kitchen for several weeks but the finished product is worth the wait!
A kitchen remodel is certainly worth the time, money and effort. Not only will you have the kitchen of your dreams but it will help increase the value of your home.
Three things to consider before you begin the kitchen remodeling process:
1. Speak to someone who has been through the process already. Find out what they learned and ask them if they had to do it over again, what they would change.
Many people find that by making a list of needs and wants, helps prioritize the must haves and the would be nice to have. This also helps determine what you can and can’t afford. Ask yourself what is working in your current kitchen and what definitely needs to change. Are you finding yourself wishing you had a double oven? Do you lack counter space?
Establish a prioritized list of things you would like in your new kitchen, ranked according to their importance. It’s helpful to distinguish between those elements you absolutely need and those you simply want.
2. Logistics and Expenses
Kitchen remodel projects involve a lot of work and just like you see on those reality shows, things may happen unexpectedly that can cost you more money.
If you hire a contractor to do the job, a lot of the work may be handled by subcontractors. That means that you could have strangers in and out of your house through the entire process. Contractors will give you an estimate as far as how long the project will take but be flexible. Some unexpected challenges may arise that are out of their control. If you do the job yourself to help save money, ensure you have your plan in place and that you have fully educated yourself on the process.
A new kitchen could potentially have rewards further down the road. If you decide to sell your real estate, your newly remodeled kitchen might help increase the overall value. But, don’t expect a full return on your investment. Your dream kitchen may not be the next person’s dream kitchen. Also, ask yourself, how long do you plan on being in your home. If you have a 2-5 year plan, then maybe a surface-level kitchen remodel is all you need.
3. Prepare yourself that it may not be a completely seamless process
Again, talk to some professionals and get some help with planning, design and overall management. Professionals can help you decide whether or not to spend the money on top of the line wood cabinets and Italian marble floors or, work within your budget and recommend porcelain floor tiles. They can also help you decide if you need commercial grade appliances or if quality consumer grade stovetop will do just the same.
About Masters Kitchen and Bath
Masters Kitchen & Bath has been providing top quality construction, cabinetry, and design on kitchen renovations and remodeling since 2004. We coordinate and manage construction, ordering and installation. Masters help homeowners get more enjoyment from their home with new kitchen designs that blend beautifully with their new or existing home decor. Visualize your complete kitchen remodel by visiting our showroom. We also offer consultations where our seasoned Project Manager will inspect your job site, listen to your specific needs and considerations, and offer you design suggestions that best meet your needs.
We are proud to offer beautiful and American made Decora and Kemper Cabinets.
Masters Kitchen & Bath serve the following areas: Addison, Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, Chicago, Des Plaines, Elk Grove Village, Elmhurst, Elmwood Park, Evanston, Forest Park, Franklin Park, Glencoe, Glenview, Kenilworth, Lincolnwood, Melrose Park, Morton Grove, Mount Prospect, Niles, Norridge, Northbrook, Northfield, Oak Park, Palatine, Park Ridge, Prospect Heights
