Kitchen Remodeling in Wilmington, DE

Efficiency Tips for Smaller Kitchen Remodels

Most people enjoy as much space as they can have in their homes. However, some living spaces, such as condos and duplexes, can have limited space. Individuals are also now trending towards “tiny homes” for the efficiency of the upkeep these provide.

This does not mean that individuals who have small kitchens do not like to cook or entertain, but they do need to optimize the space with the right type of remodeling. Cabinetry and appliances make a huge difference in smaller kitchens, adding to the enjoyment of cooking and entertaining.

• Cabinet Ideas for Smaller Kitchens

Exploring cabinet styles, such as the Shaker style, have a recessed design adding to the open workspace. “Lazy Susans,” which are carousel types of cabinets, were popular in each kitchen decades ago and are making a comeback as many items can be stored on this type of revolving cabinetry addition.

Pull-out cabinets save space as well and allow homeowners to reach small appliances and other stored items without kneeling or bending to access them. Open shelves can be placed anywhere in a kitchen, and cabinets are indeed open, allowing for more space than if a door-style cabinet is installed.

Vertical types of cabinetry rather than horizontal styles can miraculously free up more space than one might expect and are installed in a “step-ladder” effect.

Of course, as a previous blog post mentioned, “appliance garages” make a huge difference in reducing countertop clutter. These “appliance garages” are built-in spaces where appliances are “parked” and are a nifty idea, especially for smaller kitchens.

• Appliance Ideas for Smaller Kitchens

Appliances take up a great deal of space in a kitchen and with a smaller kitchen space, the choice of appliances makes a big difference in workspace within a kitchen. Enter the “built-ins.”

Popular over a decade or two ago, these are making a huge comeback as homeowners switch to smaller residences, whether to downsize or simply have less work to do on a property.

From compact built-in dishwashers, which do the same job as full-sized ones, to mini-built-in refrigerators, a good kitchen remodeler will take into consideration the space and functionality.

Convection ovens, which oftentimes are included in full-sized stoves and the love of the culinary field, can be used alone without a full-sized stove and built into a cabinet or on a shelf on a countertop. Combine these with an air fryer on cabinet shelving and an actual full-sized stove may not be necessary!

Combination microwave/convection ovens are also gaining popularity for space-saving, and washer/dryer stackable combos are taking over the need for large washers and dryers.

All the above not only save space but also save energy and the environment, and many homeowners now, even with larger spaces, are jumping onto the smaller kitchen space money-saving type of remodel that is gaining traction!

 

Dropping or Raising a Kitchen or Bathroom Ceiling

There are many reasons individuals redo certain portions of their homes, but the kitchen and bathroom can be the most redone over the years, and it’s not because individuals love to spend money!

This is generally a practical choice. New homeowners who are younger yet want a more spacious look in their homes tend to want higher ceilings, especially in the kitchen and bathroom, where most of their time is spent.

If younger individuals fall in love with an older home, however, the ceilings may be lower and they will see a good kitchen and bathroom remodeler to raise these.

They might eventually raise the ceilings in the entire home, but the kitchen and bathroom being focal points for gatherings of friends and families can be a prevalent concern if they are not filled with light and space. It’s an aesthetic choice for younger home buyers.

 Raising a ceiling is more expensive than dropping one, although both projects depend upon the structure of a property and need a highly skilled bathroom and kitchen remodeller.

On the opposite end of the spectrum can be homeowners who are aging and find that the ceilings and the ceiling lights are now too high to reach safely. This can lead to falls, and therefore, for safety reasons, a “dropped ceiling” is requested.

The dropping of a ceiling, on the other hand, is usually for safety’s sake, as older homeowners prefer now to “age in place,” and dropping a kitchen or bathroom ceiling may make that more plausible.

In either case, all homeowners must remember that raising or dropping a ceiling will result in the cabinets, ceiling tiles, and any other installed spaces within the kitchen or bathroom needing to be replaced or repositioned as well.

Ceiling raising or dropping is not without its pitfalls, and a licensed and insured remodeller with the utmost skills should always be called for a consultation before deciding to progress with this type of project.

Damages can occur if done incorrectly, and an honest, conscientious contractor might suggest other improvements instead, such as side lighting or replacing the light fixtures and cabinets with more aesthetically pleasing or safety-related types without having to raise or lower the ceiling. This big decision takes knowledge!

         Ingenious and Unique Additions to a Kitchen Remodel

While kitchen islands and great countertops and tile are must-haves in a show-stopping renovation of a kitchen, not all kitchens have a lot of space.

In addition, some cooks have “special needs,” as the focus of great cooks might not be on keeping a kitchen clean during preparation.

There are ways to deal with smaller kitchens and messy cooks, using the two suggestions below, which can be installed rather easily by a professional renovation firm.

• Standalone counters

Especially useful in smaller kitchens, these can also be used in larger kitchens for extra cooking and storage space. They are counters, and the countertop materials are the same as built-in countertops, according to the taste of each homeowner.

They can be known as “carts” but are moveable as they have legs and even seating around them if a homeowner chooses. 

Cheap standalone can be purchased at home goods stores, but in reality, a well-built custom one will be more functional, match a home’s aesthetic, and stand the test of time more so than a purchased cheap one.

The ones that can be purchased do indeed look like “carts” and are not functional enough to gather around or prepare food on. The custom ones are small kitchen islands that serve the same purpose but can only be moved about, making them a great addition to a great renovation!

• Garbage chutes

These really are not what comes to mind for many homeowners, but if a person in a home is a serious cook, then this addition is a great time saver and makes cleanup a snap!

Prominent in professional kitchens, there is no need to keep emptying a waste basket during cooking and preparation when a garbage chute is installed. Usually installed underneath the countertops, waste is simply scraped into the chute and into a bin.

The bin generally holds more than the usual kitchen waste can, and there is no need to carry the waste to a can. It, therefore, makes cooking more hygienic.

Homeowners can use the collected materials for composting at a later date, too, and the chutes keep the smells of any deteriorating materials down as they are more airtight than garbage cans.

The doors are installed sturdily and provide homeowners with more pest control from bugs as well as the reduction of smells and cluttered waste materials.

Small changes like this add to the enjoyment of any kitchen and should be considered during any remodel or renovation as they are very affordable yet add such a layer of fun and functionality that is unsurpassed.

 

Contact us at [email protected], or 302-998-7907. For more information visit our website at bb4contracting.com.

A Little-Known Efficient Kitchen Renovation Addition

So many times, homeowners get stuck in a bit of a rut. It is straightforward to get used to a kitchen the way it is and not explore new options that now exist in remodeling and renovations.

Time constraints can also play a factor in putting off kitchen upgrades. However, some simple fixes can and do make life easier when cooking or using a kitchen.

Some are quite affordable, and we are going to dive into what will enhance your kitchen simply and affordably using a newer technique that designers are implementing for clients.  

• Kitchen garages

Yes, you read that correctly. Home designers are now recommending a “kitchen garage” for storing appliances when they are not in use.

While, of course, you cannot drive the appliances into a kitchen garage, this is a space where you can store the appliances and free up counter space.

No matter how small or large your countertops are, these tend to clutter up quickly. We put our toasters, our air fryers, our coffee makers, and other small appliances on the counter.

Pushing one small appliance out of the way to make room to use another becomes a routine too many homeowners fall into. The kitchen becomes more difficult to use, with cluttering appliances and messier looks.

Also called kitchen appliance garages, there are many styles. These range from full cabinet construction to simple cutouts in existing spaces where the appliances are sheltered in between usage.

Single large drawers that pull in and out are also an option for smaller kitchens, while larger ones can have double and triple-doored pullout shelving with different appliances on each shelf.

Contact us at [email protected], or 302-998-7907. For more information visit our website at bb4contracting.com.

Refreshing a Kitchen or Bathroom with New Tile

Tile adds dimension and a pleasing aesthetic to any kitchen or bathroom. Used on countertops, floors, and even backsplashes, replacing worn and outdated tile immediately breathes new life into these spaces.

Lasting quite a while, the tile does need to be updated periodically as chips, cracks, and loose seams do eventually appear.

Although a great immediate improvement in look and, of course, functionality, replacing tile is not easy work. In fact, it is challenging for any remodeler, as it must be exact. It is definitely not a DIY project, as even one inexact tile can cause damage to the whole installation.

First and foremost, any tile replacement must be “snug as a bug in a rug.” Meaning that all tiles and seams are grouted and seamless. Moisture can creep into any tile work, no matter how big or how small, and loosen it.

Tile can be used on walls even if seeking a spectacular look, and some tile work resembles a mosaic. You need to take into account the usage, however, and where the tile will be installed.

A sturdier type of tile, such as stone or ceramic, needs to be used on floors and countertops. Glass tiles might suffice for backsplashes, but common sense dictates you would not walk on this type.

If you are working with a healthier budget, stone tile will really lift a space into an aesthetic dream. Glamour rules in this choice. However, a meager budget can do well with vinyl, which is easier to install and stands up well with regular wear and tear.

There really is no limit except your imagination and your budget when it comes to tile. Mixing and matching different types is indeed acceptable, and a great kitchen and bathroom remodeling expert can and should be consulted before deciding how and where to install any type of tile.

Replacing or installing tile takes a great eye for detail as well as superior craftsmanship. Before ripping out any tile for replacement or initial installation, make sure you consult an expert kitchen and bathroom remodeler for a free evaluation.

Knowledge of tile and the intricacies of installation will lead to a successful project and protect your wallet!

Contact us at [email protected], or 302-998-7907. For more information visit our website at bb4contracting.com.