100 Do's & Don'ts in Kitchen and Bathroom Design

$12.99

Do’s & Don’ts

In Kitchen & Bathroom Design

Now you can avoid costly mistakes on your next renovation project.

1

2

100 Do’s and Don’ts in Kitchen and Bathroom Design

Now you can avoid costly mistakes on your next renovation project.

K&B Expo Publishing 882 Louis Drive Suite 200 Warminster, PA 18974 Member

3

Photo Credits: Page 7: https://www.butorkovacs.hu Page 11: Item #8 https://www.thekitchn.com Item #10 https://www.hometips.com Page 12: Item #11 www.vivaweb.co Item #12 https://www.wallremoval.com.au/ Item #13 www.energyvanguard.com Item #14 Private Page 13: Item #15 http://chezerbey.com/ Item 16 http://www.mhi-ri.com/ Item #17 https://www.idealhome.co.uk Page 14: Item #19 https://www.thewcsupply.com Item #20 https://www.proconstructionguide.com Item #21 https://www.bestbuy.com https://www.handyman.com Page 15: Item22 www.indiamart.com Item #23 www.Vineaentertainment.com Item #24 https://www.milgard.com/doors Item #26 https://www.lowes.com Page 16: Item #27 https://www.fairpayzone.com Item #28 https:/www.cliqstudios.com Page 17: Item #30 https://www.shutterstock.com Item #31 https://www.shutterstock.com Item #33 https://www.kitchenandbathexpo.com Page 18: Item #34 Drury Designs Item#35 Kitchen Photo Item #36 bunnings.com au Item#37 Kitchen Photo Page 19: Item #39 Kitchen Photo Item# 40 Drawer Close Photo Item# 41 https://www.homedit.com/kitchen-trash-can/ Page 20: Item# 42 Kitchen Photo Item# 43 Kitchen Photo Item# 44 Kitchen Photo Page 21: Item# 45 Kitchen Photo Item # 46 Boston Appliance Item# 48 Snipp Realty Group Page 22: Item # 49 eufros.com Item # 51 RTA Cabinets Item# 52 Duo Ventures Item# 53 Ask the Builder/Tim Carter Page 23: Item# 54 Kitchen Photo Item# 56 balizones.com Item# 57 Kitchen Photo Page 24: Item # 58 clicknkill .com Item #59 8 Supermarket Item # 60 storyblocks wbm-702175 Item # 61 Milguard Page 25: Item # 62 Kitchen Photo Item # 63 Kitchen Photo Item # 64 Peopleshop Page 26: Item #66 BEST Rangehood Tips Item #67 filmonerileri.co Item #68 Kitchen Photo Page 27: Item #70 Extraordinary Site Amazing Cool Design Item #71 Shutterstock 114545308 Item #72 young house love Page 28: Item #74 Home Zenith Trendy Interior Item # 75 Amy Mason Doan amasondoan @gmail.com Item #76 boxwood avenue Page: 29: Item #78 twigasafari Item #79 diamond cabinets Item #79 Item #80 skinsmart.info Item #81 home crest Page 30: Item #83 Shutterstock 1122525866 Item #84 zip wall Item #84 FloorWrap.1 Item #85 lisaasmith Page 31: Item #86 Shutterstock_708150235 Item #87 stylebynature Page 32: Item #88 contractor luxury bath of texoma Item #89 the home designers Item #90 Decoist Item #91 cngreengoods.com Page 33: Item 92 Fine Homebuilding Item #93 Beingchildfree.com Item # 93 Insulation4less.com Item #94 A Concord Carpenter Item #95 Impressive Interior Page 34: Item #96 creative design construction Item #98 rap construction group Item #99 steam shower Kohler Item #99 Ferguson

4

Copyright © 2018 by Kitchen and Bath Expo 100 Do's and Don'ts in Kitchen and Bathroom Design (VIP246-4E) ISBN: 978-0-578-41696-0 Copyright Year: 2018 COPYRIGHT OWNER Author Name: Robert Dallas Company: Kitchen and Bath Expo 880 Louis Drive, Suite 200 Warminster, PA - Pennsylvania 18974 Country: United States All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, write to the publisher, addressed “Attention: Permissions Coordinator,” at the address below.

Kitchen and Bath Expo 882 Louis Drive, Suite 200 Warminster, PA 18974 215-657-6500 Email: bdallas@kitchenandbathexpo.com Website: www.kitchenandbathexpo.com Ordering Information: Single copy: eBook is $8.99 Single copy, printed in softback: $24.99 ISBN: 978-0-578-41696-0 Published by: Kitchen & Bath Expo Publisher Number for Title Management is 1914844 Quantity sales. Special discounts are available on quantity purchases by corporations, associations, and others. For details, contact the publisher at the address above.

Orders by U.S. trade bookstores and wholesalers.

Please contact: K&BExpo Publishing Tel - (215) 657-6500 or email: info@kitchenandbathexpo.com Printed in the United States of America

5

Table of Contents Introduction:

8

Kitchen Project:

9-24

Section One – Planning & Preparation

9-15

Section Two – Planning & Budget

16-17

Section Three – Planning & Design

17-30

Bathroom Project:

30-34

Section One – Planning

30-33

Section Two – Design

33-34

Disclaimer: The recommendations, suggestions, warnings, and admonitions found in this book, are solely those of Kitchen and Bath Expo and its editors. They are not the conclusions of NKBA (National Kitchen and Bath Association) or its members or affiliates or any participants on the Kitchen and Bath Expo.com website. Kitchen and Bath Expo provides the information in this book as a service to homeowners. Kitchen and Bath Expo, its editors and owners, are not responsible for, and expressly disclaims all liability for, damages of any kind arising out of use, reference to, or reliance on any information contained within this book. While the information contained within the eBook is periodically updated, no guarantee is given that the information provided in this eBook is correct, complete, and up-to-date.

6

100 Do’s and Don’ts in Kitchen and Bathroom Design 7

Introduction

yourselfer, you still can be helped by this book, but much of it is addressed to those who are handing off most of the design and construction to a professional, whether that be a certified kitchen designer, an architect, and interior designer, a cabinet showroom design talent, or a third party designer working for a contractor.

Before we begin, we should acknowledge that not every kitchen or bathroom remodel is the same. Some homeowners have large houses with large budgets, some have smaller houses and smaller budgets. There is no question that the amount of space and the size of your budget will greatly impact how your project will proceed and the steps necessary to complete it. Also, there are the do-it-yourselfers and homeowners that choose to use professionals.

We’ve structured our list of Do’s and Don’ts based on how a project begins and then moves from the planning phase, though the design phase, then into the construction phase and finally into the finishing phase. First things are first. Last things are last. We also labeled each section, so information was easy to locate. Some is focused on kitchen design, some on bathroom design. Our hope is, you can avoid the big mistakes and find some useful ideas to make your kitchen or bathroom remodel a success.

To be clear, we have written this book more for the homeowners who will be using professionals to get their project done, plus those that have an adequate budget and were not too restricted on space. If you are a do-it-

8

Kitchen - Section One: Planning & Preparation

2. Don’t try to do this on your own.

No matter what your budget is, don’t tackle a kitchen or bathroom renovation without the help of a professional. Professional designers and remodelers know techniques that can make your experience much less stressful. They know materials, cabinet styles, suppliers, shortcuts, color coordination, and when to schedule what. Most of all, your professional can help you avoid costly mistakes … because they’ve had years of experience. Doing it yourself will most probably take much longer and mean your house will be torn apart for a longer period, which could raise your eating out costs.

1. Don’t start your project without knowing everything that is involved.

If you’re like most homeowners, you’ve been thinking about your kitchen or bathroom renovation for many months, maybe even many years. You’ve been looking at photos on photo-idea sites and every magazine featuring new kitchen design ideas and imagining your kitchen and how that design idea is one that fits your kitchen. Now the time has come to move forward, and many homeowners have been so focused on the design, they have not considered how their daily lives are about to be impacted.

3. Don’t think you have only one choice for your lead designer or project manager.

The truth is, there are many options. Many architects do kitchen design … design-build firms specialize in both design and construction, meaning you have one point of contact throughout the project … interior designers, independent kitchen designers, are an excellent choice.

Whether your project is a kitchen or a bathroom, you should prepare yourself for disruption of your normal activities and comfort. You may be without a facility for many weeks. Ask your designer or contractor for their best guess. If it’s a kitchen, you may need to set up a temporary kitchen, comprised of a refrigerator, a microwave, and a sink. Maybe the laundry room will suffice. Your contractor may be able to assist you in creating a make-shift kitchen. It’s a small investment that you’ll be glad you made. If it’s a bathroom, you will need to use another bathroom and set up a schedule so each family member is accommodated.

And the trash and demolition debris. You will more than likely need a dumpster. Your contractor may be able to use a trailer and remove trash daily, and avoid using a dumpster. Dumpsters take up a lot of room and can damage your driveway. If parked in the street, a dumpster may require a permit from the township or they will tell you what their rules are for parking dumpsters in the street. Also, if it is in the street, people will tend to use it for their own trash. Overall … Be ready for time estimates to be too short and budget estimates to be too low.

9

create a larger entertainment area. There are times this backyard design could include an outdoor kitchen. On the other hand, a designer could show you how to easily expand your interior space resulting in a much larger kitchen than what you originally planned for.

Kitchen cabinet retailers, often have accomplished designers on staff … and even contractors work with third party kitchen designers. We recommend using a professional designer, not just a friend that likes to design. The NKBA (National Kitchen and Bath Association) can make recommendations. Kitchen and BathExpo.com puts all your choices in one place. It’s the perfect place to begin.

Every project is different and calls for different solutions. The best option is a direct referral from someone you trust, whose reputation speaks for itself.

We recommend you review your options, then interview some and see the types of projects they’ve done, before making a final decision.

4. Do be prepared that finding kitchen designers and contractors may be difficult.

The industry is busy.

You may find it hard to locate professional help right away. The industry has been busy due to the economy and everyone in the home remodeling business is working on projects with 3 or 4 more committed to.

What can you do? Begin collecting all the information you will need (wish list, photos, must haves, etc.) and as you do that, begin reaching out in your area to see what the market is like. Check websites like kitchenandbathexpo.com and start talking to pros … architects, designers, contractors, even retailers … and soon you will locate talent that meets your needs, and budget.

6. Before you start, ask your designer if the kitchen should be located somewhere else in the house.

With so much emphasis on open concept living, it just may be the right time to consider moving your kitchen from its current location. Maybe your kitchen is in a small square space in the corner of your house. Maybe its location doesn’t connect well with the entire open plan. If you have a basement below or a crawl space, moving the pipes and wires that serve the kitchen may be fairly simple to do. You were probably thinking about moving your sink or adding a sink, and installing them in another place anyway may not cost that much more. Your contractor can let you know.

Although this may sound like an extravagant thing to do, your designer can show you what you’ll gain.

5. Don’t “under-plan” your project or set limits before you begin.

Many homeowners will focus on their existing space and not think about what a kitchen might become if expanded beyond the present kitchen layout. A good designer can often broaden your vision and show you how to maximize your investment. Many kitchens are in the rear of the house, often overlooking the backyard.

There are times when redesigning a kitchen, it is also the perfect time to build a deck or patio on the back to 10

Planning & Preparation 7. Don’t work with contractors who are not registered with the state or do not carry insurance.

are re-routing ductwork, and a drywall inspection to be sure there are enough screws. Your contractors will need to be registered with the state and insured or they will not be approved by most townships. If you are forced to put a dumpster in the street, some townships have guidelines to follow. Permits can be costly. Be prepared to spend from $200 to over $1,000. Permits can slow down your project because you must wait for one phase to be approved before moving on, but most townships are prompt with their inspections. Even though there may be minor delays, it is still recommended that you secure permits to avoid fines, and possibly being shut down by the township, which could cause more serious delays and future problems with local authorities. Your planning professional should know what permits will be required and will take that responsibility off your hands.

Contractors need to be registered with the state (in most states) and most states also require them to carry insurance. They should have liability insurance in case there is an accident on the project. This liability insurance covers you for potential damage to your house.

8. Do think about your options during construction.

If your kitchen renovation involves building an addition onto your house as well as moving numerous walls in the interior, you may want to consider moving out to a less stressful environment.

Your contractor can screen off areas using plastic sheeting, but sometimes the disruption can be difficult.

Maybe you could move in with a friend or relative?

Maybe an apartment/hotel type facility? Maybe a summer home?

10. Don’t overlook your electrical service.

Is it delivering enough to handle your new kitchen?

Most houses today have at least 100 amps service.

Some older homes may have only 60 amps. To accommodate your new kitchen (and future improvements) you should have a minimum of 200 amps. Ask your electrician what you have, if you’re not sure. (The size of your circuit breaker panel is often an indicator. If it’s small, it may be a 60 amps panel.) If you need to upgrade, your electrician will need to tap into the overhead wire coming from the street and install a larger (200-amp service) and a new circuit breaker panel. This improvement is a must for the safety of your home and the future of your renovation projects. Most townships will also require proper labeling of each wire connection in your panel, so you know which breaker to flip for each circuit, heater, air conditioner, range, etc.

If you’re buying a new home with plans to renovate it, you may be able to stay in your old home during construction. If you own your home and buying a new one, and the proceeds from the old home will be needed to buy the new one, it may be possible to arrange a post-occupancy agreement as part of the sale.

Check with your realtor.

9. Don’t start your project without securing building permits.

Some townships are very strict. Some, not so much.

Some will tell you if you are not moving the plumbing, a permit is not required. Others want a permit before you remove a wall, even if it’s a straight wall that is nonbearing. All townships will demand an electrical permit, a plumbing permit, a demolition permit and a building permit. Others will also demand an HVAC permit if you 11

11. Don’t assume your electrical panel and wiring to your kitchen are adequate.

ductwork, often the ductwork is in the space directly above the cabinets, which could impact the height of your new cabinets. If you have hot water heat, it is usually distributed through baseboard heaters. If this is the case, your designer may recommend in-floor radiant heat, or heat vents in the kick-boards, which will eliminate any baseboard heaters and provide more wall space for cabinets. In-floor heat can also mean you can remove the ductwork “box” above the cabinets, allowing for 42” cabinets. See item #16 that discusses the issues with ceiling height cabinets.

Appliances are different today. Some are more powerful and draw more amps. Some are on a single line and may need a heavier wire to serve two or three appliances. A toaster oven, a microwave and a coffee maker all going at the same time, on a single line, could cause problems. No worries. Your electrician can give you guidance. But it could be more than the wiring. You need to ask your electrician if the circuit breaker panel has enough room for more circuits. Now is the time to check.

14. Do use an architect or a design-build firm if your kitchen project is also an addition to your house.

12. Don’t take chances when removing load-bearing walls

Your contractor can usually tell you if a wall is loadbearing. If it is, an engineer may be required to do a drawing showing the township inspectors that he has done the proper calculations for a replacement beam. The township will file those calculations with your project in the unlikely event of a future failure. The engineer will need to be certified and registered with the state. Even if you have an architect designing your project, an engineer may still be required. The township will want an authorized party to assume responsibility for the construction.

You can use an architect or design-build firm for a simple kitchen design. But if your kitchen is part of an addition to your house, you definitely want to consult with an architect or design-build firm. If you’re using a contractor or retail cabinet showroom, ask them if they plan to engage an architect. An addition will need a foundation plan, a slab or crawl space, or possibly a basement. If your house already has a basement, the new addition’s basement will need to tie-in to the existing basement walls. This sometimes requires underpinning the existing foundation. An addition will also need to tie-in to the roof of the existing house, so an architect is usually required. At that point you could hand off the kitchen space to a kitchen designer, but many architects and design-build firms have kitchen designers on staff and can handle your kitchen design as well.

13. Don’t overlook the heating and air conditioning of your kitchen before you review layout.

Most homes have either forced hot air, which means you have heat and air conditioning distributed through ductwork, or you have hot water heat, which means you have radiators or baseboard heat. If you have 12

Planning & Preparation 15. If you are building a crawl space, do pour a concrete slab instead of leaving a dirt floor.

opting for wider ranges, cooktops, wall ovens, and built-in refrigerators. Some prefer microwave ovens that are built into the cabinets, to save counter space. Consult with your designer on all the options now. Obviously, it will affect the cabinet dimensions throughout the kitchen, not just the ones adjacent to the appliances. You may also consider hiding your appliances behind the same wood finish as your cabinets. These are known as overlays. If you feel you have too much stainless steel, or you’re tired of cleaning it, an overlay is the answer. See item #44 for more details on appliance choices.

If you are building an addition for your new kitchen, your contractor will recommend building a crawl space. Do decide on a concrete slab under it. Don’t be satisfied with a dirt floor. The crawl space should be at least 3 feet high (check code in your area) if possible, make it 45 feet high, and open into your existing basement. The deeper the better, as it will provide easy access to the pipes and wires feeding the new kitchen. The slab is a rough finish and is usually 3” thick. After construction is complete, plan on conditioning the air so it is not cold in the winter or hot in the summer. Insulate the outside walls and install a dehumidifier to assure the space does not collect moisture. Great for storing holiday decorations, suitcases, large tubs with lock lids, old gym equipment and much more.

18. Don’t listen to advice from people who lack real experience.

Opinions are a dime a dozen. Advice will come from every corner as soon as you announce you are about to remodel your kitchen. Advice will come whether you want it or not from friends, family, neighbors, people at work, contractor/relatives, contractor friends. As soon as you can, be in contact with a professional kitchen designer or even an architect, depending on the size of your project. Make sure they have years of experience so you can begin to trust their advice. As you move through the process, you will be meeting with other professionals like contractors and remodelers who have done many kitchens and you’ll know they speak from years of experience and know-how.

16. Do consider adding height to your kitchen ceiling if it is an addition, or there is no room directly above it.

There are rare cases where the ceiling of your new kitchen can be raised or even vaulted if the kitchen is being added on to the back of the house.

Even a 9’ ceiling can make a huge difference. Sometimes a vaulted ceiling can have skylights and make your entire kitchen more dramatic.

Ask your designer or architect what the possibilities are and go for it.

19. Don’t plan for ceiling-height cabinets (42”) without knowing the issues you will encounter.

17. Do use the planning phase to select appliances.

Most ceiling heights are 8 feet in most homes. In the kitchen cabinet world, there are certain standard heights you must deal with … a base cabinet is 34-1/2” and a countertop is usually 1-1/2”, resulting in the base cabinet being 36” high. The area for the backsplash is

It is true that most kitchen appliances are standard sizes. But it is also true that many homeowners are 13

the usual two. Now’s the time to plan for undercabinet lighting and pendants for the island. And don’t forget recessed lighting for the kitchen ceiling.

18”. Some designers will recommend 20” for the backsplash area to accommodate taller items. That leaves 36” for the wall cabinet (36” + 20” + 36” = 92”) which leaves a little space for a crown molding (a nice touch).

21. Do think about ventilation during the planning phase.

Some kitchens use a vent above the range, in the hood. Some vents are ducted to the outside through the roof. Some vent back into the room through a charcoal filter.

You must discuss this in detail with your designer as there are many variables to deal with; new or existing construction, space above the ceiling, space below the floor, location of the range or cooktop, brand of appliance, and more.

But, be sure, this is an important topic as your comfort and your guests’ comfort is at stake. You definitely want to exhaust food odors, smoke and lingering smells out to the outside, but sometimes it is just not possible due to construction restraints and the location of the kitchen. Many townships insist on intake from the outside to avoid “sucking” too much air from the inside.

Go through all your appliance options and consider what they offer (down draft, pop-up venting, range hood venting). Your designer or remodeler will guide you but think of the future and make the right decision for your kitchen.

However, if you choose a 42” wall cabinet, you are forced into an 18” backsplash (36” + 18” + 42” = 96”) and little room for a crown molding.

Your designer may have other recommendations.

The other issues with a 42” wall cabinet, is you may need a stepstool to reach these high cabinets, so you may want to limit that storage to items you seldom need. Finally, with a 42” cabinet, the matching pantry cabinet is 96” high. This makes it challenging to fit a 96” cabinet into a 96” high ceiling. Check with your designer for their solution.

20. Do think about your outlets, under cabinet lighting, light switches and all your small appliance needs now, as they affect conveniences later.

Don’t assume all your electrical needs will be spelled out in the typical electrical codes that your electrician will follow. Instead of the typical receptacle outlet every 4 feet of counter, consider a 4-plex, not the typical duplex.

Think about cell phones that need to be charged, your children’s tablet, chargers for all your phones, a gang of appliances that demand more open receptacles than 14

22. Do consider a built-in pantry if you have the space. It offers more space than a cabinet-pantry, and you can never have too much space for pantry items.

24. Do ask your designer if now is a good time to install a new patio door.

If your kitchen faces the back patio, your designer can show you how a new patio door can integrate the backyard with your new kitchen. Even if you’re not renovating your patio area right now, it could be smart planning for the future.

Maybe a French door is called for. If you have a sliding door, maybe a pair of French doors will set off the interior, hinting a new exterior is “coming soon”.

Most people think about a pantry for storing canned goods and packaged goods. But a built-in pantry can also accommodate larger pots, trays, plastic bowls, oversized serving dishes, large Tupperware items, large appliances, storage bags and much more. If you have a space that looks like a shallow coat closet, turn it into a pantry. Fill it with shelving on all sides (right, left and back) and you’ll have a great place to store a surprising number of things. Build-in a small counter for extra appliances, have drawers on the lower portion, shelving above, even a high shelf for seldomly used items.

25. Do think about a laundry room as you approach your new kitchen renovation.

Some older homes have their laundry in the basement.

Some have outdated laundry facilities on the first floor.

Ask your designer if now is a good time to renew the laundry and build it into the overall kitchen design.

Maybe it can be a laundry/mudroom. Maybe by reconfiguring the old laundry, it will yield more space for the kitchen or possibly a pantry. Your designer can show you all your options. Remember, studies have shown that the best place for the laundry is on the first floor where you spend most of your time.

23. Do consider having two sinks.

If you have the room, two sinks may be a good idea.

If you do a lot of entertaining, with family or close friends, it is often a great convenience for friends to be cleaning and preparing vegetables, while you handle the main dishes. It invites help with clean up without saying a word. And if your kitchen is on the back side near the patio, a second sink can be handy while the grill is going on the patio and salads are being prepared inside. Make it a full-size sink, not a bar sink.

26. Do consider renewing the basement door if it is in your kitchen.

If your basement is finished and the entry to the basement is in the kitchen, it might be worth changing that door to a glass and wood door (15 glass panels extending for most of its length). It opens up the basement entrance making it more inviting. It adds to the finish of your kitchen and provides an opportunity to extend your design/color scheme on the new basement door 15

Planning & Budgeting

you don’t need to feel guilty that you’re not getting 3 bids.

27. Do decide on a budget before you start the project but be ready to make adjustments as the job progresses.

Having said that, if you don’t have a designer who has been recommended to you and you feel you must get multiple bids, you should consider using the bidding process as a way to familiarize yourself with each supplier. You just may end up choosing the highest bid once you feel comfortable with the team. Choose a designer and or contractor based on their reputation and how well you think their experience fits your project. Check references. Review their profile on websites like KitchenandBathExpo.com. Finally, look over their website and portfolio. Meet face to face with the principals or with the designer who will be working on your project. If you can see they have the right experience and the talent to make your project even more than you originally thought, then move forward.

It’s difficult to be specific on a budget before you’ve even designed the space. Most homeowners have a guesstimate of the cost but need the help of a designer or contractor to determine if the amount is adequate for the proposed project. But having some idea of an amount is still helpful.

Let’s say a couple wants to remodel their kitchen and want to expand it into an adjacent room to enlarge the space at the same time. They may have a budget that is more based on what they can afford, say $75,000. They then engage a designer who tells them that it is not enough due to complications that will probably arise from the wall removal and refinishing of the adjacent space. They then must either scrap the expansion plan and just do a remodel of the kitchen alone … or expand their budget. The kitchen alone may come in at $55,000, but, in any event, it was helpful to establish a ceiling to their spending. By doing so, they worked through the plan with an advisor and avoided any surprises.

28. Don’t be swayed by the lowest bid. A kitchen or bathroom renovation is too large a project to rely only on price.

Photo Credit: Cliqstudios.com

29. Do recognize your contractor may need to work on another project from time to time.

It is often the case, that your preferred design/ construction team, will be one that is referred by a neighbor or relative.

This may eliminate the bidding process altogether. With a project as significant as a kitchen, it can be more important that the team fits your needs, is highly recommended and has a solid reputation, rather than securing 3 bids from strangers and choosing the best of the three. This happens quite frequently, and

Once your contractor starts your project, they should stay on it until it is finished. But recognize there may be times when your contractor will need to work elsewhere for a day or two. Sometimes there are call backs from a previous job they must tend to, such as the customer circuit breaker trips, or a new heater isn’t producing heat due to a faulty circuit board by the manufacturer and it requires immediate attention.

16

30. Do expect to pay deposits to your contractor at the start of the project and throughout.

32. Don’t overlook resale value.

If you need justification for investing in your new kitchen, don’t forget the kitchen pays you back more than any room in the house. In the hottest housing markets, a kitchen remodel is a virtual guaranteed investment, often returning more than 100 percent of the cost. In one case, it recouped 175 percent of its cost at resale. Be smart. An investment in your kitchen pays big dividends, whether you sell someday or not.

It is typical for designers or contractors to require a deposit before beginning your project. (Some may require a smaller down payment just to get on their schedule and then another the day the work actually begins.) These upfront deposits are normal and fund the cost of labor, materials, supplies and facilities needed such as a dumpster or other items. Your designer or contractor should have everything outlined so you know where you stand as you move through the project. It is typical for a contractor to have a payment schedule that is tied to certain phases of completion.

Make sure you have enough details to know what an extra expense is, that was not originally planned for.

Near the end, a final payment should be relatively small and tied to the completion of the project.

Planning & Designing Kitchen - Section Two: Design Phase 33. Don’t race through the design phase.

This is where your designer can make a big difference in selecting the right materials, colors, textures and finishes.

31. Do allow for a 10% contingency fund to cover unexpected surprises.

You’ve been planning this remodel for months, maybe years. Now, it is upon you and there may be a desire to get it done quickly. But now is not the time to rush. Let your designer make suggestions … show you samples and color swatches. Visit showrooms. Touch and feel cabinet finishes. See for yourself the countertop samples. Don’t just revert to granite. Ask to see a wider selection. If possible, touch and feel each one. Look at flooring … tile, hardwoods, cork, engineered. Follow your designer’s lead. Take your time.

Behind the walls and under the floors can hold surprises for the unsuspecting homeowner and contractor. How can you see the termite damage behind the walls? How could you know there was ductwork or wiring in the wall you want to remove? A 20-year old water leak under the patio door caused wood to rot in the beams below the floor. Who knew?

Plus, when you remodel a kitchen, you and your designer will take one item at a time and it’s easy to blow your budget because you commit to things before you know the total cost, like that crown molding, or those fancy pendant lights.

It’s wise to leave a 10% contingency fund to allow for any unplanned for, but necessary, expenditure.

17

34. Do know that design is also function, not just colors and finishes.

kitchen design. Keep them subtle. Backsplash tiles should be nice, but not try to steal the show. Cabinet styles are vast; traditional, country, contemporary, in a wide array of stains. Cabinet selection may just be the easiest part of your design decision. Keep the permanent things as neutral as possible (flooring, tile, backsplash). Remember your accessories will play a part in your kitchen décor.

Try to imagine yourself in the kitchen, cooking and preparing meals. Imagine turning radiuses, open doors, dishwasher location, the holy triangle (refrigerator, range and sink), think about the location of the microwave and how accessible it is to outsiders. What about kids coming into your space, Photo Credit: Drury Designs visitors, spouses. Is there a place for them to hangout without disturbing your flow? How about a cutting surface? If you have a wall oven, consider its proximity to the range and a safe countertop to place hot-from-the-oven trays and bowls.

Place the dishwasher to the right or left of the sink. It is better than in the island where water can splash onto the floor.

36. Don’t reface your existing cabinets.

For some homeowners, it still may make sense to reface, but if you’re reading this book, we assume you want to do more than stay with your existing cabinet layout.

Besides, the cost difference is not that great any more between refacing and replacing. Not only that, but the process is not necessarily easier to reface. Most people think it only involves installing new doors, but the veneer face of the cabinets also needs to be glued on and that is a very time-consuming procedure and not always successful.

Plus, when you’re done, you still have old cabinets inside, with all their stains, rust, dirt and wear and tear.

When you replace cabinets, you can change the layout, add features, add deep drawers, add pantry cabinets, install better hardware, auto-close drawers and much more. Do yourself a favor. Replace and start fresh.

35. Don’t follow the trendy. Kitchen designs are quick to go out of style.

Chances are the style of just 5 years ago is already old, because it’s been done over and over.

Start with the appliance colors. Yes, stainless steel still works. But look closely at new innovations in appliances and make sure you get what you want … for the future. Visiting manufacturers’ websites shows you the latest and greatest.

(KitchenandBathExpo.com has listings of manufacturers, nationwide.) After that, tell your designer you want to be different. Consider all the new countertop materials. Be open to painted cabinets and using a different color for the island cabinets.

Remember that the pendant lights can overtake your

37. Don’t forget that paint on walls can be your base color.

18

Planning & Design 40. Don’t overlook soft-close cabinet doors and drawers. They add life to your cabinets and support you when you’re moving fast.

Cabinets, countertops and floors will all be viewed against painted walls and ceilings. Those walls should be complementary. But as you choose your other finishes, don’t forget that the wall paint can bring everything together. And yes, you can decide the paint last.

The soft-close mechanism allows drawers and cabinets to close silently and smoothly, on their own, without you slamming them. When you have a house full of guests and you’re getting frantic, this popular feature is a life saver (and cabinet saver).

You look less frantic and have a built-in helper working behind you closing all the doors and drawers.

38. Don’t choose cheap cabinets.

What makes cheap cabinets, you ask? One thing to watch out for is whether the sides and backs of the cabinet boxes are made of particle board. When you see all the cabinets screwed together (before the countertop goes on) you may wonder what the big deal is. Particle board looks strong. The cabinet front is wood. It looks good enough. But what you may not realize, is the particle board is what the drawer guides are anchored to and with the constant opening and closing over the years, the particle board finally gives way. Choose plywood sides and backs only and protect your future.

It also puts less stress on cabinet door hinges, door and drawer stops, and drawer rails, greatly extending the life of your cabinets. The soft-close feature is a great way to add a bit of luxury to your kitchen or bathroom.

It can also be an attractive selling point if you decide to sell your home in the future. It is the mark of a sophisticated kitchen or bath and says, “we upgraded”.

39. Don’t underestimate your need for counter space.

41. Don’t forget the trash cans. One for recycled and one for trash (and one more for plastic if it is recycled separately).

Decide now how you’re going to handle it. An exposed can in the corner, or a special base cabinet for trash. The pull-out drawer is extremely convenient in the island. You can plan on using the countertop above for cutting and brush the crumbs right into the trash can just by opening a drawer. If your township separates paper, plastic and regular trash, consider having 3 cans. You’ll be glad you did.

Countertop space is a precious commodity. It seems you can never have too much. And when you begin placing your small appliances like a microwave, a toaster, a toaster oven, you run out of space quickly.

What can you do? Ask your designer. Sometimes it requires expanding your kitchen space into the adjacent room. Or it may be creating more space for a large kitchen island. (And check with your designer, but a two-level island can sometimes cramp your space.)

19

42. Do explore all your options for lighting fixtures, and make sure to consider the hue of each.

solution for the kitchen as well. Hardwood flooring in the kitchen seems to run against everything we know about moisture and durability. But experience has shown hardwood floors hold up as well as any other surface provided you care for them. Wipe up spills promptly. Treat the wood as you would the rest of the house.

Ceramic tile seems like the right solution for a kitchen, but it is not problem-free. The grout can show stains from food spills. It’s hard surface often causes a dropped bottle to break and makes your feet ache when standing on it too long. (Same for Porcelain which is even harder.)

Linoleum and Sheet Vinyl are ideal for kitchens and most come in 12’ widths, so seams are rare. They come in a wide array of designs, some appearing just like ceramic tile with grout lines and everything. They are comparatively soft to stand on and dropped bowls tend to bounce off. Trouble is, if you have an open concept, they may not work for your other spaces. Depend on your designer to guide you through your flooring decisions.

LED lighting can be harsh and bright. Pendant lights can have a yellow cast. Recessed lighting in the ceiling can be overpowering. Ask you designer to guide you through the products to be sure all your lighting has a similar color (bright white, soft white, yellow white) to suit your taste. Have all your lighting on dimmer switches to control the mood. And remember the pendant lights should not dominate your kitchen’s design statement. Illuminate prep areas with pendant or track lighting.

44. Don’t choose open shelving unless you have adequate cabinet space for all your stuff.

43. Don’t assume you know all you need to know about flooring. Depend on your designer or flooring store.

Open shelving is a designer touch, mostly for select items to be displayed. If you have plenty of other

It’s the great debate.

What is best for kitchens, hardwood, engineered woods, ceramic tile, porcelain tile, cork, linoleum. Ask your designer and learn as much as you can. The “open concept” that is favored by most of us today has driven the decision-making for the kitchen floor more than anything else. Because hardwood is chosen for the rest of the living space, hardwood has become a popular

cabinet space for all your dishes, glasses etc., then the open shelf is a nice feature. If you don’t have enough other cabinet space, your open shelves will soon become cluttered with more than they were intended for.

20

Planning & Design 47. If you choose a built-in refrigerator, keep in mind the capacity.

45. Don’t forget the backsplash

Most counters are 25-1/2” deep. Most refrigerators are 35”-36” deep when you consider the doors and handles.

A counter-depth refrigerator is usually 24-27” deep with only the doors protruding beyond the countertop. This built-in look makes your kitchen very custom in appearance. But you should be aware how much space there is on the inside. Here are two 36” wide refrigerators. One is regular depth, one is counter depth (Built-in).

Refrigerator Capacity: Freezer Capacity: Total Capacity:

Yes, some homeowners decide to eliminate the backsplash because their budget is getting too stretched by other design elements. But don’t make this mistake. The backsplash is an important piece of the design, but just as important, it will help you keep the kitchen looking clean and crisp for its entire life. A painted wall surface is no match for a tiled backsplash when it comes to food splatters, grease build up and even dents in the wall during busy food preparation. It also sets off your cabinets and adds character.

Counter depth

Reg depth

11.7 Cu. Ft. 5.1 Cu. Ft. 16.8 Cu. Ft

15.4 Cu. Ft. 6.7 Cu. Ft. 22.1 Cu. Ft.

To make up for this loss of space, you can purchase a wider or taller model, or in some situations, you can cut into the wall behind the refrigerator to allow the standard refrigerator to sit farther back. There are many options. Ask your designer or appliance store, for guidance.

46. Do consider the “Built-in” look for your appliances. You have three options.

48. Don’t make knee jerk decisions on a refrigerator. Capacity should be your first concern.

If you decided on a custom-built look for your kitchen, you have three options which can be determined by the limits of your budget: Built-in, Overlay, and Integrated.

“Built-in” is where the appliance finish is still visible, “Overlay” is a Built-in where panels matching your cabinets “overlay” the appliance. Integrated is where you make the appliance disappear.

Obviously, the most sophisticated look is the “Integrated”.

But it is also the most expensive.

If you have a house full of kids, especially older ones, your first priority should be capacity.

Match your family to your refrigerator and consider having two.

One for the laundry room or garage and one for the kitchen. Consider having an extra freezer as well, if possible, an upright model. Do you have parties and entertain a lot? Then extra refrigerator and freezer space is almost a necessity. Plus, you will save money because you can buy in bulk and freeze it.

21

49. Don’t place your refrigerator in the corner where the side wall will affect the swing of the door.

52. Do be careful how wide you make your window sill over the sink. The newer taller faucets need room.

Your designer wouldn’t let you do this, of course, but in the event you start to design on your own, this is a no-no … at least not without a spacer of some kind. Today’s refrigerators need to open wide, so drawers can open without hitting the door. You should also avoid having your refrigerator too close to the oven and make sure you have adequate counter space next to the refrigerator, so you can place items there while you access others.

Most homeowners prefer a tall faucet to accommodate tall pots. Make sure the window sill (often directly behind and above the sink) does not disrupt the use of your new faucet. Your designer should catch this before it’s a problem, but some homeowners like to create small shelves out of their window sill for plants, and you want to avoid doovers.

50. Don’t place your dishwasher in the wrong place.

53. Don’t forget having a “pot-filler-faucet” over your range or cooktop.

The ideal location is directly under the drain board next to the sink. Avoid placing it in the island or anywhere that is too far from the sink. You want to be able to rinse plates and glasses, etc. before you add them to the dishwasher without water going all over the floor. If the position in the island is close enough, that should work, but if you have hardwood floors, the less chance for water to spill on them, the better.

As we age, we are grateful for these type conveniences plus it is safer than hauling full pots of water from the sink to the range. If possible, do yourself a favor and have your plumber install a pot-filler-faucet on the wall behind your range. If you like this type of convenience, it may guide your decision as to where to put a cooktop. An island cooktop will not accommodate this type of faucet.

51. Don’t place your oven next to another appliance, especially not the refrigerator.

Assuming you are purchasing a traditional oven/range combo, don’t place it right next to another appliance.

You need room on both sides.

But most definitely don’t place it next to the refrigerator, as the heat of one will have some impact on the cold of the other, making both work harder, but mostly, the fridge.

54. Don’t design a contemporary kitchen if the decor in your home is traditional.

Your designer should keep this from happening, but it’s easy to get carried away when you begin to focus on your new kitchen planning. You fall in love with a certain cabinet style and it dictates the design of the knobs and handles, which impact the backsplash and

22

Planning & Design including the infamous lower corner cabinet which is often wasted space. Lazy Susans make items easier to access (make sure they’re built well). Vertical dividers are irreplaceable for all your cookie sheets and flat pans. And consider a deep drawer to store your plates, formerly found in a top cabinet.

before you know it, your new kitchen does not complement the rest of your home.

Step back and get away from the project so you can think. This not only relates to styles but paint colors as well. Remember you want your new kitchen to stand out … but also fit in. Plus, if you’re planning to sell your home, you want to use subdued colors and be sure the kitchen doesn’t look like it was recently upgraded but the rest of the first floor was not.

57. Don’t forget to plan on the location of appliances and how you need to work in your kitchen.

55. Don’t skimp on hardware like drawer guides, hinges, knobs and drawer pulls.

This is the functioning part of your cabinets. Yes, the visible hardware is a design element and an important one, but the durability of cabinet hardware is more crucial. Drawers and cabinets are opened and closed hundreds of times each month and the hardware is what takes a beating. It must last for many years to come. Don’t just be drawn by the appearance or the design and a low price, make sure the quality is there for the long term

Some kitchens have only one person that does all the cooking and food prep. Other kitchens need to accommodate two people who divvy up the duties (one does the main meal, the other does the salad or dessert). Others need to be concerned with parties and entertaining where you might have 4 or more people in the kitchen. Think about this when you decide your kitchen layout and the location of certain cabinets and other things. Make sure your cutlery drawer, your utensil drawer, and your plate drawer are convenient to multiple persons. Think about ways to stay out of each person’s space, so you’re not stepping over them, or reaching behind them. This is where a 2nd sink works really well, or a cooktop that is separate from the oven, or a microwave that is accessible without reaching above the oven. Instead of thinking about the traditional “triangle” for the refrigerator, sink and range, it might be good to think about “stations” for different food prep ... a salad station … a dessert station … a grilling station … a baking or cooking station.

56. Don’t miss out on getting the latest cabinet and storage options.

Depend on your designer to show you the newest features in cabinet storage. There have been so many innovations in the past five years that enhance the functionality of the average kitchen. Deep, wide drawers for pots and pans (formerly relegated to a hard to reach lower cabinet) or spice and canned goods drawers that pull out almost between other cabinets.

Pull-out metal racks make lower cabinets more usable, 23

58. Don’t place a cooktop on a narrow island … or close to tall cabinets.

60. Do consider how you and your family will use your kitchen.

If you’re opting for two wall ovens because you want more oven capacity, chances are you are going to have a cooktop. A cooktop can be a welcome new feature for most homeowners, being freed from the range and oven combo which has been the standard for many years. However, the cooktop on too narrow a space (like a small island) can be hazardous to both children and adults. Handles sticking out can easily be knocked by a passerby. Pots with boiling water can cause a life altering tragedy. Placing a cooktop next to a tall cabinet with no space to set pots down can cause a constant annoyance. Plus, excessive heat and food splatters can create a fire hazard and will not stand the test of time.

If you tend to use the kitchen as the hub for entertaining and school projects, be sure you are creating that type of environment. You will need an open plan. You probably need a large island. You may need more seating. If the kids do homework in the kitchen, while you’re cooking, make sure there are enough places … maybe lower counter surfaces with pull up seating. Maybe their own countertop area with adequate lighting.

61. Don’t overlook your windows and doors while doing your kitchen remodel.

It’s the perfect time to renew them all.

You may not be expanding the openings, but you definitely should renew all those drafty windows and doors as you redesign the rest of the kitchen.

Many people leave the window over the sink stay there if there’s no reason to move it.

But even though you’re not moving it or making it larger, now is the time to get a replacement, insulated window. There may be an opportunity to make it a “garden window” and watch your favorite plants and herbs grow, all year long. But it’s the insulated glass that you’ll be thankful for.

59. Don’t design your entire kitchen and forget to make a place for all your items.

Maybe it’s your favorite mixer, your collection of large Tupperware type bowls, oversized trays, a double broiler, so many items, some your forgot you owned. To be safe, make a list of all your items and check off when you have identified which cabinet or what shelf each item will go on. Check other areas in your laundry room for overflow items that didn’t fit into your old kitchen. It will be a shame if you do all this design and construction and not have room for your most popular items.

24

Planning & Design 62. Don’t forget the finishing touches … like furniture and accessories. Might as well picture them now.

designer how you could incorporate black, even in a traditional kitchen. Sometimes, it’s black hardware, black knobs and drawer pulls. There are even black appliances. You will be surprised … and you’ll be giving your kitchen more future value … as more and more black is being incorporated in the newest designs.

As you choose your cabinet finishes, you should be thinking about how you plan to furnish and accessorize your new kitchen. Your designer will help, but often, this is where your personal taste will take over. Some decorators depend on this phase to give all the character to a room’s design. Old cookbooks on open shelves, plants, old world items, rugged picture frames, will all contribute to a traditional décor.

Likewise, sharp lines, black & white photos in black frames will position your kitchen as contemporary, possibly more than your cabinets do. Barstools, dining table and chairs, chandeliers, pendant lights, all go a long way to establish the ultimate character of your new kitchen.

64. Don’t use too much stainless steel.

Most will agree that stainlesssteel appliances are the preferred solution these days. But, if you’re not careful, you could easily choose a stainless-steel sink, a microwave, and stainless-steel cabinet knobs and drawer pulls, and possibly stainless-steel pendant lights.

After it’s all done, you’ll step back and conclude, “I used too much stainless-steel.”. Think about textures, think about contrasting colors, darker drawer pulls, a different color sink instead of more stainless.

63. Don’t be afraid to use black.

65. Don’t have doors opening into each other. Cabinet doors. Refrigerator doors.

Dishwasher doors.

Black and greys are the new beiges. (Try to avoid beige) Black is a great accent color. Maybe it’s the base cabinets in your island. Maybe it’s the countertops.

Maybe it’s your main cabinets and use grey on the island cabinets.

If all that sounds too contemporary, you might be right, but do consider how black can provide a great contrast against stainless steel appliances, or a white quartz countertop. Ask your

This is an easy mistake to make, but a good designer will keep you from it. Open all the doors in your cabinets.

Do any run into others when open? Does your refrigerator open into an open cabinet door? Does your dishwasher door hit another door when it’s open? It’s no big deal, but when you’re making a big dinner for guests and family, these minor annoyances can drive you crazy. Also, make sure cabinets and refrigerator open toward the main part of the kitchen, not away from it.

25

68. Don’t live in the past. Kitchens were at one time, positioned outside the house … then moved inside, but still … in the back of the house.

66. Don’t make the range hood too low.

Range hoods can add a lot to the character and design of your kitchen. If you have the room, and you are planning to have one, consider very special design treatments (from stainless to hammered copper, to painted wood, to flat black with copper trim). Range hoods are usually quite large and can definitely make a statement.

It’s probably before your time, but it is interesting how kitchens have changed over the years. For many homes, kitchens are still in the rear corner of the house leaving the kitchen for cooking only. The gathering room for these homes is the dining room … Maybe your house is

Just don’t make the hood too low. Check with your tallest family members. They wouldn’t be the first to bang their head on the hood as they reach for a pot on the back burner. Ask your designer to use a measuring tape to show you how low the hood will be. Maybe even make a cardboard cut-out just to be sure. A low range hood could drive you crazy … every day. Don’t make this mistake.

67. Don’t use a side cabinet panel next to your refrigerator that will stand alone.

like that. Maybe you can’t change it due to restrictions in space and immovable walls. But if you can, now is the time to come out of the past. Knock down walls. Repurpose rooms. Change the status quo. Turn your new kitchen into a life changer. A large island tends to act like a magnet. Friends are drawn there to have drinks and talk prior to sitting down for dinner. Family is drawn there to review the happenings of the day and catch up.

Kids are drawn there to do homework or school projects. There’s really no room like it. But you might have to create it and stretch yourself.

If your refrigerator is at the end of a run of cabinets (possibly next to a doorway) don’t make the mistake of finishing off your cabinets with a panel to cover the side of your refrigerator, unless your cabinet supplier assures you it won’t warp. A standalone panel made of the wrong cabinet material has a tendency to warp because it is not tied in to the base cabinets and is often only tied in to the top cabinet that goes across the refrigerator. While you may not have a choice to do so, you may regret it later when the panel begins to bend. Ask your designer and confirm with your cabinet supplier that there will not be future issues with the panel.

69. Don’t think of your kitchen just for cooking. Bring all your other activities there. Hobbies, crafts, homework, computer work, home business center, business meetings, etc.

Think about where your kids do their homework. Where you do your favorite craft project (sometimes, the kitchen is the perfect spot … plenty of light, surfaces 26

Planning & Design up in your active family. If you have doubts about the longevity of any materials, go with a more durable material. Is your family rough on things? Go with tile over hardwood. Go with quartz countertops over marble. Go with stronger gauge stainless steel sink over the cheaper versions. (stainless steel sinks come in various gauges.)

that are clear, close-by access to water, easy clean-up).

The kitchen can be great for your in-home business (consider a desk type set-up) or for your monthly business meeting or charity group meeting. Now’s the time to think about the kitchen serving needs beyond the preparation of meals.

70. Don’t make any selections without seeing samples … ideally in your home.

It’s a truth that some materials look great when they’re first installed but don’t stay that way for long in some households.

Depending on who you use as a designer, you may or may not be able to view actual samples of tile, backsplash, cabinet doors, countertops, and flooring … in your home. It is preferred so you can see the materials and textures in the actual room they will be installed. If possible, request samples to take home before you order anything. Countertop examples should be viewed in the warehouse/showroom where you can view the actual grain/finish of the granite, marble, quartz or whatever you choose. Granite will have a natural pattern and you should be able to choose the pattern that will remain after cutting your countertop out of the granite slab. If that’s not possible, at least hold a piece in your hand and maybe use it to select backsplash and paint color.

72. Do consider open shelving or glass front cabinets if you have something nice to display.

There are times when open shelving can work … if your other cabinet space is adequate … if your kitchen is big enough … if you have the right size wall for the shelving … and if you have the perfect kinds of accessories, like crockery, colorful bowls which are meant to be displayed. Glass front cabinets are less restricted. They can be ideal for plates and glasses, provided your sets are truly sets and give a great appearance either stacked or lined up like soldiers. Open shelving can look stunning in a kitchen, especially if you have impressive things to display.

71. Do admit it if your family tends to be rough on things, especially hardwood floors and countertops.

If you have 4 boys, a couple dogs and plenty of their friends, or their cousins over often, you must be honest with yourself about how that new hardwood floor will hold

73. Don’t use your older furniture with your beautiful new kitchen.

Imagine your kitchen is done. You have all new cabinets, backsplash, flooring, cabinet hardware, lighting, maybe a new range hood … now it’s time to move in your furniture and accessories. If your old kitchen furniture is, well, old … then don’t use it. This is the right time to make a break with the past. “New wine in old wine skins” just doesn’t work. And it doesn’t cost that much 27

Make sure to have the table be movable so different sized guests can be accommodated. People love dining booths. For some reason they feel drawn to them. Kids will favor them to do their homework and they’re especially nice for breakfast. Hopefully yours can be graced with at least one window.

to start fresh. Maybe a new table and chairs. Maybe new barstools. Maybe a new pull-up chair to your new, desk height counter. It doesn’t have to be expensive furniture, it just has to match.

74. Don’t forget to leave “elbow room” around your dining place, on the table as well as behind the chairs.

76. Don’t forget finishing touches You’ve planned your new kitchen.

You have the right workspace for all your needs. Your cabinets have all latest storage options. Don’t forget the items that don’t get nailed down or glued in place … your artwork, accessories, and custom one-of-a-kind pieces that will make your kitchen a place you love to show off, but more importantly a place you’ll want to spend time with. Maybe it’s a custom-made metal sculpture or wall hanging. Maybe it’s a black & white family photo that captures a special memory. Up until now, it’s a kitchen. This final step makes it your personality, your colors, your family’s favorite place to be.

If you’re planning a kitchen with an eat-in capability, whether it’s a breakfast table or open dining room, make sure you leave enough room around the table for easy access and chair movement. Guests should be able to come and go without disturbing two other guests.

Likewise, on the table itself, be sure to leave room around each place setting so there’s room for serving dishes, a dinner plate, a water glass, a bread plate, cutlery, and another drink, so everyone has room to eat without competing for space.

75. Do consider a built-in breakfast nook.

77. Do consider using a special hutch as an accent piece finished to match your cabinets.

Sometimes a small breakfast nook can be a wasted space unless you turn it into a dining booth.

If you have the right space, do consider building one. Kids love them. They’re good for storage below the seating.

Cushions make them comfortable. They’re a great opportunity to make a design statement. A special chandelier should tie-in to your lighting scheme.

Kitchens and cabinets aren’t the only way to create storage and beauty. Consider using a hutch or large piece of furniture. Maybe it has glass doors on it. Maybe the doors are solid. If it is made of a fine wood, consider staining it to match your cabinets. If not, maybe it can be painted to match or complement your cabinets. Use it to store your finer pieces or use it to display your best dinnerware. The look of the hutch can blend seamlessly with your overall kitchen design or can be used as an accent piece.

28

Planning & Design

Use a special cabinet for her food or consider using a drawer hidden in the toe-kick panel right close to the ground. When she’s eating, the bowls are exposed.

When she’s not, the bowls are hidden from view. It may take some custom work for your cabinet supplier, but isn’t she worth it?

78. Do consider building a buffet piece out of your cabinet materials and countertop.

If you have room, consider building a dining buffet possibly leading into the dining area or directly in the dining area to use it as a server. If you entertain a lot, you can use this invaluable piece for parties, buffets, pizza parties and so much more. It is probably a good idea to have your electrician install outlets (GFCIs) along the back of it for chaffing dishes and crockpots. Also, it deserves its own overhead lighting to provide light during use. The cabinets should not be typical counter depth but could be if it fits your budget better. The toekick should be replaced with a typical base molding for a more “serving piece” look.

81. Don’t place the microwave too low or too high.

Don’t install a microwave below the countertop surface. It’s just too low for adults. The truth is, on top of the counter is probably just right, but today’s preferences is to put it in a cabinet, often in the island. The rationale is, it’s at a good height for the kids. But most adults prefer the height of microwaves over the range, although the range position is not favored by all. It is possible to mount the microwave under one of the top cabinets or some models allow for installation inside the top cabinet (sitting on the floor-of-the-cabinet). This means the microwave is off the countertop and frees up the counter for other uses. And it is at a very convenient height for most adults.

79. Do consider top-hinged cabinets for variety and style.

If you have a long run of wall cabinets, ask your cabinet supplier if a top-hinged cabinet could be used.

You would stack one on top of the other and replace two vertical cabinets. It not only breaks up the monotony of the vertical cabinets, but it provides you a different type cabinet for different items, like cook books, or recipes. Try to use the soft-close feature so you can easily lift the door and close it effortlessly. Ask about your options.

There are microwave drawers but that is an entirely different appliance that is priced more in the $1,000 + range, depending on the features. It is accessible from the top and comes in a push-button open/close drawer.

See this link for a video. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bc18IKEZBZk)

82. Don’t forget, if you’re left-handed you may want things a little different.

80. Do consider having a dedicated space for your pet’s food and supplies.

Left-handers will want to pay attention to making the entire kitchen layout accommodate your “lefted-ness”.

It’s quite possible your current kitchen was the way it was and you had to deal with it. Now, you have the opportunity to make the kitchen work the way you want. If you tend to hang utensils on the wall, situate the stove so the wall is to your left, making it easy to grab your spatula. Dishwashers should also be placed to the left, rather than to the right side of the sink. Think

If you have a pet, you know she’s as much a family member as anyone.

Why not surprise her with her own feeding area and, at the same time, create a way to keep her area clean and supplied.

29

a plastic barrier as well as a drop-cloth so dust and trash can be removed each day, while the carpet is being protected against spills.

about all the ways you want to make the kitchen layout work for you.

83. Do choose drawers over doors in most of your base cabinets.

Bathroom Planning

Let’s face it, the base cabinet just doesn’t work for most of us. It always involves stooping or at worst squatting just to see what’s in there. Then there’s the reaching in the back of a lower cabinet which, for most of us, means we’re on our knees at best, or sitting on the floor. Stop the madness and choose drawers over doors. Deep drawers that are easy to open and close and everything comes out to you not the other way around.

Bathroom - Section One: Planning Phase 85. Don’t start your bathroom remodel without a well-thought-out plan.

84. Do be sure to protect your house from construction dust, paint and debris.

Research shows people who do less homework before they began their bathroom remodel tend to face more problems. In a past survey, nearly 25 percent said they wished they had done more research or chosen a remodeling professional more carefully. Most homeowners assume the space allotted to the bathroom now will remain the same. So, they charge ahead, thinking they will just renew things; a new tub, a new toilet, a new vanity, new tile and maybe some new lighting. But as the research showed, many of these homeowners will have regrets they didn’t do more.

If you plan to remain in your home during construction, be sure to have your contractor build barriers between your adjacent rooms and the kitchen. Also have them put protection down on your floors. If they are hardwood floors, make sure the protection has some depth to it, so debris doesn’t get pressed through the protection and into your floor. If you have carpet to protect, be sure there is

Homeowners who change plans after their job was started tend to be much more likely to suffer cost overruns and delays. Changing your mind—again.

Regretting, reordering, reconfiguring—it all leads to delays, change orders, and blown budgets. It also tests 30

Bathroom Planning Be prepared with this detailed drawing and a wish list of things you want in your bathroom. A large shower … glass surround … double vanity … soaking tub … tile preferences … heating and ventilating … storage needs … collect photos, clippings, indicate “must haves” and desires.

the patience of your contractor, who's got another job lined up.

Get a plan and use the “NKBA Kitchen & Bath Workbook.” Working with a qualified design planner, will ensure that the decisions made are the decisions you will be happy with. We recommend you shop for ideas on sites like KitchenandBathExpo.com and others.

Research materials and the newest advancements. If you have space in adjacent rooms, consider an architect who is expert in repurposing spaces.

Be prepared with budget or at least a ceiling on what you can afford.

87. Don’t try to remodel a bathroom yourself. It will take much longer and could inconvenience your entire family for some time.

Just looking at ideas may not be enough. You need to know how to use space, and you need ideas that are appropriate for your specific space.

Bathrooms have special demands for the remodeler.

Often, water has damaged studs and joists over the years, and it’s all hidden from view until the demo starts. The damage to joists and sub-flooring can be extensive and requires proper re-construction by a certified craftsman or carpenter. Waste pipes under toilets often need to be replaced and they are behind walls traveling all the way to the basement. Cast iron pipes need to be renewed with PVC. Galvanized pipes need to be replaced with copper. DIY homeowners usually don’t know how to install PEX tubing which is the latest for delivering water to showers and sinks to the second floor. (Some plumbers still prefer copper.)

86. Do choose an experienced bathroom designer. If a major renovation, choose an architect first.

An experienced designer can save you time and money by avoiding mistakes and knowing shortcuts. Bathroom planners know all the tricks and the latest trends. If possible, choose a NKBA (National Kitchen & bath Association) member who will take you through a workbook of how to design and build a great bathroom.

Then there’s the finishing. Lots of tile cutting. Lots of seams and retrofitting. Proper grouting techniques.

Glass around showers. Possible in-floor heating.

Installing a shower pan. The newest shower fixtures; rainfall shower heads, body sprays, dual controls, even radios. When you consider how much water will flow in your bathroom and the potential for leaks in the future, this is a job you should leave to the professionals. It might cost you a little more, but your family will love you for it.

Be prepared to talk with a designer by first consulting an architect who can do detailed drawings of where the water lines are, the waste pipes, electrical sources and capacities, window locations and much more.

31

88. Do choose a good bathroom contractor.

90. Do consider expanding upward.

Skylights anyone?

The best ones are worth waiting for. The best contractors tend to be the busiest ones. The best ones have a great reputation and are usually referred by someone you trust.

Don’t just hire one with a good reputation. Hire one who has lots of experience in bathroom renovating. Bathroom experience will assure a smoother process, by having a contractor that is familiar with all the challenges of constructing a bathroom, from knowing how to work with a designer, to an architect, to knowing the best suppliers and resources.

Most bathrooms are on the second floor. Many of them only have the roof above. Maybe there’s an opportunity to remove the drywall ceiling of the bathroom and move it onto the rafters, creating a vaulted ceiling for your bathroom. Ask your contractor what the possibilities are.

There could be an opportunity to install a skylight or exposed beams. Add recessed lighting on a dimmer and you will have made a dramatic change to your bathroom and added value to your house.

89. Don’t overlook the adjacent space next to your bathroom. Maybe it’s a closet or it could be a small bedroom.

Bathroom - Section Two: Design Phase

Bathroom Design

Bathroom design is usually far more restricted than the typical kitchen space. Having said that, if you’re tackling a master bathroom and you are just too cramped for space to turn it into something luxurious, consider converting the adjacent bedroom into your bathroom. Or using part of it for your master bathroom and part of it for a walk-in closet. Maybe you only have a linen closet to convert, consider extending your shower into that linen closet and building a seat at the same time.

91. Don’t quickly decide on an oversized tub for your master bath. It just might become a “towel holder”.

Freestanding, deep, soaking tubs are popular. But those with busy lifestyles run the risk of hardly using them at all, and for most days, the tubs become a catchall, mostly for towels as the busy couple takes a quick shower. For these busy bodies, are choosing “no tub” in exchange for an oversized shower (maybe for two) accompanied by rain shower head, dual shower head, body sprays, curbless shower and a larger vanity. You? 32

Bathroom Design 92. Do make your bathroom (master or hall) safe and beautiful. Build it for the future … with grab bars.

new products that allow it to be installed on top of the floor boards but under the tile floor.

94. Do consider a good ventilating system for your bathroom.

Water, steam, heat, make for slippery surfaces in bathrooms and increase risks of falls. Your floors should be slip resistant. Choose a floor tile that has a little grip to it. Grab bars can be used selectively so it is safe for all ages. The truth is, we all would prefer them. Choose rounded countertop edges and corners. Consider a “curb-less” shower entrance, not for wheelchair access, but just to allow entrance without having to step over a curb. Try to make your shower large and spacious.

The more room there is, the safer it is.

If your old bathroom had no fan but instead relied on a window, you know the window doesn’t really act as a vent in the winter (if at all). Most townships allow builders to forego the expense of a fan if a window is present, thus leaving millions of homes with no vent in the bathroom.

As most people know, venting is an important feature for both the removal of odors, but also of moisture build-up creating potentially dangerous mold accumulation that can be a never-ending battle to control.

93. Do consider in-floor heating. Now is the time.

The bottom line is you need an exhaust fan. The biggest issue with bath fans in the ceiling is the level of noise.

Choose one that is acceptable to you. Next you want to be sure you have the fan vent to the outside, not simply into the attic. The attic insulation and bare wood will be affected by the moisture and mold over time, so be sure to vent to the outside, either through a roof vent or at least through the soffit in the overhangs of the roof.

In-floor heating is a little more involved than you might think.

You must realize there is in-floor heat that just keeps your feet warm on normally cold tile.

95. Don’t skimp on your master bath vanity.

This is typically referred to as radiant heat and can be controlled by a thermostat in the bathroom. These are electric heat matts that are installed directly under your floor tile. In certain circumstances this can be adequate to be the main heat source for your bathroom depending on the heat loss in your bathroom. Check with your contractor.

The master bath vanity should be one place that serves you personally.

Consider having no limits.

Have the storage you want in special cabinetry. Why not use an elegant piece of dark wood furniture? Have the mirrors you want. Sinks should be generous. A makeup area gives you your own private area. Let it be whatever you want. Lower vanity counter with a chair that pulls up. The lighting should come from the ceiling in recessed fixtures, not at mirror height, which tends to be blinding. Make the vanity as

Then there’s in-floor heat that will heat the entire room (as well as the cold tile). This second heat source is hydronic heat (water traveling through tubes) and is installed under the actual floorboards of the bathroom, although there are some 33

selling your house. Ideally it would have a window (for light) and its own exhaust fan. It is also a design opportunity either for wall covering or pictures and accessories that make it more thoughtful.

long as possible (at least 5 feet … 6 feet is better). Or split it into two if there’s room.

96. Do splurge on your shower. Maybe build it for two.

99. Do consider a steam shower for relaxing.

Showers are where homeowners are spending most of their bathroom renovating budgets, especially master bathrooms.

Showers have become an expression of individual preferences. Gone are the days of two faucets and a shower head.

Now couples are choosing rain showerheads, often complemented by a more powerful one on the other side. Handheld faucets enable closeup rinsing of hair and body sprays invigorate and cleanse. There should be plenty of shelves for keeping a supply of his and her shampoos and conditioners, as well as a seat for shaving legs. With recessed lighting above, your large shower area should have a custom glass surround that is borderless; no metal borders and no latched doors.

If you are beyond tub soaking and relaxing, your master bath could use the 144 cubic feet (including the height) the tubs eats up. It could easily be given over to expanding the shower with a good-sized bench and then add steam for luxuriating at the end of a hard day.

97. Do consider wall covering or wood clad walls in your master bath.

A steam shower is becoming the feature of choice for many homeowners, melting away their troubles in a soothing cloud of scented steam. Minutes later, you emerge feeling relaxed and renewed.

Wall covering are coming back and when used sparingly, or in certain bump-outs, or ceiling areas, they can really set off your bathroom design. Ask your designer, but when you are getting stuck with how to bring design into a straight-forward bathroom, consider wall coverings. Horizontal wood can be used in a similar fashion to accentuate the tub area or just the end of the bathroom.

There are costs and installation techniques, but the rewards at the end of a tiring day are hard to beat.

100. Do think about resale value, return on investment, and how long you plan to stay in your home.

98. Do consider a room for the toilet. Let’s face it, most prefer it, not just the men.

If you are planning on moving in 5 years, you should keep your main items a neutral color. Tile, vanity, and flooring, bath fixtures, should be white or light greys.

Use your accessorizing as a way to customize your design. But if you are planning on staying put for the foreseeable future, then you can pretty much do what suits your tastes. Add more color. Be bold. Adding a little personality will help you express yourself and show off your talents.

If your master bathroom has room, definitely consider building a room for the toilet. It allows for use of the bathroom by your partner, it provides ultimate privacy and odor control, and it is considered a luxury for when 34

35

Keiffer’s carries more brand name appliances than any other store.

36