How to Avoid Surprises During Your Kitchen Renovation
Almostall of our clients in spend months researching options for their new kitchenbefore making an appointment to visit our showroom. Most of the initialdecisions made during the planning stages of a fabulous new kitchen involve thetype, color, design and material for cabinetry, countertops, hardware, sinks,faucets and appliances. However, other more subtle decisions need to be made toobtain the kitchen of your dreams and avoid unpleasant surprises.
You should expect your kitchen designer to understand localbuilding codes and explain how code compliance will affect your kitchenremodel. We had a client who simply wanted to replace a range only to find thatthe project was not so simple. The old appliance configuration was not up tocurrent code. Replacing the range also required replacing the ventilationsystem and electrical configuration. Make sure that you ask about coderequirements and actions you might have to take to ensure compliance.
Selecting cabinet hardware involves more than choosing the designand finish. You need to determine how you want your cabinets and drawers toopen. Once you select the hardware, placement is another consideration. It ismore of an art than a science to place the hardware where it serves both as avisual focal point and a functional tool.
Countertop selection requires more than specifying the color,shape and material. This detail can make a world of difference in the look,feel and functionality of a new kitchen. Some edge options are more appropriatefor traditional and transitional kitchens, and others are better suited forcontemporary and modern motifs. Some edges are round, and others can be square.Some have a sharp edge, and others do not. Sharp edges may not be appropriatein homes with young children or older seniors. Edge choice also is influencedby countertop material and the look and feel that you want to achieve.
Countertop selection also involves choosing a finish. Popularnatural stone and quartz countertop finishes include polishes and honed. There arepros and cons to both. Polished finishes provide a mirror effect, and a honedfinish provides a softer, more organic impression. Honed finishes tend to hidescratches better than a polished counterpart. If the honed countertop is notproperly sealed, it can be more susceptible to staining. Always ask for asealed sample before deciding because applying a seal to a countertop materialoften can change the color.
Toe kicks are the vertical space between the floor and the baseof your floor cabinets. Selecting the type and color of your toe kick is easyif your cabinets are all the same color. When you have cabinets in multiplecolors, the decision is not as easy. Often our clients are drawn to having adifferent material for their island than their other cabinets. Some of ourclients opt to use the same material as the island for the island toekick. Other times a third visual is employed to tie the entire kitchentogether. When working with a designer, don't forget to address toe kickmaterial, look and finish.
Plumbing and hardware finishes also have a significant effect onthe look and feel of your new kitchen. To make sure that you nail every detailof your new kitchen with no surprises, stop by one of our TWO showroomsat call us at 513-722-3490 (Loveland) or 513-271-3490 (Plainville). Besure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram too!
Loveland Showroom
920 Loveland Madeira Rd # 3, Loveland, OH 45140
513-722-3490
Plainville Showroom
4120 Plainville Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45227
513-271-3490
