Buying new appliances can be one of the most satisfying phases of a remodeling project, but it requires a fair amount of time and attention. Each type of appliance is available in an almost startling variety of types, styles and shapes; selecting the right models for your kitchen involves balancing the cost, performance, energy efficiency, […]
Ranges Ranges, which are also known as stoves, combine an oven and a cooktop in one unit. Since a range often costs less and takes up less space than two separate units, it’s a good option if your budget or space are limited. The first step in buying a new range is deciding what best […]
All types of ranges come in a variety of configurations: free- standing, slide-in and drop-in. Freestanding ranges have finished side panels, so one or both sides can be exposed. Slide-in ranges are designed to fit into the space between two base cabinets, and so have unfinished sides. Drop-in ranges fit into special cabinets that are […]
It isn’t hard to see why the microwave oven is now the most popular cooking appliance for many families. A microwave is much quicker and more efficient than a standard oven and doesn’t heat up the kitchen in summer. It’s the ideal way to defrost frozen foods, heat beverages and leftovers and prepare frozen dinners. […]
A hob in kitchens is essentially the heating element of a range packaged in a unit that fits into an opening in a countertop. Here again, you have a choice between gas and electricity, and there are advantages to each. When comparing power sources, it helps to know that gas burners are measured in Btus […]
ln most communities, a major remodeling project requires a general permit from the city building inspec- tions office. Your general contractor (or you) will apply for a building permit. Permits for the plumber, electrician and HVAC contractor may be included with the general permit or they may be separate permits. You’ll pay for the permit […]
From a design standpoint, flooring is far more than the surface you walk on and mop up. Designers and remod- elers routinely use flooring to alter the way a room looks and works; with a little planning, you can reap the same benefits. A custom-designed floor can be a cost-efficient solution to an awkward kitchen […]
Once you’ve defined your goals, draw a scaled floor plan of your kitchen on graph paper and make several copies of it. Use the drawings to experiment with patterns and colors. To see how a pattern will look in the room, borrow flooring samples and tape them to the floor. This can help you decide […]
Resilient flooring is both the least expensive material you can use to cover your kitchen floor and the easiest and quickest to install. ln addition to being durable and easy to clean, it’s available in a wide range of colors, as well as in patterns that mimic the look of ceramic tile, natural stone, marble, […]
If you’re shopping for resilient flooring, you’ll need to choose between sheet vinyl and vinyl tiles; however, in a kitchen, this choice is fairly clear. Vinyl tiles are easy to install, and many come with peel-and-stick adhesive backing. But since the floor ends up with a lot of seams, moisture can easily seep in between […]
