DECISIONS, DECISIONS, DECISIONS

We have asked if you are ready to remodel your kitchen and we have talked about cooking appliances.  Soon we will discuss the nuances of refrigeration, clean up accessories and other helpful items for you to consider.

However, first we need to offer suggestions for selecting the right company for your project.

Home remodeling has had some bad shots taken at it over the years. As a local arbitrator in many of those instances I have found either unreasonable expectations or a lack of communication to be the principle culprit.  So, here are some suggestions that will make any remodeling process virtually pain free.

Start by collecting photographs and ideas from the major remodeling magazines prominently displayed at the grocery check outs. Circle the part of the picture that drew you attention.

Read every article you can find concerning quality and pricing.  There is nothing worse than having an unreasonably low budget and exceptionally high expectations.

Keep in mind that the design professional you choose should be able to guide you through this process in order to avoid embarrassing sticker shock.  That designer should also take the worry and work involved with pulling together all the cabinet selections, hardware, back wall material, flooring, mechanical and lighting items specific to your project. Of course, final approval of all items is solely yours.

Check the references from previous clients.  Be sure to check with at least two and three is better.  At least one should be no more current than five years.  This gives you an excellent indication consistent quality and performance.

You can select the firm that gives you the best overall in quality, performance and very importantly, likeability.

If you absolutely need to compare prices realize that remodeling projects are not like pricing between three Buick dealers.  There is a world of difference between the services provided by a turnkey company one that sells cabinets and refers you to sub-contracts for the remainder.

Your designer will be with you throughout the entire procedure.  Your project is the most important job in process and everyone involved from our office staff to the skilled craftsmen on the job are dedicated to making it the “BEST JOB” they ever completed.

 

How do you want to cook in your new kitchen?

The question may seem silly at first but consider this; cooking appliances occupy nearly as much space in the kitchen as do counter tops. Therefore, consideration of these questions now will have a huge impact on the design and layout later:

1. Do you want to replace your existing 30” free standing range with a similar model?

2. Would you prefer a separate cooktop and wall oven rather than a range?

3. Are 4 burners sufficient or would you like to have the option of 5 or 6? The separation of the oven and cooktop provide many design options for your new kitchen. This is also the time to consider a double oven and possibly a warming drawer.

4. Microwave ovens are a kitchen mainstay. The location is important as we will discuss in a later blog, however getting this item off the counter top is an important consideration, thus freeing up 24” of usable countertop space in your new kitchen.

5. Although many of our Central Pennsylvania homes were built with all electric appliances, many communities are now served with natural gas. You may choose to make that change, also. We will offer other suggestions for both types of surface cooking as well as types of ventilation in a later blog.

Wow! That is a lot to consider and we’ve barely scratched the surface, but rest assured that the design professionals at Mother Hubbard’s possess the knowledge and experience to lead you through the multitude of decisions necessary to properly and efficiently layout your new kitchen.

An effective blog invites reaction from the readers and this is no exception. We welcome your input relative to each subject and invite you to jump in with your comments and questions.

How do we live in our kitchens?

 

Your kitchen is the heart of your home. “Life” happens here.

Think about how you and your family use the kitchen now and what new things you would like to be able to do in your newly remodeled space.

Does your family eat meals together in the kitchen? If so, do you want to eat together around a table, or maybe an island?

Do the kids do homework in the kitchen?

Do you pay your bills and need a place for filing?

Do you like to entertain friends and family in your kitchen?

All of these questions and more are important to share with your design team in order for them to translate to your hopes and desires into your new “DREAM” kitchen.

Of course you also cook in your kitchen and we’ll cover that next

Are you ready to remodel your kitchen?

Spring is in the air and now is the time to start planning your kitchen remodeling project, but what should I know and how should I be prepared before, during and after the project? What questions should I be asking myself now in order to be ready? Come back soon as we help to answers those questions.

For many years, Mother Hubbard's Custom Cabinetry has been chosen by readers of Harrisburg Magazine as their choice when it comes to kitchen remodeling and kitchen design. This year, 2012 we were voted Simply the Best!