Kitchen Remodeling Ideas
If you are considering updating your kitchen, be sure to search our archive of articles for kitchen renovation ideas. You’ll find suggestions on cabinets, countertops, backsplashes, sinks, flooring, appliances, fixtures, and more, which you can incorporate into your kitchen remodeling project plan.
Granite Types to Consider for Bathroom, Kitchen, and Bar Countertops
Granite is one of the toughest natural stones available, is highly resistant to scratches and chips, and is more affordable than marble - which makes it ideal for bathroom, kitchen, and basement bar countertops. Learn about granite options for bathrooms, kitchens, and basement bars and the benefits of each.
Walk-In Pantry Ideas You’ll Want to Copy in Your Own Kitchen
A walk-in pantry can offer extra storage for canned goods, dry foods, beverages, snacks, and kitchen supplies. Learn ideas for getting the most out of a kitchen walk-in pantry.
The Cost For Bamboo Flooring
Bamboo flooring is an eco-friendly wood flooring option that offers a unique look, durability, accepts stain like hardwood, and presents a modern look. Installation costs for bamboo flooring range between $1,500-$15,000 with a national average of $6,000, which calculates to $5-$15 per square foot, including labor and materials. The benefits of using bamboo flooring are many, including ease of installation, durability, it's low maintenance, and it's moisture, mold, and mildew resistant. Learn about the benefits of bamboo flooring and factors that could impact the project cost.
Things to Know About Solid Surface Kitchen and Bathroom Countertops
There are 3 types of solid surface countertops - acrylic-based, polyester-based, and acrylic/polyester-based, each having unique attributes. There are many benefits to using solid surface countertops - they are nonporous, easy to clean, easy to repair, can appear seamless, and can look like granite or marble but cost less and require less maintenance. Learn about options for solid surface countertops and the benefits of each.
How Long Does a Dishwasher, a Key Kitchen Appliance, Last?
A dishwasher - a key kitchen appliance - is constantly exposed to water, acidic food scraps, and abrasive cleaners which can lead to corrosion and breakdown of parts and liners which without regular maintenance, can lead to appliance failure. Learn about maintenance that could extend the life of a dishwasher and symptoms that warn of a required repair.
Kitchen Range Hood Options and Differences
Kitchen range hoods keep smoke, fumes, and cooking oil from lingering in the air by filtering and recirculating the air or redirecting it out of your home. Range hood options include ducted and ductless versions as well as convertible range hoods that offer both ducted and ductless functionality. Factors to consider when selecting a range hood include the mounting style, hood size, and fan power. Other considerations include the additional cost for install ductwork, future renovation plans, and style options available. Learn about the different range hoods, benefits of each, and factors to consider before purchasing.
The Cost to Paint Kitchen Cabinets
Repainting kitchen cabinets is one of the most popular kitchen renovation projects. The cost to paint kitchen cabinets is usually $395-$1,234, with an average cost of $809. However, if painting the cabinets requires significant time to strip off poor surfaces, extra finish work is required, or if the space is a large kitchen, the average cost could increase $7,000. Learn about factors that impact the cost of repainting kitchen cabinets and considerations prior to starting the project.
Does a Home Warranty Cover Plumbing Systems?
A home warranty is a service plan that provides coverage for service, repair, and replacement of systems and appliances listed in the warranty policy. Warranties can provide different types of coverage, including major home systems such as HVAC, electrical, and plumbing as well as appliances. Plumbing is considered a service, so most warranties provide coverage for indoor pipe and other plumbing repairs. Covered repairs usually include leaks or breaks in pipes, fixing or replacing faucets and valves, fixing or replacing built-in motors and pumps, and basket strainers, and clearing of tub, shower, and toilet blockages and stoppages. Learn about coverage offered by a typical home warranty.
The Cost for Radiant Floor Heating
The cost for radiant floor heating depends on the system installed, but the cost is typically between $1,717-$6,047. Factors impacting cost include floor type and size, type of radiant heating installed, materials, labor, installation location in the home, and site preparation and cleanup. Learn about radiant heating systems and the potential cost for installation.
Things You Shouldn’t Store on Top of a Refrigerator
While the area in a kitchen on top of a refrigerator is easy to see and access, storing items in that space can block the appliance’s ventilation, forcing it to work harder to keep contents cool, and can also increase the likelihood of injury from falling objects. Learn about items that should not be stored on top of a refrigerator and reasons why.
8 Ways to Fix Common Flooring Issues
While floors and flooring materials might be unique, the issues they cause are not. Learn how you can address common flooring problems - including squeaky floors, popping tiles, buckling floors, chipped tiles, scratched or faded hardwood floors, cracked concrete floors, and more.
What to do if Your GFCI Won’t Reset
Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) are electrical outlets that shut off when it senses an overload or surge in electricity. The GFCI outlet instantly trips when experiencing a power surge, triggering the breaker to cut the electrical current to reduce the risk of electrocution. Most building codes require the use of a GFCI outlet when installed near a water or moisture source due to the increased risk of an appliance shorting.
Why You Need a Building Permit for a Remodeling Project
To comply with most local building codes, in many instances, you need a building permit for home remodeling projects. Local building departments require a building permit to change load-bearing walls or install plumbing or wiring. Some building departments require permits for other types of updates as well. Learn more about why a permit should be obtained before starting a home remodeling project.
9 Kitchenette Ideas for Big or Small Spaces
A kitchenette is a way of creating a cooking space without a substantial footprint. Built-in appliances and vertical storage requires minimal space, and allows for creating bars or small cooking areas for entertainment. See examples of kitchenette builds and get design ideas for your remodeling project.
Considerations for Gray Kitchen Cabinets
Gray kitchen cabinets are a neutral option available in several shades, including dove gray, pearl gray, silky gray, weathered gray, and more. Plus, different shades of gray can be used for kitchen cabinets, walls, and floors to create different looks and moods. Learn about options for gray kitchen cabinets and color combinations for creating different looks.
The Cost to Reface Kitchen Cabinets
The average cost to reface kitchen cabinets is between $4,292-$9,974, with the project cost being dependent on the number of cabinets being refaced, materials, and local labor rates. Refacing kitchen cabinets involves removing cabinet doors and hardware and applying a new laminate or veneer finish, doors and drawers, and hardware as well as making minor repairs to the cabinets. Refacing kitchen cabinets is an appealing kitchen remodeling alternative due to cost savings, but it may not be the best option if existing cabinets are damaged, don’t operate well, or the kitchen needs a better layout. Refacing kitchen cabinets is more to update the look rather than functionality or overall design. Learn about the options for updating kitchen cabinets as part of a kitchen remodel and factors that impact the project cost.
The Most Searched for Kitchen Cabinet Color After White
White paint shades are popular in a home, especially the kitchen since it coordinates well with other colors, but the second most searched for kitchen cabinet color - blue - is popular due to the many available variations that work in different settings.
10 Repairs to Make Before Selling Your Home
There are many repairs and minor updates that will make your home more appealing to potential buyers and avoid problems during a home inspection. Suggested repairs and updates include patching holes and cracks in walls, HVAC maintenance, repairing or replacing bathroom and kitchen faucets, addressing water damage and mold issues, and repairing faulty wiring. Consider making these 10 repairs and updates to avoid deterring potential home buyers.