Kitchen Remodeling

The kitchen is the heart of the home. The hub. The family meeting ground. Where it all gets done: cooking, entertaining, conversation, math homework. Whatever lifestyle revolves around your kitchen, making it a place you want to spend your time is an exciting venture.

    

Guide to Kitchen Planning

Everything you need to know to layout a basic floor plan for your Kitchen! Standard sizes of cabinets, appliances and sinks plus industry standards for the Work Triangle, countertop space for task areas. Print out the kitchen planning grid for entering your room measurements and your 'rough draft'.       

 

Cabinetry is sized using the 3" increment system. While custom and semi-custom (built-to-order) cabinets may allow some 'odd dimension' modifications, using the 3" system will serve you well when working on your basic floor plan.Most appliances are standardized sizes, but a few, like microwaves are not. Always check appliance manufacturer's specifications to be sure you have allowed the correct amount of space for your final selection in each category!

Dishwashers - 24" wide (for installation in a cabinet, raising the height, allow 27")
Free-standing and drop-in ranges - 3-" wide
Cook Tops - 30", 36" wide. (Some modular units available in 42" and 48" wide)
Wall Ovens - 27", 30", 36" wide. (Note: since wall ovens are always built-in, actual oven widths vary. The dimensions given here represent the cabinet sizes required.)
Refrigerators - free-standing models, 30 - 36" wide. (Built-in models, up to 48" wide)
Trash Compactors - 15" and 18" wide
Microwave Ovens - Varied
Sinks - Varied, but most are designed to fit in 30", 33" or 36" base cabinets. (Be sure to check manufacturer's specifications on your final selection!)

The National Kitchen and Bath Association (a trade organization for kitchen and bath dealers, designers, manufacturers, etc.) has established guidelines for kitchen planning. Prioritize the guidelines in case you cannot accomplish them all. Check them off as you complete your plan to be sure you have planned adequate space for each task area in your kitchen. Be sure to have a kitchen design specialist review your plan before ordering! The guidlines can be down loaded here.

Kitchen remodeling can range from a few hundred dollars to many thousands of dollars, but it doesn't have to break the bank. Depending on the amount of remodeling to be done, costs can generally be broken down to the cost of labor, mechanical and fixtures. Put aside some extra money for unexpected costs too. Here are some tips to help you estimate the costs of a kitchen remodeling.