When the time to remodel your kitchen comes, you may find yourself pondering the idea of remodeling it yourself. A kitchen renovation is one the biggest and most overwhelming of DIY undertakings. Even when a team of professionals is remodeling your kitchen, it’s a huge undertaking (countertops installation, lighting, flooring, structural modifications) which is why we’ve made a list of reasons why you might want to rethink any DIY musings and instead leave the kitchen renovation to the pros.
1. Save your relationship! Yes, #1 on our list is that DIY projects can often lead to arguments between spouses/homeowners—even when professional teams remodel, couples often aren’t in agreement over details or issues that may arise. The difference with professionals, though, is experience. Not only can we help with decisions, we can help smooth ruffled feathers too. We often take on the role of mediator for couples and we can assure you, we won’t take sides—rather, we’ll make sure you and your partner remain on the same team from start to finish of the project.
2. Quality—what you buy, stain, or paint yourself isn’t going to hold up to the quality of brands like Legacy Crafted Cabinets or Showplace Cabinetry. Cabinets you can buy from chain stores or websites are often the cheapest material and with little craftsmanship, nearly a guarantee for problems or replacements sooner rather than later. There’s also the issue of installing the cabinets and countertops, which require more than one set of hands and lots of attention to detail (a crooked cabinet will drive you crazy). Or, if you don’t have experience painting cabinets, you may be in for a surprise when the end-product doesn’t look like your pinned kitchens on Pinterest. There’s a good saying for this scenario: “if you think it’s expensive to hire a professional, wait until you hire an amateur…”
3. Time—kitchen do-it-yourselfers will undoubtedly take longer than professionals for a number of reasons, like needing other people to help and whether you’re working full time during the renovation. Issues will almost always arise, like a modification to a wall might be necessary in order to support a new appliance or cabinetry, which could add days or even weeks to your timeline. Pros are adept at handling any unexpected issues because we have a network of professionals who we know can do the job expertly.
4. Save money! You think you’re going to save money if you DIY like those crafty people on their lovely blogs, but the truth is you’re still going to spend a lot, just on different things—like tools and equipment–that pros will already have.
5. Education. We’re NBKA certified and regularly attending our vendors’ continuing education workshops so that we always know about the latest and greatest kitchen and bath trends and products. When one client wanted butcherblock countertops, we presented her with our new Caribou samples, which has a patented water protectant sealant on it, making it a much more low maintenance than butcherblock of yore.
Kitchen remodels are often cited as one of the biggest stressors of home ownership and with good reason. Kitchens are an integral part of our daily lives and where many of us naturally gravitate when inside our homes, so when it’s suddenly off-limits for renovation, it is a huge disruption. Minimize the interruption with a professional to save yourself additional stress. Visit our showroom for samples and expert opinions—we’ll keep it as stress-free as possible.
The Top 5 Countertop Materials in Kitchens and Baths
Choosing a countertop material is one of the most exciting—and daunting—decisions a homeowner makes. Countertops, after all, are one of the top focal points of a kitchen (sometime they’re the focal point of the whole home!). Some countertop materials are naturally sourced from around the world while others are engineered. We’ve summarized the top 5 countertop materials for kitchens and baths based on our clients’ choices over the past few years.
Soapstone is composed of mineral talc and runs the spectrum of grays (with some slabs having a green tint). It withstands the test of time—and then some—lasting generations. Resistant to stains (no more spaghetti sauce woes!), heat, and bacteria, it’s not surprising why so many laboratories choose it for their Bunsen-burning experiments. Though durable, soapstone is softer than granite, which can lead to some wear along the edges and corners (some people like this, though!) of the counters. It’s on the pricier side, running about $90 per square foot, but its durability, soft soapy texture, and its resistance to heat, bacteria, and stains make it one of the most popular choices for kitchen countertop materials today.
Another popular natural stone counter is granite and with good reason. The sheer range of colors, finishes, and grains is dazzling. Think alabaster slabs with soft gray marbling or emerald green with chartreuse veins. Granite is mined from around the world, making each slab unlike any other in the world. Because granite comes from all over, prices can vary depending on the rarity of the color—anywhere from $50 to $65 per square foot. While durable, granite does require sealing periodically to prevent staining, especially for paler colors.
Quartz, though engineered, can look nearly identical to granite’s natural patterns (or not, if that’s your preference) and in just about any color you can think of. It’s non-porous and anti-bacterial, which is why it’s often used commercially, and it requires no sealing. While quartz is super durable, it’s also repairable should an accident occur. It’s a very heavy material, so you’ll absolutely need professionals to install it. Costs of quartz ranges anywhere between $80 to $105 per square foot.
Solid Surface kitchen counters are man-made materials like acrylic and polyester resins that can mimic natural stone without some of the cons that come with it. Solid surface countertops are also non-porous, making them resistant to stains and bacteria. One of its most unusual selling points is its seamlessness; because it’s man-made, it can be formed into shapes natural stone cannot. Think smooth transitions from countertop to backsplash. Unlike natural stone, solid surface countertops do not develop a patina over time, so what you see on day one is the same on day 101—as long as you don’t nick the surface with knives. Solid surfaces aren’t as durable when it comes to heat and scratches as natural stone. Solid surface countertops can range between $30 to $85 per square foot.
Butcherblock or wood countertops are a popular choice. They can last for decades when sealed properly. Its distinct warmth can’t be replicated or engineered, but there are some special measures that need to be taken to ensure it lasts. Special sealant for butcherblocks may include beeswax or oil to protect the wood, but hot pans should not be left on them and spills still need to be cleaned up fairly quickly to avoid damage. Depending on the species of wood, some butcherblock is more resistant to water than others, such as teak, oak, or mahogany. You can even look into waterproof varnish for butcherblock counters, especially if you’re thinking of using it in the bathroom. Think $30 to $85 per square foot.
When it comes to the range of pricing, it often depends on the specific color you choose, especially for granite. Ask us for help if you’re unsure which way you want to go. There’s always a chance if you look through enough samples at our showroom, you’ll fall in love with a pattern/color and the material won’t matter to you! Come into our store to see samples of all these countertops and more. Find us in downtown South Lyon.
When you think of remodeling your kitchen, your first
thoughts might be countertops, wall paint, tile, and flooring. And without a
doubt, those are the big impression design elements. Those big design elements can
really shine when all the little details line up. Those little details, though,
can often cause big hiccups if you’re not prepared.
Let’s look at 6 remodeling details you haven’t thought of yet that will have a big impact on the overall appearance of your kitchen.To close the gap above cabinets or not?
1.Kitchen soffits (or bulkheads) often go unnoticed but sometimes changing it up can affect the entire feel of the kitchen. Take a look at the space above your cabinets—do the cabinets reach the ceiling or is there boxy structure in between the cabinets and ceiling? If the latter, it was most likely built to hide plumbing or ductwork. Some kitchens go without soffits entirely, allowing the cabinetry to be staggered in height.
If there is a soffit and you don’t want it, contact a contractor to find out if the soffit is necessary in your kitchen. If it’s not, then you can decide between cabinetry that extends right up to the ceiling (giving you lots of extra shelf space) or even add a second cabinet shelf that fits the gap between original cabinets and the ceiling (glass window-doors would be lovely, especially with soft lighting) for additional storage.
If you like or need a soffit, there are benefits to it too. If you like artwork above your cabinetry, the soffit is the perfect place to hang it. It’s also ideal when one of your kitchen walls partitions off another room. Lighting can be placed along the soffit, too.
2. What kind of edge on your countertops? We all get swept away with countertop samples—quartz, granite, soapstone—when we plan kitchen remodels. It often makes the biggest impact and sets the tone for the style of the kitchen. Yet we see it time and again; our clients looking stumped when we ask, “And have you thought about what counter edge you’d prefer?” It’s not surprising, since it’s one of those remodeling details you tend not to notice, especially not on a regular basis. You might notice it every day, though, if you dislike your current counter’s profile. Here’s what to consider ahead of the remodel.
There are as many edges as there are countertop materials to choose from. Let’s delve into some popular edges and from there you can ask your designer to show you more.
Eased edges are modern, clean, and straight. The edge is slightly softened to ease the severity of the line. We see this with more and more of our farmhouse or more modern-inspired designs. Double radius edges are similar but curved at the top, adding a touch more drama.
Cove edges are more ornate, often used in more traditional kitchens. Ogee edges are also more intricate and fans of this look can choose between single or double Ogee grooves. Think big European-style kitchens with lots of emphasis on the details.
Bull-nose and demi-bullnose are very popular edge profiles. Their edges are rounded, with the demi-bullnose slightly less rounded. This has been a popular choice for decades, especially in homes with children.
3. Does your range hood fit your kitchen design dream? Island or ceiling mounted range hoods are the most popular style our clients choose because the hood adds a big punch of style. Think of the finishes they come in, like copper, glass, stainless steel, and you can imagine how it could be a stunning centerpiece of the kitchen.
If you don’t have the space for
such a focal piece, though, there are alternatives. Under-cabinet range hoods
are ideal for smaller spaces where you’re looking to save room or for ovens
that are beneath cabinets.
You can save wall space and make a style statement with a wall-mounted range hood, too. Instead of cabinetry above the range, a wall-mounted range hood is mounted in your choice of material. You gain that style element again because you can choose the material or finish of the range hood.
It’s a small part of the kitchen that can add a big impact or be discreetly worked into the design, depending on your kitchen’s layout and your personal taste.
4. Finishes on your fixtures. It’s not enough to know you want chrome, copper, nickel, gold, or brass fixtures—you need to decide if it’s all going to be polished or brushed, too. Hardware has a big place in the overall design aesthetic of a kitchen. While the hardware itself is often small, the sheer amount of hardware in a kitchen means it often is one of the more noticeable features. After all, it’s not just cabinetry hardware, it’s the kitchen faucet, the lighting fixtures, and even the appliances that can either complement or compete with one another.
Every metal has its own advantages and disadvantages too. Copper has great antibacterial properties, but it may be harder to match your copper color between accessories (lighting fixture copper may not be exact same shade as the handles and pulls selected for cabinets), while chrome is easy to match but shows smudges and prints easily. Nickel fixtures can be brushed or polished, with the polished finish standing out more than the brushed but both equally durable.
5. Then there’s the sink mount style. We’ve all seen the standard stainless-steel sink. They’re easy to clean, easy to install, great choice all around. Style-wise, though, they’re no longer at the front of the pack. Apron sinks have been increasingly popular over the last decade because of its style, which is most often used with a farmhouse aesthetic. They’re porcelain and easy to clean, but much heavier than the stainless-steel sinks. This sink is set into the countertop and extends past it.
For a seamless, sleek look, the undermount sink is king. It fits beneath the countertop itself, creating that smooth, seamless style—no lip or edge. Crumbs can be swept into the sink easily and the sink material itself is your choice. It’s a great look for stainless steel sinks because the material isn’t as noticeable as, say, a top-mount kitchen sink.
Top-mount sinks, or drop-in sinks, are dropped into the counter, leaving an edge or lip around the sink. It’s easy to install and supports itself, but it can catch crumbs and such around the edges.
With all of these mount-styles, you can choose from single or double basins (maybe even a drainboard), depending on your preference.
6. Don’t forget the toe kick! On the opposite side of the soffits, we have our toe kicks. One of those things we all rarely think about because that’s its exact purpose! The toe kick is at the bottom of your cabinets, recessed to allow our feet room to step up to the counter without our feet running into the cabinets. The toe kick can add some style to the design, though, if you do it thoughtfully. If you match your toe-kick to your fixtures, for example, it would pop in a complementary way. Or you could match it the flooring for a more subtle effect.
These style decisions aren’t usually the first items we
imagine when we’re envisioning our dream kitchen, but they certainly can
enhance our dream or sometimes throw it for a loop. It’s one of the best
reasons to work with an interior designer—he or she can show you everything for
yourself so you can be confident in your decisions at the end of the day.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed at any aspect of the kitchen
or bath remodel, send us a message or give us a call. We’re happy to sit down
with you and provide samples.
One of the most satisfying things about those HGTV and other
home makeover shows is seeing the before-and-after photos—that instant
gratification of seeing the remodel’s final result is what keeps us coming back
for more…and wishing for our own kitchen’s magical transformation. Sadly,
though, we know remodeling isn’t quite so instantaneous; in fact, it can feel
quite chaotic.
Fortunately, you can have a team of experts guiding the
process just like on those shows. We laid out exactly what you can expect when
you work with a team like ours for a bath or kitchen remodel so you don’t have
to live in chaos—instead, it’s a controlled process leading to that wonderful,
magical moment of transformation. Knowing the timeline and what projects and
tasks are scheduled for which days makes remodeling a much smoother experience.
You should expect a clearly laid out timeline from any good remodeling
provider.
After you’ve chosen the details for the kitchen or bath and
your deposit is placed, the project officially begins. Custom and semi-custom
cabinetry take two to five weeks to be manufactured and shipped to the customer,
so the demolition won’t begin until the cabinets are ready. We’ll take care of
acquiring the lighting, tile, and hardware during this time.
What to Expect on Demolition Day
We tell our clients to plan to have the kitchen and/or
bathroom cleaned out of all personal use items before demo day so we can start right
away by placing drop cloths down to protect all surfaces. We also tarp off the
area to prevent dust from settling into other living areas of the home. We begin
the demo, removing debris and material outside to the dump trailer.
Day 1 – 2
After the demolition is completed, we prep the area for any
rough mechanicals, electrical, or plumbing changes that need to be made.
Day 2 – 3
This will most likely be the day we start your flooring
installation if it’s part of the project. If there’s no flooring, then we
start installing your kitchen cabinets. We’ll also patch up drywall repairs if
it’s needed.
Day 3 – 4
The cabinets are set so that they’re ready for template, or the template is scheduled for this day.
Days 4 – 20
One of the hardest parts of remodeling is the waiting! It’s
during this time we’re waiting for the custom fabrication of the kitchen
countertops. During this waiting period, we can install the decorative
hardware, light rail molding if applicable, and crown molding.
Countertop Install
Day
An exciting day! Countertops are installed, followed by the
sink.
Day after countertop install day
We hook up your sink, faucet, and garbage disposal plumbing
after the countertops have had 24 hours to cure.
Within 1 -2 Days
We can start the tile backsplash!
Project Completion
Celebrate and relish your beautiful new space! These kitchen and bath projects take approximately 6 – 8 weeks from beginning to end, which can sound daunting, but when you have a team of experts laying it out step-by-step, you can be confident the result is worth it. Send us a message to learn more about a timeline for your space!
Customers ask us all
the time which they should choose for their kitchen, stained or painted
cabinets?
Most homeowners have to make the choice at least once:
stained cabinets or painted? Both are beautiful options and it really does boil
down to the homeowner’s preference for the appearance. If he or she knows for
certain they want navy blue cabinets, then it’s most certainly a painted finish
on the cabinets. If the homeowner loves cherry and wants the natural look of
knots and the grain of the wood, then it’s hands-down a stain that wins.
But if you love both and can’t decide, it’s time to bring in
the other factors and let those shape your final decision.
Let’s start with material. If you’re leaning toward stain,
your cabinets must be real wood. You won’t get the natural or authentic
appearance of wood from anything else and the stain won’t sink into any
material the way it does with wood. While wood cabinets may be more expensive
than something like MDF, the stain itself is less expensive than a painted
finish (usually between 10 to 15 percent less expensive).
MDF is totally acceptable for a painted finish on your
cabinets, though, and it’s much less expensive than wood cabinets. If you love
the thought of a flawless, smooth finish, you’re going to be happier with paint.
Paint coats the material rather than sinking into it, like stain. If your
cabinets are wood, then the paint will coat and cover over any knots or
variations in the wood, leaving behind a polished façade.
When it comes to maintenance, stain is the easier choice.
Paint is often sprayed on—that’s what gives it that perfect finish—which isn’t
a quick task to replicate, especially if one doesn’t know the exact brand and
color of the paint. Families with young children who are more active might find
stain easier to maintain in a busy environment. Touch-ups can usually be
handled with a touch-up marker from the hardware store.
As mentioned earlier, painting cabinets is a more expensive
choice than staining. Opting for paint can cost hundreds to thousands more
depending on the size and layout of your kitchen.
Consider your family’s lifestyle, especially with the upkeep
differences between the two finishes. If you’re near our showroom in downtown
South Lyon, make an appointment with us to see the options for yourself in
person.
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