19

Mar

Planning a DIY Kitchen Renovation? Read This First

New kitchen design trends come out every year. Nothing beats classic designs, but it can be nice to refresh your kitchen’s look once in a while. For example, you can have your old countertop changed into a brand-new one. In that case, you should choose among the best countertop replacement companies near your area.

Renovating your kitchen can be challenging yet fulfilling, especially when you see the finishing results. But simply replacing your old countertop into new quartz kitchen countertops or even hiring granite contractors can be expensive. On the contrary, a little bit of resourcefulness and creativeness can do the trick.

How much do kitchen renovations usually cost?

One of the most popular home improvements a lot of homeowners invest in is renovating the kitchen. However, a kitchen renovation – whether just replacing your old countertop into granite countertops, or a complete makeover – requires careful budgeting on your part.

According to a report by the National Association of Realtors, the average cost of renovating a 210-square foot kitchen can cost around $65,000. While it can take a toll on your budget, having a kitchen renovation can be one of the best decisions you will ever make.

The good news is that you can still be able to do a kitchen renovation. To do that, you can simply follow these steps so you can achieve your dream kitchen eventually.

How to plan for a kitchen renovation

  1. Create a “master plan”.

The first stage is coming up with a comprehensive plan. This includes all the nitty-gritty details of the entire kitchen makeover – from choosing the best quartz kitchen tops and reliable quartz countertop contractors around, down to your refrigerator’s relocation spot.

While replacing some kitchen items may be necessary during the renovation, some can stay as is. For example, keeping your current kitchen walls will save you thousands of dollars from tearing it out as well as messing up your electrical and plumbing systems.

  1. Decide whether to keep your kitchen items or to buy a new one.

It depends on your requirement. For example, you may want to consider changing into engineered stone countertops and replace your current one. Otherwise, you can keep those you can still use, including kitchen appliances, flooring, cabinetry, and lighting fixtures.

  1. Repair or add a creative touch when necessary.

There are some kitchen items that may need replacing – say, an outdated kitchen flooring. But in some cases, you can unleash your creative side. For example, instead of replacing your entire dining table and chair set, you can repaint it with fresher and livelier color. The same can apply when updating your kitchen cabinets and cupboards as well.

Other DIY kitchen renovation tips

Kitchen renovation can be expensive, but there are many ways to save extra cash. One way is to do some things on your own. Of course, with a little help of research and your trusted and knowledgeable friends. Here are some other tips you should consider when doing the renovation yourself:

  1. Set your budget.

Before starting with the project, it is important to know how much you are willing to spend. Consider the kitchen items and fixtures that need to be replaced – say, new granite countertops — as well as those that will only require repairs.

  1. Schedule when you are going to do the renovation.

Scheduling a renovation during the holiday season can be impractical because you will be preparing and cooking a lot during that time. In this case, it is ideal to schedule renovation months before a special event such as Thanksgiving or a birthday party. On the other hand, some homeowners schedule theirs during spring or summertime so they can have the chance to do picnics in their backyard.

  1. Create a makeshift kitchen.

While the renovation is ongoing, it is important to have a temporary kitchen. Relocate your refrigerator or microwave elsewhere that won’t hamper the renovation process. You can also use paper plates or plastic cups and utensils in case the kitchen sink may be inaccessible for a while.

  1. Check whether permits are necessary.

Permits may be necessary if there will be changes on your electrical or plumbing system. These permits may vary from area to area, so it is best to do your research.

Finding a reliable kitchen renovation company

Doing the renovation on your own can save you thousands of dollars and you can do it in your own time. But if you are planning to replace your countertops, it may not be bad to seek professional help from the best quartz countertop contractors in Rockville or elsewhere near your area.

14

Mar

The Most Commonly Used Granite Counter tops Colours

Granite is one of the gorgeous kitchen countertops material. In spite of the cost, granites have stood the test of time and remain a premier choice for kitchen countertops or bathroom countertops. The speckled and swirls in some of the colours make granite countertops in any kitchen to stand out. Granite comes in a variety of colours, and we look at the most commonly used granite colours. The colour of granite to use depends entirely on the owner of the kitchen, but we review some of the most commonly used colours.

Most Commonly Granite Countertops Colors

  • Black Pearl or Dark colours

Black pearl granite has speckles that make it bring out the beauty of your kitchen. Dark colours will harmonize your space more especially if the cabinets and floor are darker than if they are lighter in colour. If you don’t like the shouting colours, then black will work perfectly for you. Black or dark colours are easy to maintain and clean making it ideal especially in a busy kitchen. Black is one of the most popular colours of granite in use in the world, be it in offices, kitchen and bathrooms.

Black or dark coloured countertop will work if;

  • Your cabinets are dark, and you want to harmonize
  • Your wall and cabinets are of shouting hue, and you want to neutralize
  • If you want to achieve a white and black theme

 

  •  Veined White Granites

There are no pure white granites, but it comes with flecks that break the monotony. White is ideal if the kitchen is small as it creates a large space effect. White granites are ideal for

  • If you are looking to give your kitchen a lighter appearance
  • To give a small space a larger appearance
  • White will complement other kitchen colours
  • To make your kitchen more striking, add ambience and modern style

 

  • Brown granite countertop

Brown granite countertops create a warm and rustic look and pair well with light cabinets. It’s ideal if you want to create a country feel and look. Brown granites are ideal for;

  • If you have a wooden look and you would like to complete it
  • To create rusticity

Tips While Buying Granite Countertop

  • Get granite samples

Get granite samples and take them home to be able to compare with cabinets and wall That will give you an impression of what the best colour for your kitchen countertop. You will also be able to see the granite in your kitchen or bathroom lighting and whether it fits.

  • Consider Maintenance and upkeep

Depending on how busy your kitchen is, dark-coloured granite will be better for a busy kitchen while lighter colours will work in small and fewer use spaces.

  • Choose the colours that you love

Even if your favourite colour is not among the most common, ensure that the colour you choose is what you love and will bring out the aesthetic value of the kitchen or bathroom.

Since granite is the last to be installed, ensure that you choose a colour that harmonizes the rest of the house items such as cabinets and walls. Your granite contractor potomac will be able to advise you on how to match the granite, size that you need and ensure that the granite is professionally installed.