When upgrading your kitchen, it’s common to get caught up in the whiz of color palettes and trendy appearances. This often makes you ignore the importance of establishing everything on a solid foundation of functional elements. Doing so will make you pay in the future, and that’s why we’re here to help you with three functional elements you should get in place before you even break out a paint sample.
Consider Plumbing and Electrical Compatibility
Before you go ahead with any major kitchen remodeling project, you need to take a while and consider the existing plumbing and electrical layout. Things will quickly spiral out of control if you don’t pay attention to the existing water lines, vent pipes, and drain placement. It gets even more complicated when you have an outdated system that needs to be brought up to code, or lines that need to be moved to accommodate that ideal kitchen island you have in mind.
The same applies to electricity; are you going to be adding new appliances? Does your current electrical panel have the capacity to accommodate the additional load, or are you also going to need upgrades there? Consider needing dedicated circuits for your microwave, refrigerator, or that new induction cooktop.
Bear in mind that plumbing and electrical services done without proper knowledge can lead to huge issues in the future. This is why it’s advisable to hire a professional. If you’re in the Maryland region, a company like Arch Exteriors, known for offering full home remodeling services, can guide you through the process in the most effective way.
Paying Attention to the Structural Integrity
The idea of taking down or moving walls to create a concept floor plan might sound awesome, but it’s not as simple as swinging a sledgehammer. Structural walls are the main support system of the house, and taking one down without planning can result in the ceiling crashing down in seconds.
Secondly, it’s also vital to take into consideration the weight of new cabinets and countertops. Are they compatible with your current floor joists? Placing a large stone countertop on cabinets that aren’t engineered to handle such weight is also very risky. On this note, it’s crucial to employ a professional with significant construction experience to see if you need support or if the walls you will be taking down are not load bearing.
Plan Things Carefully in a Smaller Kitchen
Small kitchens have unique challenges with less space to work with. For instance, it’s best to drop the idea of adding in a huge island when the space is rather limited. Instead, you should put your money on vertical solutions.
For instance, using cabinets that go up to the ceiling actually helps you make use of previously unused space and can add storage that may not have otherwise been considered a necessity. It also makes sense to add roll-out drawers and pull-out shelves that make the most of the depth of the cabinets.
In addition, you need to utilize innovative lighting solutions, such as under-cabinet lighting, as they help without taking up extra space. Using a lazy Susan or a corner drawer unit will work perfectly when dealing with an awkward corner.
Endnote
At the end of the day, a perfect kitchen remodeling project involves more than just choosing pretty things from the showroom. It’s about making sure everything in your kitchen is assembled properly. Remember, it’s always a good idea to use the help of a professional, as they always focus on the functional aspects first and plan everything to prevent any issues down the road.
