4 Indicators That You Need a New Kitchen

Change is part of our daily life and it is inevitable; just like getting new kitchens. Part of making change possible is spending which also becomes a stumbling block for our desire to make our kitchen space more comfortable. With too many upcoming and unexpected expenses, when can we really say that we are ready to upgrade our kitchen?

Prevention is always better than cure. We can’t afford to wait for something to happen in order for us to make a move. We should always be prepared to face this inevitable situation so that we always have the upper hand.

Indicators that you are ready to renovate your kitchen into something new are:

1.   It is difficult to move around

Your kitchen is probably the place which has the most safety risks. This is because that is where your gas plumbing culminates, your stove creates fire when cooking, and sharp knives are used and kept there. Can you imagine what would happen if you can’t move around your kitchen easily?

You might end up hurting yourself and others due to improper distribution of space. You can only make this better if you reposition your furniture and appliances.

2.   It takes longer to prepare meals

Meals are expected to be prepared quickly especially when your family members have to go to school and work. It will be difficult to do so if your appliances are performing less effective than what it used to be.

You can solve this issue with the upgrade since it includes electronics aside from the structural changes that you want to do for your kitchen.

3.   Pests are visible and increasing

Do you already see small holes on your cabinet doors? Have you seen some animal discharge lately? If yes, pests are increasing in your kitchen. This would make it unsafe for you and your family.

Shooing them away can’t be done instantly especially if they have already established themselves in your kitchen. But with an upgrade you can cover up those holes at the same time make sure that no possible entry can be made again for those creatures.

4.   Power consumption is increasing

When power consumption is increasing, we normally think that it is due to the increase in number of electric appliances. But it is not always the case. It could be that your appliances are depreciating and consuming more power compared to its performance.

Safety Risks in New Kitchens that You Can Avoid

Designs of new kitchens are especially appreciated in showrooms. Homeowners tend to think that they are perfect for their own kitchens without knowing that there are risks associated with them. Magazines, shows, and billboards showing these kitchens influence people’s taste and preference, and most of the time disregarding their negative side. 

If you want to have a good kitchen that you and your family can enjoy, here are some risks that may be associated with an upgraded kitchen:

1.   Gas plumbing System

Gas plumbing system is present in most of our homes, but they are often neglected because we do not see it. We just start to think about our gas plumbing when it starts to malfunction. But did you know that leaks coming from this system, when not properly responded to, would cause fire and suffocation that would endanger our lives?

If you are going to have an upgrade you should also be informed of the changes of your plumbing system especially for gas. Make sure that you listen to your plumber very well by the time he discusses the summary of your plumbing system.  

2.   New Appliances and Furniture

Not having enough knowledge in operating new appliances and using new furniture leads to safety risks. This includes both electronic and non-electronic ones. There are cases when homeowners get too excited to use their new electric appliances without paying attention to voltage then directly plugging it to the electric outlet. Such act would lead to fire.

3.   Working Area

Being capable of managing your kitchen even with a limited space is a skill. When you have a new kitchen, it may be awkward at first on how to move around in preparing meals and making things organised.

If you do not feel comfortable navigating your kitchen, you might stumble over some furniture, and cause damage to the things around the kitchen. You might also even hurt yourself. 

4.   Storage Solutions

Choosing the wrong storage units for your kitchen would most likely cause accidents. Most homeowners think that any unit can work as storage. They in turn, place inappropriate kitchen items to storage units, hence a mismatch. For example, using hooks for scissors and knives instead of cabinet drawers with locks.

To avoid this from happening, we should always think of safety first and not merely organisation or beautification. Remember that safety is more important than a good-looking kitchen space.

New Kitchens for Smaller Spaces

Smaller spaces are becoming more and more popular right now especially that more people are moving into metropolitan where getting a big house is means you have to be rich. Small apartment units require much creativity just to make things fit.

Certainly kitchens should not be taken for granted just because of smaller space. Fitted kitchens seem to be the solution for this to make sure that you get what you need and you are more comfortable using it. 

     Here are some of the things that you can do for smaller spaces: 

    1.   Hanging cabinets

Cabinets are indispensable. These are where you should place your utensils. Those include plates, bowls, glasses, and cups. These cabinets should be hanging way above your sink to make sure that they are out of your way if you are preparing meals or washing dishes.

You can also use hanging cabinets to store food and can goods. You also have to make sure that your cabinets are securely attached to the wall.

    2.   Electric cooker

For smaller apartments, it is best not to use gas. The gas tank is too bulky to store. Electric cookers, which are usually flat, are the best alternative for gas stoves. They can also be slow cookers compared to gas stoves because they do not give off instant heat.

Electric cookers are best especially if you are not always in a rush, or if you do not have a lot of time to watch over what you are cooking.

    3.   More under compartments

Under your sink, you should utilize space, and this means having more compartments. Here, you can place all your cooking pots. It should also work more of a cupboard so that you can go for smaller refrigerators.  

You can also use these under compartments to place kitchen appliances after you use them. These appliances would include microwave oven, a toaster, or a blender.

    4.   Lighting

Good lighting is very important for smaller kitchens since you have to make sure that spillages and things that may lead to accidents are prevented. You do not have to worry, because you just need one piece of light for this, preferably to be positioned right above your sink.

This light should be flat as much as possible, and most of the time should be installed with a protective casing to make sure that it does not get disturbed or short circuited when bumped into.

5 Tips in Buying and Planning Your Kitchen

source: echoleigh via flickr

Having functional and comfortable kitchens would indeed make your everyday life easier especially if you are the one who is preparing food for your family. Getting things done in an appropriate manner and justifiable duration of time would even make it better.

If you are getting a new kitchen or upgrading your old one, here are some tips that might help you during the buying and planning process:

1.   Know what you need

When upgrading your kitchen, it is inevitable to buy new appliances. Dishwasher, electric cooker, oven, and refrigerators are just few of the appliances which a functional kitchen should have. Check if your appliances are still working fine and replace them if not.

Do not forget to include the number of sockets in your kitchen. You might find it hard preparing meals if your sockets are not enough to accommodate the appliances you need to use.

2.   Don’t spend too much

We have a tendency to believe that when something is expensive, it is beautiful. But actually it is not. Most of the time, a kitchen unit becomes expensive because its manufacturer is already established.

It doesn't also mean that once a unit is second hand, it will eventually break down. If you have decided to check some second hand shops, you will find items which are still in good condition.

3.   Bargain and compare

Do not be shy in bargaining especially if you know that the shop is entertaining such.  You can ask your friends whether they were able to bargain at a certain shop and do the same.

To save some amount, it also would not hurt if you compare shops, their prices, and the quality of their products. It may take so much time to do so, but with the aid of the internet, it will become more convenient.

4.   Get a detailed schedule

After purchasing a kitchen unit, you may be offered an installation from the shop. If this is the case, verify if it is going to be free or not. When you agree with the installation, do not pay more than 25% of the upfront payment to avoid being busted.

You also have to get a detailed schedule of the items that they are going to install on that day so you can track if everything you need is going to be done.

5.   Think of alternatives

Always ask the installers how long the whole process would last so you would know the workarounds that you are going to do in cooking. Think of alternatives if the kitchen will not be available yet for your kitchen routine.

A Replacement Kitchen Can Help To Sell Your Home Quickly

Are you think of selling your property, but worried that it needs a lot of work doing before putting it on the market? Maybe you’ve seen a number of TV programmes whereby potential buyers are shown immaculate homes which they can move into without having to do anything to them

Don’t despair. Many homebuyers and property developers are more than happy to purchase a property which they can add their own personal touch and features to. What we do know however, is that a property is likely to sell quickly and for the asking price if the kitchen/dining room has been remodelled to an acceptable standard. 

source: Bathroom Improvement

Obviously, you don’t want to spend a great deal of time and money on this project. This is certainly not the objective. Your aim however should be to make this area the main focus of the home, as the kitchen is now the most widely used room in many households today.

Opting for a replacement kitchen offers a hassle free way of remodelling this room. This modern method simply means that you won’t have to remove and replace your existing cabinet casings, if they are in good condition. This therefore helps to keeps the cost low and the workload and schedule time to the bare minimum. This type of remodelling also has potential to add substantial value to the property.

Saving time and money this does not mean settling for average products. Replacement Kitchen doors and drawer fronts are of exceptional high quality. You will have the same choices of all the latest designs, colours, style and material to choose from as you would have if you had opted for a fully fitted kitchen. Replacement kitchen doors can also be made to measure to ensure you have the exact fit.  

With so many variations, there is a design to suit any home and every kitchen theme. Select from high gloss contemporary designs to suit a modern home or apartment, or natural wood and tongue and grove panels often associated with country homes and farmhouse kitchens. Whichever style you choose your kitchen is guaranteed to taken on an appearance that is both stylish and chic. 

Carry on the look throughout the kitchen by updating the worktops using materials and colours that work well with the new cabinet doors and decor within the room. Replacing the lighting for more up to date ones will help to create the right mood and ambiance during cooking and entertaining. 

If you are working to a budget you may well choose to keep your existing appliances, especially if they have been well looked after and in good working order. Many homebuyers are usually happy to accept the kitchen as it is with all the necessary appliances already in place. 

With your new look kitchen offering a comfortable and relaxing setting, your property is likely to have a sold sign placed outside after the initial viewing. It really is that easy to remodel your kitchen at the fraction of the cost of a fully fitted kitchen and have it selling fast.