Month: December 2021

Kitchen Countertops

The kitchen is easily one of the most important rooms in the house. The gathering of family and friends for the holidays, special occasions, or just daily conversation at the dinner table provides the memories that make a house a home. However, not all kitchens instantly provide the ambience for which homeowners seek.

Renovations and updates in the kitchen have the highest return on invest for a home’s resale value. Changes such as changing out countertops, installing new floors, or changing cabinets all fall under types of renovations. Some estimates state that a well done renovation would add up to 92.9% of the cost to the resale value of the home.

Very common changes that have a big impact are kitchen countertops. Choosing countertops often are based on function, durability, and appearance. The most popular types of counter tops are: laminate, stone, and ceramic tiles.

Laminate countertops are priced the lowest, and can come in a variety of colors and patterns. However, since laminate is often comprised of mainly bonded paper & particle board, it is prone to chips or scratches. Maintenance on laminate is relatively easy, however there are things owners should avoid. Avoid cutting directly on the countertop since the soft laminate could be easily cut, do not stand or sit on the countertop because weight could separate the piece from the wall, also be careful not to burn cigarette butts on the countertop as they are nearly impossible to erase, and be careful not to let water sit or stand for extended periods of time.

Stone countertops include the most popular countertop in recent years, granite. Not only does granite offer beautiful coloration that is attractive, it is also incredibly durable. Marble, and other types of countertops are included in this grouping, however granite tends to be the most popular. Maintenance for stone is also easy, be sure to avoid using abrasive cleaning pads since they could dull the polished finish. Cleaning the countertops can be achieved with a cleaner comprised of one part water to one part bleach. Also a licensed contractor can polish countertops to remove some stains, scratches and burns.

Another form of countertops is ceramic tile, which is priced somewhere in between stone and laminate. However, many complaints come from the fact that tile chips easily. Many homeowners also complain that cleaning the grout between the tile is very difficult.

If you wish to change the counter tops in your kitchen, look into professional companies. The licensed contractors can more easily handle any problems that arise, and some companies also offer limited warranties on their products. Also, researching companies and their practices could help make your decision.…

You Do Bake in the Kitchen?

What in the world drove some idiot to love a kitchen? How is it possible to love something that just makes you have to work more? I have a difficult time understanding this dilemma! Maybe, I can come to a conclusion.

Being an older woman (and a grandmother, to boot), I find fascinating treasures in my kitchen. I bake, boil, fry, steam, etc., in this inviting room. The wonderful aromas which prevail keeps my family (and friends) coming back for more. Vanilla, cinnamon, lemon, all those scents which make your nose dance. How can anyone resist?

Roasts, turkeys, pickles, casseroles and stuffing. Oh my god, how terrific the smells which make people drool! I enjoy that I can persuade my loved ones to do most anything with the magic I perform in my little kitchen. My grandchild squeal with delight every time their tongues taste a new cookie!

From the nifty gadgets people have gifted me, over the years, I create masterpieces. Cakes, pies, breads, soups, stews, salsas! Blenders, toasters, shredders, shavers (for ice and chocolate) and juice makers. My kitchen is equipped with everything I need to put smiles upon faces. I do, once in a while, put a special smile on my face!

But, there are days I simply want to enjoy my kitchen all by myself. I make a large cup of hot cocoa and put miniature marshmallows in it. I sit by the window and see nature pass by. Even though I do have a minor kitchen, I have so much space outside I never feel smothered. I do appreciate this so much. I feel safe within the confines of these walls.

I just love the way cocoa makes me feel! So warm and cuddly inside! The sweetness of the marshmallows makes my tummy somersault. I made this cocoa in this kitchen! In this cute room which makes me laugh, smile and even sometimes cry. What would I do if I did not have this in my life?

It is not always appropriate (I am told) to get emotional about the home you are in. Especially, the rooms in the home! Well, I must beg to differ. I truly want to spend the rest of my days here and hope that I will be allowed to do that. The world spins to fast for me and the slow pace of my kitchen, keeps me sane.

My tiny kitchen has all the amenities I could possibly want. I do not want one more thing inside it’s walls. It gives me peace. It gives me strength. I could not love it more.…

Top 5 Benefits Of Kitchen Floor Tiles

Many homeowners are happy after tiling their kitchen floors as they have many benefits. Kitchen floor tiles make the floor look good and give you a clean and sparkling kitchen at all times. As many of us spend a lot of time in the kitchen, either cooking or eating, create a bright and cheerful atmosphere for everyone here. You also need a hygienic space, as the whole family’s food comes out of this space. Here are the top five reasons why you should tile your kitchen floors.

1. Durability – Use of kitchen floor tiles will enhance the life of the floor. Many tiles like ceramic and porcelain have great durability. They withstand a lot of pressure from foot traffic and do not break easily. Some of the natural stones like limestone, granite, and marble too last a long time and give you the preferred look. When compared to a floor without tiles, this will definitely stay a longer time and save you money in the long run.

2. Beauty – Though we have listed durability as the first reason to use floor tiles, beauty of the space is equally important. We love to work in a space that is elegant and pleasing to the eye. Without compromising on durability, you can choose your preferred colour and pattern for your working space. While you are surrounded by something that will cheer you up, beautiful ambience gives you sense of peace and calmness at all times. And without doubt, the number of styles and patterns will overwhelm you. Such is the range of floor tiles in the market.

3. Easy to clean – Cooking and eating areas witness a lot of spills and messes. Some of these spills can be acidic or hot or coloured. By choosing tiles for the floors, you can clean these messes easily. Wiping them with a wet cloth will clear them completely. For certain stubborn spills, you can use mild cleaners. As the tiled surfaces prevent any spills to be absorbed into the floor, the space is hygienic and devoid of bacteria.

4. Easily replaced – Tile floors can be easily replaced. Sometimes, even after many precautions, you might encounter a broken tile or a chipped tile. It is a simple procedure to replace the damaged tiles. Many homeowners do these themselves, without incurring major costs. The replacement of the damaged tiles, gives rise to clean and fresh floors all over.

5. Easy on the pocket – The kitchen floor tiles are available in a range of prices that is bound to suit every budget. Compare the prices of different materials and choose the best ones after considering the quality and durability.

Tiling the kitchen floors is definitely beneficial and gives you the happiness of working clean and durable floors for many years.…

Perfect Kitchen Cabinets For Your Home

When buying a new or resale home, there are a couple of rooms that people really want to customize to fit their needs and lifestyle. Something as subtle as a change in the kitchen cabinets can make a huge difference to that very important room in your house. If a room is drab or just undesirable, people might just feel like leaving the room, so why not give the room a much needed makeover and start spending the time in there that you always wanted to?

There are a lot of homes on the market these days, and it may be very difficult to find exactly what you want. It is especially difficult for a first time buyer, as they generally have very high expectations and may not realize that they may be able to save a little more money by remodeling the not so perfect spaces in an otherwise perfect dwelling.

The cooking portion of a house is extremely important to most people looking to make a purchase. The cabinetry is purely cosmetic and can be changed to something more suitable to the person’s style and taste. You want the space to have a certain ambiance or atmosphere, and renovating is an affordable option.

Select from a wide varieties of woods and other materials that are available! There are some beautiful naturally treated woods that bring out the beautiful grain and character of the pieces. There are cherry, oak, maple, pine, and many different types of that can bring your room a classic style and feel, or a contemporary or modern feel.

There is just so much to work with when you choose remodeling as an option. It is much different than slapping a coat of paint over the existing work and making due with what you have. Many do not realize just how affordable it can be to get exactly what you want, and a great price.

When considering a renovation, do your homework. With so many different materials and styles to choose from, really researching what is available in your price range can save you a great deal of headache. There are some companies that specialize in this area and may actually offer you some great options or be running a special promotion that can save you additional monies.

Keep your options open, and give yourself some time to really think about what it is that you want. You will be living and using this space often, and for years to come. So you will want to be certain of your choices in colors, materials and style, and that it will be something you will be pleased with several years down the road.

Replacing your kitchen cabinets does not have to be a nightmare. With proper research and planning, you can have the great room you always wanted, and enjoy it for years to come. Show off your great style and taste and make it a perfect room for entertaining. With just a subtle change in the look and feel, it can seem like you have a whole new room.…

There are many advantages to renovating your home, including adding value, functionality, and appeal. Also, it is always exciting to take on new projects that will give your home an appealing look. However, it is easy for things to go sideways when you are not adequately prepared. Here are three major mistakes you should avoid when you start a renovation project.

Having an Unreasonable Budget

The budget is essential, no matter how big or small. Once you have researched ideas on remodeling sites, KWC homes, and real estate platforms, find out what it will cost you to actualize them. The budget should not be too high in that you will get in debt or too low, so that it is unrealistic. Talk to a remodeling contractor to get advice on the possible budget range for your home. It will also help if you add some money on top in case of unexpected expenses like electrical upgrades and additional plumbing.

Hiring The First Contractors You Get

There is nothing wrong with the first contractor you land on. Still, do your research and consult as many contractors as possible. Have questions that will help you find a suitable team for the job. Check on things like license, experience, labor cost, insurance, etc. The last thing you want is to choose someone only to find they lack expertise or are more expensive than the market value.

Neglecting the Plan

A significant part of remodeling is planning in terms of cost, materials to be used, timeline, etc. Stick to your initial plan unless an emergency has to be addressed. Making minor changes as you go can drive the cost up or increase the timeline. For instance, buying more costly appliances than what you had budgeted for will cost you. Stick to your budget and timeline unless a need arises and you have to make adjustments.

Remodeling has some challenges, especially if you go in blind. Proper planning and a good team will ensure you end up with a comfortable, appealing, and functional space. Avoid these mistakes, and your renovation project will be rewarding.…