planning your kitchen Archives - Simply Trini Cooking

Planning and Designing Your Kitchen Floor

July 30, 2011 by Felix 1 Comment

All remodeling projects require some care in planning and designing. Whatever the purpose of the flooring or the complication of the flooring, planning is important. For more information to help you plan and design your new floor, you may also want to visit the photo gallery, and search by category for other articles on colour, style, and pattern.

Good Ideas on Flooring

If you plan to do the entire flooring project yourself, here is a number of suggestion that could be helpful for you. You can browse magazines and visit floor retail stores to get a good idea of your flooring options. You will therefore learn the cost of the flooring, specific needs and conditions for installation, the feel of the flooring, and its durability. You should approach the kitchen project in a predetermined manner. So, work out a logical work sequence for your overall project. Ensure that walls and ceilings are finished before you start the floor installation. Finally, protect your new floor with heavy paper as you progress in your kitchen remodeling.

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With these points in mind, you should have a checklist for your floor project. Here is a prepared one you can use.

CHECKLIST FOR PLANNING A FLOORING PROJECT

Measure the total square footage of the kitchen area carefully.

Create a floor plan with your measurements on graph paper.

Use tracing paper to sketch your desired patterns for the new kitchen. (Place pattern over the graph floor plan to help you visualize the various patterns).

Identify areas where floor covering will change for transitional purposes and choose the best threshold material.

Estimate the amount of preparation and installation materials you will need, such as underlayment sheets, grouts, screws, and adhesives.*

List the tools needed for the project and determine whether you will buy or rent them.

Estimate delivery cost.

Estimate the cost to remove debris from home.

Estimate the total cost of the project. Use the previous information to help with this. To keep the cost of the project down, check around.

Finally, plan for the temporary displacement of furniture and appliances.

*Notes:

This information can be found at building centers or on the labels of the materials needed.
When estimating the cost of materials always add an extra 5 to 10% of material cost to cover any waste that could be incurred during the installation. Save the extra material for future repairs.

Broan Allure II Under-Cabinet Range Hood

May 2, 2011 by Felix Leave a Comment

If you are looking for a range of vent hoods that offer style, beauty, and high performance at a reasonable price, the Allure series would interest you. The Allure II , from the Broan company (all its Allure models are HVI 2100 Certified), is one of the most popular of the under-cabinet range.

The Allure II under-cabinet range hood has a Dupont Teflon button pan which is fully enclosed with micro-mesh filters which are dishwasher safe and makes it easy to clean. The Allure hood has a three-level light setting for bright or nighttime illumination and it is designed to hold dual halogen 50-watt bulbs. It also has a 3-speed fan; however, the delay button helps control the level of fan speed.

At its lowest speed it has a whisper sound, and you could forget it is on: it is quieter than other fans. It gets a little louder at its higher speeds. Its highest speed is powerful enough to suck in the vapors from two boiling pots with no lids. The Hood is available in 30-inch, 36-inch and 42-inch widths.

The Allure II model like all other Allure models offer four-way convertibility 3-1/4 x 10″ (horizontal and vertical), 7″ round (vertical) and non-ducted. You would have to purchase non-ducted Clean Sense filters separately. The Allure II model also includes a 3-1/4 x 10″ damper/adapter.

Most customers are pleased with the Allure II model, because of its functional and physical features. The Allure II Hood is a welcome design element in any kitchen; the hood comes in five colours: almond, biscuit, black, white and stainless steel. The stainless steel model is considered the most attractive.

The main criticisms of the Allure II Hood are: the halogen light bulbs becomes hot, and the blower on the left side does not blow a much as the blowers on the right.

Here is what one customer has to say about the Allure II under-cabinet Hood:

Bella:

“The Allure II Hood has an attractive appeal over my gas stove. It provides excellent illumination over my stove top and it is not noisy. It is also great that you can configure it to your needs.”

Review paraphrased: view original review here.

Safety Tips For Your Kitchen Remodeling

March 1, 2011 by Felix Leave a Comment

It is important you take no chances and therefore make sure that the kitchen area is a safe place to work in during your upgrading phrase.

It is therefore necessary to build your kitchen according to the local codes. Therefore, familiarize yourself with the local building codes in your country. Here is a link for the building code in Trinidad and Tobago and the building code in the US.

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Other safety tips are:

Make sure the work area is large and wide open as possible.
Make sure you have the necessary tools, toolboxes, plus materials and placed in a designated work area with enough space (most contractors prefer this are outside but close to the kitchen area).
Saws and chop saws should be covered when not in use.
Protect floors during work to keep them in good condition. You can sweep and vacuum often, avoid dropping heavy objects onto the floor, and cover the floor with an old carpet or sheets of 1/4 in plywood or paneling.
Some plants may be trampled on and you may need to cover them or transplant them.
Protect pets by placing them in a secure area away from the noise and movement of the workers.
Rent a dumpster to collect debris, or rend a small hauler or truck to carry the debris to the landfill. The load should be secured and covered in transit.
Locate the dumpster near a door or have it pile near the kitchen door or window to shorten the handling efforts.
Ensure that every one is using their safety equipment during any demolition, such as shoes with hard tops and hard soles; safety glasses or googles, earplugs/earmuffs; dust masks; respirators if working with finishes or solvents; and GFCI outlets.
Make sure tools are in good condition.
Make sure the is a good light source.
Ensure the availability of tough leather gloves for workers. Make sure you have a first-aid kit and a fire extinguisher.
Install children safety gates at kitchen entrances and keep them from wandering into the kitchen area.

These are safety tips you should take into consideration to make sure the work is done with the least interruption and prevent some major accidents that could happen during the project.

Kitchen Makeover Tip: Mark Your Time Line

March 1, 2011 by Felix Leave a Comment

When you embark on a project you must determine the time line for the job and make it known. Kitchen remodeling is disruptive, but it don’t have to rule your life. Be practical, but keep in mind there will be unforeseen interruptions you have little control over. There may be a delay in receiving parts you ordered, or the paint may take long to dry. Sometimes a simple remodeling could take as long as a week and others could take months.

However, you can still stay on schedule if you take these into consideration in your time line. By adding as much as 25% more time on your determined schedule you can avoid contractors or trades person from taking advantage of these delays who may stall your project for many reasons. Keep a calender of these flexible time on your time line, but don’t let the contractors or trades person know how you come up with your time line.

Note: There are a number of design programs that can help you map the time line for the project.

Preparing for the kitchen remodeling project

March 1, 2011 by Felix Leave a Comment

Kitchen remodeling is a major task which needs much planning and preparation. There is never too much planning when it comes to a kitchen makeover.

Preparing the Space

So here are some helpful ideas to prepare the space for work, whether it is a minor or a major task:

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Declutter your kitchen.
Set up a temporary kitchen away from all the chaos. In this temporary kitchen, you can place a refrigerator, a good-sized table, a stove or a gas grill (if it is not convenient to have one there), a microwave, and a toaster. You would have to stock up on plaster plates and cups and organize a number of canned foods in the area. You can also store in the refrigerator some frozen meals.
Expect that the entry in the kitchen may not be always accessible. You may have to use other entry ways to get around your house.
Try to have the job completed in the shortest possible time. Most renovation professional suggest no more than 5 years for major remodeling jobs, beyond which could be very annoying for your family. Also, don’t coincide your project with major holidays and visiting guests.
Get familiar with building code requirements, especially if you are doing a major renovation. You may get some good ideas on designing from building inspectors as well to help you make sure you meet building code requirements. However, you would need to be specific when consulting them.
In order to test what works best for you, you may need alternative drawing layouts for your kitchen space.
Make sure you have the necessary tools and materials for the job, such as, screwdriver, hand sander, brushes. Make sure you buy the highest quality brush. Use synthetic-bristle brushes for latex paint (they should be soft and flagged); natural-bristle brushes for oil-based paints; nylon brushes for fine work; and angled sash brushes for painting face frames. Other materials you may need for the job are TSP or other degreaser, sandpaper, masking tape, primer, enamel paint, etc..

Organizing these things before hand helps you ensure less interruption for the work and the job being done on time. These are some of the things you will need to do before remodeling the kitchen, any variation will depend on the job you have set out to do. So take some time and determine what you need to do and the things you will need to get the job done.

Kitchen Remodeling: The budget

February 24, 2011 by Felix Leave a Comment

Once you have made up your mind and establish your needs to remodel your kitchen you now have to think about the type of kitchen remodeling job that has to be done and the cost. A kitchen remodeling job can cost thousands if not managed properly. That is why you must first plan ahead.

Budgeting Your Project

Planning ahead will ensure the job is done successfully the first time. Planning also means you develop a blueprint of what you want done. There are a number of good interior designing software that could help you develop professional looking blueprints. Also, Blueprints help you stay on task within the budget.

Next, you must prioritize your needs in relation to the different tasks to be done. Prioritizing the task enables you to accomplish one task at a time, in a predetermined sequence that will ensure the job is completed in time, efficiently and with the least cost. You should also use the needs analysis form to help you prioritize your tasks.

Finally, decide on who will do the job. This decision will depend greatly on the amount of money you are willing to commit to the job and the job requirements as well. If you have the experience and the know-how to do the job you can do it on your own, but if you lack most of the know-how most likely you would have to hire a skilled builder.

Decluttering before kitchen remodeling

February 20, 2011 by Felix Leave a Comment

It is a good idea to declutter your kitchen before you begin that task of remodeling it. Removing unnecessary items from your kitchen is the first step in getting an organized kitchen. So start with three boxes and label them “everyday items”, “regular items”, and “broken/unused items”.

Declutter your kitchen before you begin your project.
It will help make your job easier.

Your everyday items would be placed back in the space and in easy to reach cabinets. They are most likely your plates, glasses, coffeemaker, and utensils. “Regular items” can be stored in higher places” or storage spaces close to the kitchen. The traffic flow in the kitchen will also determine where kitchen items should be placed. For example, the dish washing liquid could be placed under a sink. “Broken items/unused items” may be discarded or donated. You decide.

Similar items should be stored together in the cupboard, pantry, or cabinet; for example, one space would hold all your breakfast items. However, there are some items that should not be kept in the kitchen as it could add to clutter. They are bills, magazines, newspapers, etc. They belong in a desk in the study or office where they could be sorted. Also, the refrigerator is not a scrapbook; keep magnets and paper on the door to a minimum.

This decluttering activity would help you determine what stays in the kitchen and what does not. It also helps you organize your items in place so they are easy to reach. Therefore, your kitchen looks neat and organized. It starts becoming more and more functional for you and your family, and an enjoyment to be in.

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Where To Begin

February 11, 2011 by Felix Leave a Comment

Kitchen remodeling can be overwhelming; so even the most determined must engage in a little planning beforehnd. You or the professionals you hire will be performing a number of activities to make your dream kitchen a reality and the envy of your friends and family. Before you busy yourself in these activities you need to do the following.

Four Important Remodeling Pre-Activities

1. ANALYZE YOUR NEEDS

You can identify your basic needs by identifying why you want to remodel your kitchen. You may click here for a Self-evaluation Needs Analysis Form to help you identify your needs for your new kitchen.

2. CREATE A SCRAP-STYLE BOOK

Many interior designers encourage homeowners who are thinking of remodeling their kitchen to begin by collecting and organizing their idea of how they want their new kitchen to look like. You can look through design magazines and books, search the internet, and watch HGTV. Once you see photos that capture your interest you can add it to your scrap-style book. This scrap-style book will also be helpful to those who will work with you to create your new dream kitchen. The scrap-style book will also help you address your needs and desires, and help you choose a kitchen design.

3. DEFINE YOUR GOAL

Earlier you would have analyzed your needs. This will help you define your goals. Your goals could now be expressed in a sentence. At this point you should also be able to draw a rough sketch of what you would like your kitchen to look like.

4. CREATE A BUDGET AND SET A REALISTIC SCHEDULE

All project carry its cost. Therefore, it is necessary for you to get a general idea of the amount you would spend to remodel your kitchen. Once you list out the items needed for the project, you can research the costs of these different items.

Finally, you must decide on the time you intend to complete the project. This will ensure that you and your and family members can prepare for the inconvenience of a kitchen remodeling.

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