Fall in love with your kitchen again, it’s never too late.  Whether your project is to completely renovate an older home or to customize a basic track home design you can have your dream kitchen by converting existing spaces.  With the right professionals, careful planning and smart and sassy updates you can achieve what you want. Create a kitchen that reaches its fullest potential with livability and functionality. Restore beauty in your kitchen to maximize storage and space with projects that fit your budget, style and time frame.  Here are some material recommendations, kitchen improvement updates, budget ideas and remodeling advice to help you keep you project on the right path.

Do your research , know your budget and be prepared for “sticker shock”.  Until you know what things cost you can’t be budget savvy.  Write your “wish list” of what you’re wanting, including large ticket items as well as smaller features such as sinks and facet choices.  Look at magazines, the internet and browse showrooms.  Divide your list into two columns: A) for pricey items and B) for more budget-friendly choices.  Be sure to have your quotes itemized so you can eliminate or pick and choose exactly what you are willing to pay for, the devil is in the details.  Be sure your quotes are accurate and that the contractors are quoting for the same exact job.  That way you can correctly compare “apples to apples” thus reflecting the same materials, completeness and methods.

You should also think about adding 10-20% of the job costs to your budget for the unexpected.  There are things that just cannot be anticipated. Unforeseen costs that occur, such as the positioning of electrical outlets, the under sink plumbing that may need to be upgraded, etc. Every time there is a delay and work stops on your project, costs go up.  The best way to control your costs and budget is  to get all your ducks in a row BEFORE any contractor touches your kitchen.

Your dream kitchen begins with a good plan.  Even if you keep your existing kitchen layout, contact a design pro to help you utilize your space more efficiently and pull together a winning look. Think about adding roll-out shelves to your pantry cabinets for canned food items.  Or roll-out shelves for your heavy pots and pans. Roll-out shelves with full extension slides will help save your back and make your cook wear a lot more accessible.

One place that you should not skimp on quality is on your kitchen cabinets. Cheaply made cabinets may look good at first but usually won’t last 5 years.  Inexpensive and poorly made cabinets are penny-wise and pound-foolish.   Be sure that your cabinet hardware, including hinges and drawer slides, are all metal.  If your cabinets have plastic pieces they may become brittle and break at the most unfortunate time.

Cabinet finish is almost as important as the construction of the cabinet.  Make sure you have a durable finish that will last the life of the cabinets. Conversion varnish is one of the

The ambience of good lighting is also an essential factor for a stylish and orchestrated kitchen.  Under cabinet lighting, recessed cans and accent lighting, all shape the comfort and beauty of a room.  Well-blended layers of lighting is a good plan to incorporate.

Countertop selection can prove to be a bit of project in itself.  Home owners have many options, glass and recycled glass, stainless steel, concrete and wood.

Glass countertop material benefits are it’s heat and stain resistant, durable and easy to clean! But it is difficult to repair.

Recycled glass countertops are mixed with resin or concrete, are heat-resistant and durable but they do require sealing as a maintenance issue.

Concrete countertops are easily customized, heat-resistant and durable but, like recycled glass counters, they must be sealed regularly to resist moisture and stains.

Wood countertops age well with use and are easily repaired but are vulnerable to stains, moisture and heat.  Also, wood counters can pose a sanitary problem and it is suggested not to prepare food directly on the wood countertop.

This content provided courtesy of Kitchen Makeovers, Inc, A Cabinet Restoration and Wood Renewal Company

If your cabinets are starting to show their age or if you are wanting to change the entire look and feel of your kitchen you may want to consider refacing or restoring.   Both options are more budget friendly than replacing your cabinets entirely.  Your decision may depend on several factors: your project budget, the condition of the existing cabinetry and the function and layout of the current kitchen.

You may wonder, what exactly is the difference in price and procedure?  To start refinishing is the least expensive remedy and refinishing works with your existing cabinet finish. Refacing is more costly and involves replacing doors and drawer fronts and bonding wood veneer to cabinet boxes giving them the look of brand new cabinets.  You should talk with an experienced, licensed cabinet maker when considering your options.

Budget

When renovating the kitchen, cabinets are typically the largest cost so the price of refinishing or refacing may turn out to be the deciding factor on which way to go.

A typical kitchen restoration project cost is usually between $1,000-$1,500 and may take 1-2 days to complete.

A refacing project costs are usually around $10 – $15K and takes about 5 days to complete.  When refacing, keep in mind that you also have to replace your countertops, sink and faucet. This is not included in the cabinet cost. Also, you may need to hire a plumber for sink, faucet, disposal and dishwasher re-hook-up.  You should expect the plumber costs to be around $500-$1,000.

Cabinet Condition

The condition of your existing cabinets is part of the decision making, restore or reface, but also what, exactly are you wanting to accomplish? Are you looking for a dramatic change or are you looking to revitalize what you currently have?

Restoring your cabinets means keeping your existing doors and drawer fronts and fixing the existing finish as  close to the original look and color as possible. If you are happy with your cabinets, it’s a great remedy.  You can also darken your cabinets a shade or two with this process.

Refacing will dramatically change the look of your kitchen.  Typical refacing projects include a combination of refacing and cabinet modifications, either removing cabinets, changing drawer box sizes on a bank of drawers or adding cabinetry.

Saving Cabinets

Either way you decide, refacing vs. restoring, you are doing your part to reduce your carbon footprint by not dumping your cabinets in the local landfill.

When you restore your cabinet finish you are buying more time to use your existing cabinets, thus saving you tons of money in the process.  The clear finish product used will help to preserve your cabinets.

Refacing will also allow you to keep your cabinets and you will only need to replace to doors and drawer fronts.  Be sure to research the clear finish that the cabinet contractor plans on using.  The finish usually will determine how long the cabinets will last. Conversion varnish is one the top-of-the-line cabinet finishes. But if you don’t use conversion varnish you can have your cabinets restored in a few years that is bring them around again to an almost new cabinet.

For all your kitchen cabinet projects and ideas, visit www.cabinetrestorations.com or call Kitchen Make-Overs @ 925 753-5002.  Help us to help others with their cabinet needs.  Like us on Facebook and be sure to tell others about our cabinet or wood restoration, new drawer boxes, roll-out shelves, cabinet refinishing and cabinet restoration services.

This content provided courtesy of Kitchen Makeovers, Inc, A Cabinet Restoration and Wood Renewal Company

Updating your kitchen can breathe new life into your home and can add value to your asset if you decide to sell at a later date.  If you consider the kitchen the heart of the home, it’s clearly a vital organ!  It’s not news that kitchen projects are one of the most popular renovations tackled each year.

A moderate kitchen renovation project will return an average of 80% of the project cost when you decide to sell your home.

Most improvement projects can be disruptive and complicated, especially kitchen renovations.  It can almost turn your world upside down.   Try to break down your projects into “modules” so you are not overwhelmed with trying to complete everything at once, not only does this make completion more manageable you can complete each task independent of one another. Here are some ideas and suggestions to help you “cook up” the kitchen of your dreams.

Save Your Cabinets

 Cabinet replacement can be one of the most expensive parts of a kitchen remodel project. But you don’t necessarily have to replace your cabinets, might only have to restore them to their “like new” appearance.  You have many options available to you.

Chances are your cabinet structure are in good condition, your cabinet finish may be in need of repair.  Don’t throw the baby out with the bath water! Save your cabinets and save your money.  Restore the finish to the original look or change the look of your kitchen with a cabinet color change. Whatever route you decide, be sure the finish coat you select does not yellow, this can be a problem especially on kitchen cabinets.

Painting your kitchen cabinets may be an option to consider. Glazing or crackling can be a beautiful effect for cabinets, especially when you select a bright color that will “pop” under a neutral color like crème or off-white.

How about replacing a couple of your cabinet doors with glass doors? If you decide this option, be sure to paint or use wallpaper for the interior. Replacing all your cabinet doors and drawer fronts is another way to update your kitchen at a minimal cost.

Replace Your Countertops

 Replacing your countertops is a simple and relatively inexpensive way to make a dramatic change to your kitchen.  Countertops can make a bold statement and becomes the focal point of the entire room and it’s a simple way in a short time frame to make a big change. Kitchen countertop material varies in style and in price.  Natural stone is an elegant option if you are willing to make the investment in your kitchen, but laminates are a cheaper choice.

Natural stone, like granite, is the most popular countertop at this time.  The advantages are it’s very durable, doesn’t burn, and it just looks great.  Over the years the price has really come down so that people are able to afford granite on most budgets.

Another option: engineered stone, like quartz, is a nonporous surface and comes in a large variety of colors.

You might consider ceramic tile, laminate, butcher block, stainless steel and even concrete.

New Kitchen Floors

Changing your kitchen floors can really change the look of your kitchen with very little impact on family life.  You have plenty of choices to choose from: durable vinyl and laminate products, tile, and hardwood.   Engineered hardwood is a great option for the your kitchen since it responds well to heavy traffic, moisture, and just wears beautifully in the kitchen.

For all your kitchen cabinet projects and ideas, visit www.cabinetrestorations.com or call Kitchen Make-Overs @ 925 753-5002.  Help us, help others with their cabinet needs, “Like” us on Facebook and be sure to tell others about our cabinet or wood restoration, new drawer boxes, roll-out shelves, cabinet refinishing and cabinet restoration services.

This content provided courtesy of Kitchen Makeovers, Inc, A Cabinet Restoration and Wood Renewal Company

Most people consider their kitchen the hub of the home, but everyone uses their kitchen differently and all have a style that’s their own.  A kitchen works hard to create a stylish and savvy kitchen you’ll be sure to love and enjoy with friends and family.  Here are a few examples of kitchen decorating ideas on a budget.

 Cabinets

Cabinets tend to be the anchor of the kitchen, which means once your cabinet material and color is determined then you can continue with the rest of the kitchen material selection process. The main cost effect cabinet remedies are cabinet restoration and cabinet color changes.

With cabinet restoration the homeowner is able to keep their existing cabinet color.  The cabinet finish is clean, repaired and top coat is reapplied to give the cabinets a new finish.  The color remains the same the finish is restored to a like new appearance.  This is a great way to go if you are happy with the color of your cabinets, your cabinet finish just needs to be refinished.  The price is usually approximately ¼ of replacing your cabinets. The process usually takes only a day or two to complete.

Cabinet color change will change the color of your existing cabinets.  With this option you keep the existing wood, just the color of your existing cabinets is changed. This process costs a bit more than cabinet restoration but you have the advantage of changing the color of your cabinets without the expense of refacing or replacing.  The color change process usually takes 3 days to complete.

Countertops

Kitchen countertops can be refinished too.  To extend the functional life (approximately 10-15 years with basic care and maintenance) without having to replace your countertops you may consider countertop refinishing.  This process involves repairing and restoring the existing kitchen or bath vanity by applying a very hard and durable acrylic coating.  This process works on kitchen counters, bath vanities, laminate breakfast counters, and even cultured marble countertops (usually used in bath vanities).

Countertop refinishing is almost more cost effective than replacing old and worn counters that may have unique curves and angles.  Also, with this process you will avoid the demolition mess that sometimes is associated with countertop replacement.  And your countertop can return to light duty within 24-36 hours. You only have to wait hours and not weeks for your new countertop look.   The finishes come in dozens of colors and textures.   Make sure you contact a professional countertop refinisher for the best possible outcome.

Kitchen Lighting

Kitchen lighting can be one of your kitchen’s best assets as long as it is carefully thought-out.  Be sure to analyze the areas in your kitchen specifically with the lighting needs in mind. You’ll need a combination of lighting needs:  general light, task lighting and ambience.  This would include overhead, recessed and under cabinet lighting.  The fun starts when decorative lighting, light pendant lights, come into play.  They are popular over kitchen islands and kitchen tables. Chandeliers are appearing in kitchens over islands and tables too, though they were once considered “taboo” in the kitchen.  For desk areas in kitchens, lamps are appropriate to informal illumination.  To set the right mood in your kitchen, don’t forget to install dimmer switches.  They can transform your informal eating area into a romantic dinner area for two with a simple click of the switch.

For all your kitchen cabinet projects and ideas, visit www.cabinetrestorations.com or call Kitchen Make-Overs @ (925) 753-5002.  Help us, help others with their cabinet needs, “Like” us on Facebook and be sure to tell others about our cabinet or wood restoration, new drawer boxes, roll-out shelves, cabinet refinishing, and cabinet restoration services.

This content provided courtesy of Kitchen Makeovers, Inc, A Cabinet Restoration and Wood Renewal Company

Looking for a fast, inexpensive, and efficient and way to update your kitchen cabinets? You may consider cabinet refinishing. For a lot less money than replacing or refacing your cabinets, you can have your cabinets looking almost as good as the day they were installed!

It’s common knowledge that your kitchen is the most used and most popular room in the house! Your kitchen and cabinets are used many times on a daily basis. Make your kitchen something you are truly proud of.  Your solution is easy and quite simple.   With a few relatively low-cost steps you may increase the usefulness of your cabinets and make your cabinets a thing of beauty.

Cabinet refinishing can be completed in just one day because they work with your existing finish.  Cabinets are cleaned thoroughly, the existing stain color is matched and applied to damaged areas. After the stain is evenly applied then a finish coat will protect and seal your cabinets and will bring back the beauty and luster to your dull kitchen.  Not only are you beautifying your existing cabinets, you will add years of life to your cabinets, thus, saving you oodles of money.

Install roll-out shelves and save wear and tear on your body.  Having roll-out shelves installed in your pantry or for your pots and pans will save your knees and back.  They are so handy when you are looking for that specific ingredient in your cupboards.  No more rummaging through the canned goods. Just pull out your roll-out shelf and easily located the item you are wanting. Make sure your hardware is all metal because you don’t want to be replacing your roll-outs because the plastic pieces have become brittle and broke.

Knobs and handles can complete your kitchen with an inexpensive update.Installing decorative hardware will not only increase the functionality of your cabinets but it adds interest and drama. In this economy everyone is looking for a low cost solution. Shop around for the best pricing on hardware, it can vary widely. You might want to think about a single drill pattern for you knobs.  This way you can easily change them out in a few years when you are looking for a change in style.

If you currently have knobs and handles be sure to choose new knobs and handles with the same drill pattern as your existing hardware.  If you do not currently have knobs and handles it might be wise to choose knobs with a single drill hole and then if you’d like to change them in the future it’s much easier to do.

Crown moulding can add a dramatic look to your kitchen and really dress up your existing cabinets. You must make sure you have the space between the top of your cabinet doors and the top of your cabinets or ceiling.  It might be best to leave it to the professionals for installation.  Crown install can be a bit tricky to install.  Crown moulding really finishes off a kitchen or any room quite nicely.  It adds that extra touch and is truly worth the cost and effort.  Crown comes in different sizes and styles and can be quite ornate or very simple. Just depends on your budget and decorating taste.

For all your kitchen cabinet projects and ideas, visit www.cabintrestorations.com or call Kitchen Make-Overs @ 925 753-5002.  Help us to help others with their cabinet needs. Like us on Facebook and be sure to tell others about our cabinet or wood restoration, new drawer boxes, roll-out shelves, cabinet refinishing and cabinet restoration services.

This content provided courtesy of Kitchen Makeovers, Inc, A Cabinet Restoration and Wood Renewal Company

Are your cabinets worn, dirty or just tired looking? Have your kitchen cabinets seen better days?  Not quite ready to reface cabinets or replace cabinets?  There are multiple options for the price conscience homeowner and who isn’t in this economy!

Many People think their only option is a complete remodel and are shocked at the cost for tearing out and replacing their existing cabinets. Let’s explore some of the other options available.

Cabinet Restoration:

This may be a solution for you!  It is a quick and inexpensive way to renew and restore your existing cabinet finish to a ‘like new’ appearance. Cabinet Restoration workings with your existing finish will clean and prepare your cabinets by removing any build up of dirt, grime or grease.  Color is added to the areas that are damaged due to water, steam, or direct sunlight exposure, thus, evening the stain color.  A finish is then applied to seal and protect the cabinets.

Cabinet Refinishing:

Striping kitchen cabinet doors, drawer fronts and cabinet boxes down to the raw wood is a method that is frequently requested.  It is a tricky option and should be clearly explained to the homeowner prior to starting work. Your results from refinishing your kitchen cabinets will change the color and result in a better finish but will save your little or no money compared to refacing. The results cannot be guaranteed and you must be especially careful if the cabinets are painted prior to striping them.  Many times doors have bondo patching on them that is not seen when cabinets are painted and you are only made aware when paint is removed.  If you currently have stained cabinets and want to restain them a different color, again you need to be aware that the wood will typically take a stain differently the second time than it did when originally stained.

Cabinet Painting:

Painting cabinets can be a money saving option compared to  refacing cabinets. You are able to change the color of your existing cabinets but there are some concerns you should be made aware of.  Painted cabinets may have maintenance issues like yellowing problems and touch up problems. Paint tends to chip or flake and touch up on oil base paint is tricky.  If this option is your choice, be sure to leave it to the professionals to get a quality cabinet paint job.

Door and Drawer Front Replacement:

If you like the bright, clean look of a white or off white kitchen then, perhaps, replacing your doors, drawer fronts and painting your cabinet boxes will work for you! Replacing your doors and drawer fronts with the right material is the key.  Using a Thermo foil door/door front will be virtually maintenance free.  With the door and drawer front replacement you are able to change out your exposed hinges to the more desirable interior hinge or European hinge.  You are, however, limited on solid color options and will not have the natural wood look.

Knobs and Pulls:

An affordable update may be as easy as changing out your cabinet’s knobs and handles to a more current look! Be sure to choose the same drill pattern of the existing knob/handle to do it yourself.  If you currently have no knobs or handles a cabinet contractor can install them for you! Drawer box replacement can give your kitchen a newer feel.  When you have clean, properly working drawer boxes with new slides it really makes your kitchen more user friendly.  Roll-out shelves are also a big hit when making an inexpensive kitchen update, not to mention saving your back when trying to reach those hard-to-reach places.

For all your kitchen cabinet project and ideas, visit www.cabinetrestorations.com or call Kitchen Make-Overs @ 925 753-5002.  Help us to help others with their cabinet needs. “Like” us on Facebook and be sure to tell others about our cabinet wood restoration, new drawer boxes, roll-out shelves, cabinet refinishing and wood restoration services.

This content provided courtesy of Kitchen Makeovers, Inc, A Cabinet Restoration and Wood Renewal Company

  Make It Bright & Cheery

Keep your kitchen space fun and fresh with color! Kitchens awash in white may look neat and tidy but also a bit on the boring side.  You can keep your cabinets white but choose one or two favorite accent colors for the backsplash or walls to make your cabinets pop.  For a polished look, paint the soffit or wall above your cabinets giving more interest to your white cabinets.

Less Can Be More

Remove a few of the upper cabinet doors to reveal the space inside, making the kitchen look bigger.   Paint the interior of the cabinet with an accent color to really spice up the kitchen.  Use interesting looking storage containers like baskets, different styled canisters, bowls, or cookbooks.

Let There Be Light

Replace dated lighting over a kitchen island with pendant lights. Find stylish pendant lights at your local home center or online outlets.

Replace florescent boxed lighting with canned lights.  Many times crowned moulding is added and painted in the box area giving you adequate lighting and great ambience.

A Touch of Glass

Make your kitchen sparkle with ribbed, bubbled, clear or even stained glass on your cabinet doors.  Decorative glass can transform inexpensively any kitchen by replacing one or two existing kitchen cabinet doors with glass and can showcase decorative plates, tea pots or serving bowls.

Cabinet Message Board

How cool is this idea?  Make a chalkboard on a few cabinet panels by grabbing a can of chalkboard paint and applying it.  Be sure to choose cabinets that are easy to reach from making grocery or leaving messages for loved ones.

Metallic Make-Over

Looking for a modern, sleek, industrial style for your cabinets? Using metal cabinets, take paint down to the bare metal and varnish to protect the gleaming beauty for an interesting and unusual look.

Vintage Vibe

Add kitchen details with gingerbread appliques (available at most home centers) on doors and panels.   These wood pieces are very  affordable and come in many different style and more importantly, they are easy to adhere using simple wood glue.  Add a thin coat of umber glaze to the doors and appliques to give a antiqued effect.

Hardware Update

Add stylish hardware to your cabinets: a small change with a big effect.  A trendy touch for your kitchen cabinets is to replace your traditional cabinet door knobs and pulls with modern tubular handles, giving your cabinets a sleek look.

Interior Storage Solutions

Give the inside of your sink based cabinet a boost with some clever storage solutions.   Installing a simple slide out shelving unit can make your once haphazard jumble of cleaning supplies (soaps, cleaners, and sponges) organized

Make your pots, pans, and pantry more accessible by installing roll-out shelves. Make sure you choose roll-out shelves with full-extension hardware to maximize accessibility.

Open Options

Open shelving can give your kitchen a more open, lighter look.  Shelving also helps to draw more attention to your interesting display items, flowers, storage canisters, plates, or decorative salt and pepper shakers.

Cabinet Finish Restoration

Clean, repair and restore your existing cabinet finish to extend the life of your cabinets.  Your finish is the first thing to fail when your cabinets start to age.  By cleaning and restoring your cabinets you restore the finish and give your cabinets a like new appearance.

For all your kitchen cabinet projects and ideas, visit www.cabinetrestorations.com or call Kitchen Make-Overs @ 925 753-5002. Help us to help others with their cabinet needs, “Like” us on Facebook and be sure to tell others about our cabinet or wood restoration, new drawer boxes, roll-out shelves, cabinet refinishing and cabinet restoration services.

This content provided courtesy of Kitchen Makeovers, Inc, A Cabinet Restoration and Wood Renewal Company

Kiss Kitchen Clutter Goodbye: Storage Smarts

Get your kitchen in working order by organizing!  Maximize your storage space by using simple tricks.  These tricks help you make the clutter-free most of every available inch.

Make sure your cabinets have easy access. Dedicate certain areas on the counter for meal preparation.  Store your most used ingredients in the meal prep area in the upper cabinets or lower cabinets for quick access.  Be sure that your ingredients are sealed properly, thus making them last longer.

Corral your favorite snacks in baskets to keep them from getting crushed.  That way they are protected and you won’t end up with a bag of crumbs. To keep food fresh once the packages have been opened,  use clothes pins to clip them closed or transfer the food to a plastic baggie that has a “zipper” type closure. Keep snacking treats on a low, kid-friendly shelf.

Group your items together in a large storage containers. For instance, keep baking supplies, sugar, flour, baking soda, etc., in a plastic tub that fits in your panty.   This makes it easy just to grab the entire box and place it on the counter for easy access during your baking process.

Be sure to purge your spices every 3 years.  Write the date on each of your spices when you purchase them. Most dried herbs and spices max out at three years.

Install a pullout drawer under your sink to store your dishwasher & dishwashing soaps and other cleaning items.    Glue a clothes pin to the inside of your sink base door to clip your rubber gloves.

Make your utensil drawer look pretty! Tidy it up by lining it with a decorative oilcloth. Next, buy a variety of drawer organizers in different sizes then arrange them in the drawer box.  Use the small ones for essentials like corn cob holders and the rectangular ones for the larges tools.  The last and hardest step is to try to keep everything looking this way! For all your kitchen cabinet projects and ideas, visit www.cabinetrestorations.com or call Kitchen Make-Overs @ 925 753-5002.  Help us to help others with their cabinet needs.  “Like” us on Facebook and be sure to tell others about our cabinet restoration, new drawer boxes, roll-out shelves, cabinet refinishing and cabinet restoration services.

This content provided courtesy of Kitchen Makeovers, Inc, A Cabinet Restoration and Wood Renewal Company

Your kitchen is probably the busiest room in the house and one of the biggest areas in your home that needs cleaning daily.  It’s wise to design a cleaning strategy that won’t take all day, cause let’s face it, nobody has the time.  Your kitchen can accumulate a lot of germs, dirt and debris over the course of a single day.  Keeping your kitchen clean sounds like an impossible mission, but it’s not! Here are some simple, low-maintenance ways to keeping your floors and countertops sparkly clean, organized and free of germs.

Remove Clutter Get rid of any and all items that don’t belong in your kitchen. Grab a box or paper bag and start removing items that don’t necessarily belong in the kitchen like mail, clothing items, knickknacks or unused kitchen appliances.  Clear away the clutter by putting the items away where they belong or donating the unwanted things.

Mop Floors Use a self-wringing mop when mopping your floors.  They save a lot of time and hassle when you want to get your floors shiny and clean. Using water in between deep cleaning moppings can help you keep your weekly cleaning chores current.

Stainless Steel Appliances Take care of fingerprints and smudges with olive oil.  Use a soft cloth and polish up all your stainless steel appliances with olive oil or you can even use baby oil.

Refrigerator Clean Out Start by removing everything from all the shelves including the door shelves.  Throw out all left overs and expired items.  Wipe out the inside of the refrigerator with cleaner or use soap and water. Be sure to dry the shelves with rags or paper towels.

Microwave Steam-cleaning your microwave is one of the easiest ways to clean.  Place 3-4 wet paper towels in your microwave and heat on high for approximately five minutes.  The steam from the towels loosens grime and food particles.  Now wipe out the inside with kitchen cleaner and you’re good to go!

Self-cleaning Your Oven Use this feature! It’s fast and it’s easy.  Follow the directions pertaining to your specific self-cleaning oven feature.  Start your oven on the self-cleaning function, and finish cleaning the rest of your kitchen.  Just be aware that you won’t be able to use your oven for a couple hours after it’s done cleaning so make appropriate meal arrangements.

Disinfect Your Garbage Disposal Keep your garbage disposal clean and germ free.  Freeze some ice cubes made with vinegar and water.  Now with the water running, grind them in the garbage disposal.  Scrub the sinks with powder cleaner for additional cleaning power.

Handheld Steamer If you don’t have a handheld steam cleaner, get one. They are a great way to quickly remove debris and food that’s stuck on the top of the stove, around your microwave or on your countertops.  It only takes a few seconds of exposed steam to loosen up stubborn, hard to reach patches of food.  Then simply wipe with a paper towel.

For all your kitchen cabinet projects and ideas, visit www.cabinetrestorations.com or call Kitchen Make-Overs @ 925 753-5002.  Help us to help others with their cabinet needs. Like us on Facebook and be sure to tell others about our cabinet and wood restoration services, roll-out drawers, new drawer boxes, cabinet refacing and custom cabinets.

This content provided courtesy of Kitchen Makeovers, Inc, A Cabinet Restoration and Wood Renewal Company

Here are some trendy projects that will give your kitchen value and appeal.   Are you finding yourself considering the finer points of cherry cabinetry or weighing the pros and cons of granite countertops?  Kitchen remodeling may be on your brain for the New Year.

A survey conducted by the national Organization of Home Builders (NAHB) in 2012 has indicated that remodels have increase 17 percent from 2 years ago.

Before you jump feet-first into a full fledge kitchen remodel consider what is best for your finances, family and future. Make sure it’ll be a sound investment for you in the future.

Home improvements are classified into two categories: the first adds monetary value to the house, the second makes the house more appealing. For example making your kitchen larger with a remodel will increase the actual value of the house, but if you replace your countertops with granite, this makes the house more appealing to buyers.

Cabinet Refacing or Replacement Cabinets may be your best bet when considering your kitchen make over. Why, because cabinets are the major focal point of a kitchen.  Be sure to investigate all your options when it comes to upgrading your kitchen cabinets.  On the high end of the spectrum you may want to replace your existing cabinets with new cabinetry.  With new cabinets you get the luxury of changing the layout of your current kitchen footprint. Moving appliances or workstations around or even adding an island to make your kitchen space more efficient.

If a total remodel is not in your budget you may consider refacing your cabinets.  Refacing consists of changing your doors, drawers and drawer fronts and then adding wood veneer to the cabinet boxes.  Refacing also gives you the choice of wood species, door style and finish color.  Modifications can also be made in accordance with a cabinet refacing project.

Floor Installation

There are many floor style options available these days. The strategy is choosing flooring that fits your tastes, holds up well to wear and tear and is easy on your pocket book.

Real hardwood is very popular but faux (laminate) may be a better choice, especially when it comes to price.  Laminate flooring (also known as a floating floor) come in a range of colors, qualities and prices are a fraction of the real hardwood price.  Laminate flooring are easier to install. They often use snap and lock technology which means they don’t need to be nailed down.

Countertop Installation

Looking to add value to your house? Choose a countertop that creates a ‘wow factor’ when you enter the room.  Select an affordable granite or manufactured stone. Darker granites with a consistent pattern tend to be a stronger stone and the more the elaborate the pattern (movement) the more expensive the cost.

Lighting

Lighting is the key to setting a certain mood.  When you pick the right lights and install them in the right place your kitchen will look good it will make your kitchen more comfortable and inviting no matter the time of the day.

Under cabinet lighting or pendant lights over bar areas or kitchen islands are very popular these days.  Both add mood and ambiance to the kitchen.

If new lights aren’t in the budget you may consider changing your lighting fixtures or adding dimmer switches to control light volume.

Backsplash

Make your kitchen really pop with a new backsplash. Tile adds appeal and allows the homeowner to put their personal touch to the kitchen.  Tile backsplashes come in many different shapes, sizes, colors and finishes. Tile is a great backsplash material which wears well and makes cleaning a breeze!

For all your kitchen make over, cabinet projects and ideas visit www.cabinetrestorations.com or call Kitchen Make-Overs @ 925 753-5002.  Help us to help others with their cabinet needs. Like us on Facebook and tell others about our cabinet/wood restoration, new drawer boxes, roll-out shelves and cabinet refinishing services.

This content provided courtesy of Kitchen Makeovers, Inc, A Cabinet Restoration and Wood Renewal Company