kitchen remodel Archives - MastersKitchenBath.com

The Future of Kitchen Appliances

Do you remember the scene in the movie Back to the Future II when they open up a coaster size dehydrated pizza; and throw it in the Black & Decker oven? The oven then cooks the tiny pizza into a normal size pizza. Well, we aren’t quite there yet but kitchen appliances have certainly advanced since 1989. In this blog post, we are sharing some of the fanciest kitchen appliances on the market. Although most are over-the-top and overpriced, some are certainly well worth the money and convenience. From touch screen refrigerators to coffee brewing from your mobile phone, this is the next generation of appliances.

Instapot – WiFi enabled

We already think the Instapot is the greatest appliance of 2019. It’s a slow cooker, pressure cooker, steamer, warmer, and cooks virtually anything in 1/2 the time of conventional methods. Now, the Instapot is available with wifi, and connects to an app and Alexa! Manage your appliance directly from your smartphone.

Mr. Coffee – Smartphone Brewing

Scheduling your morning coffee just got a whole lot easier. With the WeMo app, you can easily schedule your morning brew directly from your smartphone. A reasonably priced appliance that can be purchased on Amazon.com.

Smart Toaster

This toaster is so smart, it can toast your bread faster than a conventional toaster with a touch screen, and a 15-second reheat button. Although it has some fun features, it’s a bit pricey for a 2 slice toaster. The Revolutionary Toaster can be found at williamssonoma.com.

Dacor’s Discovery iQ Oven

Simply put, this oven has top of the line technology that is convenient for any cook. The technology is powered by Google and the Dacor which allows you to control temperatures directly from your smartphone. The Dacor oven can run $3000 – $5000 more than your typical oven but if you are an avid cook looking for convenience, this oven is well worth the money.

Samsung Smart Fridge

Every child’s dream – a smart tablet directly on the face of the refrigerator. This smart fridge allows you to look up recipes, watch TV, play music and leave notes. Some Samsung refrigerators have camera technology that allows you to view the contents in your fridge directly from your smartphone. The smart fridge can cost up to $1500 more than a nonsmart Samsung fridge.

About Masters Kitchen and Bath

Masters Kitchen & Bath has been providing top quality construction, cabinetry, and design on kitchen renovations and remodeling since 2004. We coordinate and manage development, ordering, and installation. Masters help homeowners get more enjoyment from their homes with new kitchen designs that blend beautifully with their new or existing home decor. Visualize your complete kitchen remodel by visiting our showroom. We offer consultations where our seasoned project manager will inspect your job site, and offer you design suggestions that best meet your needs.

We are proud to offer beautiful, and American made Decora and Kemper Cabinets.

Masters Kitchen & Bath serve the following areas: Addison, Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, Chicago, Des Plaines, Elk Grove Village, Elmhurst, Elmwood Park, Evanston, Forest Park, Franklin Park, Glencoe, Glenview, Kenilworth, Lincolnwood, Melrose Park, Morton Grove, Mount Prospect, Niles, Norridge, Northbrook, Northfield, Oak Park, Palatine, Park Ridge, Prospect Heights.

December 30, 2019/by Goran

Kitchen Remodel

How to Choose a Garbage Disposer

Imagine the days without garbage disposers, something we have become custom to rely on. The convenience allows us to grind food small enough to avoid clogging the drain quickly. Most food waste should go in the trash and not down the drain — a few quick tips when choosing a garbage disposer for your new kitchen.

How to Choose a Garbage Disposer

Some local sewer authorities will let you know if a garbage disposer is appropriate for your area. If you are on a septic system, your municipality may require you to empty the tank more frequently. Mainly you will want to ensure you have a functional plumbing system to avoid clogs and backups.

Disposer Types

Continuous-Feed Models – easy to use and easily washes down the drain. Continuous feed models will run and continue to run until you switch it off.

Pros:

The convenience of placing food scraps into disposer rather than in the trash is a plus
Several models and types to choose from

Cons:

Drain is exposed and allows for objects to fall into the grinder
Increased water bill – manufacturers recommend that cold water should run while the machine is working
It’s called continuous feed for a reason. It won’t turn off until you flip the switch

Batch Feed – these disposers are activated by when a drain cover is in place. The batch feed disposers require you to load them with waste before placing the stopper on drain to activate blades. Batch feeds are safer for families with small children.

Pros:

Safer to use as the blades will only run while the cover is on
Requires little to no water usage

Cons:

More expensive than the continuous feed models as the motors in batch feed disposers tend to be stronger
You have to remember to clean it out often; otherwise, food can sit too long and may spawn bacteria.

Garbage Disposer Features

Electric Cord – easier to plugin rather than hiring an electrician to hardwire the system.

Auto-Reverse Mode – this helps the blades clear clogged waste.

Horsepower Ratings – 1/2 horsepower can usually handle most food scraps; however, if your kitchen wastes include harsh food particles, you’ll need 3/4 strength or a one horsepower model.

Safety Cover – great for kitchens with small children. This requires the cover to be in place before it runs.

Warranty – do your research and look for disposers that offer up to 10 years of warranty.

About Masters Kitchen and Bath

Masters Kitchen & Bath has been providing top quality construction, cabinetry, and design on kitchen renovations and remodeling since 2004. We coordinate and manage development, ordering, and installation. Masters help homeowners get more enjoyment from their homes with new kitchen designs that blend beautifully with their new or existing home decor. Visualize your complete kitchen remodel by visiting our showroom. We offer consultations where our seasoned project manager will inspect your job site, and offer you design suggestions that best meet your needs.

We are proud to offer beautiful, and American made Decora and Kemper Cabinets.

Masters Kitchen & Bath serve the following areas: Addison, Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, Chicago, Des Plaines, Elk Grove Village, Elmhurst, Elmwood Park, Evanston, Forest Park, Franklin Park, Glencoe, Glenview, Kenilworth, Lincolnwood, Melrose Park, Morton Grove, Mount Prospect, Niles, Norridge, Northbrook, Northfield, Oak Park, Palatine, Park Ridge, Prospect Heights.

December 26, 2019/by Goran

Kitchen Remodel

Kitchen Sink Materials

Stainless steel or natural stone? Kitchen sinks come in all shapes, sizes, and materials. In this week’s blog post, we are going to talk about kitchen sink materials. We’ll discuss the pros and cons so you can choose the perfect kitchen sink. Some materials are durable and resistant to stains and scratches. Other materials are more sensitive and suited for light to medium use.

1. Stainless Steel

Best for: All types of countertops

Pros: Easy to care for and affordable

Cons: Can be loud

Stainless steel is the most popular sink material since its creation. Probably the most durable sink material as its heat resistant and stain-resistant. Stainless steel sinks can be a little loud, so look for sinks with a decent amount of sound dampening pads. Quality stainless steel sinks can range from $150 – $1,000.

2. Copper

Best for: All types of use

Pros: Antimicrobial

Cons: Can be very pricey

Ranging in a variety of patinas, copper is trendy in farmhouse kitchens. With its antimicrobial properties, copper contains a natural ability to kill 99.99 percent of bacteria. What’s most intriguing about copper sinks is the way the material changes over time and adapts to the way the user uses the sink. Copper typically starts around $600.

3. Enamel

Best for: Light to medium use

Pros: A classic look

Cons: Requires special cleaning and care

Available in wide variety of colors. The enamel sink is made of cast iron with glass glaze. Enamel sinks are quieter; however very heavy and need proper installment. They stain easily and have been known to chip if not cared for properly. Appropriate treatment to avoid scratches is necessary.

4. Fireclay

Best for: Modern and farmhouse kitchens

Pros: Easy to clean; long-lasting

Cons: Heavy and expensive

Fireclay is popular with modern and farmhouse kitchens. Although a beautiful sink, Fireclay sinks can be costly. Each sink is handcrafted and heated at very high temperatures. They resemble enamel sinks but more durable and scratch-resistant. Fireclay sinks require professional installation and range between $500 and $1400.

About Masters Kitchen and Bath

Masters Kitchen & Bath has been providing top quality construction, cabinetry, and design on kitchen renovations and remodeling since 2004. We coordinate and manage development, ordering, and installation. Masters help homeowners get more enjoyment from their homes with new kitchen designs that blend beautifully with their new or existing home decor. Visualize your complete kitchen remodel by visiting our showroom. We also offer consultations where our seasoned project manager will inspect your job site, listen to your specific needs and considerations, and offer you design suggestions that best meet your needs.

We are proud to offer beautiful, and American made Decora and Kemper Cabinets.

Masters Kitchen & Bath serve the following areas: Addison, Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, Chicago, Des Plaines, Elk Grove Village, Elmhurst, Elmwood Park, Evanston, Forest Park, Franklin Park, Glencoe, Glenview, Kenilworth, Lincolnwood, Melrose Park, Morton Grove, Mount Prospect, Niles, Norridge, Northbrook, Northfield, Oak Park, Palatine, Park Ridge, Prospect Heights.

November 4, 2019/by Goran

Kitchen Remodel

3 Things You Need to Know About Choosing a Kitchen Sink

Kitchen sinks come in all shapes and sizes. Choosing a kitchen sink may sound easy; however, there are a few things to consider. Are you keeping the same countertop and just replacing the sink? If so, then you will have to go with the same style as your old sink. If this is a kitchen remodel and you are going with a completely different look, then an apron sink or undermount sink could be an option. You must also keep in mind that drains and faucets are separate costs, so consider your overall budget when choosing the whole look. Let’s dive into the three most popular options and talk about the pros and cons.

Topmount Sink

Topmount sinks are considered to be more traditional and often cost-effective. They can also be referred to as drop-in sinks. The lip around the entire edge of the sink rests on the top of the counter.

Pros:

Overall drop-in sinks are less expensive and typically cost $200 less than an undermount sink.
You don’t have to have a solid surface for a drop-in sink. Drop-in sinks work with all styles of countertops.

Cons:

Unless your topmount sink is practically seamless to the counter, it can be hard to clean. Food crumbs and counter debris can get stuck. Routine cleaning is necessary to avoid excess build-up.
Topmount sinks are a more traditional look, and it could be hard to find a modern looking style.

Undermount Sink

Undermount sinks range from $100 to $1000 or more. There is a wide variety of types and styles to choose from. You’ll likely have to consider installation costs as well, which can range from $50-$100.

Pros:

Undermount sinks do not have a lip, so they are easier to clean. You can sweep the crumbs off the counter and into the sink, and you don’t have to worry about food getting stuck under the lip.
The overall look of an undermount sink looks sleek and clean. They have a stylish and aesthetically pleasing look.

Cons:

Not all counter types are intended for undermount sinks. Granite, marble, and limestone work well with undermount sinks. The laminate countertop is not an option.
Installing an undermount sink isn’t for the new DIYer. We recommend contacting a professional to help with installation.

Other Sink Options

Bowl types is another factor when choosing a sink. You have the choice between the double bowl and a single bowl. Some bowls are divided evenly, 50/50, or you can find them 60/40 and 70/30. You’ll also have to consider the depth and determine how much space you have beneath your sink. Think about your current dishwashing routine, do you wash on one side and rinse on the other? Do you need a large sink for washing large dishes (think holidays and family gatherings)?

Apron sinks or farmhouse sinks have become very popular in the past few years. They have a modern and sleek look with the front-facing surface exposed. The basin of the sink is typically deeper, so they accommodate more substantial dishes. Apron sinks generally are more on the expensive side, and you’ll also have to hire a professional for installation.

About Masters Kitchen and Bath

Masters Kitchen & Bath has been providing top quality construction, cabinetry, and design on kitchen renovations and remodeling since 2004. We coordinate and manage development, ordering, and installation. Masters help homeowners get more enjoyment from their homes with new kitchen designs that blend beautifully with their new or existing home decor. Visualize your complete kitchen remodel by visiting our showroom. We also offer consultations where our seasoned project manager will inspect your job site, listen to your specific needs and considerations, and offer you design suggestions that best meet your needs.

We are proud to offer beautiful, and American made Decora and Kemper Cabinets.

Masters Kitchen & Bath serve the following areas: Addison, Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, Chicago, Des Plaines, Elk Grove Village, Elmhurst, Elmwood Park, Evanston, Forest Park, Franklin Park, Glencoe, Glenview, Kenilworth, Lincolnwood, Melrose Park, Morton Grove, Mount Prospect, Niles, Norridge, Northbrook, Northfield, Oak Park, Palatine, Park Ridge, Prospect Heights.

October 21, 2019/by Goran

Blog

What You Need To Know About Porcelain Tile

History

Porcelain dates back to the Tang dynasty in China (618-907). Porcelain tile is still popular today, and with technological advances, tile can be found on walls, floors, ceilings, and fireplaces. Many people associate porcelain with dishes, toilets, and figurines. Porcelain tile is a common choice in many home renovations and can also be seen on shower walls, countertops, and floors.

What a lot of people don’t know is that porcelain tile is extremely durable. Even though it’s a type of ceramic tile, it is made from finer, denser clay and fired at higher temperatures. Porcelain tile is more stringent, and more scratch-resistant than other varieties of tile, and is also resistant to stains.

Flooring

Porcelain tile shines beautifully, and if you are looking for a long-lasting surface, porcelain is a great option. Kitchens countertops, wall coverings, bathroom showers, and walls are all options for porcelain placement.

Porcelain floor tile requires little maintenance and exceeds ceramic tile with its durability and beautiful appearance. Its an excellent option for high-traffic areas and ideal if you have pets and children.

Maintenance

Porcelain looks exceptional, is tough and better yet, super easy to clean. Porcelain’s surface does not absorb a lot of moisture, and is another reason it’s so great for kids and pets. With other flooring materials, spills can trickle into the surface and cause stains. Porcelain is so easy, and spills can easily be wiped up with a damp cloth. No harsh chemicals are necessary to maintain the enamel – just water and mild detergent. Repairs typically aren’t costly either.

Benefits

Did you know that porcelain is harder than granite? Due to the intense firing process, extreme heat, and dense clay, the structure makes the tile very hard. The other benefits of porcelain tile are the way the color runs through rather than at surface level. The great advantage to this is that the color will remain the same at it wears down.

Are you thinking about renovating your kitchen or bath? Porcelain tile is recognized as a quality building material and is, therefore, a selling point. Installing porcelain tile in a kitchen or bathroom could potentially increase the value of the property, too.

Disadvantages of Porcelain Tile

We’ve discussed the ins and outs of porcelain, and the great features porcelain has to offer. Now let’s talk about the disadvantages. Although it is an excellent material, the tile can be very costly compared to other types. The installation is time-consuming but overall relatively easy to install. We mentioned how easy the tile is to clean; however, it’s crucial to keep in mind, like with most tile, grout is involved. And, when you have grout, grout can be challenging to clean. Grout sealer will definitely help, along with grout maintenance.

About Masters Kitchen and Bath

Masters Kitchen & Bath has been providing top quality construction, cabinetry, and design on kitchen renovations and remodeling since 2004. We coordinate and manage construction, ordering and installation. Masters help homeowners get more enjoyment from their home with new kitchen designs that blend beautifully with their new or existing home decor. Visualize your complete kitchen remodel by visiting our showroom. We also offer consultations. Our seasoned Project Manager will inspect your job site, listen to your specific needs, and offer you design suggestions that best meet your needs.

We are proud to offer beautiful and American made Decora and Kemper Cabinets.

Masters Kitchen & Bath serve the following areas: Addison, Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, Chicago, Des Plaines, Elk Grove Village, Elmhurst, Elmwood Park, Evanston, Forest Park, Franklin Park, Glencoe, Glenview, Kenilworth, Lincolnwood, Melrose Park, Morton Grove, Mount Prospect, Niles, Norridge, Northbrook, Northfield, Oak Park, Palatine, Park Ridge, Prospect Heights

August 28, 2019/by Goran

Kitchen Remodel

Complete Kitchen Remodel – Final Steps

For the past six weeks, we have discussed kitchen remodeling from why you should remodel your kitchen, design and planning to flooring and cabinet installation.

We are on the final steps of the complete kitchen remodel. In this last blog, we’ll walk through appliance installation, wiring fixtures, and plumbing. We’ll finish with inspections which will round out all the steps for a kitchen remodel.

Appliance, Plumbing, and Fixtures

A plumber or a DIYer can do the appliance installation. You’ll need someone that has experience connecting the water supply to the refrigerator, dishwasher, sink, and faucet. An air gap must be installed for your dishwasher and countertop. Run a few tests to ensure installation is complete and there are no leaks. Contact your electrician to finish out the receptacle plates, fixtures, and ductwork. Electrical work can be an easy job for a homeowner. If you called in the professionals for initial wiring and plumbing work, its a good idea to have them come out for the final tasks.

Final Inspections

It’s time to go through the checklist and ensure all the tasks are complete. If you worked with a general contractor, make sure you perform a final walk-through. Keep note of the things that still need attention. Carefully inspect every aspect of the project. If you feel confident and satisfied with the work, there is one final step – inspection.

Your general contractor would make arrangements for final inspection and permits. If this were a DIY project, you would need to contact inspectors yourself.

All your kitchen needs is a good cleaning. Once the cleaning is done, you’ll have a brand new kitchen to break in. Whether it was a grueling eight weeks or several months, you will celebrate your decision to remodel your kitchen.

About Masters Kitchen and Bath

Masters Kitchen & Bath has been providing top quality construction, cabinetry, and design on kitchen renovations and remodeling since 2004. We coordinate and manage construction, ordering and installation. Masters help homeowners get more enjoyment from their home with new kitchen designs that blend beautifully with their new or existing home decor. Visualize your complete kitchen remodel by visiting our showroom. We also offer consultations. Our seasoned Project Manager will inspect your job site, listen to your specific needs, and offer you design suggestions that best meet your needs.

We are proud to offer beautiful and American made Decora and Kemper Cabinets.

Masters Kitchen & Bath serve the following areas: Addison, Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, Chicago, Des Plaines, Elk Grove Village, Elmhurst, Elmwood Park, Evanston, Forest Park, Franklin Park, Glencoe, Glenview, Kenilworth, Lincolnwood, Melrose Park, Morton Grove, Mount Prospect, Niles, Norridge, Northbrook, Northfield, Oak Park, Palatine, Park Ridge, Prospect Heights

August 21, 2019/by Goran

Blog, Kitchen Remodel

Kitchen Flooring and Cabinet Installation

For the past few weeks, we have been working through the steps of a kitchen remodel. We started with why it’s a good idea to remodel your kitchen, to the design and planning phase. We dove into what life would look like living without a kitchen, and last week, we discussed plumbing, wiring, and HVAC.

At this point in the process, we are more than halfway through the steps involved in a kitchen remodel.

Let’s discuss flooring!

Before cabinets, appliances, and fixture installation, the flooring must be complete. Flooring installation can take a week or so, especially if you have subcontractors doing the work and the type of flooring you have chosen is considered.

Flooring Options

Sheet Vinyl – If you are going with a less expensive type of floor, sheet vinyl is a great option and typically takes 1-2 days. It’s perfect for the DIYer, and not a lot of labor is required.

Ceramic Tile – Another good option for a DIYer is ceramic tile. Doing it yourself can save time and money; however, it requires some patience. To properly adhere the tile to the floor, you will need a cement backer board so the flooring can adhere to thin-set mortar. Hiring a professional for this job could cost you a lot with substantial labor expenses.

Engineered Wood – The industry has come a long way, and one of the most popular flooring options is engineered wood. It looks and feels like solid hardwood but a much more affordable option. This flooring option is relatively easy for DIYers to install.

Laminate Flooring – Another popular option as it’s relatively easy for someone looking to install it themselves. It’s also on the lower end as far as pricing. Great for moisture-rich areas as it’s easy to clean.

Solid Hardwood – Many people steer clear from solid hardwoods as they can be a lot to keep up with over time if not correctly cared for. Installing hardwoods requires a lot of equipment, and we suggest contacting a professional to do the job.

Cabinet and Countertop Installation

After the flooring installation has occurred, the next step in the kitchen remodel is installing the cabinets and countertops. If you are doing the kitchen remodel on your own, this would be a good time to call some friends to help you out. Depending on where you purchased your cabinets, the supplier should have a crew that can help with installation.

Countertops can be tricky as it seems easy to do. However, if you have chosen tile for your counters, it’s best to hire a professional to do the work. Silestone, Formica, and Corian will most likely need to be installed by the supplier. Most suppliers will require a contractor to purchase the materials so it would be difficult for the DIYer to buy. Granite, marble, and quartz are extremely heavy, so your best option is to hire a professional.

In the next blog, we will be discussing appliances and fixtures, and then we will be on closing out with a fully remodeled kitchen.

About Masters Kitchen and Bath

Masters Kitchen & Bath has been providing top quality construction, cabinetry, and design on kitchen renovations and remodeling since 2004. We coordinate and manage construction, ordering and installation. Masters help homeowners get more enjoyment from their home with new kitchen designs that blend beautifully with their new or existing home decor. Visualize your complete kitchen remodel by visiting our showroom. We also offer consultations. Our seasoned Project Manager will inspect your job site, listen to your specific needs, and offer you design suggestions that best meet your needs.

We are proud to offer beautiful and American made Decora and Kemper Cabinets.

Masters Kitchen & Bath serve the following areas: Addison, Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, Chicago, Des Plaines, Elk Grove Village, Elmhurst, Elmwood Park, Evanston, Forest Park, Franklin Park, Glencoe, Glenview, Kenilworth, Lincolnwood, Melrose Park, Morton Grove, Mount Prospect, Niles, Norridge, Northbrook, Northfield, Oak Park, Palatine, Park Ridge, Prospect Heights

August 14, 2019/by Goran

Blog, Kitchen Remodel

Kitchen Plumbing, Wiring, and HVAC Rough-In

The Next Phase in a Kitchen Remodel

Last week we discussed demolition and how to live without your kitchen for several weeks (maybe even months). This week we are going to discuss what happens next after framing has been completed. Now that your kitchen has been gutted, it’s time to figure out plumbing, wiring and HVAC rough-in.

But first, let’s explain what rough-in means. Rough-In means to bring in the various lines (Plumbing pipes, duct work, electrical conduit) to the space, but not make the final connections. For plumbing, this would be the pipes in the walls and floors that lead to the sinks, bath, toilets, etc, but not actually hooking up those fixtures. (via quora)

Plumbing Rough-In

More often than not, your kitchen remodel is going to require moving the sink, dishwasher and refrigerator to a new location. This means the water supply and drain lines will need to be rerouted. Maybe your appliances are going to remain in the same place, if so, it’s still a good idea to update the old piping. The most common scenario is to update from galvanized steel pipes to PEX. Even the most experienced DYIer will subcontract out this job. When the plumbing rough-in is finalized, it will need inspections mandated by permit requirements. The inspector will review everything to ensure the work has been done correctly and according to code.

Wiring Rough-In

If you thought plumbing was intense, electrical upgrades can be even more overwhelming! New kitchens can require a lot of electrical load – as many as seven circuits. Your home should have 200-amp to effectively power a new large kitchen. We highly suggest hiring a professional electrician for this job.

Keep in mind that the wiring rough-in will also need to be reviewed by an inspector before further work can be completed. If this is a DIY project, you will need to make sure you are responsible in contacting an inspector to review your work.

HVAC Rough-In

In conjunction with plumbing and wiring, HVAC ductwork may be required for this project. If you don’t have a lot of experience with installing sheet metal ductwork, its a good idea to hire a HVAC contractor for this job. A HVAC professional that has experience with physics of airflow will understand how to position new vent registers and cold air returns in the best locations.

Inspection Passed!

If everything went well with inspection and you met code requirements, it’s time to put up some walls and ceilings.

This is where the kitchen transformation gets super exciting and your vision comes to life. Walls will be insulated with fiberglass or other high quality insulation. The next step is perfect for the DIYer. Hanging up the drywall with tape and finish does not require inspection or passing code requirements. No need for contractors if you are looking to save money.

Next week we’ll discuss flooring and cabinet installation.

About Masters Kitchen and Bath

Masters Kitchen & Bath has been providing top quality construction, cabinetry, and design on kitchen renovations and remodeling since 2004. We coordinate and manage construction, ordering and installation. Masters help homeowners get more enjoyment from their home with new kitchen designs that blend beautifully with their new or existing home decor. Visualize your complete kitchen remodel by visiting our showroom. We also offer consultations. Our seasoned Project Manager will inspect your job site, listen to your specific needs, and offer you design suggestions that best meet your needs.

We are proud to offer beautiful and American made Decora and Kemper Cabinets.

Masters Kitchen & Bath serve the following areas: Addison, Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, Chicago, Des Plaines, Elk Grove Village, Elmhurst, Elmwood Park, Evanston, Forest Park, Franklin Park, Glencoe, Glenview, Kenilworth, Lincolnwood, Melrose Park, Morton Grove, Mount Prospect, Niles, Norridge, Northbrook, Northfield, Oak Park, Palatine, Park Ridge, Prospect Heights

August 7, 2019/by Goran

Blog, Kitchen Remodel

Living Without a Kitchen

Pack it up, you’re getting a new kitchen!

The decision has been made. You are getting a brand new kitchen! While it’s all very exciting and the end result is going to be amazing, now it’s time to think through how you are going to live without your kitchen for a short time. It’s time to start planning and organizing your temporary kitchen space.

Temporary Kitchen

More often than not, your appliances and plumbing will be out-of-order during portions of the project. You’ll need to designate your dining room or living room as a temporary informal kitchen. Electric, tabletop cooktops are inexpensive and a great alternative. You’ll need a microwave and also designate a spot to wash your dishes. You can also cook up some meals in advance and just heat them in the microwave. Move all your kitchen utensils, flatware, pots and pans and dinnerware into plastic bins for easy access.

And, there is always eating out as an option. Not ideal for weeks on end but definitely convenient when you are without your kitchen.

Demolition

Now that you have designated a temporary kitchen, it’s time for demolition. It’s going to be noisy and messy so make sure you are prepared!

Out with the Old

Whether done by you or your general contractor, removing the old appliances and cabinets is the first step. Demolition can be fun but also very messy. Be sure to equip yourself with safety gear and be cautious of lead-based paint or asbestos. This requires proper handling and we recommend contacting a professional to haul it away. You’ll also need to make arrangements for a dumpster service for all the old materials.

In with the New… almost

Now your kitchen is a shell and if framing work is necessary, the contracting crew will start the framing job. Dependent on the size of the project, for example, new windows, adding walls, removing walls, this could potentially involve a lot of time. Be patient and keep your eye on the completed kitchen remodel.

Next post we will discuss Plumbing, Wiring, and HVAC Rough-In

About Masters Kitchen and Bath

Masters Kitchen & Bath has been providing top quality construction, cabinetry, and design on kitchen renovations and remodeling since 2004. We coordinate and manage construction, ordering and installation. Masters help homeowners get more enjoyment from their home with new kitchen designs that blend beautifully with their new or existing home decor. Visualize your complete kitchen remodel by visiting our showroom. We also offer consultations where our seasoned Project Manager will inspect your job site, listen to your specific needs and considerations, and offer you design suggestions that best meet your needs.

We are proud to offer beautiful and American made Decora and Kemper Cabinets.

Masters Kitchen & Bath serve the following areas: Addison, Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, Chicago, Des Plaines, Elk Grove Village, Elmhurst, Elmwood Park, Evanston, Forest Park, Franklin Park, Glencoe, Glenview, Kenilworth, Lincolnwood, Melrose Park, Morton Grove, Mount Prospect, Niles, Norridge, Northbrook, Northfield, Oak Park, Palatine, Park Ridge, Prospect Heights

August 5, 2019/by Goran

Blog, Kitchen Remodel

Designing and Planning your Kitchen Remodel

A complete kitchen remodel can seem overwhelming but don’t lose sight of the fun part – designing your dream kitchen. If you have made the decision to remodel, we’re pretty sure you have already started brainstorming and visualizing what you want your kitchen to look like.

With a realistic mindset of your current layout, explore the possibilities of some basic and classic kitchen design plans. Consider the workflow, ease of movement and the kitchen triangle rule.

The One-Wall Kitchen Layout

This is where all appliances, cabinets and countertops live on one wall. This type of design can typically be found in small spaces or very large oversized “chef inspired” kitchens. The advantage to this type of design is, it’s easy to design and remodel. One of the biggest disadvantages to the one-wall design is you can’t stick to the kitchen triangle rule.

The Galley Style Kitchen Layout

You’ll find this kitchen design in apartments, condos and smaller spaces. This style typically offers a decent amount of cabinet and counter space, however one of the biggest drawbacks is the tight corridor. Galley style kitchen don’t allow for multiple people to be in the kitchen at one time nor does it make a great space for gathering in the kitchen.

The L-Shaped Kitchen Layout

One of the most popular layouts that provides openness and flexibility. This design adheres to the kitchen triangle principle (refrigerator, cooktop and sink are close in proximity of the work space). The L-shaped design offers many possibilities when it comes to design.

The Double-L Layout

Perfect design for the chef of the house. This layout offers tons of work space with plenty of counter capacity as well as enough room between the two L’s for an island. Typically two or more people can be working in the space at the same time with the amount of space this layout offers.

The U-Shape Layout

Similar to the galley style design, the U-shape can give you plenty of counter and cabinet space while still offering some openness so you aren’t feeling cramped. One drawback is that this design doesn’t offer the best for traffic flow however with this design, you really get to utilize all the space from wall-to-wall.

Turning Your Ideas Into Reality

Now that you get the idea of all the classic design options, it’s time to thing about the resources you will need to execute your kitchen remodel plan.

Have you decided to the remodel yourself or have you spoken to a designer or general contractor? For those that decide to take on the project themselves, there are several inexpensive computer design software options to help you with planning. You can always head to your local bookstore to look for cardboard punch out kits. Helps you visualize your space in a 3-dimensional view. If you decide to go the general contractor route, make sure you ask if design or sketches can be part of the proposal.

Hiring a general contractor – Do you research and interview several contractors. GC’s can range from big construction firms to small business. Make sure you speak with multiple people so you can properly choose the right person for the job. Remember that for several weeks, these people will be going in and out of your home. Read reviews and choose a reputable company. Also remember that things can happen during the entire process so be flexible and understanding – some things can be out of their control.
Do it yourself – Do you have the skills and experience to do it yourself? Taking the project on can help save money and time (if you have the availability to knock it all out in a timely manner). Keep in mind, this isn’t a project for the new DIYer or inexperienced individual. Talk to other people that have done similar work on their own. Understand all the pro’s and con’s and what you are getting yourself into.

About Masters Kitchen and Bath

Masters Kitchen & Bath has been providing top quality construction, cabinetry, and design on kitchen renovations and remodeling since 2004. We coordinate and manage construction, ordering and installation. Masters help homeowners get more enjoyment from their home with new kitchen designs that blend beautifully with their new or existing home decor. Visualize your complete kitchen remodel by visiting our showroom. We also offer consultations where our seasoned Project Manager will inspect your job site, listen to your specific needs and considerations, and offer you design suggestions that best meet your needs.

We are proud to offer beautiful and American made Decora and Kemper Cabinets.

Masters Kitchen & Bath serve the following areas: Addison, Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, Chicago, Des Plaines, Elk Grove Village, Elmhurst, Elmwood Park, Evanston, Forest Park, Franklin Park, Glencoe, Glenview, Kenilworth, Lincolnwood, Melrose Park, Morton Grove, Mount Prospect, Niles, Norridge, Northbrook, Northfield, Oak Park, Palatine, Park Ridge, Prospect Heights

July 24, 2019/by Goran

Posts

About Masters Kitchen and Bath

How to Choose a Garbage Disposer

Disposer Types

Pros:

Cons:

Pros:

Cons:

Garbage Disposer Features

About Masters Kitchen and Bath

1. Stainless Steel

2. Copper

3. Enamel

4. Fireclay

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Topmount Sink

Undermount Sink

Other Sink Options

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History

Flooring

Maintenance

Benefits

About Masters Kitchen and Bath

Appliance, Plumbing, and Fixtures

Final Inspections

About Masters Kitchen and Bath

Let’s discuss flooring!

Flooring Options

Cabinet and Countertop Installation

About Masters Kitchen and Bath

The Next Phase in a Kitchen Remodel

Plumbing Rough-In

Wiring Rough-In

HVAC Rough-In

Inspection Passed!

About Masters Kitchen and Bath

Pack it up, you’re getting a new kitchen!

Temporary Kitchen

Demolition

Out with the Old

In with the New… almost

About Masters Kitchen and Bath

The One-Wall Kitchen Layout

The Galley Style Kitchen Layout

The L-Shaped Kitchen Layout

The Double-L Layout

The U-Shape Layout

Turning Your Ideas Into Reality

About Masters Kitchen and Bath

Portfolio Items

SHOWROOM

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