Kitchen Cabinets

There are many different types of kitchen cabinets available to homeowners in Connecticut. Depending on the kitchen, some cabinets may work better than others. HGTV writes that custom cabinets are an expensive option, but they are built to the exact specifications of a kitchen, and have a wider range of options for materials, designs, finishes and accessories.

There are also semi-custom cabinets that are made to a homeowner’s size requirements but are produced in predetermined steps. Stock cabinets are the cheapest option as they are already made and only come in standard sizes. There are also framed cabinets and frameless cabinets available.

Hardware adds a finishing touch of glamour and elegance to any kitchen. Pick out your favorite style of knobs and handles to match the current theme or to add some diversity to the kitchen. There are many relatively inexpensive handles available that can still look good.

If you think your cabinets are in good shape right now, HGTV recommends that you freshen them up a bit to make your kitchen look newer. You can re-stain or paint your cabinets, or even re-face them. Re-facing cabinets is an inexpensive alternative to getting new cabinets altogether.

Kitchen Countertops

Your kitchen countertops can add color and flair to your Connecticut kitchen. A local kitchen countertop contractor can help ensure this job gets done correctly. The options for kitchen countertops range from glamorous and expensive to fairly basic and moderately priced.

A high-end option for your kitchen would be granite countertops. Granite is available in polished and matte finishes, and come in a variety of colors including whites, greens, corals and beiges. HGTV writes that the cost of granite depends on color, finish and where the stone came from. Engineered stone countertops come in a wider variety of colors, but are usually the same price as granite.

Marble, limestone and soapstone countertops are softer than granite so homeowners need to be more delicate with these surfaces. There are also solid surface countertops that come in many colors and resist stains, but hot pots or pans can damage them. Concrete countertops are seen more often nowadays and can come in different pigments and finishes. However, changes in temperature can cause concrete to warp and maintenance can be daunting. To keep concrete looking great, homeowners would need to seal it four times a year and wax it every two to three months.

Wood countertops can create a warm look in a kitchen and are relatively easy to clean and sand to get rid of scratches, but water damages them so they need to be oiled. Laminate is the least expensive option and comes in many colors and designs, but laminate is easily damaged by hot pans and scratched.

Article originally posted here: http://www.homeremodelingct.org/article_view.php?articleid=13

HGTV offers these steps you should take when remodeling your kitchen:

• Find inspiration for your new kitchen.
• Plan your total remodel budget.
• Locate, hire and manage a contractor.
• Determine your kitchen layout.
• Choose the right flooring material.
• Decide whether to replace or reface your cabinets.
• Buy appliances that match your needs.
• Pick a countertop surface that fits your lifestyle.
• Select faucets and sinks with style and utility.
• Complete your new kitchen with proper lighting.

The key to successful kitchen remodeling is organized planning and hiring high-quality professional help. Before you even contact a contractor, make sure you have a clear vision in your mind of what you want your kitchen to look like. Browse through design websites and magazines for inspiration. Just remember, though, that it’s always more rewarding and fun to design a unique living space for yourself rather than copying a room from a catalogue.

Along with budgeting money properly, you should also make sure that you budget time correctly. If your kitchen remodeling project falls during an important event that you need your kitchen for, you will run into problems. Check your calendar before scheduling any work to be done.

Kitchen remodeling doesn’t always have to cost an arm and a leg. There are many budget-friendly ways to make your kitchen look like new! Instead of replacing all of the cabinets, you can just have them refaced if they are in good condition. You can also go for more affordable products such as laminate countertops rather than granite. If you get the right color and style to go with your home, it will look good and no one will know how much was spent.

Article originally published here: http://www.homeremodelingct.org/article_view.php?articleid=10

More importantly, decreasing your use of water bottles will help the environment in a big way. Water bottles pile up in landfills and take up space, so if you need to take water with you, buy a reusable thermos. You can wash it when you need to and continuously use it for years!

The Refill Not Landfill organization reports that 80 percent of water bottles end up in the trash or a landfill. They also report that transporting bottled water long distances burns large amounts of fossil fuels, not to mention that it adds to air pollution. If everyone avoided bottled water for one week, it would save 24 million bottles!

New West Gypsum Recycling, Inc., reports that more than 1.5 million barrels of petroleum go into the production of the 38 billion plastic water bottles Americans throw away every year. And according to filterforgood.com, one Brita pitcher filter can replace about 300 plastic bottles that you and your family would have used and thrown away. Give this tip a try and get a step closer to “living green.” While you’re at it, add a filter to your bathroom sink for those middle-of-the-night trips for a glass of water.

Article originally published here: http://www.totalbasementfinishing.com/basement-finishing/basement-finishing-ideas/articles/water-filters%3A-the-perfect-addition-to-any-kitchen-or-bathroom