Countertops, Helpful Tips, Kitchen Design |
I think most of the kitchen design that I do and teach is that most good design comes from the people it is being designed for. You and your husband both probably have good reasons for wanting either choice so I’ll just give you some general rules I use to help guide my customers.
1. What is the height of the users?
2. Are we going to have cooking (hot surfaces) on the island?
3. Will the space be used for food preparation?
4. Will you layout buffet style food on special occasions?
5. Does anyone that might use them have any ailments that could limit them?
6. Do you have a dog that can steal food from your counters?
These are just a few questions to ask yourselves that might help guide you to your best layout. As for my 2 cents, most times a single level island is a more user friendly set up in general. It offers larger uninterrupted space, easier for kids and seems to allow everyone to use all 4 sides better. You need to work with a good designer that listens to the needs of their customer and helps guide them.
Helpful Tips, Kitchen Design, Planning & Budget |
A lot of clients come to me questioning the higher end appliances and service issues. I think the first thing to remember is all mechanical items will require service calls, hence warranties. From my experience all levels of appliances have their issues I think that when people spend 3 or 4 times on a high-end appliance they might voice their complaints that much more when something goes wrong. What high-end appliances do offer besides the name tag are better quality components, more features, nicer designs, and superior integration. I always assimilate it to shopping for a car, make sure you fit the car with the driver, because it might cost as much, lol!
Helpful Tips, Kitchen Design |
I don’t have a definite answer on all the codes, and they do vary from town to town but I don’t believe there would be any code restricting except for the flammability of the trim or frame. The other issues that could be of concern would be, does the window open? If it does the air movement could cause safety issues with carbon monoxide, blowing out a flame or even causing a fire flare up if it becomes windy. Also there will be condensation and grease build up on the glass when cooking. And if placed too close a very hot pot with cold glass can cause the glass to crack.
If you decide to still to do this than I would check with your local jurisdiction on codes and a hydrophobic glass coating would be great to apply to this glass to help keep clean (e.g.. Diamon Fusion)
Helpful Tips, Kitchen Design, Planning & Budget |
I am proud to be involved with the NKBA for decades, a board member for 7 years and now I am moving into a national position of Chapter Representative. Why I tell you this is because I am proud of what this association does and stands for. You the Homeowner and Professionals alike should, too.
So what does this mean to you?
Because of this Association we have thousands of Professionals who continue to educate themselves and learn from each other how to provide the best possible job for our clients. We continually meet with manufactures reps, attend seminars and the professionals who are lucky enough to attend KBIS (Kitchen and Bathroom Industry Show) get the learn all of the new products and trends coming to our markets. This continuing professional development and education that that happens from this NKBA involvement in turn can only help our Homeowners achieve better projects.
Now as we know all construction jobs have their snags but by choosing a NKBA professional to develop a project for your family you are almost guaranteeing the most professional and successful job possible!
“The road to success is always under construction.”
Helpful Tips, Kitchen Design |
I’m going to try to keep this very simple.
1. Stock, usually available 0-2 week lead-time, limited door and colors available.
2. Semi-Custom, usually 5-6 week lead time, made to order, increased door styles in all of their finishes, minor modifications to cabinets.
3. Full Custom, 6-12 week lead-time, even more door styles and extensive finishes available. Also extensive modifications and usually sky is the limit on choices.
Many jobs can have a great result with stock and semi-custom lines and a good designer. Remember, when buying full custom you are buying the designer.
Now on construction styles:
1. Framed, is a traditional style of cabinet box construction where a hardwood face frame forms the front structure of the cabinet and either and overlay or inset door is attached to the frame. Overlay and Full overlay (almost 100%) is the amount that the door covers the frame and an inset door sits inside the rails and stiles showing the complete face frame.
2. Frameless is really a European build style that uses the cabinet box as the so-called frame. Usually ¾” outer box with the door attached to the inside wall.
Now the real question, which is right for me? I could probably write an entire book on the pros, cons, styles, and installation reasons… A quick solution is to find some great pictures (magazines, houzz.com, brochures) that really emulate the feel of what you are looking for and then hire a good designer. On any level project a good designer will decipher your photos and help you with your dream kitchen. In the end it will cost you less.
Helpful Tips, Outdoor Living, Planning & Budget |
Well this is a little bit of a loaded question and I can probably write an entire book on the subject. I think the main parameter of this question would be budget. A gunite pool will generally cost double the comparable vinyl pool installed. There are also long-term maintenance concerns as well as local property tax considerations. Then determine if the additional cost is worth the long-term durability or if you like the softer, smooth feel of a vinyl pool. There also are fiberglass pools to consider that give long term durability, very interesting shapes and internal features and will use the least amount of chemicals to keep functioning properly. I think the best solution is to look at all of these factors, how long you plan to be in the home and really interview well established and high rated pool installers. This is a very hard one to fix if done wrong so which ever pool you decide on don’t go cheap, you might end up regretting it. Please feel free to contact me again with any other concerns or questions on this subject.
