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kitchen remodel costs-edgewood cabinetry

Latest benchmarks on costs: Kitchen Remodels

What can you expect to spend on a kitchen remodel?

It’s a good idea to have a general sense of costs before you start dreaming about granite counters and stainless appliances!

The figures below are from the 2016 edition of the cost versus value report from Remodel, a site devoted to all phases of the remodeling business.

A major kitchen remodel

Based on updating a 200-square-foot kitchen would include a layout of 30 linear feet of semi-custom wood cabinets, including a 3-by-5-foot island; laminate countertops; and a double stainless steel sink with a single-lever faucet. Include new energy-efficient wall oven, cooktop, ventilation system, built-in microwave, dishwasher, garbage disposal, and custom lighting. Add new resilient flooring. Finish with painted walls, trim, and ceiling.

Cost in South Atlantic states (including North Carolina): $56,901

Recouped when home sells: $36,438 (64%)

A minor kitchen remodel

Might involve a 200-square-foot kitchen with 30 linear feet of cabinetry and countertops. In this scenario, you would leave the cabinet boxes in place but replace the fronts with new raised-panel wood doors and drawers, including new hardware. Replace the wall oven and cooktop with new energy-efficient models. Replace the laminate countertops; install mid-priced sink and faucet. Repaint trim, add wall covering, and remove and replace resilient flooring.

Cost in South Atlantic states (including North Carolina):$18,907

Recouped when home sells: $16,425 (86.9%)

As you can see, you will get back more of your investment by doing a minor remodel, but that may not be your objective. The usual guide is that a kitchen remodel should cost about 5-10% of the home’s value. Depending on how you define a major or minor remodeling job, your cost could be below or above that.

It’s useful to understand how that money is spent. Below are the approximate figures for the main costs of the remodeling job:

Cabinetry and hardware – 29%

Installation – 17%

Appliances and ventilation – 14%

Counters – 10%

Flooring – 7%

As you can see, cabinetry is the major cost of a kitchen remodel, averaging nearly one-third of the total. It pays to hire a quality-minded shop like Edgewood Cabinetry, where we will work with you to provide the result you desire at a reasonable price, along with careful and efficient installation.

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appliance placement-edgewood cabinetry

Big Ranges Necessitate Planning and Smart Kitchen Appliance Placement

Renovating the heart of a home involves more than just ordering Edgewood Custom Cabinetry.

There’s also the issue of kitchen appliance placement. At one time, there weren’t a lot of appliance styles and dimensions to choose from but that’s no longer true. Doubters need only look at the sheer number of stoves on the market today to see that we’re correct.

For starters, options include dual-fuel and single fuel ranges. As such, the hook-up type will obviously impact where the range may go. Consumers must also be mindful of the range’s dimensions and whether or not the model is meant to be built-in or vented. Of those considerations, the dimensions are exceptionally important to note. Why? It’s because some units may need 36 inches or more in width and a height clearance of 47 inches.

Accordingly, they can take up a lot of space, which may make them unsuitable for certain kitchens. The list of potentially problematic, design situations includes but isn’t limited to small homes with a single wall, island, U-shaped, G-shaped, L-shaped or galley kitchens. Although all of the kitchen types we mentioned can clearly accommodate ranges, consumers may need to forgo the classic work triangle layout or downsize the kitchen appliances to fit the space.

No matter which kitchen appliance placement options consumers choose, our Edgewood Custom Cabinetry team can help ensure that every inch of remaining wall space is put to excellent use. Also, we can do the same for homes designed to have kitchen islands or open floor plans. So there is never any fear of wasted storage space. In addition, we can match the cabinetry with the rest of the kitchen’s design elements.

To learn more about the impact of kitchen appliance placement on custom cabinetry and the classic work triangle, please contact our Clayton, North Carolina, team today.

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cherry vanity master bath-edgewood cabinetry

Top 5 Home Remodeling Don’ts To Avoid

Renovating your home can be a rewarding process that transforms an outdated space into your dream vision.

It can also be an intimidating chore if you don’t do your homework ahead of time and avoid common renovation mistakes.

Read on for our round-up of the top 5 home remodeling don’ts you should be wary of during your next home upgrade.

1. Don’t be afraid to hire a professional. 

It’s true, DIY is the new design buzzword that makes homeowners feel like they can do anything. While there are many projects that can be tackled by just about anyone — think painting or changing lighting fixtures — there are others that may be best left to a professional. If you’re considering a kitchen or bathroom renovation, for example, you will need tools and skills that are very specialized. Unless you own a tile cutter and are experienced at installing new floors and counters, you may just save yourself time, headaches, and ultimately cash, by hiring a professional to come in and make sure the job is done correctly.

2. Don’t forget to include contingencies in your budget. 

Even the smallest projects end up costing more than you would originally think. Added expenses could be something as minor as needing more hardware than you’d planned or as major as a full-blown mold outbreak. Plan for the worst and then be glad if you end up spending less than your inflated budget.

3. Don’t underestimate your time budget either. 

Rarely is a quick, weekend project complete in one weekend. In order for things to be done correctly, attention to detail is essential. You need to remember drying time for painting or staining, allowances for materials being shipped, and installation allotments. Create a timeline for your renovation that accounts for each step of the process. Then add at least a week for good measure.

4. Don’t skimp on materials. 

You certainly want to do your research and keep your costs as low as possible. Be a smart consumer, but don’t sacrifice quality. Remember, you get what you pay for. If you can’t afford good quality materials, wait and save until you can.

5. Don’t buy into every trend. 

You want to update your home, but don’t make the mistake of choosing too many trends. Trends are only in style for a limited time before they need to be updated themselves. Choose clean, simple designs that are timeless and then layer in trendy accents that can be easily replaced when styles change.

For more information about renovation do’s and don’ts or to speak with a member of our experienced team, please contact us today.

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island clearance-edgewood cabinetry

How Much Room Do You Need For A Kitchen Island?

Kitchens are a focus point in the home. More than any other room in the house, the kitchen needs to be functional and make the most of the space available.

Sometimes, a kitchen island is the perfect way to accomplish this.

Is an island right for your kitchen? An island can add more counter-top and cabinet space. It changes the flow of the room while also adding a variety of new options for organization. If you have a little extra space, an island might be just the thing to help your kitchen become more efficient.

How much room do you need for a kitchen island? How much room you need in order to have a kitchen island varies on the size and type of island you want. A small, compact island can fit in a small kitchen.

You want enough area around the island for you and those who live with you to comfortably move about the kitchen. According to This Old House, a standard size for an island is 2 ft. deep and 4 ft. long. If you want an island, your kitchen should be at least 8 ft. wide and 12 ft. long.

It also depends on what you want to use the island for. If you are planning on using the island as an eating area, you will need to factor in space for the chairs. You want to have enough room to walk around the chairs while someone is sitting in them.

When measuring, make sure you have enough room to easily open all cabinet, dishwasher, and pantry doors. You never want an island to block access to one of these.

If you have any questions, please, contact us.

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appliance placement-edgewood cabinetry

Now, Where Should We Put That Refrigerator?

Kitchen appliance placement is an important consideration when it comes to planning the layout for a new or remodeled kitchen.

The goal is to increase efficiency while decreasing the number of unnecessary steps the cook has to take. If the layout also looks pleasing, that’s the frosting on the cupcake!

While it’s important to eliminate extra steps, it’s equally important not to create other problems from having the appliances too close to each other. If you can’t open the oven door while someone else has the refrigerator door open, they’re too close! Leave at least four feet between major work areas such as the refrigerator, stove, and clean-up area. Ideally, they won’t be more than about nine feet apart.

It’s also important to have counter space nearby. Think through how you use each appliance: when you take that pan of cookies out of the oven, is there someplace to set them? Or would you have to walk across the kitchen before you can set it down? Every additional step increases the chances of burning yourself or tripping over a pet or child.

Is there a place next to the refrigerator to unload groceries that go inside? How about the dishwasher – is there a place to set dishes until they’re loaded? Even if it’s only an extra step or two, those extra steps every time you’re in the kitchen add up to frustration. Careful planning can eliminate a lot of that frustration before it even begins.

Since everyone tends to gather in the kitchen, plan for your company to sit facing the cook rather than in the work areas. If possible, include a refrigerated drawer and snack cupboard apart from the working part of the kitchen. That way, snack and drink seekers aren’t under the cook’s feet. 

Most importantly, keep the path between your appliances clear – no island between the stove and refrigerator, please! You want to be able to move freely and directly between each of the three major work areas: prep, cooking, and clean-up.

If you’re confused about how to design an appliance layout that works for your space, contact us. We can help you find just the right place for that refrigerator!

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diy kitchen project-edgewood cabinetry

Top 5 DIY Kitchen Projects You Can Tackle in a Weekend

If you’re a homeowner who enjoys taking on DIY kitchen projects, then you may be wondering what types of updates you can make to your existing kitchen space in a limited time.

Perhaps you’re looking to sell your home in the near future, or maybe you’re just looking to add value without a large investment. Either way, these projects are relatively quick, simple, and great for DIY-ers.

Refinishing Wood Cabinetry

Tired of your outdated wooden cabinets? A simple stripping, sanding, and refinishing could be all they need to be brought back into this century. Just be sure to prime and seal for long-lasting coverage, and finish the job with updated hardware such as hinges, pulls, and knobs.

Adding New Storage Solutions

If you’re limited on space in your kitchen, now is a great time to explore storage solutions that’ll help you maximize space without adding square footage. New drawer organizers, lazy Susans, and even wall shelving can make all the difference in an otherwise cramped kitchen. If you have a little space to work with, you may even consider adding a kitchen island to create a focal point and provide additional storage.

Upgrading Your Faucet

You might not think much about the appearance of your faucet, but these days, it’s all about modern finishes. Replacing an old faucet with a stainless steel, brushed nickel, or other popular finish faucet is a great way to update your kitchen without spending a lot of money (or time).

Installing a Tile Backsplash

A new tile backsplash is an excellent way to modernize your kitchen space while providing the added function of protecting your kitchen walls from stains caused by splashing grease and food. This is a project you can easily complete within a weekend.

Updating Your Lighting

Time to take stock of your kitchen’s current lighting situation. Is there plenty of different types of lighting, including task and mood lighting? Task lighting is great for preparing food, whereas mood lighting (possibly in the form of a fixture set to a dimmer switch) is better for entertaining. Make sure you have plenty of each option to suit your needs.

Now that you know what steps you can take to update your kitchen this weekend, which project will you tackle first? For more information on making the most of your kitchen space, contact us today.

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functional kitchen practical edgewood cabinetry

Functionality or Looks – Which Should You Choose for Your New Kitchen?

We’ve all seen a beautiful kitchen in a magazine or showroom and been wowed by its beauty and decided that that’s the perfect kitchen for us.

But just how practical would one of those showpiece kitchens be for your lifestyle? When it comes down to designing a kitchen for your home, there are a couple of important things to consider: should you design it based on functionality or looks?

When designing your new kitchen, it’s important to take an honest, realistic look at how you use your current kitchen. If you have a hardworking kitchen that gets used several times each day, you may want to prioritize function over form. This is especially true if you have youngsters helping in the kitchen. Choose cabinets, backsplashes, and counter edges that are smooth and easy to clean with a minimum of grease and crumb catching detail.

Hardware that has lots of detail looks nice in the showroom, but consider how often you need to clean your current kitchen hardware and how much time you’re willing to invest in scrubbing all those pretty details with an old toothbrush!

You can still enjoy beautiful details like that designer kitchen with which you fell in love – careful choice and placement of those details makes all the difference in how functional they will be in your kitchen. Instead of detailed moldings on the cabinets, how about a beautiful crown molding around the ceiling? A porcelain floor tile that looks like hardwood gives you a similar look but is much more forgiving of spills and is easier to clean. Instead of ornate hardware on the cabinets, how about a decorative tin ceiling or copper hood over the stove?

On the other hand, if the most used appliance in your kitchen is the microwave, then go for it. You can enjoy those fine details like dental molding, rustic backsplashes, and live wood counter edges. Even the most ornate hardware will need only the usual cleaning that all hardware should get occasionally. You can even enjoy marble countertops, which are not the best choice for a well-used kitchen. Just be careful of wine spills – they are just as damaging to marble as a child spilling juice!

If you want a beautiful kitchen that satisfies your sense of style, but still makes sense for your family’s lifestyle, contact us.

We can help you design a functional kitchen that meets your desires and your needs.

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2016 trends-edgewood cabinetry

Out with the old – kitchen trends predicted for 2016

When the National Kitchen and Bath Association takes notice, trends happen.

The 2016 Kitchen and bath industry show is upon us, happening in Las Vegas January 19th – 21st. The visions and voices of manufacturers and designers will shape the Kitchen trends for 2016.

Color will definitely be controversial in the upcoming months. Pantone has named not one, but two colors of the year. Rose Quartz, a dusty shade of pink, and Serenity, a very spa-like blue. Kitchen Aid has already shown us appliances in  both hues. Benjamin Moore is staying with the basics, naming “Simply White” as their go to color. Black is most definitely back – black stainless steel is the new look in kitchen finishes. Pairing well with the popular gray and pewter cabinetry, this look remains classic and timeless.  Watch for frameless, laminate  European style cabinets to increase in popularity.

Personalization is integral to new kitchen design plans. Glass fronts on cabinets, open shelves, and console tables give homeowners an opportunity to display favorite artwork, photos, and stylish accessories.

Technology takes control in the “smart kitchen”. Expect remote controls for lighting and cooking functions as well as built-in charging stations. Music control?- there will be an app for that as well.

Look for lighting to pop up in unexpected places – inside drawers and cabinets and under sinks. Anticipate a preference for quartz over granite and visualize cozy, comfortable seating areas and coffee bars for entertaining.

Contact us for all of your kitchens remodel or renovation needs. We stay in tune with the heartbeat of the industry to help you make your kitchen the heart of the home.

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Edgewood Cabinetry-Kitchen Organization

Nine Kitchen Design Must Haves That Can Change Things for You

We are impressed with the power of these kitchen design must haves, and you should be too. In fact, here’s how cabinetry design can change things for you.
• Perfect Design Details
Consider dark finishes with light-colored cabinetry for an elegant look. Sleek cabinet hardware is always featured in high-end designs. It’s not just about outside hardware. It’s what’s on the inside that counts too.
• Full Extension Drawers

Be sure to select full extension drawer hardware that allows drawers to slide open all the way, making it easier to get objects in and out. The benefit of full extension drawer hardware is convenience and extra storage. With this hardware, you can have larger and deeper drawers.

• Deep Drawers

Speaking of deep cabinet drawers, place two deep drawers right beside the kitchen range for easy access to large cooking pots and pans. Another option is to use one section for a trash and recycling pull-out drawer. While you’re at it, have a few extra drawers for hidden appliances.

• A Telescoping Towel Rack

Install the telescoping towel rack in a small cabinet right under the sink. No more towels left sitting on the countertop.

• Divided Storage

Internal drawer dividers are a great way to organize kitchen utensils or spices. Custom built dividers are better than organizers purchased separately, because they offer a more refined look.

• Doors

There are many styles of cabinet doors. Try a unique color or finish to add interest. Glass cabinet doors can offer the decorative look of a china cabinet or hutch when paired with small drawers at countertop level.

• Pull Out Pantry, a Walk in Pantry

Creative cabinet features, like a pantry, are coveted. The type of pantry you choose can be due to kitchen size or preference. If you have a smaller kitchen, try an 8-inch-wide pull-out pantry. If you have room to spare, build a walk-in pantry. Of course, you can have both!

• Tray Storage Cabinet

A tray storage cabinet is a space-saver. Use it to store racks, cookie sheets, pizza pans, and cutting boards within vertical dividers. Combine the tray storage cabinet with a roll-out drawer to see everything at once.

• Home Office/TV

A lot of people like a TV, computer, or cell phone charging station in the kitchen. You can easily design a workspace utilizing a few shelves and table top. This can be customized to the size of your kitchen.

Some of the items on this list might seem unattainable to you, but don’t worry. A professional with an intuitive understanding of how to translate these ideas into creative and practical design concepts is ready to help you with your dream kitchen. To talk more about this, or anything else, please contact us. Thanks.

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