Tips

Here are some kitchen tips from professionals and visitors to keep in mind when you are researching, planning, and installing your new kitchen. If you have a tip, just email it to us at tips@iWANTaNewKITCHEN.com .

TAKE INVENTORY
· Take an inventory of everything for your kitchen whether it is stored in the kitchen, buffet, basement, or elsewhere.
· Only keep kitchen items you have used recently--give away the other items to someone who can use them--it then becomes a tax-deductible donation.
· Prioritized usage, items such as turkey roasters can probably go into alternate storage if you don't have room in the kitchen.
· Take an inventory of outlets that are used on a day to day basis with your current appliances.
· If the electrical circuits (within 6 feet) of the sink are not ground-fault protected, upgrade them with GFCI (ground-fault circuit interrupters) receptacles for protection against electrical shocks. These devices are now required to meet building code standards.

ORGANIZATION & STORAGE
· Live in a house for about 6 months before doing any remodeling to see how it flows. It also allows you time for researching and developing ideas from our site.
· Remodeling and Home Improvement Shows are normally held during the winter months, so keep your eyes open for a show in your community.
· Plan to use or display sentimental or decorative items--it can become a theme in your kitchen.

PROJECT TIMING
· Try to plan your project around a neighbor's vacation so that you can use their kitchen while yours is torn up and watch their animals and water their plants, etc. in return?
· Don't try to beat the clock for an upcoming special event where you will need your kitchen-"things" happen and timelines can change without warning.
· Think about when you want your kitchen completed and work backwards estimating all of the elements that go into the remodel such as research, planning and designing, construction and installation, and clean-up. Then double it!

DIY PROJECTS
· Painting Cabinets - get the best-looking finish by sanding and filling all the surfaces before painting. Also, alkyd semi-gloss enamel laced with a couple of ounces of Penetrol per quart gives the best finish.
· Replacing hardware is always a quick facelift for old cabinets. It is sometimes hard to find new hardware to match the existing holes in the door, but it is worth the search.
· Don't underestimate the ability of a good sanding and several coats (3-4) of tung oil to rejuvenate timeworn and mistreated wood to its natural good looks.
· If wallpaper is not hung properly (i.e. primed and sealed before hung), the paper facing of the wallboard may come off when you try to remove the wallpaper. Unfortunately, you will need to resurface the wallboard with drywall compound, sand, wipe down, and then seal and prime it.

CONSTRUCTION TIPS
· If you are a DIY'er, there are construction and installation instructions available on-line, and in hard copy and video formats. Visit our For DIY'ers section in our Planning Phase for these resources.

SITE PREP
· Do any demolition and cleanup if possible to save costs. Be realistic and consider the extent of plumbing and gas disconnections and hazardous materials found in old product--in some cases it is worth the price to pay the professional.
· Check the subfloor. If the subfloor isn't sound, the floor will eventually fail no matter what flooring is used. Cut out the bad areas and replace them with new plywood.

CABINETRY
· Don't leave cabinets outside or in a garage exposed to humidity, sunlight, etc. Take into the house immediately and set in the kitchen or an adjacent room to get acclimated to the home's temperature and humidity levels.

FLOORING
· Depending upon the flooring material, there is no fast rule about whether to put the floor in before or after the cabinetry.
· Protect your flooring with heavy paper or cardboard during construction so that it will not be damaged.

WOOD
· Traditional hardwood floors can be installed and later finished.
· It is a good idea to have the wood delivered on-site ahead of installation to allow it to adjust to the temperature and atmospheric conditions.
· It must also cure in-between finishing coats.

KITCHEN SINKS
· It takes on both prep and clean-up so pull out your pots, pans, baking and serving pieces and measure to check bowl size, depth and faucet clearance/height for both filling and rinsing purposes
· Don't get a bowl more than 9" deep-it's hard on your back
· How you hand-wash dishes may influence your sink purchase--check out sinks with a connecting dish drainer on the countertop.
· Raise or lower your counter if there are any height limitations.
· For a small kitchen less than 150 sq. ft., use a single sink of 22' x 24" (bowl size about 16" x 21")
· Research the many kitchen sink accessories in today's market--they will make your life easier. Plan for the items that you want and have them installed during construction.
· A second sink is not necessary unless you have 2 or more cooks in prep/cleanup at the same time-even then review cost and space usage vs. convenience
· Self-rimming sinks are easiest to install but undermounting provides easiest cleanup
· Don't forget to order a drain strainer-make sure it is designed for your type of sink (different lengths)
· A recent change in federal law now restricts the lead that your sink can contribute to no more than 11 parts per billion.
---STAINLESS STEEL is considered the best value
· Look for: 20 or 18-gauge (18 is thicker/better) steel to resist dents and reduce noise
· 18% chromium and 8% nickel for optimal corrosion resistance
· factory-applied, sound-deadening undercoating

DRYWALL & PAINTING
· Request that all drywall be primed even if it is going to be behind cabinets or appliances. Be sure to remove all hardware, fixtures, light and electrical covers before painting.