Fred & Sharon's Renovated Kitchen

Fred, a metals artist, had had enough of the sea of red wallpaper in his kitchen. Not to mention the outdated fixtures and counters. Fred enjoys finding new beauty in old things – creating sculptures from old silverware and other upcycled materials. However, the kitchen, as well as the adjacent laundry and half-bath, of his Fremont Hills home needed to be completely overhauled  -- nothing in these outdated rooms was worth making an artistic statement.

One of the standout elements of the new kitchen design Andy and his HA Construction team did for Fred and his wife, Sharon, are the granite countertops with a stunning  design/color. The contrasting lines and textures of the counters and cabinetry are one of Andy’s favorite elements. The beautiful shelf window over the kitchen sink also stands out, providing a great view and plenty of sunlight for some lovely houseplants.

As Fred explains it, the half-bath in its previous state was nothing more than a closet you could barely turn around in. It now has space enough to do a salsa dance… space which may later house a shower to finish the bathroom off. For now, Fred is happy with the new, spacious comfort it provides.

Fred also raves about the excellent work HA Construction did overall with this project. They were timely and efficient, two characteristics that Fred sincerely appreciates. And, he and Sharon are, of course, very pleased with the finished product.

Kitchen Décor | Under Cabinet Lighting

There may be several ways you’re looking to add attractive design elements to your new kitchen so that it’s more than just the corner of the world where you prepare meals. One element you might consider is under the cabinet lighting.

Benefits of Under Cabinet Lighting

This stylish detail brings allows showcase accents in your kitchen that emphasize your personal design style, such as:

• Bringing out the beauty in your granite countertops and tile back splash
• Adding dimension to the more typical lighting options
• Spotlighting decorative items displayed along the back of the counter (flowers, accessories, etc)

Under cabinet lighting is a great way to make a small kitchen seem larger too. Or, if your kitchen has limited window light, under cabinet lights can brighten up the place during meal prep and make the kitchen more inviting for countertop discussions and laughs.

And, something you might not even think about, under cabinet lighting provides a great nightlight so your teenage son can accommodate a midnight snack without turning on blinding lights. Of note, be sure to install the switch for your under cabinet lights in the same place as all of your other kitchen switches. If they’re switched individually or under the cabinet, you’ll forget they even exist. Putting the switch on the wall with the other lights is a convenient reminder of your awesome bonus feature.

Types of Under Cabinet Lights

There are several options when it comes to the types of lights you can install under your cabinets. Most require wiring, which HA Construction typically runs in with the display lighting for glass cabinet doors, hidden out of sight, of course. Some under cabinet lighting options include:

• LED Tape Lights – Look to spend around $50 a linear foot, but you’re getting that green-friendly, long-lasting benefit of LED.
• LED Puck Lights – This is a battery powered option, and an inexpensive one at that. At approximately $10 each, pucks are a great way to create a spotlight effect.
• Flexible Strip Lights – You’ll get a few color options with this product: warm white, cool white, green, blue or red. Most are customizable and they run about $15 a strip.
• Enhanced Incandescents – Available at around 60W, these typically come in two foot strips and run up to $50 each. Of note, they do get somewhat hot, so keep that in mind when planning what goes underneath them.

One of the kitchens in HA Construction’s portfolio had no less than 17 under the cabinet lights in its redesign and, as Andy himself said, “It looks like a million bucks.” So, if you’re looking for something to kick your kitchen design up a notch, under cabinet kitchen lighting may be just the thing. Contact HA Construction to start planning your layout!

Harkness Kitchen Renovation (complete July 2012)

We started working on this kitchen renovation for Julie and Bobby Harkness in February of this year. I helped her develop a design that would lend to a much more open floor plan. We took out the wall dividing the dining room from the kitchen and brought the kitchen out toward the dining room more. We also added a door to backyard to make it more accessible. We built a full-sized pantry and added an office space for Bobby.

In our collaborative design, we fixed issues like:

• The previous layout had Julie traipsing all over the kitchen, from one side to the other, in order to access the refrigerator, sink and pantry while cooking. We brought those things into a central location.
• The refrigerator used to be right in the path from the dining room to the kitchen, making it difficult for someone to pass by if someone else was in the fridge – we remedied that.
• Previously, the only way into the backyard was through the sunroom. The back door we added provides immediate access, especially for the dogs.

We put in cabinetry with slide out shelves – something that is very popular because it allows homeowners to access the items in the back without a lot of work. Additionally, we updated the brick fireplace by wrapping in it stone and building a new mantle. We also added a bar top and stools along the pony wall dividing the dining room and living room, which creates a place for someone to eat, watch television or work on a laptop without committing themselves to the lazy couch.

One design element that I must also point out is that the cabinets opposite the window and next to the oven are built INTO the wall, rather than hung on it. We framed the oven base and part of the upper-cabinets into the wall, with the extreme uppers surface mounted. This provides a little more walking space and accommodates bar stools at the island. It also added a design element that I think looks great.

We had a lot of fun working with the Harkness family. They were very encouraging throughout the project and I enjoyed every trip I made to their house. I think we will be working with them in the future, too.

~ Andy

Key Elements of a Kitchen Renovation – Part 3: Fixtures

No matter how small, there are several less significant elements to your kitchen renovation that warrant consideration, not just a whim purchase. Everything from what you use to open your cabinet doors to what you get water from will make an impact on the overall aesthetic appeal.

Cabinet Pulls or Knobs

The choices on this one can be a bit overwhelming to first-time renovators. While HA Construction can help you determine a design that will balance other elements within your kitchen, whether you use pulls or knobs is the first decision you have to make.

For starters, you have to know the difference. Knobs are secured to a drawer or cabinet with one attachment point, and come in a variety of shapes and sizes – though you first thought when you think “knob” is likely round and the size of a quarter. “Pull” is another word for handle, which secures to cabinets or drawers with attachment points. Pulls are usually linear, though they may have some form of curvature for design purposes.

If you’re looking to replace the hardware because you want an inexpensive way to update the cabinetry, then you’ll want to match your new items with the holes already there. In this case, you’ll want to find the “Center-to-Center” (also known as CC, C to C, or drill centers) dimension, which is the distance from one attachment point to the other. However, if you end up liking something with a different CC measurement, then simply add a backplate to the new pull to cover pre-existing holes and you’re all set.

While going with pulls or knobs (or nothing at all) can make a variety of statements, so can the design – and there are just too many to list. Keep in mind, however, that most designs have both pulls and knobs in the line – which means, you can always use both, say, with pulls on the cabinets and knobs on the drawers.

Choosing a Faucet

Design (style and finish) is a crucial element in choosing the faucet for your kitchen, but there are other factors to consider too:

• Endurance – You will use this piece of hardware every single day, which means you need something that will stand the test of time.
• Functionality – Again, everyday use here, so you will want a faucet that fits your particular use needs (more on this later).
• Comfort – If you’re using it so often, you don’t want it to feel awkward.

So, most importantly, you need to make sure your faucet works with the sink you choose – or the sink you already have if you’re not replacing it – which means, you’re going to have to read the next HA Construction post before you make your finalized decision. However, nothing says you can’t start looking at faucet options now and narrow it down to your favorites.

Once a sink is chosen, you’ll want to remember three points when you finalize your faucet choice:

• Make sure the faucet fits in the sink hole cut-outs
• Select a faucet size that complements the size of your sink – rather than looking miniscule or overbearing, you want balance between the two
• Be sure that your faucet, or the extra accessories like the sprayer, will reach every inch of your sink space

When you start looking at faucet options, be sure to try them out in the showroom so you know how they feel and work before you buy. HA Construction recommends choosing a sink that is ADA compliant (Americans with Disabilities Act) if you’re looking for something with maximum resell value.

Faucets are made of four materials: cast brass, tubular brass, stainless steel and plastic (usually the faucets with color). Keep in mind that plastic faucets have plastic components, and that means more chance for problems. There are four valve systems available: ball, compression, ceramic disk and cartridge. Each has its own set of benefits, so you’ll want to discuss which is the best option for your needs with HA Construction, though ceramic disk valves tend to be the most reliable. Additionally, HA Construction recommends spending a little extra and choosing a name brand faucet, because replacement parts are much easier to come by than those for off-brand options.

Faucet Style and Options

When you start looking at the design elements for your faucet, you want something that matches the style you're going for overall in your new kitchen. For example, if you're creating a modern look, then stainless steel will be one of your top choices. If you're learning toward vintage or Tuscan appeal, then you'll probably want a brushed copper faucet. What you choose goes beyond color scheme, though.

You'll probably find yourself overwhelmed by this list of faucet styles, but there are several functional design options available to choose from, any of which can add to your kitchen aesthetic or break it, depending on what you choose:

• Single handle faucets
• Single handle with side sprayer
• Single handle with pull-out sprayer
• Two handle, centerset faucet
• Two handle, widespread faucet
• Two handle, single hole faucet
• Two handle basin tap faucets
• Wall-mounted faucet
• Commercial style pot filler faucet
• Commercial style pre-rinse faucet

Finally, you’ll come across several options for functionality that may seem rather appealing. While many of them are great additions if it's within your budget, HA Construction recommends that you stay away from cutting edge technology when it comes to your kitchen water spout. In most cases, these technologies still have bugs to work out before they're viable for everyday use. The operating features you may come across include:

• Scalding prevention set with a temperature peek
• Green faucets that help conserve water
• Water filtration faucets
• Touching the faucet anywhere to turn it on/off (poses a problem when you're simply moving the faucet to another part of the sink)
• Motion-sensor operation (this hands free feature also has problems - think annoying it can be to try and turn on the water in public restrooms with this feature)
• Adjustable Spray heads that pull out of the faucet itself
• Special coatings that make the surface of the faucet easier to clean

Decisions, decisions – and they just keep coming at you. A kitchen remodel is a large task to take on, which is why you’ll want to enlist HA Construction to help with the process. Andy and his staff will be certain that decisions on the smaller elements, like cabinet pulls and faucets, don’t become overwhelming for the home owner.

Key Elements of a Kitchen Renovation – Part 1: Cabinets

You’ll find that the biggest part of your kitchen renovation budget will go toward the cabinetry – likely about half. A big ticket item like that means a lot of pressure to make the right decision, so you don’t regret it later. HA Construction can help you to choose what works best for functionality and your personal style, but there’s nothing wrong with having a little knowledge of your own.

Determining What You Want
In order to narrow down what you’re looking for, ask yourself the following questions:

• Do you need all new cabinets? It may be possible that they cabinets you have can be just as appealing with your new kitchen design by giving them a face-lift. This will save a lot in your budget, too.
• What elements of your current kitchen cabinets go on the “dislike” list? Focus on where your current cabinets fall short on form and function.
• Why are you updating the kitchen? It makes a difference whether you’re staying in the home long-term and renovating for you, or are doing it to increase resell value.
• What is the decorative style you want to convey in your kitchen? Believe it or not, the design of the cabinetry will make a difference on whether the correct style is reflected.
• Do you want to go green with your cabinetry? Environmentally friendly options are available, such as bamboo, wheat board and reclaimed wood.
• How much storage do you want? You also need to determine if you need more, less or the same amount of storage as you currently have, because this will affect the design plan for the kitchen renovation done by HA Construction.
  

Saving Money on Your Remodel Budget
When it comes to cabinetry, one sure-fire way to save on your kitchen remodel is by refacing the cabinets instead of replacing them. Changing the stain or painting the cabinetry can supply a whole new look. Take it a step further and put on a new veneer (re-skin) on the cabinet fronts in wood or laminate. Not to mention, replacing the hinges, pulls and knobs will change the look, too. The difference is hundreds of dollars verses thousands (sometimes tens of thousands) of dollars for all new cabinets.

Be Realistic With the Budget You Have
There are two elements to consider when choosing cabinets and cabinetry elements:

• Aesthetic Appeal
• Quality

If you have a mid-size budget, then you won’t be able to spend big bucks on exotic wood and the most expensive hinges. Instead, work to find the look you want and maintain durability at the same time – and determine which is more important to you. At the end of the day, you’ll likely choose quality over appearance, after all, you can get very close to the look you want without sacrificing durability, especially with Andy and HA Construction on your side.

How Cabinets are Manufactured
Determining what type of manufacturing you want on your cabinets will help you calculate your spending for the project. There are three forms of cabinet manufacturing:

• Custom – Custom cabinets are usually the most expensive, as they’re designed any way you want them to be with the specific measurements needed for your kitchen remodel. The possibilities are endless with this made-to-order option.
• Stock – Stock cabinets are the direct opposite of custom cabinets. They are pre-manufactured in predetermined sizes, limiting your selection and options. You usually can choose by sizes in 3 inch increments, with a limited range of stains.
• Semi-Custom – This is like a combination, or the mid-line between custom and stock cabinetry. Basically, these cabinets are pre-manufactured with a few customizable options on the details.

Design Elements and Materials
Framed cabinets have a wood frame along the front of the cabinet (frameless does not). There is a variety of hardware available from hinges to drawer slides. You’ve certainly seen the high quality feature of slam-less cabinet drawers that close on their own.

Additionally, you’ll find that the cabinets can be made from a variety of materials, including:

• Laminate or melamine over particle board
• Metal
• Medium density fiberboard (MDF)
• Plywood
• Solid wood

Additional Considerations
Be sure to ask Andy about the warranty on the cabinets you’re considering, as this will likely effect your decision. Andy will also give you honest feedback on the best options for your budget and desired look. Having this information will help speed up the decision process so you can move on to other elements of your kitchen renovation with HA Construction.