Double Wall Oven Hype

Kelly Ripa has a double wall oven. You see it in several of her Eletrolux commericals, such as the one for the fridge, and she’s done several demos of the style for the brand. Okay, so we don’t know for sure that she has one, but we’re certainly led to believe that she does. And that she needs them to keep up with all of the people she has over.

They question is, do you need a double wall oven? In the midst of that build or kitchen remodel, this is certainly something to consider. Sure, they’re great in theory – wonderful for when you’re cooking a Thanksgiving dinner for the masses – but are they worth the investment in the long haul?

They May Come in Handy

When you look over forums online which question the worth of a double wall oven, most folks rave about them. There seems to be a no-turning-back mentality from those that use them. As mentioned, they are perfect for cooking for large groups.

Having double wall ovens also provides the option to cook fish and cookies at the same time, without transference of flavor. And for those ladies (or gentlemen) that enjoy baking and do so regularly, it’s like winning the lottery. Additionally, the upper wall oven (and the bottom, depending on installation) eliminates the need for bending over to utilize it.

Things to Consider

Because of the unique installation requirements for wall ovens, you really can go from a regular range/oven combo to a wall unit unless you’re building or doing a full-scale kitchen remodel. Or, of course, replacing a pre-existing wall oven.

Wall ovens are available in widths from 24 to 36 inches, most of which are smaller than traditional range ovens. Many double wall oven combos have a smaller unit on top, and if you fail to determine the exact measurements you need, you may end up with a wall oven that a typical full-sized cookie sheet won’t fit in (a common complaint among forums).

Also consider that many double wall ovens have a convection oven on the top and a standard oven on bottom. Standard, conventional ovens surround the food with hot air, while convection ovens circulate the hot air with the use of a fan, which is said to cook more evenly. What you go for just depends on what you’re used to cooking with.

As far as cost goes, wall ovens are usually only a couple of hundred dollars more than range ovens – but double wall ovens mean you’ll be paying for two, so consider that in your budget. You likely won’t have to worry about gas vs. electric, as most wall ovens are only available in electric. Those that are gas are the smaller models at 24 inches and may cost more.

What it all Broils Down To

When considering whether to install a double wall oven or keep it singular, it really just comes down to your budget, available space and how much you’ll use both ovens. If you’re an avid baker and often cook for a large family, then it may be worth it to have the double wall ovens installed. HA Construction can help you determine what will work best for your budget and available space. 

Kitchen Décor | Back Splash Tile

We’ve had a few posts now on kitchen design elements that can work together to create a versatile and stylish cooking and entertaining space. Another one of those elements – one that really allows you to make a statement – is the back splash.

But not just any old rimmed countertop back splash. We’re talking fully decking out the walls between the top of your counters and the bottom of your cabinets with beautiful, eye-catching tiles.

And the design possibilities are seemingly endless.

Wowing Through Tile

According to Andy here at HA Construction, a tile back splash is the crown of the kitchen – the cherry on top, if you will. Not only does a tile backsplash make for an easily cleanable service, but it provides opportunity for aesthetic appeal. While your countertops and cabinets are generally a neutral tone, the tile back splash can be that pop of color and creative whimsy that really pulls everything together.

From a builder standpoint, the tile is mounted directly to the sheetrock between the back of your countertops and the bottom of your upper wall cabinets. Square tiles can be anywhere from one inch to the common four inch option.  You can choose tiles all the same color, some with hand-painted designs,  or a mix and match colors and designs to create something unique.

Types of Backsplash Tile

Don’t limit yourself to simple square options, especially if you want to let out your creative side. Other backsplash tiles include:

• Subway Tiles – usually something like 3x6 inches
• Glass Tiles – provide a reflective surface for another dimension t the design
• Mosaic Tiles –often come in one foot squares of several tiles put together on a mesh backing to save time
• Laser Cut Tiles – cut in beautiful shapes to create elaborate designs when pieced together on the wall
• Diagonal Design – turn ordinary square tile on the diagonal to take it up a notch
• Wallpaper Style – some companies can customize overscale patterns to repeat, producing a wallpaper effect through tile
• Herringbone Tile – also available on a mesh 12x12 backing, herringbone provides a chevron design (very popular right now)
• Custom Shapes – don’t be afraid to think outside the box and look for oval tiles or other shapes

HA Construction previously used a lot of tumbled stone in backsplash designs, but recently glass tiles have become popular. Again, don’t be afraid to get creative – the space over the stove usually lends for plenty of room for a fun pattern even if you plan to keep the rest of the backsplash neutral.

Maybe that’s why it’s called a “backsplash” – so you can add a splash of excitement to your kitchen décor. (Okay, we know that’s not the case, but we’ll go ahead and take the liberty to believe it to be true anyway.)

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!

Kitchen Décor | Glass Cabinet Doors

Looking for a way to put Grandma’s china on protected display without the space hogging bulk of a china cabinet? The glass doors on your kitchen cabinets, and some strategically placed lights, may be an excellent option for you.

A Touch of Elegance

Whatever you want to display, glass cabinet doors give you the opportunity to add to your kitchen décor while still optimizing space. Even if you simply have a stylish daily-use dinnerware set that you want to show off, replacing your kitchen cabinet doors with a glass option may be just what you need.

And it doesn’t have to be just a plain piece of glass; there are many styles available to choose from. Etched glass cabinet designs provide a decorative touch all their own, with a vast array of styles and transparency levels.  Use more opaque glass to showcase the colors of your dinnerware, but hide less appealing designs.  Choose translucent glass cabinet doors with an etched border design so that you still make your dinnerware a centralized element of your kitchen décor. Other decorative options for the glass include:

• Frosted – great for a modern décor
• Textured – with a pattern, but can become outdated
• Seeded – pocketed with tiny bubbles (smaller bubbles showcase dishes better), provides a vintage chic look 
• Leaded – traditional with a range of styles from Gothic to Craftsman, stained glass is an option

Finding the Right Balance

While it may be tempting to change out every cabinet door in your kitchen for a glass option, consider that there can be too much a good thing. After all, you really don’t want to show the world you mismatched pile of Tupperware.

Consider adding glass doors to the kitchen cabinets at the corner to showcase your favorite items. Or balance breakup the repetition of a series of plain cabinets along one wall with a glass cabinet door in the middle.

Less Expensive Alternatives

If you want the look of glass cabinet doors on lower cabinets, but have a toddler around, durability may be a concern. Likewise, if your teenager has a tendency to be more abrupt when closing cabinets, glass may not last long. In which case, you can still obtain the decorative element you’re vying for, and be certain it will last, by installing cabinet doors with clear or opaque plastic in them. Few will notice the difference.

Or maybe you just want something a little different. Consider these alternative cabinet door fronts too for a variety of decorative options:

• Chalkboard Panels
• Cork Panels
• Corrugated Metal
• Decorative Wire/Metal Mesh or Chicken Wire
• Fabric
• Galvanized Metal
• Punched Steel

Glass cabinet doors can certainly add a beautiful touch to your kitchen décor. But keep in mind that whatever you display needs to be neatly arranged to maintain the elegant appeal. And keep the window cleaner handy to maintain a smudge free zone. To learn more about your glass cabinet door options or to start working on a design plan, contact HA Construction.

The Best Place to Put the Kitchen Trash Can

Yes, we’re writing a blog post on this. Why? Because you wouldn’t believe how many times we’ve done a kitchen renovation and this becomes part of the discussion when we’re working on design plans. The trash can is an important element in your kitchen – you’ll access it several times a day. You want it to be in a convenient location, but also somewhere that isn’t unsightly and protects from odor issues.

The Obvious Location Choices

Most commonly, kitchen trash cans are out in the open. It’s best to get a trash can with a lid or a flip top to minimize odors if you choose this route. Put the trash can in a spot that is out of the way of traffic, but is easily accessible from those key points in the kitchen, such as the prep area, sink and fridge.

Another frequently used spot for the kitchen trash can is the pantry, providing, of course, that it’s large enough to house a trash can and not inhibit access to pantry items. Again, a lid is ideal for this spot to maintain odor control.

You also might consider housing a smaller trash can under the kitchen sink. While you’ll have to empty it more frequently, this spot is quite easy to access during every portion of the meal preparation process.

The In-Cabinet Option

If you’re building a new kitchen or renovating, consider installing a sliding cabinet that houses a built-in trash can. Again, the ideal location would be a cabinet near the sink or your primary prep area for quick and easy access. Install several trash cans in a couple of sliding cabinets so you can sort recyclables too.

Another option is to install a trash compactor. These devices literally compact the trash into the bin each time you close it, which will maximize time between dumpster runs and reduce that carbon footprint. Just like the built-in trash can, you can install a custom cabinet panel to integrate the compactor in your décor, so no one knows it’s even there. Keep in mind, you’re looking at an investment of at least $500-750 for this convenient option, so it depends on how much room you have in your budget and how you prioritize trash.

Innovative Trash Cans

World-renowned chef Jamie Oliver is an advocate for the in-counter trash can. A faux cabinet door hides a kitchen trashcan directly below a hole cut in the countertop. With a cover designed to keep the countertop whole, you simply slide off the lid and drop trash into the receptacle (much like you see in many public bathrooms).

Consider adding a compost can to your kitchen as well. The latest creations in this market give you the opportunity to keep compost right on your kitchen counter in a stylish can without smelling up the entire house with refuge. Again, this is a great way to help reduce your carbon footprint and make your backyard garden flourish with the rich nutrients your compost creates.

Admittedly, many don’t consider all of the options there are when designing a kitchen, but it’s the little things, like where you put the trash can, that help to make it the dream kitchen you deserve. Contact HAConstruction to put a plan in place for your kitchen reno, and map out every detail.

Choosing a Garbage Disposal

Most people who decide to install or replace a garbage disposal in their kitchen sink simply go to the store to pick one. What they soon discover is that there are varying types and specs for garbage disposals that weigh upon the choice. Even with something seemingly insignificant for your home, it’s important to be well-informed before you install.

Garbage Disposal Feeds

The most common feed type for a garbage disposal is a continuous feed, which is simply the drain opening from the sink feeds directly the grinding mechanism. You simply run some water, flip a switch and the food is obliterated.

Batch feed disposals are more expensive, but are a safer bet for folks that have a tendency to overlook utensils in the disposal before turning it on. They work the same as a continuous feed disposal, but in order to turn them on, you have to place a stopper on the opening that is specifically designed for triggering the disposal. This also keeps food from flying out the disposal opening, which you can expect occasionally from a continuous feed unit.

Garbage Disposal Motors

Garbage disposals have a variety of motor sizes, with horsepower ranging from 1/3 HP (248.57 watts) to 1HP (745.7 watts). The smaller range motors, cranking at 1/3 HP and 1/2 HP, are ideal if you mostly put softer food in your disposal, such as bread, pasta and fruit. However, if you utilize your disposal a lot for practically every food waste product you have, then you may want to consider installing a 3/4 HP or 1 HP for more pulverizing results and less clogging or jams.

Grinding Chamber

The size of the grinding chamber is directly related to the size of the motor; larger motors mean larger chambers. So, even though you think a 1 HP motor is your best bet, your cabinet under the sink may only have space available for a 1/2 HP grinding chamber. Of course, the grinding chamber size is also associated with the effectiveness of the garbage disposal. A smaller grinding chamber means that there is less torque and handle less food. Alternatively, larger grinding chambers can handle more food at once and will chomp it to smithereens more efficiently.

Noise Insulation

Garbage disposals will always have noise – that’s just a fact. However, you can purchase disposals with insulated grinding chambers to lessen the noise produced when you flip the switch. As expected, insulated disposals are more expensive, and this option is typically offered with disposals that have higher horsepower and larger grinding chambers.

Of course, if you’re looking to put in a new garbage disposal, it’s best to have a professional help you with the installation. Some manufacturers may not hold to a warranty for DIY installation projects, but will if a professional plumber or contractor does the job. HA Construction has plenty of experience choosing the best garbage disposal for customer needs and installing them efficiently. And even if you just have questions, give us a call and we’ll be happy to help.

Preparation for Installing a Wooden Fence

If you make a pro/con list for installing a fence around your backyard, you’ll find it weighted heavily on the pro side: privacy, containment for young children and pets, keeping unwanted critters out, establishing clear property lines and more.

Wood fences are the most common selection for encompassing a backyard. Many are tall, around six to eight feet, to ensure privacy for peering neighbors. Whether you choose to install the fence yourself, or hire a company like HA Construction to do it for you, there is some preparatory work involved before you dig that first post hole.

Determine Property Lines

A “best guess” isn’t good enough when you’re installing a fence, even if your neighbor has already taken care of one side for you. In fact, even if you’re replacing a fence that’s already there, you should get you’re your property lines verified.

Start by contacting the appropriate assessor’s office (Green County Assessor for Springfield and Christian County Assessor for Nixa, MO) to get a copy of your property description, which details where the property lines lie.

However, sometimes the descriptions on a property listing are hard to decipher, so you may need to hire a local land surveyor to utilize that description and mark the property lines for you. Be aware that you may find your neighbor is encroaching upon your side or vice versa, which opens a whole other can of worms – and will likely delay your fence installation process.

Additionally, you should let your neighbor(s) know your fence installation plans. If it’s a shared fence line, maybe they’ll be willing to help with the expenses. And if you find that there is some discrepancy with the property line, notifying your neighbor is, obviously, the best thing to do. Hopefully you already have strong communication with those next door.

Neighborhood Restrictions

Depending on where you live, you may have to abide by neighborhood covenants regarding the installation of a fence, if one is allowed at all. You’ll know it if your home is under a neighborhood covenant, because notification would have been part of the buying/building process and you likely pay annual dues. Read the neighborhood covenant agreement regarding fences. If the information is unclear, be sure to contact those in charge of enforcing the covenant and get anything they tell you in writing to protect yourself later.

Mark Utility Lines

The last thing you want to deal with when you go to dig post holes is a severed electric line or a broken water pipe because you were digging in the wrong place. Before fence installation in Springfield, MO, call the Missouri One Call System (1-800-dig-rite) or submit an online request and they will send someone out to mark utility lines.

And this is not a step you can skip, because Missouri law requires you to notify MOCS at least three (but not more than 10 days) prior to digging on your property, even if it’s just to plant a garden. You also need to find out about easement lines on your property, which allow the city to utilize part of your front yard for city improvements. Check into setbacks too if you have power poles or utilities that run across your back yard; you have to work around them so that they remain accessible to the utility company.

Zoning Requirements

The Springfield, MO Zoning Commission (Sections 3-3601 and 5-1305 of the Springfield Zoning Ordinance) only require approval for a fence if you’re planning to place it in a front yard and, even then, a permit may not be necessary. However, it’s better to be safe than sorry, so don’t hesitate to contact the zoning commission to make sure you’re meeting zoning requirements. Contact the Nixa Zoning Department for information on fence permits in Nixa.

Additionally, many municipalities have height restrictions in place for fences; typically six feet is the max. Most require special permission for a fence taller than six feet.

There is a lot of preparation that goes into putting a fence up in your yard. These tips will get you started, and then comes the process of deciding what type of fence to have and what materials are best for your needs. Andy and the HA Construction crew can help you with any questions you have in the fence planning process. Just give us a call or send us a quick email.