KITCHEN DESIGN & Planning Guide

KITCHEN DESIGN & Planning Guide

CONTENTS Getting Started... 3 Start with a Wish List... 4 Cabinets... 5 Countertops... 6 Sinks... 7 Kitchen Work Zones... 8 Planning Worksheet... 9 Planning Worksheet con t... 10 Planning - Appliances & Fixtures... 11 Preparing a Project Budget... 12 Work Schedule & Measuring... 13 Grid for Drawing Your Plan... 14 Notes... 15 Page 2

Getting Started A new modern kitchen is one of the best renovation projects you can undertake. You ll appreciate the increase in efficiency and productivity and should you sell your home, you can expect a much higher sale price. Seeing your dream kitchen move from idea to design, installation and finally preparing food and entertaining in your new space, can be an exciting and rewarding experience. The key to a successful outcome is planning, knowing what you want, hiring experienced and skilled trades and sticking to a budget. Deviate from any of these and the possibility of the project derailing increase dramatically. It s not were you want to be. That s why you ll find this planning and design guide useful in understanding what s involved in a kitchen renovation. Since the kitchen is usually the hub of a home, a kitchen renovation impacts the entire family. It s best to know ahead of time, how long your kitchen will be out of commission, so you can plan on how to you ll cope without easy access to what you now take for granted: fridge, stove, sink, running water, dishes, etc. The bigger the project, the more planning needs to take place. Make sure you ve allowed time to apply for and receive building permits, schedule and coordinate the various trades you ll be hiring - a plumber, electrician, cabinet installer, flooring installer, etc. Make sure you get accurate time estimates for how long each phase of the work will take. When ordering cabinets, countertop, appliances, fixtures, etc. make sure you know how long it will take from placing the order to expected delivery. Some cabinet and countertop orders can take weeks to complete, so it pays to plan and coordinate all the purchases ahead of time. Page 3

Start With a Wish List You ll be making lots of decisions in the coming weeks. Get started by collecting photos of designs, features, and appliances that you like. It s a starting point that will help you narrow down the numerous options available. As you ll see on page 9, 10 and 11 renovating a kitchen involves a lot of steps. How involved do you want to be in designing and contracting of your new kitchen? Are you hands on and have project management experience? Or would you prefer to hire professionals, tell them what you want done and wait for the work to be completed. Even a small project will require juggling a number of color and material samples, estimates, price lists, catalog numbers, etc. It s recommended that you open a file for each part of the project. You ll appreciate your project specific organized filing system when you need to quickly confirm or check on an order, keep on top of the budget, or simply know where you are in the project and what has to be done next. With your filing system in place, begin collecting and organizing your wish list. Collect photographs of kitchens and accessories you like and are considering for your renovation from magazines, websites, brochures, etc. For a small renovation - perhaps a new countertop or refacing the cabinets, pay close attention to color and design selections. Does your choice fit in with the overall look of your existing kitchen or will the new addition be a mismatch. Avoid picking products that look great in a brochure or magazine photo, but out of place in your older kitchen. Once you ve decided on what you want it s worth the small investment to get a kitchen designer to double check everything and ask for their input. The suggestions offered will often save you time, money and a new updated kitchen that you ll be proud of. Page 4

Cabinets There are two options for updating kitchen cabinets- the lower cost option is refacing the doors and drawer fronts of the exiting cabinets. This is an option if you like the layout of your kitchen, the cabinets themselves are in good shape and all you want is to refresh the look of the kitchen. The second is to remove the existing cabinets and install the cabinet style of your choice. When updating your kitchen keep the following in mind: When designing your ideal layout, make sure you factor in the measurements of all the major and countertop appliances you ll be using in your new kitchen. Use the grid paper on page 14 of this guide to keep everything to scale. This will give you a good idea of how the cabinets will fit in with the overall design. Moldings can be added and used in combinations with your new cabinets to add personality and tie the room together. Adjustable shelving would be something to add to your wish list, as would deep and shallow drawers. Cabinets come in a wide variety of materials. This is one area where you really do get what you pay for, from factory manufactured cabinets available in standard sizes and limited colors at the low end to custom manufactured cabinets tailored to a homeowners exact needs for those with a bigger budget. Don t forget to budget for and allow time to select the hardware to go with your new cabinets - pulls, knobs, hinges and drawer slides. The options available are truly astounding. Go with the highest quality your budget allows. Knobs and hinges should match each other and the overall style of the room. Page 5

Countertops Then number of countertop options to choose from is remarkable. The cost for a countertop varies significantly between entry level plastic laminate and at the high end - natural stone (granite, soapstone, quartz). Each has advantages and disadvantages, so you ll need to be aware of what each surface has to offer, before making your decision. It s common to first pick a cabinet style and than a countertop, although this is not a rule. Along with the cabinet design, a countertop plays a major role in the overall look and feel of your new kitchen. We cover the pros and cons of the 10 most popular materials. Laminates Laminates are made of plastic-coated synthetics, providing a smooth surface that s easy to clean. Sheets are cut to size and finished on the ends. Available in post formed edge or square edge. Pros: Dozens of colors and patterns, durable, easy to clean, inexpensive. Cons: Seams show, end finishing and front edge choices can be expensive. Scratches and chips are difficult to repair. Wood or Butcher Block For a more traditional look. Maple and oak are the most common wood used in creating a beautiful, warm look. Pros: Available in a wide range of colors and finishes. Easy to clean, smooth finish. The surface can be sanded and resealed. Cons: Damage can be caused by standing water. Stains over time. Scratches must be oiled or sealed following manufacturer s guidelines. Solid Surface Custom-made to fit to match your specifications. The color and material is solid, so any scratches or burns can be removed by sanding and buffing. Pros: Stain resistant, seamless, available in dozens of colors. Cons: Hot pans can damage the finish. Moderately expensive. Granite A very popular material, but expensive. Adds a design statement to any kitchen, Pros: Lasts a lifetime, resists hot pans, home buyers place a high value on granite countertops, available in dozens of colors and patterns. Cons: Expensive, needs to be sealed, can stain, can crack if stressed. Engineered Stone A man made stone using 93% quartz particles and an epoxy filler. Pros: Easy to maintain, resistant to staining, available in a wide range of colors. Non porous surface resists scratches. Cons: Expensive Ceramic Tile Installed a tile or section at a time, allows for installation by DIY homeowners. Pros: Durable and easy to clean, heat resistant, wide range of texture, design, color and price. Inexpensive. Cons: Individual tiles can chip or crack, grout lines eventually stain, counter surface is uneven. Marble A costly counter solution. Usually limited as an inset or on an island. Pros: Beautiful, waterproof, heatproof Cons: Expensive, stains and scratches easily. Porous. Needs to be sealed professionally. Concrete Great for unusual shapes and extremely durable, Pros: Exotic appearance, can be color tinted, decorative finish can be added, heat and scratch resistant. Cons: Mid-to-high price, cracking is possible, needs to be sealed. Can look industrial. Stainless Steel Manufactured to your specifications. Contemporary/industrial look. Pros: Easy to clean, accepts hot pans, seamless. Cons: Expensive, may dent, noisy. Soapstone Usually dark green to black and has a very smooth touch. Pros: Stain resistant, Rich, deep color. Smooth finish. Easy to clean. Cons: Expensive. Regular maintenance includes applications of mineral oil. May crack or darken over time. Page 6

Sinks The sink is perhaps one of the most used parts of kitchen, so it s important to have one (or two) that fit your work pattern. Available in multiple configurations, sizes, colors, materials, depths, and prices choosing a kitchen sink will take some time. Materials to choose from include: stainless steel, enameled cast iron, Amicast, vitreous china and fireclay, engineered stone and copper. One interesting note about copper sinks is that bacteria cannot grow on copper, so it could be looked at as a healthier choice. When selecting a sink, analyze how your kitchen is used. Does more than one person prepare food at one time? Would it be worth while to have different size sinks for different tasks, from washing large pots and pans to fruit and vegetables? In addition to selecting a sink, now is the time to think of the type of accessories that would be handy to have in or around the sink. For example: basin racks, cutting boards, colanders rinse baskets, garbage disposers and soap dispensers. Where sinks are positioned will depend on how much flexibility you have to move water lines and drains. Adding a sink to a new island may be a great idea, but impractical when the cost of plumbing the new water lines and drain is added to your budget. Take your time to select a kitchen sink. Look at the options, your bound to find one that fits your new design perfectly. Just remember kitchen sinks last for a long time, so choose carefully. A trendy color may quickly go out of fashion. Page 7

Kitchen Work Zones Today, the traditional work triangle is often not enough to describe how a kitchen will work. kitchen floor plans involving more appliances (extra sink, dishwasher(s), separate cooktop and oven(s), microwave oven, etc.) have more potential work stations which the triangle can t account for. And if you add more cooks to a single triangle, it s a recipe for tripping over each other. The tool used to solve these problems in design is the concept of work centers or zones. A work center groups everything needed to do a specific type of task into a single area. The three major zones are: Food Prep Center Near fridge, near sink (may have its own sink separate from the main cleanup sink), near trash and compost containers: needs counter space, knife storage, cutting boards, measuring and mixing utensils, small appliances such as food processor or blender, casseroles and baking dishes, flavorings, cookbook storage, graters. Cooking Center Range (stove) or cooktop and ventilation: oven may be located separately if it s not part of a range (possibly near the baking zone). If you cook using your microwave, you might include it in this zone (possibly mounted over the range), but if you mainly use it for heating up snacks it could be better located outside the main work triangle where non-cooks can access it without getting in the way. Close to the food prep center so that food can go directly from prep to cooking. If you do a lot of cooking involving large pots of water (pasta for 12, canning, etc) a faucet nearby can be very useful. Small cooking appliances like the toaster, toaster oven, convection oven, deep fryer etc might be located here or in a separate snack center. Storage for fry pans, possibly saucepans, pot lids, cooking utensils, salt, pepper and spices (away from heat), oils, vinegars and other flavorings, oven mitts and gloves, fire extinguisher. Cleanup Center Main sink, dishwasher, garbage disposal, trash and compost bins, recycling bins, waste compactor; storage for cleaning materials, dishtowels, food storage containers and materials, paper towels, garbage bags, colanders and strainers, possibly everyday dishes and flatware (near dishwasher), possibly saucepans (near water source). Depending on your cooking and eating style, you may have other work centers too: Baking Center Counter space (may include marble or stone slab for rolling pastry): cookie sheets and baking tins, cookie cutters, rolling pins, electric mixer, food processor, food storage for baking ingredients, cake decorating equipment, cookbook storage, measuring and mixing utensils, mixing bowls. Snack Center Close to refrigerator, cup and dish storage: includes microwave and toaster ovens, popcorn maker, coffee and tea making equipment and materials, water cooler, microwave-safe dishes and dish covers, oven mitts, snack foods. Eating Center Eating surface and seating (could be a table and chairs, breakfast bar and stools, or built-in nook); storage for dishes and flatware, napkins and place mats, condiments. Clearly, there is some overlap between the equipment and materials needed in each work center. Where you choose to keep what depends on your cooking style and needs, the size of your kitchen, and placement of centers near each other. You might also choose to duplicate some items (anything from measuring cups to dishwashers) in several zones if you have the space and it makes work more convenient. Page 8

Planning Ultimately the best kitchen design is one that fits your family s life-style. The way you plan on using your remodeled kitchen should be the foundation for your other decisions when it comes to appliances, cabinet style, countertop, etc. This planning document will guide you through the process and perhaps even introduce ideas you have not yet thought about. Sharing the information with a kitchen designer will help considerably in exploring the options available. Identifying the Reasons Why What is the primary reason for remodeling your kitchen? Check all that apply Dated appearance Not enough counter space Not enough storage space Not enough space for eating Awkward usage of space Other (please identify) Will this be a complete renovation, starting from the bare walls or a partial renovation? If partial, what would you like to update? Space Planning How large is your current kitchen? Length Width Measure wall to wall Ceiling height How many people are in your family? Is the current size and floor plan adequate? Do you like where the existing sink and dishwasher are placed? Is the existing work flow between the fridge, stove, microwave, sink and dishwasher efficient, or is there room for improvement? Will the kitchen be enlarged or will you work with the existing space? Do any doors or windows have to be moved? How many people prepare food at the same time? Do you want a dining area or breakfast nook to be part of the renovation? How large is your kitchen table? How many chairs? Will this furniture be used in your new kitchen or be replaced? Are there any specific storage needs - such as pet food, broom closet, canning supplies, recycling storage, cookbooks, countertop appliances, or prep sink, etc. that should be addressed in the planning stage? Do you have space for a pantry? Do you want a pantry in your new kitchen? Picking a Design Theme What style best describes the type of kitchen you want? Classic/Traditional Country Urban Contemporary European Cottage Arts and Crafts Victorian Neo-Classical Asian Other Lifestyle Considerations Do you entertain? Formally Informally What other activities take place in the kitchen? (Homework, desk/telephone, hobbies, etc.) Do you want a dining area in the kitchen? How many seats? Cabinets What type of cabinets would you like? Stained solid wood Oak Cherry Maple Pine Other MDF with lacquer (painted) finish Thermofoil PVC Page 9

Planning continued What type of finish for the cabinets? Glaze on Paint Glaze on Stain Old World/Distressed Laminate Thermofoil Paint Light Stain Medium Stain Dark Stain Other What type of door style (profiles)? Recessed panel, arch, square, cathedral Raised panel, arch, square, cathedral Bead Board Flush Shaker Glass Other Countertop What type of countertop do you prefer? Solid surface (Corian) Natural stone (Granite) Natural quartz Quartz composite Wood edged laminate Post formed laminate Butcher block Stainless steel Concrete Soapstone Appliances What appliances will be replaced? Fridge Stove/oven/cooktop Dishwasher Microwave Exhaust hood Other What size fridge do you want? Will a freezer be placed in the kitchen? Will you use gas or electric cooking appliances? Small Appliances What small countertop appliances will be used in your new kitchen? Make a list, and plan for storage and placement of electrical outlets. Flooring What type of flooring do you prefer? Vinyl Hardwood Slate Ceramic Laminate Carpet Other Options Now is the time to consider and add to your wish list. Crown moulding Light valance for under counter lighting Decorative range hood cover Spice rack Spice drawer cabinet Rollout trays Plate rail combined with open shelf Wine rack Wine rack with stemware display Open cabinets/glass doors Adjustable shelving Appliance garage with roll top drawer Cutlery divider tray Extra deep drawers Pullout cutting board Open end base cabinet Other Other Other Other Don t Forget There s more to a kitchen renovation than cabinets, countertops and appliances. Don t forget to budget for: Structural changes Plumbing Electrical HVAC Windows/doors Flooring Removal of existing kitchen Paint Gas line installation Other Page 10

Planning - Appliances and Fixtures The choices available when it comes to appliances, sinks and faucets are almost endless. Now is the time to decide if you ll continue to use your existing appliances or buy new ones. Measuring each appliance accurately is critical. A small mistake in measuring can result in expensive rework. Appliance Color White Black Stainless Custom Panels Other Cooking Heat Source Gas Electric Oven/Range Door hinge position L/R Slide In Stand Alone Cooktop Slide In Stand Alone Wall Oven Door hinge position L/R Exhaust Hood Microwave Door hinge position L/R Dishwasher Refrigerator/Freezer Bar Fridge Door hinge position L/R Wine Fridge Door hinge position L/R Trash Compactor Door hinge position L/R Sink Door hinge position L/R Page 11

Preparing a Project Budget How to prepare for your kitchen renovation project The cost of your kitchen renovation should be calculated as a ratio of the value of your house. Generally, between 6% and 10% of your house's declared value represents a reasonable cost for the purchase and installation of new kitchen cabinets. With this formula, you can recapture an amount varying from 94% to 100% of your investment at resale. When planning your project, you should also consider the cost of buying appliances, plumbing and electrical accessories, lighting, materials, doors and windows, flooring, paint, decoration, etc (see cost breakdown). How much time should you take to shop and plan your kitchen project? Preferably, you should begin two months before the starting date of the renovations, especially when you consider that manufacturers require from 3 to 6 weeks to manufacture the cabinets and that you ll surely need to shop for items like appliances, floor coverings, lights, etc. Download a Free Calculator A free Kitchen Remodel Costs Worksheet can be downloaded from http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/temp lates/ct010144481.aspx?tl=2#pg:4 ai: TC001018646 It requires Excel 2003 or later to work. The built in calculator lists all the basic parts of a kitchen renovation and provides a separate Estimated and Actual Cost column. It s an easy way to keep track of estimated and actual costs. Budget Guidelines The following chart provides guidelines for what you could expect to pay for a complete kitchen renovation, including wall insulation and relocation of electricity, plumbing and having all work done by professional contractors. All prices based on choosing mid-level quality cabinets, countertop, appliances and accessories. House value for this example is $150,000. Adjust the figures accordingly based on your homes value. Description Cost % of the Total Investment Cabinet purchase and installation $9,000 30% Counter and backsplash $2,700 9% Plumbing $1,500 5% Lighting $600 2% Flooring $1,200 4% Appliances $3,000 10% Various materials $4,500 15% Various contractors $7,500 25% Total investment $30,000 100% Page 12

Work Schedule and Measuring Work schedule All renovations require a working schedule for the contractors. In the case of kitchen cabinets, you can have other work done while waiting for the production of your cabinets, which should take about 3 to 6 weeks. Working order Plumbing: cut water supply to kitchen sink, dishwasher and other appliances. Electricity: unplug the appliances. Demolish actual kitchen. Rebuild walls if necessary. Plumbing: relocate plumbing if necessary. Electricity: relocate plugs for appliances if necessary, plan for new plugs and wiring for lighting. Drywall installation - joints - paint. Cabinets and counter installation. Flooring Plumbing: fittings for all fixtures (sink, dishwasher...). Electricity: wiring, outlets, etc. A good planning schedule is the key to a successful kitchen renovation. Measurements you need to gather 1. Draw a rough sketch of your kitchen. Use the grid on page 14. 2. Measure one entire wall, beginning at the left corner and measure to the far right corner. Write the total measurement on your rough sketch in inches. Measure to the 1/4. 3. Measure from the left corner to the edge of any opening if the wall has an opening (window or door). 4. Measure across the opening from trim edge to trim edge. 5. Measure from the trim edge to the far wall. 6. Compare the total inches of steps 3, 4 and 5 with the measurement in step 2. The measurements should be the same. 7. Mark the exact location of the sik, water drain, gas lines, electric outlets and switches on the drawing. 8. Measure from floor to windowsill. Note this. 9. Measure from the windowsill to the top of the window. Mark as described in step 8. 10. Measure from the top of the window to the ceiling. Mark as above. 11. Measure from floor to ceiling. 12. Compare the total inches of steps 8, 9 and 10 with the measurement in step 11. The measurements should be the same. 13. Measure the width of the door from trim edge to trim edge. Indicate the position of the door swing. 14. Measure the remaining three walls, following steps 2 through 11. 15. Measure the stove, refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher and sink. List type and size of all appliances, using the page 8 in this guide. 16. Double-check all measurements. 17. Measure the distance from the floor to the bottom of any bulkheads; it should be at least 84 in. Note the depth of the bulkhead; 13 is normal. Mark this at the edge of your drawing. 18. Take your completed floor plan and your wish list when meeting with your kitchen designer. Page 13

Establish a scale One square can either equal 3 or 6 depending on the size of your floor plan. Page 14

Notes

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