Tag: kitchen remodeling

Cabinet Refacing Tips

Eleanor Chandler Home Improvement , , , , ,

Cabinet Refinishing Sacramento requires precision, and is not a DIY-friendly project. Professional installation ensures a precise fit and finish, maximizing durability.

Cabinet Refacing

Even the best paint jobs don’t last long in kitchen environments where cabinets are constantly exposed to moisture and grease. NHance’s meticulous surface prep and multiple coats of high-quality finish ensure durable results that look brand new.

Refinishing offers a cost-friendly alternative to replacing existing cabinets, and it can offer an updated aesthetic for your kitchen. It also provides increased durability, making it a smart option for homeowners who want to invest in a long-term kitchen upgrade. To ensure that your new finish lasts, it’s important to follow proper preparation techniques and use high-quality materials. Rushing or cutting corners can lead to unsatisfactory results, necessitating a project redo.

The first step in the cabinet refinishing process is to remove any hardware from the doors and sand down the cabinet surfaces. Start with coarse-grit sandpaper to strip away the old paint or stain, then switch to finer grits to smooth the surface. Be sure to wear a dust mask when working with sandpaper, and always work in a well-ventilated area to avoid breathing in any hazardous fumes. When sanding, it’s important to move with the grain for best results.

Next, inspect the cabinet surfaces for any imperfections such as dents or scratches. If necessary, fill these in using wood filler and a putty knife, then sand the surface again. Once the sanding is complete, apply a wood conditioner to prepare the surfaces for painting. This helps the new finish adhere to the surface, and it also prevents any warping or chipping over time.

Finally, wipe the cabinets down and clean up any areas where dust or debris may have accumulated. After allowing the cabinets to dry, reattach the hardware, making sure each piece goes back in its proper place. If you’ve labeled the cabinet door hardware as described above, it should be easy to find its proper home once everything is reassembled. Once the cabinet refinishing is complete, apply a clear coat to protect the cabinets and give them a glossy shine.

Sanding

In order to refinish cabinets, the original layer of paint or stain must be stripped and the surface smoothed. The sanding process usually begins with rough grit and gradually progresses to finer grits. This ensures that the new finish adheres properly and produces a smooth texture.

Before the final sanding, we typically apply a coat of wood filler. This is important to patch any holes or cracks. A high-quality wood filler can help restore cabinet surfaces to pristine condition and eliminate the appearance of holes, nicks, and scratches. After the patch is dry, it must be sanded again before applying the final two top coats of stain.

After the sanding and patching, the cabinet boxes are prepared for painting. This is the most time-consuming part of the entire refinishing process. We carefully label and remove each cabinet door and drawer front, and we take extra care to protect the kitchen interiors from dust and dirt. We also cover backsplashes and seal off appliances to keep them clean throughout the project.

When compared to refacing, refinishing is a more affordable option for those who want to update their kitchen’s look without breaking the bank. However, it is best suited for cabinets with only minor surface damage such as scratches or faded finishes. For a more dramatic change, consider cabinet refacing, which involves replacing the doors and drawer fronts entirely. This provides more flexibility in style, material, and color choice and allows homeowners to modify the size of their cabinet doors if necessary. You can learn more about this process by viewing a few examples of our cabinet refacing work here. Our team can help you determine which option is right for your home!

Primer

Choosing the right product is one of the most important parts of any refinishing project. The wrong choice can lead to a job that chips, peels, and cracks easily. Many products are available, from inexpensive and low-quality to high-end professional grade. The right choice will make your cabinets look new again, and last longer.

When painting porous surfaces, like wood or gypsum board, a primer is often used to improve adhesion. Primer also helps to smooth and prepare the surface for staining or paint. Many primers are formulated for specific surfaces or finishes, and should be used as directed to ensure the best results.

Before you can stain your cabinets, you should sand the surfaces to remove any scratches or blemishes. It is important to use a high-quality, cabinet-grade sandpaper to get the best results. It is also important to vacuum the sanded surface and wipe it down with a damp cloth to remove any remaining dust.

Once the surface is dry, you should apply a stain to the cabinets. Stains come in a variety of colors and shades, so you can find the perfect fit for your home. Staining the cabinets is an excellent way to make them look brand new, and it is much cheaper than replacing them or purchasing new ones.

After your refinishing is complete, it is important to seal the cabinets with a high-quality sealant. This will protect the finish from moisture and stains, prolonging its lifespan. Your refinisher should be able to recommend the proper product for your cabinets. Once the sealant is applied, it should be allowed to dry completely before using your kitchen again. This will usually take 24 hours or more, depending on the type of sealant and its application.

Paint

When the surfaces are clean, dry and ready for paint, you can apply a high-quality primer. For cabinets, consider using a stain-blocking primer to prevent old stains from bleeding through the new finish. The primer should be easy to apply and dry quickly, with low odor so you can remain at home during the process.

After applying the primer, lightly sand the cabinet doors and drawer fronts to smooth them out. Then vacuum or wipe down the surfaces again to remove any dust from sanding and prepare them for painting. You can use a foam sanding block to scuff the surface for better adhesion but don’t go any deeper than bare wood.

A tinted primer can also help eliminate the need for sanding between coats and ensure your topcoat adheres properly. Sherwin-Williams recommends their Extreme Bond Primer, which is specifically designed to adhere to painted or raw wood, laminate and melamine surfaces. If you want to be sure of quality adhesion, she suggests doing a spot test on an inconspicuous area with the primer to see how it holds up.

Then you can apply a coat of the protective topcoat on the cabinet frames with a brush and roller. Wait 3-4 hours for the topcoat to dry and then inspect and reapply where necessary. The protective topcoat takes 7 days to fully cure, so you should avoid using cleaning agents on the surface during that time. Once the topcoat is cured, you can replace the cabinet hardware for a complete finish. You could even repurpose the old knobs and handles to give your kitchen a completely new look. If you’re not able to get the exact style of hardware you’re looking for, spray paint can work wonders in some cases.

Assembly

If your cabinet doors are solid but aren’t quite what you want, add some flare to them with glass door inserts. This is a quick and cost-effective way to give your kitchen a stylish makeover without breaking the bank. There are a variety of options for glass inserts, including plain, etched, and fluted. Talk to your contractor about the best option for your home and budget.

When painting the cabinet frames, you’ll want to put down a good layer of primer first. This helps the paint adhere to the surface and prevents chipping or peeling down the road. Then, once the primer has a chance to dry completely, you can move on to the actual painting process. It’s important to use a quality brush or sprayer for the job, as the results will be much better than trying to do it by hand with a regular paintbrush.

It’s also a good idea to use a high-quality paint that you’re comfortable working with. There are many different finishes available for cabinets, so find one that matches your aesthetic and is easy to work with. If you’re having trouble deciding on a color, ask for samples from your local hardware store to help narrow it down.

After the paint dries, you can reassemble your kitchen cabinets. Be sure to follow the labeling system you created at the beginning so you can return everything back to its correct place. If you added knobs or pulls, be sure to install them properly before putting the doors back on. Once you’re done, your new cabinets will look as good as new!

Why You Should Hire a Handyman

Woody Mcgrath Home Improvement , , , , , ,

A handyman is a professional who fixes various things around the house like a clogged sink or broken window. They usually charge hourly and can take care of multiple tasks in one visit.

Using a user-friendly site builder will allow you to create your handyman website without any coding knowledge. Make sure you include your insurance and licensing information on your site. Contact J&R Construction now!

While some homeowners consider themselves do-it-yourself (DIY) enthusiasts, there are times when a job requires more expertise than the typical homeowner possesses. A handyman can perform a range of repair jobs, including replacing bathroom or kitchen fixtures, fixing leaky faucets and installing new toilets. They can also refinish wood furniture and install flat-screen televisions on walls.

Compared to general contractors, handymen typically do less complicated projects and have fewer licensing requirements. Nevertheless, both focus on repairs and construction. However, a general contractor oversees a variety of large scale construction projects and is responsible for hiring subcontractors and ensuring that building projects comply with all local codes and zoning regulations.

In addition to repairing appliances, a handyman can replace lighting fixtures, ceiling fans and other decorative hardware. Replacing these items can refresh a room’s appearance and improve a home’s energy efficiency. In addition, a handyman can replace outdated cabinet hardware, such as handles and hinges.

When it comes to flooring, a handyman can lay tile, refinish wood floors and paint interior walls. They can also assemble and paint various types of furniture, including beds, bookcases and desks. Handymen can also handle a variety of other maintenance tasks, such as mowing lawns, trimming hedges and bushes and cleaning gutters.

Aside from the obvious benefits of being able to check off all those pesky tasks on your to-do list, hiring a reliable handyman service can save you time and money. Assuming that the task is not too complex, a handyman should be able to do it for a fraction of what it would cost to hire a professional. If the task is too extensive for a handyman to handle, they will usually refer you to a specialist that can meet your needs and budget.

Assemblies

Assemblies are compiled outputs that are used to package applications for easy deployment. They contain metadata, version information, and a manifest of all the assembly components. An assembly is the smallest versionable unit in the common language runtime; all types and resources in an assembly form a logical unit of functionality. Private assemblies reside in the application directory and are unique to the application that uses them; shared assemblies, such as those containing localization resources or utility classes, are stored in GAC.

The assembly also contains information on dependencies, such as other assemblies or external files. When an assembly is loaded, the CLR verifies that all dependencies are met. The verification process is accomplished by comparing the hash value of each file in the assembly with the hash value of the same set of files as they existed when the assembly was built. This is done only with strong-named assemblies, and the comparison takes place at runtime, before the assembly is injected into memory.

A handyman is a professional who is skilled in assembling furniture units like bookshelves and desks. They can follow instructions well and take the time to set up each piece properly so that it looks good. These professionals often hold liability insurance to give clients added peace of mind that their work is in safe hands.

Aside from furniture assembly, a handyman can also help with the refinishing of wood pieces and other tasks around the house. They can install shelving, repair cabinetry, and fix doors. They can even replace light fixtures and electrical outlets. Their services are affordable and convenient, making them an excellent choice for busy homeowners. Aside from their expertise, these professionals also offer a high level of customer service and care.

Painting

A fresh coat of paint can transform the look and feel of any room. A painting handyman can help with selecting colors and providing expert advice on application techniques. Their experience in surface preparation and painting will ensure a smooth, durable finish that protects surfaces from wear and tear.

Painting projects can be tricky and time-consuming, especially for larger spaces or intricate surfaces. Unless you have the right tools and experience, DIY painting can cost more than it’s worth. A handyman can save you the headache and expense of a disappointing DIY project with their expert skills and professional-quality equipment.

Whether you need to touch up a single wall or refresh the entire interior, a handyman can handle the job quickly and professionally. They can even work on exterior painting projects, such as repainting decks and sheds.

Paint can be a messy task, so a handyman will clean up after themselves and leave your home as they found it. They’ll take care to cover furniture and fixtures, and they can even apply protective coatings to prevent scuffing and chipping.

Aside from tackling painting jobs, a handyman can also install new doors and cabinet hardware. They can also hang heavy items like mirrors and artwork, or mount your TV so it’s safely anchored to the wall.

Unlike other trades, handymen don’t need any formal qualifications or licenses to perform their work. They typically rely on customer referrals and their own expertise to provide quality service. However, it’s important to find a reliable and reputable handyman who has the experience and skills needed for your project. This includes checking references and reading reviews to ensure you’re hiring someone who will do a good job.

Plumbing

Plumbing can be a tricky task. If you have a major issue that requires an extensive fix, such as a broken water heater or leaky pipes, you should hire a licensed plumber to do the job safely and correctly. A handyman is better suited to handle smaller, less complicated plumbing tasks that don’t require extensive expertise or equipment.

Minor plumbing issues, such as a dripping faucet or a toilet that won’t stop running, are a good example of a task that can be performed by a handyman. Also, a handyman can handle basic installation jobs for appliances that require a connection to the water system, such as a dishwasher or washer.

Most states have specific licensing requirements for plumbers and handymen. It’s important to check your state’s laws to see what these are. If you aren’t sure if a certain task is within the scope of your handyman’s license, contact your local licensing department and ask about what types of work they allow.

While many handymen are jacks-of-all-trades, some have areas of specialization. Choosing one with experience in a particular field, like plumbing, can ensure they are up-to-date on the latest techniques and tools.

It’s also worth noting that hiring a handyman to perform plumbing work could void any warranties on your home’s fixtures and appliances. This means you may end up paying for costly repairs that were not covered by the warranty if the repairs aren’t done by a licensed professional. Also, if you’re looking to save money on repairs, an inexperienced handyman may take longer to complete the job or may cause further damage to your plumbing system during the process. This can add up quickly and significantly.

Electrical

If you want to make sure that your electrical system is functioning properly, it’s important to have a professional handle any necessary repairs. Handymen often have the skills to fix a wide variety of home electrical problems, such as flickering lights and broken switches. They can also run wires through walls and install light fixtures and ceiling fans. However, when it comes to more complex issues like faulty wiring or dangerous voltage surges, homeowners should hire an electrician instead.

Many electrical issues can be dangerous and even deadly if not fixed in a timely fashion. For instance, if you have an older fuse box that can’t handle the amount of electricity that modern appliances use, it could cause overloading and arcing. This can lead to fires and other serious consequences. A handyman can upgrade your fuse box to a more modern one, which will give you more circuits and help prevent overheating.

Moreover, handymen can take care of routine maintenance tasks such as replacing smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. They can also install and replace batteries in these devices. This is important for safety and compliance with regulations set by local governments or fire departments.

While it is true that some types of electrical work require specialized training and certification, most minor tasks can be handled by a skilled and experienced handyman. To avoid any mistakes or damages, it’s best to find a professional who has experience working with these kinds of projects and follows safety protocols. Homeowners can check their handyman’s qualifications for electrical work by asking for references and reading online reviews. They can also ask about their licenses and insurance to ensure that they’re qualified to handle the job in question.

Planning a Kitchen Remodel

Woody Mcgrath Home Improvement , , , , ,

Kitchen Remodel is more than just an aesthetic update; it adds value to your home. If you’re considering a remodel, think about your goals and budget first.

Paint before the cabinets and backsplash are installed to reduce labor costs, eliminate the need for touchups later and guarantee a perfectly straight line where they meet.

The kitchen layout is a major factor in how the room functions and is used. Changing the existing floor plan can have significant costs, especially for large alterations like opening up walls and moving appliances. Therefore, it is important to plan the kitchen remodel and design beforehand with a tool that can help you visualize different options and choose the best one for your home.

A free online kitchen remodel design software allows you to experiment with different layouts and create professional plans and impressive 3D visuals so that you can make good decisions. Choosing the right layout for your space is essential to making sure that you have enough storage, can easily maneuver around the kitchen, and have enough room to entertain family and friends.

Before starting your kitchen remodel, consider who will be using the space and how often. This can help you determine whether a galley or U-shaped kitchen is the right fit, and how many people will be working in the kitchen at once. It is also important to think about if anyone in the household has special needs that you will need to adapt for.

The most popular kitchen layout is the L-shaped configuration that places workspaces along two adjacent walls. This maximizes efficiency and prevents workflow problems by keeping all of the workspaces in close proximity. This kitchen layout can be expanded to an even larger configuration by adding a peninsula that extends into the room. Another option is a single-wall kitchen, which is ideal for small spaces and is commonly found in apartments and condos. The refrigerator is typically placed at the end of the row to allow for easy access and to minimize blocking windows with cabinetry.

Lighting

As the hub of the home, kitchens see a lot of action. That’s why it’s so important that they serve a variety of purposes and aesthetics. If you’re considering a remodel, it’s best to start by determining your goals. Whether it’s upgrading worn-out surfaces, adding resale value or creating a space that fits your lifestyle, there are a few key factors to consider.

Light fixture selection is a big part of this process. You’ll want your space to be bright enough for task lighting while still maintaining a comfortable, cozy feel. A lighting designer can help you select the right fixtures and placements for your new kitchen.

The countertop is another big choice. Granite and quartzite are timeless, beautiful options that can make the room feel elegant and luxurious. But they can also be pricey, and require a lot of maintenance to keep them looking their best. Wood offers natural, classic beauty but can scratch and ding under the stress of daily use. Ceramic tile is a lower-cost option that can be more durable than many other materials.

When it comes to lighting, recessed ceiling fixtures can work wonders for your new kitchen. They provide ambient lighting to the entire room, and if placed properly they can illuminate work zones so you’re never working in shadow. Pendants can also be a great way to brighten open spaces and create a focal point in the room.

Give your clients a reason to smile in their new kitchen with smart storage solutions like pull-out pan racks and basket drawers that make it easier to find and put away everything they need. And for an extra layer of security, consider a knife drawer that keeps blades safely stored and out of reach from curious children.

Appliances

A kitchen remodel is a chance to upgrade your appliances with energy-efficient models, and while it may require a larger upfront investment, you’ll save money in the long run. Consider your current appliances’ lifespans and how often you use them to determine if this is the right time to invest in new ones.

Once you’ve determined your new layout and sorted out the details of your cabinetry, sinks, and countertops, you’re ready to shop for the big-ticket items: appliances. While there are a lot of choices out there, it helps to have an idea of what you’re looking for before you start shopping, so you don’t end up with the wrong size fridge or microwave, or a stove that’s too small or doesn’t match your cabinets.

Having an idea of what type of appliance you want also helps you narrow down your options when it comes to color and style. You may find that you’re drawn to a particular shade of white or stainless steel, and knowing the color palette you’re going with will help guide your selections. Appliances at this level can also offer a range of bells and whistles, from WiFi-enabled models to food-preservation settings in the fridge.

Don’t forget to consider the other storage elements you can add, like pull-out pan racks, a wine rack, or a lazy susan in your cabinets. These can make a huge difference in how accessible and functional your kitchen is, so it’s important to include them in your design from the beginning.

Cabinets

Cabinets aren’t just for storage; they’re also a big part of your kitchen’s style. They’re available in many different shapes, sizes and finishes. And the type you choose can impact your budget as well as how easy it is to clean.

Stock cabinets are the most affordable option, starting at about $80 per linear foot. They’re typically a mix of pre-assembled and ready-to-assemble pieces that you can customize with decorative additions and custom finishes. Custom cabinets are more expensive, but they’re also available in a wide range of styles and materials.

You can also reface your existing cabinets to give them an instant makeover. This involves applying a laminate or wood veneer over your cabinet surfaces to create a fresh new look. It’s less expensive than a full remodel, but it still adds value to your home.

A kitchen remodel might include refinishing your cabinetry, adding or removing an island, reconfiguring the floor plan or replacing appliances and fixtures. It may also involve changing the kitchen’s footprint and bringing it up to modern building codes and safety standards, like GFCI outlets.

A complete kitchen remodel often requires a permit and professional contractors. It usually includes moving walls, plumbing and electrical services, installing a backsplash, countertops, flooring and lighting, and adding a sink. It can be a very time-consuming project and requires substantial planning and coordination. It may also cost more than a facelift or refinishing. But it can also increase your home’s resale value. If you’re considering a major kitchen renovation, start by hiring a designer to help with the layout and selection process. They can guide you through the pros and cons of each option and help you stay within your budget.

Countertops

Countertops aren’t just an important part of kitchen design; they also add resale value and serve as a focal point in your home. As a result, you’ll want to choose a material that fits both your style and lifestyle while staying within budget.

Natural stone is one of the most popular options for kitchen countertops, as it’s durable and comes in a range of colors that will complement most decorating styles. However, it can be quite heavy and requires regular sealing to prevent stains. Granite is an alternative that’s both affordable and resistant to heat, water and scratches. It’s available in solid slabs as well as modular pieces to suit your kitchen remodeling needs.

Another popular choice is quartz, which is a durable, eco-friendly and low-maintenance material. It’s resistant to heat, stains and scratches, as well as non-porous, making it ideal for kitchens with kids or pets. It’s available in a variety of colors to complement most decorating styles, and it can be cut to fit your specific countertop dimensions.

If you don’t have the money to buy new countertops right away, consider a home equity line of credit (HELOC). This allows you to borrow against your home’s equity and pay it back over time at a rate that is lower than most credit cards.

Having a waste chute built into your countertops is a smart and convenient kitchen remodel idea that will save space in your cabinets. This will allow you to keep trash, recycling and compost out of sight while reducing the need to empty large bins on a regular basis. It’s possible to order counters with this feature already installed, or you can make the hole yourself by boring a small hole in your countertop surface.