As spring arrives we take a hard look at our homes and decide on this year’s projects. eieihome.com spoke to Christine Binns from The Kitchen Place, which has been serving Durham region for over 35 years, about one of the most important home remodels you can do, the kitchen.
Don’t rush
“First of all, don’t rush your project. Make sure you explore all your options,” says Christine Binns. Your new kitchen, if done correctly and with the proper materials, will serve you for many years and increase the value of your home.
Take notes
As you are looking at kitchen displays, make a note of anything you see that you would like to incorporate into your kitchen so that you can mention it to your designer. “If you see a picture in a magazine of the look you’re trying to achieve, clip it and take it to your designer,” says Christine.
Pick your appliances first
If you are getting new appliances, decide which ones you want before you have your kitchen designed because they can greatly affect the layout. Visit a showroom to see the appliances. “At The Kitchen Place we have eight full kitchen displays, fully accessorized; including appliances so that you can view the complete product line,” says Christine.
Examine the hardware
It’s wonderful to have a beautiful door, but if it’s attached poorly to a cabinet, in a few years time your cabinet will be falling apart. Take a good look at the hardware. Some of the hinges out there look like solid steel, but are only chrome covered die cast metal inside and don’t last.
Have a budget in mind
Have some idea of budget. This is very helpful to the designer because they can then design a kitchen that fits your budget and lifestyle.
Pick the right kitchen pro
Probably one of the most important decisions you make will be who you trust with your kitchen project. Look for quality products and designs that will last. A company that has been in business for many years is still around for a reason.
The company you are considering should have in-house designers. Ask if your designer will be following your project on site at your home at the start of each phase of your project to direct the trades and to ensure that your kitchen becomes a reality.
