Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Pittsburgh Kitchen Remodeling - How To Get Good Quotes

Pittsburgh kitchen remodeling companies all have one thing in common. They want your business. Most remodeling shops in Pittsburgh have websites where you can log in to learn about products and services. One helpful feature of many of the websites is a facility to request a quote.

If you want a quote, you can fill in a form by clicking on the appropriate squares. Questions will be asked about all the aspects of your kitchen remodeling job. The remodeling contractor will need to know what you want in order to make it happen.

Get a Quick Online Quote

The first thing you will be asked is what kind of project is being done. Some people want items installed or replaced in their kitchens, while others want items repaired. You might want an entire remodeling job.

The next thing to check off is just what items you want to have installed or to replace in your kitchen. Appliances may be important to you. Some of them are: a stove, a double oven, a dishwasher, a trash compactor, a refrigerator, and possibly a freezer. You may also want replacements or installation of sinks, garbage disposals or faucets.

Mark Kitchen Areas to be Remodeled

You will need to mark which areas of the kitchen need to be remodeled. Your ceiling, walls, windows, and doors may need attention. You might want a specific type of back splash installed to brighten up your kitchen and keep it easy to clean. All these items may be discussed in a comment box at the end of the kitchen remodeling estimator tool.

You will likely be asked what style of kitchen you want. There are many choices. You can have a modern kitchen or a rustic kitchen. You might want a French, Italian or a Southwest kitchen. You may like the modern gourmet kitchens that have become so popular, or you may simply want a traditional one. The style you choose will have a bearing on the cost of materials and the difficulty of installation.

Specify Budget and Target Construction Dates

The remodeling survey will get to the heart of the matter when it asks questions about your budget for doing your kitchen remodeling. Pittsburgh kitchen contractors offer services for those who want to redo a small kitchen or for those who want a complete makeover of a very large one. The size will also be a required field on the quote-maker.

Before the contractor company gives you a quote, you will be asked just how serious you are. You will be asked when you expect to be starting construction. You will be given time frames to choose, such as: within 3 months, within 6 months, or longer than 6 months. This will give the company information about how your work can fit into their schedule.

When you click the button and enter your information, you have will have started the process of getting your Pittsburgh kitchen remodeling quote. In a short time, you can expect to get a response detailing what you can expect in the way of prices for the remodeling project you have described. If you want to proceed, you simply notify the contractor company.

Ernest Jarquio is a successful Webmaster and publisher of The-Kitchen-Sink.com. He provides more resources on topics such as Vulcan kitchen equipment, copper kitchen sinks and kitchen track lighting that you can research on his website even while lounging in your living room.

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Monday, January 14, 2008

Tips for Decorating Small Kitchens

Having a small kitchen can be a nightmare. After all, the last place you want to feel cramped is in the kitchen. With very little counter space or cabinetry, cooking your favorite meals can become quite the chore.

Fortunately, there are several steps you can take with decorating small kitchens that will give you a little more space while also helping you feel less cramped in the kitchen. First, you might want to consider replacing some of your base cabinets with roll out cabinetry. With roll out cabinets you can more easily reach all of the items that you have to store way in the back.

You can also improve your cabinet space by installing taller wall cabinets. If you install cabinets that go all the way to the ceiling, you will have more space for storage. If you want to add interest, you can stair step the cabinets instead. This will still give you more storage space.

While you are at it, you might want to consider putting glass fronts on the cabinets. By allowing the eye to move beyond the front of the cabinets, you create the illusion that the kitchen is larger. You should also consider using lighting in creative ways when decorating small kitchens, as adding under-the-counter lighting will make your space appear larger.

If counter space is your problem, you can free up more room by installing under-the-cabinet appliances or under-the-counter appliances such as can openers, microwaves, toasters, and spice racks. Simply finding ways to decorate small kitchens by getting things off of your counter will give you more room to work and to enjoy your small kitchen.

To learn more about decorating your home while staying within your decorating budget, download a free copy of the ebook "Budget Home Decorating Tips". Download it free here: Budget Home Decorating Tips

Lynn Cressy has a love for decorating and shopping for home decor. She owns a home decor web site and writes articles on home decorating and organizing your home and your life.

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Sunday, January 13, 2008

Building Kitchen Cabinets Is A Do-It-Your-Selfer's Dream

Building kitchen cabinets is one of the do-it-your-selfer's dreams come true. If you know what you are doing, they can be easy to build and rewarding when you are finished. The large hardware stores have kitchen cabinets from kits that you just pop together and either nail or glue in place, sometimes both, before attaching them to the walls. Or you could start from scratch in building kitchen cabinets and draw your own plans, get the lumber, cut it, sand it, then nail the pieces together and then paint or stain it. It all depends on your comfort level and how skilled you are before you can be off doing it.

If you are not interested in building kitchen cabinets you might be interested in purchasing pre-built or designer cabinets. One such designer cabinet you might be interested in are Merillat cabinets, which began in 1946. Today, Merillat is a leader in kitchen cabinets. Featuring three distinct designs to choose from, totaling over 50 patterns and styles, there is the Merillat Essentials, Merillat Classics and Merillat Masterpiece. Each having their own price ranges and distinctive designs to fit into any kitchen, Merillat is part of the American tradition of kitchen cabinets.

Another type of kitchen cabinet that is a great alternative to building kitchen cabinets is the Kemper cabinet, which was founded in 1926 by brothers George E. and Paul W. and their friend, Ray L. Headington in Richmond, Indiana. In 1998, Kemper was purchased by MasterBrand, retaining the name Kemper, and is the second largest cabinet manufacturer in the United States. They offer a wide selection of cabinets, including oak kitchen cabinets, for everything from the bath to the kitchen to storage areas.

One last thing to keep in mind, especially if you are in the process of building a home and you need to consider building kitchen cabinets is purchasing cabinets wholesale. Wholesale refers to you, or whoever is building your home, buying the cabinets in bulk, directly from the factory and not a retailer. Generally, most factories will offer a discounted price for customers who buy in bulk. However, not many in the public can purchase kitchen cabinets wholesale because they are only buying a few cabinets at a time, for one job at a time, which would be their own house. Wholesale kitchen cabinets don't often carry do it your self kits for kitchen cabinets. You can read more free advice on discount kitchen cabinets at http://www.KitchenCabinetsGuides.com

Depending on your budget, kitchen cabinet organizers can be a great luxury to have in your kitchen. They help to separate all the can goods and cookware in to nice, neat little compartments so you know where to find everything you are looking for. Several are custom made and others come in a kit so you can be building kitchen cabinets with cabinet organizers in them.

Article by Betty Hope at http://www.KitchenCabinetsGuides.com For more great free information on everything you should know about discount kitchen cabinets visit => unfinished kitchen cabinets and painting kitchen cabinets

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Saturday, January 12, 2008

Kitchen Renovation - How a Simple Kitchen Counter Top Renovation Does Wonders to a Home

The fastest and most efficient way to make a kitchen look better is through a kitchen counter top renovation. Once you resurface the kitchen counter top, your kitchen will get a completely new appearance and it will make an otherwise dull space into a bright new area. Since the kitchen is the most used room in any house, the condition of it can set the general tone for the home. A nice looking kitchen can provide a conducive area for the family can ease tensions and also provide an adequate workspace.

Most of the old style counter tops are made from plywood together with a layer of Formica glued to the top. The toughest part of the renovation process is removing the surface veneer. It is a time consuming process and often leaves gouges in the underside of the wood. If you want an easier way out, you remove the old kitchen counter top and replace it with a brand new one. Counter tops are easily found and they come in wide array of styles, colors and shapes to suit most kitchens. You also can order a custom made top to suit any existing kitchen cabinets. However, do be prepared to fork you extra money for a customized counter top as they can be quite expensive.

If you are a DIY person, you can consider renovating your own kitchen counter top. It is quite easy to do and does not require much construction knowledge. The first step would be to draw a picture of the existing counter and write down all the measurements. The cabinets can be measured at the base as it is the same from top to bottom. Also, do take note as to how far over the cabinet the new counter top should flow.

Removal of Counter Top May Take Two

Once the new kitchen counter top arrives, remove all the drawers and empty all the contents from the cabinet to ensure that all your kitchen utensils and food cans underneath are not filled by dust and debris. Check the underside of the old counter top for screws or nails and remove them.

Once the old kitchen counter top is removed, clean the tops of the cabinets by scalping and sanding until there are no marks from the old top. Place the new counter top in place and secure it with screws or nails. While they may seem like a very easy process, you may face some problems once you start doing it especially when cleaning and sanding the top of the cabinet before setting the new top in place.

Find out more on Kitchen Renovation by visiting http://allhomeideas.info a popular website that specializes in offering free home improvement ideas, tips and advice.

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Friday, January 11, 2008

Choose Among The Best Kitchen Countertops

Kitchen counter tops are one of the most used items in your kitchen. Whether you are preparing the evening meal, storing appliances, or just enjoying that first cup of coffee in the morning, kitchen countertops serve many uses. Aside from multi-uses, kitchen countertops are an important aesthetic element of the kitchen. There are a plethora of styles, types, edges, and materials for countertops. Selecting the one that is right for you can prove to be a challenge. An excellent starting point is to research online as well visit home improvement stores to determine what style, cost, and material fit your budget.

Kitchen counter tops are available in a wide selection of materials and finishes. One of the most popular materials is Formica counter tops. These are easy to clean and maintain, not to mention easy to install and even easier on the wallet. With a wide selection of color, Formica counter tops are available to match nearly all color schemes that a kitchen may have.

Granite is Among The Best:

Granite counter tops are another popular type of kitchen counter top. Be prepared that granite counter tops cost significantly more than the Formica counter tops. Granite counter tops are more durable and even scratch resistant than Formica. Slabs of granite are used for the counter top. They are polished and generally available in a variety of edges, such as bull nose, blunt cut, or even knife edge. As you can see, granite countertops can offer more variety in the form of looks than compared to a Formica counter top.

A third option for a counter top is the tiled counter top. Similar to tiled floor, it is laid as individual tile and arranged in a number of patterns and color schemes. Installation of this type is more time consuming and difficult than the previously mentioned counter tops. Aside from installation, tiled counter tops can easily show dirt within the grout. It is important to seal the grout and tile after installation to help prevent the visibility of dirt and to allow for easier cleaning.

Various Types Of Options:

Laminate Countertops - Some good things about laminate countertops are you can install them yourself, they are inexpensive, they are low maintenance, and you can find them in all kinds of colors. On the other hand, you need to be careful with knives and hot pans because once a laminate countertop is damaged it is almost impossible to repair.

Ceramic Tile Countertops - These countertops can also be easily installed and they come in lots of colors and patterns, they are heat resistant, and easy to clean. But ceramic tile countertops can be a tough surface to chop on and they can crack or chip. Stone Countertops - These countertops are very durable, look great, and the granite ones also clean up quite easily. On the down side you must regularly seal and polish them so they look good, and if your stone countertop is made of marble you need to be extra careful because of staining.

Stainless Steel Countertops - Stains are not a problem and the counter can take high temperatures without damage. But you have to take some care when installing stainless steel because if they are not extremely well supported they can dent. They also are prone to showing scratches and nicks.

Butcher Block Countertops - They give your kitchen that warm feeling that only wood can give, your knives wont dull, and you can smooth out any scratches with sandpaper. On the other hand you must use vegetable oil regularly to treat the wood and keep it looking good. Also too much water exposure can stain and rot the counter.

Solid Surface Countertops - Lots of plus's here, you can find a ton of patterns and colors and some styles look like granite or other stone choices, it is very durable, easy to clean, and with this type of countertop you can easily install custom integrated sinks.

You can also find more info on Marble Granite Countertops and Clean Granite Tile. Kitchengranitecountertophelp.com is a comprehensive resource to know about Kitchen Granite Counter Top.

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Thursday, January 10, 2008

How To Make Your Small Kitchen More Efficient And Spacious Looking

A small kitchen need not be dull, drab and boxy. Even if there are building or budget restrictions, you can make your small kitchen not only more efficient but also make it look roomier. Here are a few tips to help you do that.

1. Have as many cabinets in the kitchen as possible. This way, the appliances or dishes which you use less often can be stored in them. Countertop will have more space.

2. Counter surfaces should be free of clutter. There is no need to put your toaster, coffeemaker and such things on the counter. A moveable industrial cart or pantry cupboard will take care of them.

3. Look for alternative storage space. Basement or space under the stairway can be used to store cookware and dishes which you rarely use.

4. Use of glass can be a way of visually expanding your kitchen. When you can see through the objects, it gives a sense of space. Think of glass door cabinets or glass kitchen doors.

5. More light in the kitchen really helps. Hanging pendant lights on your eating area and incandescent lighting under upper cabinets will work for your kitchen.

6. Unify the look of your kitchen like same color and style of cabinet pulls and fixtures.

7. If you can afford it, use granite countertop which is more affordable in small kitchen. Also since the space is small, you can afford tumbled marble flooring which looks beautiful. All this creates a wonderful first impression.

8. Make good use of colors to enhance the look of your kitchen. Pastels, light colors and whites, all reflect light and space look bigger. But that doesn't mean you have to restrict yourself to light shades. Bold colors are also effective. Use of blue, green and red can also be used to give a style statement. Colorful cabinetry looks cool.

9. Use your kitchen only for its main purpose i.e. cooking. Don't try to do all things like mail, schoolwork and laundry in a small kitchen. Focus on appliances and work areas used foe meal preparation.

10. Keep the kitchen surfaces religiously clean. A neat, clean and uncluttered kitchen looks not only bigger but also looks far better than a large but cluttered and untidy kitchen.

Daisy Simpson

To read more articles about home improvement especially bathroom and kitchen, please visit-

http://www.bathroomvanities.info/

http://www.kitchensuniverse.com/

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Wednesday, January 9, 2008

Living With a Stressful Kitchen Remodel

When you are remodeling your kitchen, you are facing a potential nightmare in the process. While you know that you will love the end result of this huge project, living with the disarray and mess can be a hassle. A kitchen is often the center of activity in the home and when you can't use it, you are left wondering how you will ever live through the remodel. Here are some ideas to help you live through the mess and see your remodel to the end.

Planning Ahead for Kitchen Remodel:

When you plan your kitchen remodel, you will have to make many decisions. What kind of tile will you use? You must pick out appliances and fixtures and you have to hire a contractor. The other very important thing you will plan ahead for is what you will do without a kitchen during the process. Most savvy homeowners going through the remodel process of a kitchen will tell you the best thing you can do is to set up a makeshift kitchen in another part of your house. Think about what you do in your kitchen and then think about where else these activities can take place. For example, can you place your refrigerator in your garage? This is often a good solution for many. If not, you might want to consider buying a small dorm-sized refrigerator and put in a bedroom or another room. Some homeowners will cook several meals they can place in a freezer and pop into the microwave to cut down on eating out. Can you place a microwave in an unused corner of your den? These are all considerations you will need to make during a kitchen remodel.

Trust your Contractor:

The next essential when it comes to remodeling your kitchen is to make sure you hire a contractor that is professional and one that you can work well with. It is important to remember that this person and his crew will be working inside your home for several weeks. You need to make sure that your family's safety and security are not at risk. Interview several contractors and once you hire one, set ground rules for what is and is not acceptable inside your home (such as no smoking). This will help make your life easier during a remodel.

A kitchen remodel may not be the easiest thing you can do in your home, but with adequate planning, you can soon have the kitchen of your dreams.

Concentrating on latest developments in paella recipes, the author pens mostly for http://www.alicante-spain.com - You can learn about his comments on recipe for paella at http://www.alicante-spain.com and other sources for recipe for paella knowledge.

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Tuesday, January 8, 2008

Tips for Low Cost Kitchen Renovations

When you consider renovations in your home, there are many factors to consider. Your budget is one of the most important considerations that you will make. Some rooms will cost more to renovate than others. In fact, your kitchen renovation will be a big expense. If you are moving walls, changing plumbing, installing new cabinets and getting new appliances, you are easily looking at thousands of dollars. However, the good news is that there are things that you can do to renovate your kitchen and save money at the same time. It is possible to remodel without breaking the bank.

Take a Look at What you Have:

When you start your kitchen remodel, then first thing you will want to do when you want or need to save a lot of money is to take a good look at what you already have. Make a list of what you can use again and what really needs to be replaced. For example, if you think you would like new kitchen cabinets, but you are afraid that you will not be able to afford what you want, then consider using your existing cabinets. You can update them with a fresh coat of paint or have them refinished. Add some new hardware and you will have a like-new look at a fraction of the price. The same goes for your appliances. You may have an almond colored refrigerator and long for a stainless steel look. Did you know that it might be possible to outfit your existing appliances with a stainless overlay? This will certainly breathe new life into your kitchen renovations without spending so much money. You can get information on this by searching the web or by visiting your local home improvement store.

Look For Discounts

The next thing you will want to do is to shop for discounts. If you need new flooring, then go where you can get it for less. Wholesale stores are the perfect place to begin. These stores often carry limited quantities of items, so if you shop there regularly, you are bound to find something you love. Also, check with places such as Home Depot and Lowe's for their specials. You may even think about applying for a store credit card when they offer a zero percent interest financing deal. If you are spending a lot of money on your project, you may very well save a lot of money by doing this.

Do it Yourself and Save Of course, another way to save a bundle on any home improvement project is to get into the do it yourself craze. Think about the projects that need to be completed. What can you do without hiring a professional? The answer might surprise you. Many renovations projects are not as difficult as they seem. You only need some information and the right tools and equipment. You can learn techniques online or by taking a couple of courses. When you cut out the middle man and do the work yourself, you will see that you will save hundreds, if not thousands of dollars.

John Bakers wrote especially for http://www.kitchen-cabinets-tips.com, a website with topics around refacing, furniture and various other ideas. You can discover his publications on new kitchens at many different sources for new kitchens information.

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Monday, January 7, 2008

Kitchen Counters - Update Countertops for Resale Value

Often the counter doesn't have to be replaced to look wonderful. If your counter isn't damaged or worn out, perhaps it just needs a good cleaning and some d?r to update it for show time. Consider the look you have and the look you want, perhaps you can combine the two and update simply with edges, or a background of wallpaper boarder?

Hiring a carpenter to replace your counter can cost as much as $200.00 per running foot or more depending on the materials. If you opt to re-edge your counter, the neighborhood handyman may do it for a few pennies on the dollar in comparison. Consider purchasing a miter saw and doing it yourself if you're handy with wood.

A glue gun will reattach torn off pieces of Formica. Sand paper works a miracle on corning counter tops. A little bleach on a cloth will take out most stains. Consider adding a built in chopping block beside the stove where your mother-in-law burned a hole in the counter.

Backing the counter with a nice vinyl wallpaper boarder offers multiple options for the background look of your counter. Install a metal or cork surround if the price is right. Consider painting the area and using a sponged overlay of waterproof glaze to finish the back wash off with color. Stenciling can be finished off with a clear coat of waterproof paint.

For show, display matching canisters and a large platter with a few ornamental dishes. The appearance of your kitchen during show time should resemble a cozy corner for tea. Perhaps a tea kettle on the stove and a kitchen table set for tea with a three tier tray of cookies?

This is a room where your buyer will be spending a great deal of time, make it appear comfortable and inviting. Don't hesitate to add a throw pillow to the window seat, or light a candle on the counter, if that's how you would live, your buyer might want to live that way too.

If you'll soon be listing your home for sale, you'll want a copy of our FREE Pre-Sale Prep & Stage for More Money Report. Come by http://designhome4sale.com and receive your FREE subscription to Design Home 4 Sale.

? 2008 - Design Home

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Saturday, January 5, 2008

Finding a Company for Kitchen Remodeling

If you are planning to renovate your kitchen then you may well want to find a professional to remodel your kitchen for you. Professionals will be able to renovate your kitchen fairly easily and quickly. The best part about hiring a professional is that you don't need to put lots of effort into the renovation of your kitchen. Saying that however it can be quite difficult to track down, hire and oversee the contractors working on your project. There is actually quite a lot involved with finding and organizing strangers to come into your house and create your kitchen. However it is easier if you prepare in advance.

Tracing down a Kitchen Remodeling Service

Normally the most difficult part of remodeling your kitchen is simply finding someone to do the project for you. You have to find a professional that you can trust because they will be doing renovations in your own home. You need to have a lot of confidence in this person as you need them to complete the project satisfactorily.

One of the best ways to find a kitchen remodeling company is to ask people that you know whether or not they have experiences with any professionals. If you can get a personal recommendation it is much more useful than seeing any advert in a newspaper. If nobody is willing to suggest a service then you can try searching on the internet.

There are a lot of contractor associations on the internet which list contractors who are members of their organization. You should make sure that any contractor you work with ahs a number of years experience. It's also worthwhile to ask for a list of references and check some of them out. If he is reluctant to give you references then be very cautious.

Setting Ground Rules

When you have managed to track down the professional that you want to do the work, then you should discuss the project with your contractor before the work starts. You should be sure to discuss rules including when the company will be able to do the work, which days you would like them to work, and how to enter your home. Remember they can't guess what they should do.

Although you are not doing the work yourself, you do have to let the company know exactly what you are expecting in order to get the work finished on time. You should keep your pets out of the way, and stop your children bothering them! You should also make alternative arrangements as to where you are going to cook while your kitchen is out of action.

You can make arrangements to cook by moving your microwave and fridge into another room of your house. This allows you to continue cooking almost as normal. You should also plan to eat some meals out, perhaps even going away for a short weekend break.

All kitchen renovation projects will be very messy and an upheaval. Make sure you have plans in place to deal with this inconvenience.

Being very excited about furniture, Kurt Schefken is publishing quite a few news on this specific subject. Through his writings like http://www.kitchen-cabinets-tips.com/faucets.html ,the columnist improved his capability on issues corresponding to best kitchen faucets and countertop.

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Friday, January 4, 2008

5 Ways to Save Money on Your Kitchen Cabinets

When I first started looking at kitchen cabinets I was amazed at how expensive these things really were. Even the cheap cabinets cost more than I expected. After I realized that the cheap cabinets were not much more than particle board, I decided it was either spend a lot of money or I needed to find some other options. The answer was not at your local super mega store, it was online. Here are 5 quick suggestions I put together after searching long and hard for new cabinets for my kitchen.

1. Go online and look for kitchen cabinets. You can find the same cabinets you're your local store is offering, plus some custom manufacturers, RTA distributors, and you will able to get competitive prices. You will find that most of the cabinets are still expensive, but if you look for RTA cabinets, you are sure to find some good buys. If you don't know what an RTA cabinet is, it stands for Ready to Assemble. There is no need to worry, the ready to assemble literally means you will need a screw driver and that's it. All of the cabinets I bought came with one page of directions and I used my cordless drill, but it was not necessary, it was only to speed up the assembly.

2. Be careful what sites you're going to online. Do some research before deciding to buy from one site versus the other. Many of the on-line sites are just retail stores buying from someone else. If you can, try to find the company that is importing the cabinets. There are a lot of cabinet sites out there, and some will try to confuse you by changing the name of the cabinet so that they can sell it as a higher end cabinet. Some will offer "free shipping". Don't believe it, it will be free shipping, but they will mark up the cabinets enough to make up for their shipping costs.

3. Trust the quality of these cabinets. The good RTA sites import their cabinets from reliable sources that use all hardwood construction for the face frames and door, and they will use solid plywood for the sides. Most store cabinets consist of some part particleboard.

4. Compare what you would spend at a super store; add in the inconvenience of driving to the store, and the price of gas. Now compare that to the convenience of having the cabinets delivered to your door. Yes there are shipping costs, but even after those costs, I still saved hundreds on the cabinets.

5. Look at the options you have. When buying from a store, you will quickly find out that they carry very few of the cabinets. All others have to be "special ordered". With this special order comes a mark up for shipping and usually other charges as well. On the other hand, if you can find the RTA Cabinet sites that are importing their cabinets directly, they will carry all of the cabinets in stock. The importers can usually ship your cabinets in 3-5 days, not including transit times, so if you find a site that tells you 3-4 weeks they are probably just re-selling the cabinets.

So go online and look up an RTA kitchen cabinet site. Be careful of the mark ups on some of these sites and don't be afraid to ask questions. Prices vary and some costs are hidden, but in the end you will save a good amount of money.

I have been able to save thousands of dollars on discount kitchen cabinets by buying RTA cabinets. If you are interested in finding out my secrets, go to my Kitchen Cabinets article at Hubpages

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Thursday, January 3, 2008

A Look At The Cost of Remodeling Your Kitchen

Remodeling any part of your home can be difficult and expensive. This especially applies to your kitchen. In fact, many professionals will tell you that remodeling a kitchen will end up costing you more than updating any other part of your home. For this reason, many homeowners that want to update the kitchen will do everything they can to save money. While this is a good idea, it is very important to remember that cost alone should not be the deciding factor when remodeling your kitchen.

Take a Look at the Whole Picture:

As you begin planning your kitchen renovation, you will have many considerations to make. Of course, cost is the first factor. Before hiring anyone to do any work for you or buying any materials, you will need to decide on your budget. But first, take a look at your kitchen and decide exactly what needs to be done during this project. Are you looking for more room for day-to-day activities? Do you need more counter space or more storage? Are you looking for more of an update such as new appliances and flooring? Perhaps you need it all. This will help you shape your budget before you begin.

The Cost of Kitchen Remodels:

While it is hard to say how much you will spend on your kitchen remodel, you can easily figure that it cost you more than most other rooms in your home. If you are getting new appliances, then you can tack on at least another $3000 to your cost. If you need new counters, then this will cost, as well. What you should remember is that all of these will cost you a different amount depending on the materials that you choose. Marble countertops will certainly cost you more than laminate. Stainless steel appliances will cost you more than those that are not. You can see where you money will end up going once you begin your project.

It is important also to remember that if you are hiring a professional to complete the work for you, it is highly unlikely that they can give you an exact price on your kitchen remodel. They may run into problems that need to be corrected and this will add to your cost. This could be anything from plumbing to electrical problems. Stay flexible and remember how wonderful your new kitchen will look once it is complete.

Focusing recent findings in paella ingredients, he is writing primarily for http://www.alicante-spain.com . You can come across his observations on paella recipe at http://www.alicante-spain.com

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Tuesday, January 1, 2008

How To Organize Your Kitchen - The 3 Tips That Work

A kitchen should make it easy to prepare meals and make cooking enjoyable, not someplace you have to labor in just to complete minor tasks. Most people's kitchens could use a little reorganization to make them run a little smoother. Using some proper organization and planning will produce a kitchen that is the efficient work space you need it to be. These three powerful tips will help you make your kitchen into a fun place to cook and get rid of all your unnecessary clutter.

  • Purge. Start be removing anything you do not use on at least a daily basis from on top of your counters. Congested counter space can be one of the hardest things to deal with in a kitchen, especially if you have a smaller one. Also go through all you cabinets and refrigerator, and removing anything that is expired, unused or damaged. Do not be afraid to through away or donate items, how many spatulas does one person need anyways.

  • Ergonomics. After have removed all unnecessary junk from the kitchen, its time to do a little planning. Where things are kept in a kitchen can make all the difference between one that works, and one that is a pain in the rear. If it is not easy to get to the supplies and tools you need, even the most modern, up to date and fully stocked kitchen will be hard to work in. A small, but properly arranged space can be very easy to cook in. Put like items near each other using common sense. It also makes sense to put your most use plates in the cupboard by the dishwasher or sink, for instance. Utensils drawers should be near the stove to make most sense, and bake wear should be kept together, as close to the oven as possible.

  • Organization. Do not be afraid to use labels to help you remember where everything goes, even though it is your kitchen. When you do not have to think about where something is, or try to find it a new home after every shopping trip, you will save untold amounts of time. This will also make it easier to produce your shopping lists, as you can visually see rather quickly what items you will need to pick up at the grocery.

A well organized kitchen is a blessing to use and makes cooking fun. If you find that your space just is not that easy to work in, you may need a little reorganizing. The three quick tips will make sure you turn your kitchen into a great place to cook and bake.

Home organization methods that really work.
Do you feel like just setting fire to your messy house? It does not have to be that way.
Declutter Fast will teach you:
How To DeClutter in One Day
The Painless Four-Pass Method of Decluttering
Emergency Decluttering - When Clutter Must VANISH Now!

Declutter your home the easiest way possible - experience the exhilaration of order in your life!

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