- Countertops:
- Flooring:
- Electrical:
- Kitchen remodeling and countertop receptacles
- Electrical considerations for a kitchen remodel
- Fishing electrical wires in an older home
- Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI)
- Painting:
Kitchen countertops (Figure 1) are almost always replaced in a kitchen remodeling project. Although in a limited number of cases they can be resurfaced, although resurfacing can be almost as expensive as replacement.
Figure 1 - Kitchen countertop materials
Kitchen countertops are available in a host of different materials, with prices ranging from $20 per lineal foot up to $250 per lineal foot. The style of edge chosen and whether or not you require an integral backsplash as part of the countertop can increase the cost. With countertops made of natural stone and the synthetic materials you will also pay additional sums for the holes for faucets and the kitchen sink.
A detailed list of kitchen countertop materials, their costs, edge styles and service considerations is available.
Some kitchen countertops, such as laminate and wood can be conveniently ordered and then installed by the homeowner. However, many of the materials such as concrete, and the natural stones require professional installation.
Wood floors can be refinished to the natural beauty of wood and in my opinion it is a crime to cover wood flooring with any other material.
Materials such as linoleum and vinyl flooring can age. In most cases the kitchen flooring is replaced, With the exception of wood which is refinished when a kitchen remodeling project is undertaken.
There are a variety of flooring materials that can be used when remodeling a kitchen. Most of the kitchen flooring materials that are available at the big box retailers can be installed by a competent home handyman.
Prices range from $1 a square foot for laminates and inexpensive ceramic tiles to $20 a square foot for granites and marbles.
We have a section on choosing kitchen flooring and we have numerous sections that compare different types of flooring materials, complete with square foot costs.
Remember that new finished flooring will not eliminate squeaky floors. Read the section "how to repair squeaky kitchen floors". Squeaky kitchen floors should be repaired prior to the installation of new kitchen flooring material.
Most older kitchens suffer from a shortage of electrical outlets above their countertops as well as a shortage of electrical circuits in the kitchen. When considering a kitchen remodel it is always wise to consider increasing the number of electrical outlets and circuits based on the current National Electrical Code requirements.
We have many sections that cover electrical considerations for a kitchen remodeling project:
While the task of running additional wires and circuits for your kitchen remodel can be a daunting task, it will update your kitchen and make it much safer and more chef friendly.
The use of "decorator" style electrical switches and receptacles can enhance the appearance of the kitchen. The use of lighting dimmer switches can save on energy bills and create a cozy ambience in the kitchen if it is also used as an eating area. However, dimmers, decorator switches and receptacles will add to the cost of the kitchen remodeling project.
It is impossible to put a cost against adding additional electrical outlets and circuits to your kitchen. There are far too many variables.
It goes without saying that the ceiling and walls of your new remodeled kitchen have to be painted. Use a high quality enamel paint that can withstand the rigors of cleaning grease, grime and the inevitable finger prints that will build-up over time. This is definitely an area where the homeowner can save money by doing the painting themselves.
If you are adding or replacing cabinets and/or floors at what stage in the kitchen remodeling project you paint can be a very important consideration to avoid damaging newly installed materials and fixtures.