How to Increase Storage Space in Your Small Bathroom
Even though your home's bathroom may be small and charming, lack of storage in this space can leave you surrounded by clutter. According to This Old House, a full bathroom must have at least 36 to 40 square feet, which is substantial enough for the necessities but does not leave room for much else. In a small space, the key to optimal functionality is in making the best of the space you do have. Check out these seven easy ways to increase storage space in your small bathroom.
Implement Under-Sink Storage
The space under the sink is reserved for the necessary plumbing, but there is still room for some small shelves. Select a vanity that houses the plumbing and gives you ample storage with cabinets and drawers for all those bathroom necessities.
Install Custom Cabinetry
Custom cabinetry is more common in the kitchen, but it works out just as well in the bathroom. If you have a small amount of space to work with, integrating custom cabinetry that is designed for your space can give you all kinds of new storage opportunities. Custom cabinets can have a shallow stance or be fitted into the depth of the wall to maximize space and storage.
Integrate a Built-In Shower Niche
A shower niche is a recessed section or integrated shelving unit inside the shower or tub where you can place everything from shampoo and soap to loofahs and sponges. Some tub and shower surrounds have these handy niches built right in, but the niche can just as easily be installed by a good contractor in the wall with a tiled surface. This built in solution saves the need for additional shower shelving or other storage for all your bathing necessities.
Install Shelving in Small Spaces
There are numerous spaces that are left empty in the bathroom that could potentially house extra shelving space. A few examples include:
- the narrow area between the sink or vanity and the wall
- the space between the toilet and the wall
- over the toilet
- between the shower or tub and other fixtures
These spots may not offer a lot of floor space, however, they offer vertical height, which means they can be ideal for slim line shelves.
Include Towel Holders and Hooks
Never disregard the importance of towel hooks and holders. These simple fixtures are easy to install and will prevent the space from being cluttered with towels. Installing a hook or towel holder behind the bathroom door is a simple solution to keeping your towels out of sight and off the sink. It also allows for the towels to dry quicker.
Upgrade Your Medicine Cabinet
The medicine cabinet offers a valuable bonus of extra storage space if it is the right model. Many homes only offer merely a mirror with no shelving behind it; a missed opportunity to create more storage space! Upgrading your medicine cabinet is a simple solution to keep your toothpaste, lotions, soaps and other personal items out of sight.
Redesign to Create Storage Space
Sometimes the bathroom’s functionality is the issue. A poorly design or awkward configuration could be preventing you from adding the storage you desperately need. Redesigning your entire space allows you to create a better configuration and more storage.
Points to Remember to Increase the Storage Space in Your Small Bathroom
- utilize the space available under the sink, even if it means installing a new vanity
- custom cabinetry can totally change how much storage you have
- shower niches help house all those bathing necessities
- make use of space from floor to ceiling with shelves
- never underestimate the importance of shower hooks and towel racks
- upgrade your medicine cabinet and take full advantage of this usable space
- Redesigning your bathroom’s current layout to create more storage options
A small bathroom can be a downside to your home, but with a little creative ingenuity, this space can be completely functional and . To find out more about a bathroom remodel, reach out to RWC for expert information and advice.
The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Door [Infographic]
Choosing The Right Interior Doors & Exterior Doors:
When you think of curb appeal, are you immediately envisioning lush landscaping, white picket fences, and perfect accent colors? If so, you're overlooking one of your home's most notable statement pieces: your front door. Functional and fashionable, your door has a lot of responsibilities. It welcomes visitors in, keeps strangers out, and carries an incredible amount of weight when it comes to the overall aesthetic of your home.
You didn't realize how important your door was before, did you?
Now that you know what a great door can do for you, allow us to unlock the mysteries behind choosing the right one.
Typical Types of Front Doors
- Panel Doors. Probably the most popular doors on today's homes. They feature smooth, framed sections, surrounding deeply embossed panels. They may feature a window insert (lite.) May be used as interior doors or exterior doors.
- Craftsman Style. Popular in New Jersey because they offer a combination of simple design with complex style. Older, more traditional-style doors are accented by intricate glass work on the sides and at the top, bringing and old-meets-new mentality.
- Contemporary. Modern doors designed with artistic output in mind. Contemporary doors are great for modern homes, and work particularly well with brick houses. They're usually inlaid with elaborate glass.
- Dutch. Designed with a horizontal divide, allowing you to open the top half and let fresh air into your home without opening the entire door
Different Designs for Your Home's Other Doors
- Flush. Solid doors with no decoration, usually used for the interior of homes. Can be painted, stained, or wallpapered.
- Design Tip: If you're not comfortable painting an entire wall with an accent color, start with your door.
- French. Often used for patios and decks or to introduce formal interior spaces, but can also be elaborate front door options. Come in pairs, meeting in the middle and swinging away from each other to open. Usually elaborate, featuring a frame that encases window panels.
- Design Tip: Don't skimp on the details. French doors go great with elaborate hardware that wouldn't work well for some other types of doors. These doors let you step out of your box and get a little exquisite when you're shopping for accessories!
- Barn. Quickly increasing in popularity, these doors are hung from a rod that allows them to slide from side to side. Often used for closets and bathrooms.
- Design Tip: Use reclaimed wood for a home that has a rustic feel and country appeal. This style can also be modern and chic with metal doors and wrought iron rods.
- Pocket. Great space-saving options for New Jersey's older homes that have unique challenges when it comes to style and design. These doors disappear into the wall, maximizing space in even the smallest of places.
- Design Tip: Figure out where you're most frustrated with space, then look online for homes with similar setups so you can see their pocket door solutions.
Main Door Materials
- Wood. Offers a seemingly endless supply of wood species, stains, colors, and finishes.
- Pros:
- Incredibly wide selection of customizable aesthetic options
- Dents, dings, and scratches can be easily repaired
- Cons:
- Often Expensive
- Absorbs moisture -- something to keep in mind in New Jersey
- Can fade or warp over time
- Requires regular upkeep and maintenance
- Pros:
- Metal
- Pros:
- Sturdy
- Low-maintenance
- Affordable
- Well-insulated
- Cons:
- Can be susceptible to rush
- Has the potential to dent easily
- Pros:
- Fiberglass
- Pros:
- Energy efficient
- Durable
- Super secure
- Wide variety of styles and finishes (Can even emulate the appearance of wood)
- Cons:
- Can be pricey
- Pros:
At RWC Windows, Doors & More, we know doors. After all, they're in our name! We've been helping New Jersey homeowners choose the right doors since 1959, and we love what we do. From shopping assistance to full-service installation, our team does it all. Take a look at our full line of front entry door replacement services today!
Window of Opportunity: How to Keep the Heat Out This Summer
After a day spent in the summer sun, there is nothing better than heading home where you can relax and keep cool. However, if you do not have air conditioning in your home, the interior of your abode can be anything but relaxing–it may feel more like an oven.
Even though you don't have AC, there is no reason for your house to feel the heat. The key to lowering the temperature inside of a house without air conditioning is to keep the hot air outside as much as possible. Here are a few things that can help you achieve just that.
4 Simple Ways to Keep the Heat Outside
Install Awnings
Awnings affixed to the outside of the house offer shade over some of the most vulnerable spots in your home, such as entry doors and windows. If your home has a lack of mature shade around it, the bright beaming sunlight hammering down on your home can definitely be a big problem when you just want to stay cooler. You can find awnings that are quick to install, such as retractable awnings that stretch over a patio, but you can also have small awnings installed over windows and more permanent awnings installed over porches and entry doors that allow in a lot of sunlight.
Seal Any Air Leaks
Air leaks can be a huge reason why you have a hard time keeping the heat outside of the house instead of spilling indoors. Air leaks can be a major problem around doors and windows especially, but you should also look for lack of proper sealant in places like:
- around the chimney
- around plumbing pipes leading in from outside
- around attic entryways
In most cases, you can eliminate these types of air leaks with a basic tube of caulking and a little time.
Close Blinds and Invest in New Window Coverings
Did you know that just the sunlight streaming through a window can boost the temperature inside by a dramatic amount? This is because windows that do not have UV-filtering capabilities allow the heat in, which then gets trapped inside the house. To prevent this problem, keep your blinds closed and even invest in new window coverings that block out the sun, such as room darkening drapes or curtain panels.
Consider New Windows
The primary purpose of old windows was to allow natural light into the house and there was little concern about also allowing more heat in. With advances in glass and window engineering, heat transfer through a pane of glass is not the same as it once was. Many windows have treated glass panels that reduce UV rays with low-E coatings, which is an invisible layer applied to the glass during construction. New windows are also far better insulated–often times completely preventing heat transfer through the sill or frame from the outside.
While you work to make your home a place where you can keep cool without air conditioning, remember:
- Providing shade outside of the house in the form of awnings or trees can make a huge difference.
- You can combat a huge amount of hot air with proper sealing techniques.
- The sun streaming through your windows plays a huge part in the indoor air temperature.
- Blinds and window treatments can help a lot, but can only do so much with outdated or poorly insulated windows.
Your home should be your oasis from the scorching summer heat, and sometimes, you have to work a little to make sure that is what you have–especially if you have no AC. For more tips or help with upgrades that can help you keep cool at home, contact us at RWC.
What Things to Expect During Your New Bathroom Remodel
This is part four of a four part series on remodeling your bathroom. Learn how long your bathroom renovation process will take here.
Once you've designed your new bathroom, found a reputable contractor and chosen the materials to use, you are ready to have your bathroom remodel start. While you may have a bathroom remodel schedule in place that outlines the project for the next month, you can expect that the plan is probably not going to run in a timely manner. You will probably have a few delays during the bathroom remodel process, and you should begin preparing for your bathroom renovation with the understanding that the time estimate you were provided is simply an estimate. Soon enough you are going to have a new bathroom that you love but it’s important to know what things to expect with your remodel.
Once Demolition Starts for Your Bathroom Remodel
Demolition for your bathroom remodel is going to be both noisy and messy. If you spend your days at home, you may find the noises a bit disturbing. If you are home watching a young baby, for example, you may need to use a white noise machine in their room to allow your baby to take naps during the remodel. You will also find that there is a lot of dust around your home as the demolition occurs. Wait to wipe down surfaces once the contractors are done with demolition, or you will find yourself cleaning constantly.
Changes May Need to Occur
Once demolition starts, your contractor may discover problems with your bathroom that they didn't know existed. This may mean that you have to spend money on sub floor or wall repairs, causing the need to change some of your design to stay within budget. You might have to find less expensive materials for your bathroom if there are significant problems uncovered by your contractor during the bathroom remodel. You may also find that you hate a particular element of your bathroom, and want to change it before the bathroom is finished.
You Won't Have Use of Your Bathroom
If the bathroom remodel is being done on the main bathroom in your home, you'll be inconvenienced during the remodel. If this is your only bathroom, your contractor will have to be creative about keeping the toilet installed so that you have something to use during the remodel process. You may have to find creative ways to bathe or shower for a few days, especially if your new bathroom design is elaborate and contains elements that will need to dry for several days.
Be Prepared for Problems During Your Bathroom Remodel
There will be changes to the schedule of your bathroom remodel, so don't be surprised. Try to remember that unexpected problems will occur, and it is generally no one's fault. Whether materials don't arrive in time, or you make changes to the design while the remodel is in progress, there are many reasons that your bathroom remodel may be delayed.
As you get ready for your new bathroom remodel, you can prepare your home to make the project less disruptive. Here are some bathroom renovation tips to keep in mind:
- Put away items that might get damaged from demolition dust.
- Plan to shower away from the home for several days or more.
- Use noise machines if you are home throughout the day.
- If you don't love something about your remodel, make changes before the project is finished.
- Try to go with the flow of a bumpy project schedule.
If you are ready to find bathroom remodelers for your home that you can trust, it's time to call RWC Windows, Doors & More at 973-227-7123. We will help upgrade your smaller bathroom or create the master bathroom you have always wanted.
How Long Does A Bathroom Renovation Take?
This is part three of a four part series on remodeling your bathroom. Learn how to budget for your bathroom remodel here.
How Long Does a Bathroom Renovation Take?
Figuring how long your bathroom renovation is going to take involves a number of things. If everything goes perfectly, the bathroom makeover should take 23 working days. This translates into 4 1/2 weeks if the contractor doesn't work on the weekends. The problem is, rarely does a bathroom renovation go this smoothly. There may be issues with the plumbing, an electrician may run late, or a problem could be discovered when the bathroom is stripped down to the studs. Keep scrolling to find out more about a typical bathroom renovation timeline and what can potentially cause delays!
After Demolition Starts
When demolition starts on your bathroom renovation, your project is just beginning. Your contractor will need to remove any old materials, strip down walls, and get rid of old flooring. Depending on the size of your bathroom, demolition can take several days. During the demolition process, your contractor may find issues with the sub-flooring that needs immediate bathroom floor renovation before the project can move forward. This is a time when delays are common. When old material is removed, problems that your bathroom remodeling contractor was not aware of are discovered. These instances will always alter your construction schedule.
Installing New Plumbing or Electricity
When you need electrical or plumbing work done in your bathroom renovation, this is generally done once demolition is complete. While the work itself doesn't take much time, trying to schedule an electrician and a plumber can add a few days to the bathroom remodel timeline. During busy seasons, you will want to schedule an electrician and a plumber as soon as you know when you'll need them.
Walls and Flooring are Installed Next
After the new plumbing has been put into place and the electrical work is done, your contractor is ready to begin sheet rocking the walls. This is a pretty fast step in the bathroom renovation process. Putting up drywall doesn't take much time, but then the seams will have to be fixed and smoothed. Once the walls are up, your contractor will then put in the flooring you have chosen. The walls will need to dry, and this can cause a few delays. In addition, if you choose ceramic tiles for your bathroom floor, this takes longer than vinyl or bamboo flooring because it will have to dry in between steps.
Installing the Sink and Toilet in Your New Bathroom
Once the floors and walls are all set in your new bathroom, it's time to install the sink, toilet and shower. The sink and the toilet installation should only take a few hours or more. If you have chosen a shower that needs to be tiled, this is going to lengthen your bathroom renovation time. If you simply chose a tub with a pre-made surround, this installation will be much faster. If you are concerned about time, talk with your contractor at this stage to see how much longer your project is going to take.
Finishing Your Bathroom Renovation
As your bathroom renovation becomes more complete, it will then be time to hang accessories, put in a faucet, and complete the detail work. You may want the walls painted a particular shade, or have designed the bathroom with a particular trim. Once the details are all taken care of, your bathroom renovation checklist will be finished.
As you consider your bathroom renovation timeline, take into consideration:
- Materials for your bathroom renovation may not be there on time
- You might change your mind on the design
- Your contractor may have a personal emergency
- You might have to change plans for budget reasons
A typical bathroom renovation should take about a month, possibly slightly longer with a few delays. At RWC Windows, Doors and More, we know that time is important to you. To discuss your large or small bathroom remodel in West Caldwell, NJ and the surrounding area, call us today at (973) 227-7123 to get an initial quote.
Bathroom Remodeling In NJ: How Much Should A Bathroom Remodeling Contractor Cost?
This is part two of a four part series on remodeling your bathroom. Learn how to plan your bathroom renovation here.
Your simple bathroom remodel can add value to your home, but it’s important to stay within a budget if you want to recoup your investment someday. In general, your master bathroom remodel cost should be between 5-10% of the total value of your home. If you spend more than that, it is unlikely that you will get your money back when you decide to sell your home. The cost of your project will vary greatly depending on a variety of factors. You can keep costs down by keeping your design simple, using materials that are less expensive, and using the same layout as before.
Controlling the Cost of Your Bathroom Remodel Starts with the Design
When you want to completely gut your bathroom, moving electrical work and plumbing, this will cost more money than if your design relies on a similar layout. Pay attention to your design, and look for ways to keep the plumbing where it is or the electrical work intact. While you may have to move one or the other, you can keep costs down by designing your bathroom in a way that uses the existing plumbing and wiring.
Choosing the Materials for Your Bathroom Remodel
Your bathroom remodel involves choosing materials that will look great together. If you are on a tight budget, you can keep costs down by going with less expensive materials to remodel your bathroom. You can also mix materials that are less expensive with products that are of better quality. If you love a particular counter top but it seems too expensive, a cheaper floor may allow you to purchase the counter you want.
If you are remodeling your master bathroom, keep in mind that this should be a bathroom design that you love. If you want to a more expensive material in your master bathroom, find ways to cut down on costs in other areas.
Keep Your Bathroom Layout Simple
If your bathroom remodeling contractors need to tear down your bathroom down to the studs, this is going to be a more expensive remodel than if you keep the layout similar to the current design. While you may need to change the layout, keep it simple to reduce costs. If you have some room in your budget, you’ll be able to play around with bathroom remodeling ideas and designs.
As you plan your bathroom remodel, keep in mind that you have some control over the cost of the entire project. While it’s hard to pinpoint an exact dollar amount for the remodel, the following factors will influence the total cost of the renovation:
- The scope of the project matters. Keep walls, plumbing, and electrical work in place to keep costs down.
- The materials you choose have a direct impact on your price.
- If the contractor finds a problem that needs to be addressed, the cost of your renovation will go up.
A bathroom renovation is a great project to improve the look and the value of your home. In order to make your renovation worth the cost, choose materials that go with the overall look of your home. You don’t want to use high-end materials in a modest home that has lower end materials throughout. In the reverse, you don’t want to use cheap materials in a luxury home.
When you are ready to start choosing materials for your bathroom remodeling in NJ, it’s time to call RWC Windows, Doors & More at 973-227-7123 to learn what your choices are. If you live in West Caldwell, New Jersey and the surrounding area, we are ready to meet with you to talk about plans for your bathroom remodel.
Planning Your Bathroom Remodel
This is part one of a four part series on remodeling your bathroom.
As you get ready to remodel your bathroom, success is all in the planning. This can be an exciting time as you envision the new bathroom that will become part of your home. You’ll have to think about your budget, and how you are going to pay for the kitchen remodel. You’ll then need to find a contractor in the area that has a solid reputation. Talk with your contractor about the bathroom remodel timeline, and discuss options to minimize disruptions to the daily life in your home. Planning also involves coming up with a new designing options for your bathroom, and deciding on the materials you want to use as your renovation project is done.
Determining Your Bathroom Remodel Budget
To properly plan your bathroom remodel, it’s important to come up with your budget first. A new bathroom can make your home sell much faster, and choosing the right budget makes a new bathroom a wise investment. Think about how you are going to pay for the bathroom remodel. The price will vary greatly depending on the materials you choose, the plumbing or electrical work involved, and the size of your bathroom. And the cheapest materials are not always the best.
Find a Reputable Contractor
Your bathroom remodel will require choosing a reputable contractor in the area. Talk with your friends and family members. Do your research online to find a contractor that you feel comfortable with. Look for reviews, and don’t be afraid to get several quotes before you commit to a contractor. While you may not go with the cheapest contractor, getting several quotes will give you a good idea about what you can expect to pay for your particular project.
Ask About the Remodel Timeline
There are numerous factors that will be considered when a timeline for your bathroom remodel is given. A good schedule to consider is 5 weeks for a complete remodel. The number of days can go up or down, depending on whether subcontractors show up as scheduled or if there has been problems with the renovation. While there are many problems that can go on with a renovation, most skilled contractors have a good idea how long a project is going to take. You can expect around a month, maybe longer for your bathroom remodel.
Designing Your New Bathroom
As you plan your new bathroom, you’ll want to consider materials that work well in the type of home that you have. If you are remodeling a bathroom in a luxury home, using cheap materials won’t increase the value of your home. Think about your renovation, and look for ways to incorporate design elements with the plumbing and electrical work that already exists. Even when a complete renovation is being done, you may be able to save a few dollars by using the existing plumbing, windows or electric.
Your bathroom remodel is going to be an exciting project. As you begin the planning process, you’ll have to think about:
- How much you can spend on the bathroom remodel to create a great looking space.
- Who you want to hire to complete your bathroom remodel.
- The materials you want to use in your bathroom design.
- The elements you want in your new bathroom and what you can afford.
RWC Windows, Door, & More is ready to meet with you to discuss your bathroom renovation options. Our professional staff at RWC will talk with you about what you want in a bathroom remodel, and help you come up with a design that you will love. If live in West Caldwell, NJ or the surrounding area, call us today at 973-227-7123 to begin making plans for your bathroom remodel.
Guide to Replacement Window Options [Infographic]
So you’ve decided it is time to spruce up your home with replacement windows. You have made a great decision for sure. Replacing the windows in your home can easily bring up its overall value to give you a 90 percent return on your investment. Plus, new windows can boost home efficiency and totally renew curb appeal. However, when you take a look at all of the choices you have before you where window options are concerned, you might feel a little overwhelmed with the process of choosing the right ones.
From varying panes to assorted shapes and styles, it can seem like your choices have no end. Take a look at this guide to replacement windows before you make your final decisions and you will feel much more prepared to find the right options for your home.
Casement and Awning Windows
- Windows crank outward either vertically or horizontally for ease of opening and closing.
- Casement windows work well in areas where windows are needed but there is not a lot of space for access, such as above the kitchen sink.
- Easy to clean thanks to the simplistic design.
- The windows offer a healthy amount of natural light and air flow when needed.
- Casement windows offer the convenience of being able to double as an emergency exit route if necessary.
Bow and Bay Windows
- Usually larger in stature for cosmetic appeal and ample natural light inside of the home.
- Windows are angled from 25 to 45 degrees for a bowed shape.
- Window setup most often consists of a fixed center window and two smaller windows on either side that open, but can have multiple frames in one setup with as many as five windows.
- Bowed window designs allow the inner shape to be used as a sitting area or shelf for added architectural appeal.
- Bowed shape protrudes from the exterior of the house to gather more natural breezes than traditional windows that sit flat against the home.
- Excellent feature for family rooms, formal living rooms, dining areas, and other larger spaces in the home.
- Windows can be casement in style or double-hung.
Double Hung Windows
- Considered to be one of the most traditional replacement window types and suitable for pretty much every room in the house.
- Double-hung windows are easy to keep clean with the ability to open both sashes inward from the frame to reach the outside glass.
- Windows have a long lifespan of about 20 years when maintained well and professionally installed.
- Work well in areas where the height is taller than the available width.
Sliding Windows
- Offer a slim, vertical appearance for a streamlined and modern appearance.
- Windows usually feature sturdy locks.
- Excellent choice in areas where only a small window is needed, such as in the bathroom for ventilation and natural light.
- Feature durable sashes that are reinforced with guides for easy sliding motion and offer the ability to tilt inward for cleaning.
- Sliding windows work well in areas where there is more width available than height, and come in an array of size options.
Custom-Shaped Windows
- Shaped in versatile styles to fit in out-of-the-ordinary shaped spaces in the home, such as above a door.
- These windows are fixed in style, which means they do not open.
- Great way to add cosmetic architectural interest in areas that need a little extra natural light.
When you get a little more familiar with the different types of windows available, it will make your task of finding the right ones for your home an easier feat. While many homeowners take the easiest route and choose the same basic window styles for all of the rooms in the house, most come up with a comprehensive list of different window styles that are suitable for specific areas. If you would like more guidance with choosing the right replacement windows for your New Jersey home, contact RWC for more information.
What to Expect During Your Kitchen Renovation
This is part four of a four part series on renovating your kitchen. Learn how to plan your kitchen renovation here.
Now that you have designed your new kitchen, hired a contractor and picked out all of your materials, it’s time to get your kitchen remodel started. Once your kitchen renovation is underway, it is unlikely to go completely as planned. The best advice to follow is to expect the unexpected, and try to roll with any changes that come along. As your kitchen remodel is going on, just remember that it will end and you’ll have the kitchen you have been dreaming of soon.
As Demolition Begins with Your Kitchen Renovation
When demolition starts, you may be surprised at the amount of noise this brings. If you work at home, you may need to find a place you can work far away from your kitchen. If you can’t be out of the house during demolition, try to minimize the impact of the noise by running a fan or white noise machine to block out some of the louder noises. You can also expect that there will be dust in your kitchen, and possibly throughout your home when demolition begins. While you can clean it up each night, you might want to wait until the demolition is complete to avoid frustration.
New Decisions May Need to Be Made
You may need to make changes to the overall design of your kitchen renovation for a number of reasons. As walls are demolished, you may discover a need to change the layout of your kitchen slightly. In addition, the project may start to go over your budget. If this occurs, you might have to make changes to the materials you have chosen for your kitchen remodel. You could also discover that you don’t like a certain aspect of your project, and decide to make changes at the last minute.
You’ll Have Nowhere to Cook
You won’t be able to cook in your kitchen during most of your kitchen remodel. This means that you’ll have to get creative about how you feed yourself and your family for the next month or so. You can try setting up a microwave in a different room in your house to heat up meals. If you can, it will also help to have a small freezer or refrigerator nearby to keep food fresh. If you have the ability, you can cook a bunch of meals ahead of time and freeze them so that you can microwave your meals as necessary.
Expect the Unexpected During Your Kitchen Remodel
Your kitchen renovation can take a wide variety of turns. The more you are able to cope with changes in the schedule, the easier it will be for you to handle your kitchen remodel. Materials can get delayed, problems can arise that weren’t expected, and you may want to make changes to the design once the kitchen renovation has already started.
It isn’t easy to feel displaced while your kitchen is being worked on, and good preparation is essential. As you get ready for your kitchen renovation to start, consider the following:
- pack away any valuables that could get ruined by the dust from your demolition
- prepare food ahead of time so you only have to reheat
- if noise bothers you, get a strong fan or white noise machine
- don’t be afraid to make changes to the design, even if it will delay the project
- know that delays will occur
- the project will end and you’ll have a kitchen that you love
When you are ready to for a kitchen remodel, it’s time to contact RWC Windows, Doors & More at 973-227-7123 and start planning the kitchen of your dreams.
How Long Will Your Kitchen Renovation Take?
This is part three of a four part series on renovating your kitchen. Learn how to plan your kitchen renovation here.
Once you have determined your budget and come up with a kitchen renovation design, you’ll need to start thinking about how long your kitchen renovation is going to take. There are many steps to a kitchen renovation, and delays can come up at any time. If your kitchen remodel is going to be extensive, you’ll have to consider demolition, moving electrical and plumbing work, installing new drywall and more. While a typical kitchen remodel might last up to six weeks, you can expect even longer if there are hidden delays that you come across.
When Demolition Begins
The demolition process means that your kitchen remodel is beginning. The process involves removing old cabinets, taking down walls, and getting rid of counters or appliances that are going to be replaced. Demolition can take a day or two, or even longer if the renovators come across problems when trying to take down materials that will soon be replaced.
New Electrical and Plumbing Work
If your kitchen remodel involves moving any electrical or plumbing work, this is the next step in the process. A plumber and electrician will be necessary, but the actual work shouldn’t take very long. Scheduling professionals to come in and do the work will probably take longer than the actual work itself.
Drywall and Flooring are the Next Step
Once any new electrical work or plumbing has been installed, it will be time to put up new drywall. Building walls usually doesn’t take long for those that are highly skilled, but the length of time this takes will vary depending on how many people are working on the job. The drywall gets cut and put up. The process then involves fixing seams and making sure the walls are all smooth. After the walls are created, the floor is installed. There can be delays at this stage, if there are problems with the drywall and seams not drying correctly.
In addition, if you decide that you want a new type of flooring after several pieces have been put down, you may need to wait until your new materials arrive.
Installing Cabinets in Your New Kitchen
Your kitchen will start to come together when you see your kitchen cabinets get installed. This can be a process that takes several days or more, especially if your cabinets are not already assembled in the factory. While there are still a number of steps to go, you can begin to see how your kitchen is going to look when your cabinets are put up. Once your cabinets are in, your countertops are ready to be installed on top of any new cabinets you have chosen.
The Finer Details of Your Kitchen Remodel
Once you have your walls, cabinets and countertops, the fixtures and backsplash can be put into place. Your appliances will be put in last, as there is nothing that will need to be done to your appliances except to have them properly plugged in. With your appliances in place, your kitchen remodel will be complete.
To better understand your kitchen remodel timeline, you’ll need to understand:
- You may change your mind on certain materials
- There may be delays in the arrival of materials
- Unexpected emergencies for your contractor may arise
- You may run out of money and need to make changes
While an average kitchen remodel should take about six weeks, you can expect that there will be some type of delay. At RWC Windows, Doors and More, our goal is to adhere to a schedule as much as possible. To learn more about renovating your kitchen in West Caldwell, NJ and the surrounding area, call us today at (973) 227-7123 to get an initial quote.