Kitchens

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.

As you get excited about renovating your kitchen, it’s time to start planning. From your budget to the design of your new kitchen, the better you are able to plan for your kitchen renovation, the smoother the process will go. This is a fun time for you to gather ideas, and to think about aspects of kitchen design that you love best. Once you determine what your budget is for the project, you can begin making designs on the type of materials you can use to make your old kitchen into your dream kitchen.

Determining Your Renovation Budget

A basic rule for determining the budget on your kitchen renovation is to first consider the overall value of your home. A reasonable price to pay for a renovation is anywhere from 5-15% of the total value of your home. You’ll want to think about if you are renovating for your own enjoyment, or you are renovating in an attempt to make your home more valuable to potential buyers. If your home is high end, you may lose value if you do your renovation using cheap materials. On the other hand, if your home is in a working class neighborhood and you install granite countertops and expensive appliances, you may not get your money back either.

Find a Contractor in Your Area

If you’ve never worked with a contractor, it’s time to start asking for recommendations from friends and family members. While there may be many contractors available, this is a job where reputation matters. The work you have done on your home will need to be done well, and you will want to work with a contractor you can trust who will get the job done right the first time. Once you begin to get recommendations, you’ll want to do research. Check the Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints have been filed and consider sites that offer reviews of local businesses to see what people are saying such as Houzz or Facebook.

Talk With Your Contractor About the Renovation Timeline

A poorly adhered to timeline can turn a great kitchen renovation into a nightmare. Talk with your contractor about realistic timelines, and ask what you can do to make the process go more smoothly. While you should expect some delays, a good contractor should be able to keep the project on schedule for the most part. If you are doing a complete overhaul of your kitchen, you won’t be able to use the space until the renovation is done. This makes it even more important to talk about the timeline with your contractor and set realistic goals for the entire project.

Your Design Concept for Your New Kitchen

You don’t have to be a kitchen designer to know what you love about a newly designed kitchen. You can talk with your contractor, or meet with a kitchen designer to come up with a blueprint that will work for you and your home. This is where budget can play a significant factor and you may have to make decisions as to what you want to cut from the project and what you can’t live without. Take the time to look at color schemes, appliances, countertops and more to decide what you want in your final kitchen design.

To get ready for your kitchen renovation:

• set a realistic budget
• do your research to find a contractor
• decide on your design ideas

To learn more about options for renovating your kitchen today, contact RWC at 973-227-7123 and talk with one of our kitchen renovation professionals. Together we will discuss your ideas and determine a plan for renovating your kitchen.

From preparing meals to cleaning up the dishes, the kitchen is one room in the home where earth-friendly ideas sometimes get disregarded. If you are planning to reduce your household’s carbon footprint and be kinder to the environment, the kitchen is one of the greatest places to start making some changes. Sure, there are simple things you can do to reduce waste and make better choices, but there are some pretty simple steps to making your kitchen as green as it possibly can be where construction and setup is concerned as well. Check out these tips to going green in your kitchen.

1. Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Appliances

How long has it been since you upgraded the dishwasher, refrigerator, oven, or stovetop in your kitchen? If those appliances have been hanging around for a while, it could very well be time for a change. Outdated appliances are pretty notorious for being huge energy consumers. Plus, dated dishwashers use far more water than modern ones during the average wash cycle. There are some tips to being more conservative with the appliances you already have, but upgrading is bound to make more of a difference. Take a look at some of the more modern appliances that have features like:

• convection heating in ovens
• reflective stovetop burners
• impressive Energy Star ratings
• load-size options with dishwashers

2. Go for Recycled Materials

When you are considering implementing a few new features during the kitchen renovation, there is nothing saying you have to go with items that are completely new–only new to you. In fact, many of the kitchen staples necessary during construction or remodel are available created from recycled materials. You can find counter tops that are manufactured from recycled glass and ceramics, flooring that is fabricated from recycled plastics, and even cabinetry that is solely built from recycled wood or even metal.

3. Opt for Low VOC Paints and Finishes

Even choosing paint and varnish colors for your upgraded kitchen should be affected if you are trying to keep things green. Some paints and varnishes are specially formulated to be easier on the environment and healthier for use inside of the house. Low Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) paint and varnish is a good example. Many low-quality paints and varnishes you would normally reach for during a kitchen remodel give off toxic chemicals and carcinogens that are bad for you and the environment. Steer clear of these and instead opt for low-VOC versions that are much safer and a much more earth-friendly choice.

4. Choose Energy-Efficient Flooring

Making your kitchen greener can also mean you pay closer attention to what material is beneath your feet. Believe it or not, the type of flooring you have in your kitchen can make a difference in how well the space contains heated and cooled air. While carpet is a logical choice in the rest of the home because it is a natural insulator, carpet is not a logical addition during a kitchen remodel. Just the same, there are options that are considered energy-efficient. For example, some engineered wood flooring materials have an insulation backing.

In Conclusion

The kitchen is the perfect place to start implementing green ideas into your home and the process of doing so can be simplified into four easy steps:

• Make sure your appliances are energy-efficient.
• Implement recycled materials where you can.
• Stick with low-VOC paints and varnishes.
• Upgrade to energy-efficient flooring.

When you start focusing on greener living, customizing your home to coincide is an excellent option. Here at RWC in New Jersey, our professional staff wants to help you make those changes. Contact us for more information about how you can make your kitchen green in construction and design.

For many families, the kitchen is the most used room in the house. For this reason, it’s also one the most renovated rooms in a home.  Whether you prepare three daily organized meals or the family eats separately according to individual busy schedules, it’s important to have a kitchen that’s functional for your family. Choosing to renovate your kitchen can be for practical reasons, or it can serve as an update to your current floorplan and finishes.  Either way, these renovations add value to your home in the long run.  Planning to remodel your kitchen may seem like a daunting task, but at RWC we take the stress out of home improvement by following these 4 steps.

Step 1: Initial Design Consultation

First, our staff will schedule a time to meet at your home.  Our staff will discuss your intentions for this renovation and your budget.  During this appointment, our home professionals will go through your kitchen wish list.  Be prepared ahead of time by deciding what you want in your remodel; specifically what is important and what your needs are versus your wants. To help distinguish wants from needs, our staff will discuss a basic budget and what you are comfortable spending for your renovation.  Providing this information early on will help our design team put together the most comprehensive plan for your kitchen. Our designers will be cautious not to “over design”  your space, which simply means making the kitchen feel too busy and lack practicality.  Based on your design thoughts, we’ll talk about what you can expect during the construction phase. Our staff will also take measurements and pictures to look at any structural, electrical or plumbing issues that may impact the design.

Step 2: Design Presentation & Draft Proposal

After the initial design consultation is finished you’ll meet at our West Caldwell showroom to select the products and finishes. This is your opportunity to bring your vision to life! Compare sinks, faucets, tiles, countertops, cabinet finishes and more.  Since we have samples in-house, seeing your design options together before you buy is a huge advantage.  Don’t be afraid to bring photos of what you are looking for; our designer will be able to guide you based on your style and budget.  Our design team will show you various finishes and materials at your price point. After seeing your options, you’ll have the final say in choosing your cabinets, countertops, backsplash, flooring and fixtures during this step.

Step 3: Project Proposal with 3-D Drawing

After determining the budget and features you want your new kitchen to have, it’s time to develop a design. We’ll produce a 3-Dimensional color drawing and a written proposal that puts your ideas on paper so you have a description and vision of what you want built.  If you don’t love your 3-Dimensional rendering, don’t panic! This meeting is the opportunity to explore additional options for your renovation and make revisions to the current plan.  Customizing your kitchen to your style and needs is what makes it uniquely yours! Once the 3D drawing and written proposal is finalized, construction can begin.

Step 4: Construction Begins

It’s time to put the plans into action! Prior to construction, your materials will be ordered and you’ll meet our Lead Carpenter and Designer. During the construction process your Designer and Lead Carpenter will be your main contacts.  Communication is vital to an extraordinary experience!  If at any time, you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact us.

Conclusion

If you aren’t sure how to start a kitchen renovation project around West Caldwell, NJ, contact us at RWC. We’ll be happy to schedule a meeting to discuss your project and help you through the steps toward having a kitchen you love.

A good storage system is probably more essential in the kitchen than anywhere else in the home. Here, clutter not only takes up valuable working space, but makes good sanitation all but impossible. Try these 6 solutions to solve this problem in ways that are both tidy and functional:

Add More Cabinets and Pantry Space

This is the most basic solution, but it is also the most essential. In order to get rid of clutter, you need somewhere to put it. It’s not unusual to find that you need to add an entire extra wall of cabinets to even have the basic amount of storage you need, especially in older homes.  Along with those, add some extra pantries. These are basically closets for your kitchen. Use them for items you don’t want to have to reach up for. They’re great for everything from big pans to awkward bottles of cleaning solution.

In-Cabinet Organization Systems

These systems allow you to get the full use out of your kitchen cabinets. If you have cabinets but find that you’d rather leave things on the counter instead, you need these! They eliminate the problem of things getting lost after you’ve put them away. You’ll be far more comfortable with taking things off the counter when you know you’ll be able to get them back without a hassle.

Some of the most popular storage systems for cabinets include wine racks and cup hangers. Cup hangers let you hang your mugs and teacups by their handles so you see them all at a glance. Add pull-out shelves to keep your spices and other small items organized too.

Cabinet Accessories

The built-in aspects of in-cabinet storage systems are only part of the equation. Be sure to fill these out with accessories that make it easy to keep everything organized and safe from damage. For example, if you store sets of dinnerware, you should be sure to add plate separators to keep the plates from being damaged by bumping into each other. Cups should also have separators placed between them if stacked.

Drawers

The basic construction of a drawer is simple, but that doesn’t mean that it can’t be improved upon. Have your new drawers built so that they tilt downward slightly when slid out. This will make it easy to see and reach the things in the back.

If you like to use drawers for storing small items, use inserts that provide a number of separate compartments. This makes it easy to arrange things by item type, but that’s just one of the benefits. Compartmentalizing your drawers also keeps the smallest items from sliding under larger ones and getting lost.

Pot Racks

Despite the name, these aren’t really “racks” in the strictest sense. Instead, they allow for pots and pans to be hung from their hooks. Typically, a modern pot rack is hung from the ceiling instead of being mounted on a wall. They come in a huge variety of designs and finishes.

Towel Rods

Many kitchens lack these simple, but essential, items. People tend to associate towel holders with bathrooms, so when it comes time to design a kitchen, they simply forget about them. In reality, kitchen towels are used very frequently, and they need a good place to dry if they are to remain free of mold and mildew. The one caveat is to avoid the common practice of hiding a towel holder in the under-sink cabinet. Hang the towel out in the open so it dries fast enough to stay fresh.

These are just some of the elements you need in order to create a well-organized kitchen. Talk to us here at RWC in New Jersey to get a full design, quality kitchen remodeling services, and more.

There’s no need to work in a hot restaurant all day to have a kitchen worthy of a chef. Instead, we can build you a kitchen that has all of the necessary features – without the stress and rush of a busy commercial environment. Here are some of the features you should include in the design to set it apart from a regular home cooking area:

A Marble-Topped Kitchen Island

Marble is a pastry chef’s favorite. It stays cool for long periods of time, which is essential for getting pastry dough to be thin and flaky. The cool temperatures of the marble keeps the butter or shortening in the dough from quickly melting into a gooey mass. Pastry chefs also use marble rolling pins to maximize the effect.

A Stainless Steel Food Prep Area

Chefs in large kitchens don’t fuss around with tiny cutting boards. Instead, at least part of the counter space is finished in stainless steel. This type of countertop does not stain and can be sanitized.  In order to be properly sanitized, a surface must be non-porous. It also needs to stand up to scrubbing. Since stainless steel has both of these properties, it can be safely used for a variety of cutting tasks – including chopping raw meat.

Commercial kitchens typically have work surfaces in 100 percent stainless steel. However, if you want your kitchen to look a bit less industrial, granite is a great solution for areas that won’t be in direct contact with food.

Multiple Stoves

It’s all but impossible to get all of the elements of a dinner to finish cooking at the same time without burning if you only have one oven. That’s because different dishes cook at different temperatures. The proper chef’s solution? Multiple ovens. Two or three will allow you to cook everything at the right temperature simultaneously.

Ranges and Grills

Professional chef ranges are typically installed separately from ovens. This gives the chef more cooking space and keeps him or her from having to stand in the way of the oven door. Commercial kitchens also typically have huge, permanent flat grilling panels so that chefs don’t have to try to make do with tiny griddles. If you fry up large quantities of foods like eggs, consider adding one of these grills to your own kitchen.

An Upgraded Refrigerator

The standard refrigerator has a huge general cooling area, but only includes a relatively tiny freezer and crisper. Chefs, however, often deal with more greens than the average person. They may also keep a larger stock of frozen ingredients. Get a refrigerator unit that suits your personal cooking style. Popular variations include models with equal size freezer and refrigerator zones, units with extra crisper drawers, and more. You can also get a separate refrigerator and freezer and forgo the combo-unit concept entirely.

Professional-Grade Sinks

Those who do plenty of cooking and baking know that a single-sink system is nowhere near efficient enough for serious washing. Getting a large double stainless steel sink would alleviate the washing issue and give plenty of room for dishes and scrubbing. However, there shouldn’t be a need for the standard commercial triple-compartment sink.  Since one of those compartments is for restaurant-style sanitization, few people who cook at home need to chemically sanitize their pots and pans.

These are just some of the differences between a professional chef’s kitchen and a standard household one. Deciding which elements will be best for you depends on your cooking style as well as the quantities of food you’ll be cooking. Talk to one of our designers here at RWC in West Caldwell, NJ to get some specific ideas to incorporate into your kitchen renovation project.

Thanksgiving is likely more well-known for huge quantities of home cooking than any other holiday. This holiday involves an average of 12 guests, all of whom will be waiting for your homemade food.

Because of this, you have surely put plenty of thought into what to buy, when to cook it, and just when to serve it. Still, there’s one big thing that you may have overlooked:

The Kitchen

This is the hub of Thanksgiving Day cooking action, yet you likely don’t give it a second thought until it’s time to actually start preparing the feast. After all, you see this room every day, and it is likely fine for the needs of two, three, or four people. It’s only when you need to cook for more that problems become obvious. Here are some of the elements that are worth paying special attention to:

The Refrigerator

Keeping the turkey fresh before and after the holiday is very challenging if your refrigerator isn’t big enough. Taking a shelf out can provide the headroom a whole turkey needs, but if the fridge isn’t wide enough, there’s nothing you can do to expand it. Therefore, you should seriously think of getting a bigger unit if the current one is too narrow.

The Oven

Most of the year, you likely only bake one or two things at a time. However, Thanksgiving often involves baking, roasting, or heating several dishes at once. The easiest way to deal with this challenge is to put in a double oven. Then, there’ll be no trouble baking some things at 400F and keeping other things warm at 250F.

Warming Trays

If you’re hesitant to add a double oven, get some warming trays instead. These can keep already-cooked food warm until everything else is ready to go. Once the holiday is over, they can be stored away until the next big event.

Cooling Stations

Heat may be the star of the kitchen, but some foods are far better off kept cold. Your salads, fruit cocktails, and drinks will stay at the perfect temperature if you add a cooling station to your kitchen. This will save you from having to try to juggle things in and out of the main refrigerator.

A Good Pot Rack

Have you ever experienced the frustration of having a stack of big pots fall over because you had to get one from the middle of the pile? Get a new pot rack to hang each one separately and ensure that this holiday goes smoothly. A stainless steel one will look impressive as well as organized.

New Cabinets

During most of the year, it may not be a big deal if the cabinet doors aren’t absolutely perfect. However, plenty of guests will see them during holidays. Have your cabinets spruced up or replaced if they aren’t in tip-top shape.

A New Floor

The principle is the same as for the cabinets. If you’ve been thinking that your kitchen floor doesn’t look too great anymore, now is the time to fix that by having new tile installed. Not only will your guests enjoy the new look, you’ll get to enjoy it yourself for a long time to come.

A Big Dishwasher

Once the celebration is over, you’ll be left with heaps of dishes to clean. Make this job as easy as possible by having a new, large dishwasher put in. The latest models will make short work of the stacks.

Here at RWC, we specialize in upgrading and remodeling New Jersey homes so they are both more useful and more beautiful. Give us a call or contact us through our site to learn about our kitchen upgrades, get appliance suggestions, or to have us design an entirely new kitchen that will work for you. We can have your new design created and installed in time for you to use this Thanksgiving if you call us now.