Does the idea of a tax refund this Spring have you thinking of new kitchen cabinets?  New kitchen cabinets breathe life into a tired kitchen.  There are so many options.  Where should you start?  What makes a good cabinet?  Here are some tips straight from the horse’s (well the kitchen cabinet contractor’s) mouth.

Loving It or Leaving It?

One of the first things to consider is how long you plan to continue living in the house.  If you have no plans to live in the house (for example it is a rental) then you don’t want to purchase highly personalized cabinets customized for your cooking style.  For a rental, you want cabinets that are durable and easy to maintain.

If you plan on selling your home within the next five years, you must keep in mind the comparable houses in the neighborhood.  Don’t be shy about attending an open house or two to make sure you don’t pick cabinets that put your kitchen on the high-end or the low-end of comparable homes.

If you plan on living in your home for more than five years, then go ahead and pick the cabinets you will love for the next 10 to 15 years.  Use a layout that works for your cooking style and meets your needs.  Remember, you are creating a workspace.

Determine Your Layout

You can do it with your kitchen cabinet contractor or sketch it out before your first meeting.  But, you do need to get a rough idea of the layout. Are you keeping your existing layout?  Are the kitchen cabinets coming in as part of an entire kitchen remodel?  You have more latitude with the layout if the new cabinets are part of a complete kitchen remodel.  If that is the case start by marking the location of:

• doors
• windows
• architectural elements
• major appliances
• sink

Next mark where electricity and water are located.  Make sure you have the exact dimensions of each element before you start shopping cabinets.  The sink, range, and refrigerator should make a triangle for the most efficient workspace.  Now you know how much space you have for cabinetry.

Standard Cabinets

Standard kitchen cabinets fall into three categories:  base, wall, and tall.  Their dimensions are as follows:

Base  Base cabinets sit on a 4″ riser called a toe kick.  They are 24″ deep and 36″ tall.  Some cabinets are available in 27″ depth.

Wall  Wall cabinets are hung on the wall.  They are usually 12″ deep, but some can be as deep as 17″.  These are used for storage of glasses, dishes, and other items.

Tall  These cabinets are used as pantry space or broom closets.  Most tall cabinets are 83 1/2″ tall.

Specialty Cabinets

Specialty cabinets enter the realm of semi-custom.  There are corner cabinets designed to make use of the “dead” space in corners.  Bottle racks and appliance garages provide specialized storage.  Cabinets made to install in front of cooktops also maximize space.  Specialty cabinets can be constructed as hutches to store dishes or other items.  Baking sheets and racks can be stored in specially made narrow cabinets.

Cabinet Grades

Cabinets come in a variety of grades and prices.  As the quality of the cabinet increases so does the price.  These days you may find the quality and features you need with semi-custom cabinets instead of custom cabinets.

Ready to Assemble.  These are mass-produced do-it-yourself kits. They are the least expensive and the least durable.  Options are limited and you need the skills and tools to assemble and install properly.

Stock.  These cabinets arrive presized. They are economical and are available in a wider variety than ready-to-assemble cabinets.  Because they come in fixed sizes, they cannot be altered so they won’t work in all spaces.  Stock cabinets are available in a range of materials from particle board to solid wood. They are a budget-friendly choice for rentals or short-term solutions.

Semi-Custom.  Once you move into semi-custom cabinetry you find many more options.  They are special order cabinets and give you much more variety than stock cabinets.  Generally priced in the mid-range, they offer a personalized look without the cost of custom cabinets. Yes, semi-custom cabinets can be altered! The styles, finishes, and storage options are extensive enough to outfit almost any kitchen.  Inspired Remodels recommends Decora, Kitchen Craft, and Waypoint for the widest range of options.

Custom.  The most expensive option but the most versatile in terms of finishes, sizes, and configurations.  These are one-of-a-kind cabinets that are tailored to your kitchen, your style, and your cooking habits.

The Kitchen Cabinet Contractor to Use

When you are ready for new kitchen cabinets, use a kitchen cabinet contractor who can offer you a range of options.  Inspired Remodels can translate your style whether it is contemporary or traditional into kitchen cabinets.  If you don’t know where to start; our design-build model will help you step-by-step through the process.  One of our designers will work with you to come up with a plan that fits your needs, your style, and your budget.  You’ll see a CADD 3D rendering of the layout and then our crew will make it happen.

Call (949) 716-1938 today to schedule your free consultation.