FIVE Questions To Ask Before Remodeling Your Kitchen

April 20, 2011 - PRLog -- Melville, New York, April 19, 2011- So, you are ready to start building you dream kitchen. Now what? Barbara Farley, a Kitchen Designer at Triangle Building Products Corp in Medford, recommends that before you meet with a kitchen designer, you should answer these five questions. The answers will often lead you into wonderful new directions, and help insure that your kitchen is designed for the way you live!


1. What are the problems you currently have in your kitchen?

Where are the "traffic jams"? No place for the mixer? The refrigerator door can’t open fully? Do wheelchair users have difficulty navigating you space? Do your drawers stick? Write it all down. An experienced kitchen designer will help you with solutions you may not have considered.


2. What is on your wish list?

Are you dreaming of double wall ovens, or a built in coffee-maker? Longing for a formal mantel-style wood range hood, or a plate rack for your favorite china? Save and bring in photos that have caught your eye in magazines, catalogs, or on the web. You need to know if these items are realistic, and to plan these items in at the beginning of the design process. It helps to prioritize- you can have ANYTHING you want, you just can’t always have EVERYTHING you want!


3. What mood do you want to set?

Some homeowners are drawn to the serenity of sleek modern design; others long for the cozy clutter of a country kitchen. Formal, traditional designs appeal to many Long Islanders. Another popular trend is the "Hamptons Look", which features refined white cabinets yet a casual, yet chic,look. The types of storage systems and cabinetry will vary greatly with the mood you choose. And keep in mind that the "mood" of your kitchen should work well with the overall mood of your home.


4. What are your favorite things to do in the kitchen?

Kitchens have become the heart of the home, and the trend has been to make it a more open space. Ask yourself if you really do want to draw others into your kitchen, or if you want to direct them to another area. Some "solo" cooks prefer to use an island with seats as a "barrier" to prevent guests from getting in their way. If cooking has become a family activity, a secondary prep area with a "veggie sink" or bar sink may be important. Do you need a planning desk (with charging station included), for making phone calls and shopping lists? Do you use your computer for looking up recipes? Bakers would love a lowered marble counter space just for kneading. Should you include a homework station for the kids, or a flat screen TV? If there is high traffic and lots of activity in your kitchen, you may want to avoid certain elements, such as painted cabinets that highlight every drip and speck.


5. Do you love to cook and entertain, or do you love to entertain without cooking?

Gourmet cooks need extra storage for their precious spices, and the "tools of the trade". A butler’s pantry and additional organized storage areas are very important for them. If you are the local caterer’s best customer, serving and seating space may be more of a priority for you.

Now that you've given some thought to the type of kitchen that reflects your own unique style, you are ready to proceed to the next step- take some basic measurements, and schedule an appointment with your local kitchen designer. If you don’t have a recommendation from a friend, a good source of referrals would be NARI, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. All NARI members pledge to uphold the association's strict Code of Ethics and are dedicated to the professionalism and integrity of the remodeling industry. You can reach the local chapter at 631-673-NARI and they will refer several local members to you at no cost.

Barbara Farley is a Kitchen Designer at Triangle Building Products in Medford, NY and a NARI member.

                                                                                                           

About NARI: NARI is a professional association whose members voluntarily subscribe to a strict code of ethics.  Consumers may wish to search www.nari-ny.org to find a qualified professional who is a member of NARI.



Consumers can also call the NYC/LI NARI office at 631-673-NARI and request a free copy of NARI’s brochure, “Remodeling Today,” or visit www.nari-ny.org and click on the Find A Remodeling Pro tab. For tips on remodeling using green techniques and materials, visit NARI’s green Web site, www.greenremodeling.org.


About NYC/LI NARI: The NYC/LI NARI Chapter was established in 1954.  The NYC/LI NARI Chapter is dedicated to connecting homeowners with quality licensed and insured remodeling professionals.  NARI has been the leader in the remodeling industry for over 55 years.  The NYC/LI NARI Chapter has over 330 members.
The NYC/LI NARI Chapters goals of encouraging ethical conduct, professionalism, and sound business practices in the remodeling industry have led to the remodeling industry's growth and made NARI a recognized authority in that industry.

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New York City/Long Island NARI is part of 60 chapters that comprise the nation's only not-for-profit trade association dedicated to the advancement of the remodeling industry.