Creating your dream kitchen starts with proper planning. Getting the results you want requires taking the right steps to plan your project. From hiring a professional contractor to selecting the type of cabinets you want to designing your overall kitchen layout, and much more, remodeling a kitchen is a project that takes a lot of decision making.
Allied is a proud member of the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), which is a more than 60,000 member, not-for-profit trade association that has educated and led the kitchen and bath industry for 50 years. According to the NKBA, there are five major categories to consider when planning your kitchen.
1. Traffic and work flow
2. Cabinets and storage
3. Appliance placement
4. Counter surface and landing space
5. Room, appliance and equipment controls
So, before you begin remodeling, there are many questions that need to be answered. To answer these questions, I recommend writing down some basic lifestyle facts. This can greatly reduce guesswork and save you a lot of time and money in mistakes.
Some questions to ask:
· Who uses your kitchen the most?
· How often does this person cook?
· What type of cooking does this person do (i.e. gourmet)?
· What appliances are used most?
· Do you entertain often?
· Do you have large family gatherings?
The answers to these and other questions will ultimately affect the size, layout and type of equipment you will need for your kitchen. For example, if your family shares in cooking preparation, you might need two sinks and additional counter space for chopping to maximize food preparation areas. If children will be active in and around the kitchen, you will want to consider easy to clean surfaces as well as a desk or countertop area for doing homework. There are safety considerations that should be made for children as well. If you entertain, or cook often for guests, you might want to consider two ovens and a larger refrigerator and seating area. If you recycle, you will need separate storage space to separate items.
Your decision making process will be much easier once you’ve related your needs to your lifestyle. Allied can help you do this!