Remodeling Blog

Remodeling a kitchen takes a lot of hard work, decision making, and planning. Not only do you have to figure out a layout with your available space, but you also have to decide on every element that makes up your new kitchen. From new cabinets, a kitchen island, and appliances, there’s no lack of important choices that can make or break your remodel plans.

The kitchen is one of the most important areas of your home. This explains why kitchens through the ages continue to change and evolve. From the earliest signs of cooking found in the caves of South Africa to the modern smart kitchens of today, the kitchen has come a long way. And why wouldn't it? People continue to find better and newer ways to improve one of humanity's oldest traditions.

For most homeowners, periodic kitchen remodels are a necessity. If you want to maintain energy efficiency while also ensuring that your kitchen is as functional and beautiful as possible, you will probably find yourself remodeling your kitchen every 15 or 20 years.

2020 is here. Will you be remodeling your kitchen? If so, this is the perfect time to research which kitchen trends you can expect to encounter when the time comes. In recent years, materials people install in their kitchen have changed. Where once was granite, now is quartz. Where once was stainless steel, now is oil rubbed bronze.  Changes like these are often for the better, and keeping up to date can help you decide what to include in your kitchen remodel. Here are the 2020 kitchen remodel trends you need to keep an eye out for.

Kitchen bump outs are small additions that give you just a little more room to create the kitchen you've always wanted. Typical bump-outs are used to increase kitchen storage space, make a breakfast nook possible, or add an extra food prep area. These convenient and affordable additions are the go-to remodel if your kitchen is just barely too small to meet your remodel goals.

For most homeowners and commercial property owners, their satisfaction with their kitchen comes from their ability to move about efficiently, prepare meals easily, and interact with others without having accidents or difficulty. Unfortunately, too many kitchens were designed without help from a certified kitchen designer. Kitchens that are poorly designed can slow down food preparation while causing accidents and ruined meals.

There are many reasons that a restaurant owner might choose to renovate their restaurant. Outdated fixtures, old appliances, and general wear and tear can lead to fewer customers and a decline in profits. Staying up to date is important. Engaging in regular remodeling and building improvement can help keep your restaurant a beautiful, functional, enjoyable place to visit. Remodels are big endeavors, and even the best-planned project can be disruptive. Knowing what to expect can help you be prepared and can minimize the disruption. At Litchfield Builders, we work with Connecticut business owners to ensure that their restaurant remodel goes smoothly. To learn more about remodeling your business, download our free guide, Sustainability & Green Building in Commercial Construction. To learn more about restaurant renovation expectations, read on.

Countertops come in many different colors, styles and even textures. The material you choose for your kitchen counters will affect many things about your kitchen. How you maintain your counters, the appearance of your kitchen, and even your personal satisfaction with the overall space will all be impacted by the countertop material you select.

Kitchen remodels can be very expensive. Creating a budget and sticking to it can help you control costs while also ensuring that your kitchen remodel meets your needs. Budgeting is a step by step process that typically involves creating a wishlist, doing research, determining a maximum amount to spend and working with your contractor to contain costs. Making a budget is typically one of the first steps that homeowners take when they're planning to remodel kitchen. Budgeting typically begins before a contractor is contacted and often ends after a contractor is hired. Planning your budget carefully can help ensure that your kitchen remodel will be a success. At Litchfield Builders, we help homeowners create and stick to their kitchen remodeling budget, so their kitchen remodel will meet their goals and add value to their home.

In 2014 open shelving was one of the biggest trends in kitchen design. Whereas cabinets can create a sense of claustrophobia and enclosure, open shelving adds a sense of airiness while also delivering visual interest.