Kitchen Remodeling - PAGE 1 - Simply Additions

Common Kitchen Remodeling Ideas

2011-05-28T12:22:15-04:00

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Remodeling your kitchen is a very common project for home improvement.

If you do it correctly, you can make your home worth an additional amount more in resale value than you paid for the remodel.

You'll want to get some kitchen remodeling ideas, including tips for the job, to make the project flow more smoothly.

Before you begin, set a budget for your DIY kitchen project, so you'll know what you can include in your plans. Kitchen remodeling costs vary a great deal depending on the type of flooring, cabinets, sinks and appliances you select, so make sure you have the funds for the whole remodel.

Kitchen appliances are designed to meet any need you might have, and the newest models are very attractive. Check out the various lines of appliances and see which ones best fit your budget and your lifestyle.

You may not need to do a complete redesign of your kitchen, if there are some aspects of your current plan that work well for you. The kitchen remodeling costs will be lower if you can update only what needs to be changed, and keep some of the features you have now.

The newest trends will give you some good kitchen remodeling ideas that you can carry through your entire DIY project. A green kitchen includes ideas that are more environmentally conscious, so that you can lessen the carbon footprint you leave behind. You can freshen up your kitchen with a face-lift, if you don't have the initiative - or the funds - to completely remodel the room.

When you are looking for ideas for your kitchen, you'll find many choices available. If you prefer stainless steel appliances, for example, those will give you a modern look. Do you prefer regular hardwoods or distressed wood for the cabinets? Ask yourself all the questions ahead of time, to make the planning stage easier.

New plumbing fixtures are always a plus when you are redesigning your kitchen. New sinks and faucets will make your kitchen appear more modern, or more rustic, whichever is your choice. Be sure that the styles of sinks and faucets complement the decor of the rest of the room. You may also wish to add an island, if your kitchen doesn't already have one. This gives you a lot more work area.

If you are including a pantry, kitchen remodeling ideas can show you ways to reorganize the one you have, or remodel, to make more room available for storage.

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This can be done as part of your full kitchen DIY project, and you'll save money if you can tackle the work yourself. You may make a few mistakes here and there, if you're new to the do-it-yourself game, but you'll learn while you're working.

If you want newer cabinets, you can keep your kitchen remodeling costs lower by simply having your old cabinets refaced, rather than by replacing them. Or replace the doors only, if the cabinets are still sturdy inside.

If you want to bring more light into your kitchen, consider installing a bay window, or another regular window. If you have the skills and the funds, this will truly make your kitchen a brighter place to work and eat. {loadposition followbtns}

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Kitchen Cabinet Installation Guide

2011-05-15T09:25:15-04:00

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When you are preparing for a do-it-yourself kitchen cabinet installation, keep in mind that installing them properly is the main ingredient that will make a kitchen remodel successful.

Using proper guidelines will be necessary, so that your cabinets will work correctly for years to come.

Once you have finished the new kitchen walls, kitchen cabinet installation is the next step.

You will need basic skills in carpentry, but the job is not as difficult as it may seem. The most challenging part is handling minor issues like floors, corners and walls that are not quite level or square. Lay out your plan ahead of time, to make the job easier.

Mark the walls for the layout of your cabinets, before you begin a DIY kitchen cabinet installation. Put plumb and level lines so that you know everything will line up correctly. Stock cabinets won't always fit perfectly, but there should be narrow spaces provided that will fill in those gaps. Be careful not to make "dings" in your new doors when you are installing them. Masking tape numbers on the cabinets will help you keep track of which piece comes next, as you work.

When you look over your DIY kitchen cabinet installation job, remember that you will have to securely fasten the cabinets to the framing on the wall. Place them along the stud so that they will have solid support. The wall cabinets are usually installed first, so that the base cabinets are not in your way when installing the wall units.

Installing your corner units first is a good first step in your do-it-yourself kitchen cabinet installation guidelines. Then you can square them up and move to the wall center, where there is more room to make adjustments. This applies to your base cabinets, as well, when you are working with your kitchen cabinet installation.

Secure the first corner cabinet through the nailing strips found on the cabinet back. Set the next cabinet in place, snugly against your wall, and also snugly against the first cabinet side. Line the face frames up and clamp them tightly together. This is an important first step in your kitchen cabinet installation. Pre-drill through the first frame to the second and use screws to secure them. Follow this procedure until all of your new cabinets are firmly in place.

When you're ready for the base cabinets, set the first one in the corner, and line it up.

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You can use shims under its back to raise it level with your reference line.

Screw into the top nailing strip and on into the studs of your wall. Recheck it, to make sure that it's level.

Set the next cabinet in, and then snug it to the first cabinet and the wall, and follow the same steps to screw it into the studs in the wall. Lining up the back and securely clamping the cabinets together is an essential step in do-it-yourself kitchen cabinet installation. Continue this way until all of your new kitchen cabinet base units are in. Once your lines of cabinets are in, use filler pieces to deal with gaps you may find, setting them and filing or planing, as needed. Then step back and admire your work. You have a beautiful new kitchen.

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DIY Kitchen Cabinet Refacing Guide

2011-05-14T19:50:27-04:00

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If you want to give your kitchen a fresh, new look, DIY kitchen cabinet resurfacing can help you to save money by giving your cabinets a face-lift without replacing them all.

If you have some moderate carpentry skills and even a small budget, you can transform your kitchen's look in a short time period, without the headaches that come with a complete kitchen overhaul.

You're probably wondering what all is involved in DIY kitchen cabinet refacing.

If you are confident that you can take accurate measurements, and you are reasonably skilled with a box cutter and a circular saw, then you'll be able to cut the veneer skin out and cut the end panels of your cabinets. You will also need to sand the exterior of your cabinets, when you tackle kitchen cabinet refacing.

You will want to order the supplies before you are ready to begin your project, so that you will have everything you need to complete the job, without unscheduled delays. Your new do-it-yourself kitchen cabinet refacing depends on having all the correct items before you begin.

When you are beginning your do-it-yourself kitchen cabinet refacing, set aside all the tools, and make sure you have everything you need. Sand down the surfaces that you'll be using the veneer skin on, which includes the stiles around the cabinet box, in addition to the bottom and top rails. Rough the surface up without removing layers. You are sanding primarily to remove any grease and dirt that have accumulated on the surface of your cabinets.

After you have sanded, the next step in your kitchen cabinet refacing is to wipe the doors off with a tack cloth, which will help in getting rid of leftover dust. Lightly clean the areas with a damp cloth, and be sure that you don't saturate any wood areas. This will ensure that your veneer backing will securely adhere to the surface.

You can use door frames on your existing end panels if you want them to have a custom look, and this will also involve less cutting. If you don't have exceptional skills with a saw, you can simply substitute new cabinet doors for your end panel pieces.

After you have applied the end panels and glued or nailed them into place, you can begin putting the veneer skin on your cabinet frames. For DIY kitchen cabinet refacing, you can cut the pieces a bit larger than you need, to leave a margin for error. Start with the stiles, and only use enough backing to anchor it onto the face frames. Line it up well before you apply.

Peel your veneer as you press the skin down while smoothing it out. This step should be repeated when you apply the veneer skin to the rails.

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Work on only one opening until it's complete, and trim the excess with a razor knife or box cutter, after it has been applied. This will make your kitchen cabinet refacing job more easy to tackle.

When you begin to hang doors for your do-it-yourself kitchen cabinet refacing, place the hinges roughly two inches from the tops and bottoms of the doors and then secure them to the frame. Align them so that you can use new holes, so that the old holes won't strip out. When your job is complete, you'll have a new look for your kitchen, for a much lower cost than buying new cabinets.

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Planning Kitchen Improvements

2011-04-20T09:51:39-04:00

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When you are planning kitchen improvements, you will need to budget your money according to the layout and size of the room, the cabinets you select, and any plumbing or electrical work you want done.

The cost of appliances will add to the total, but you'll enjoy the result of the work more if you have the kitchen you always wanted.

Kitchen cabinets come in many styles and price ranges, depending on your budget and your sense of aesthetics.

You can select your cabinets from different manufacturers, and they may have special features that you will appreciate. Your kitchen remodel project can make or break the room, depending on the cabinets you select.

Countertops are also an important part of your new kitchen. You can select from quartz, granite, ceramic tile and laminates, and if you are not able yourself to install them, you can hire a contractor to do the work for you. This is one area that you certainly don't want to cut corners, since you'll be preparing food on your countertops every day.

Laminate is a commonly used material for countertops, and you can find it in many colors, finishes and textures. It wears well and will cost the least, initially, in your kitchen improvements. You can edge your laminate countertops with wood that matches your cabinets, too.

Granite is a natural stone that is hard to match with other countertops. It will require occasional sealing, and it's hard and durable. Granite is water proof, heat proof and enduring, and always in style. If you plan to sell your home, granite will almost always pay for itself, since kitchens are a main selling point. You can select from various edge profiles and variations in color when you use granite in your kitchen remodel job, and it's almost impossible to mar, if you use it under normal circumstances.

Solid countertops like Corian counters are made from acrylic, and they have many colors from which to choose, as well. They can be scratched if you are not careful, but they can be repaired, too. They are very durable as far as heat is concerned.

When you choose the flooring for your new kitchen, you can select from linoleum, marble, slate, ceramic tile or laminate floors. They can be easily installed by a contractor, and they'll compliment your kitchen improvements.

By the time you gather all the materials and appliances for your new kitchen, you may have spent three or four weeks planning.

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The time you need for the job will depend largely on any special items you have ordered, and the time it takes for them to be delivered and installed. A contractor, if you use one in your kitchen remodel, will take out your older cabinets and make any modifications you need, like wall building or removal.

If you hire a professional for your kitchen improvements, he or she can update any electrical outlets that require work to be brought up to code, and change outlet locations to accommodate the layout you have drawn up for your new kitchen. Your supply lines for plumbing can be updated as well, and you may have new drywall installed, or painting done. When you are finished, you'll have the kitchen of your dreams, and you'll realize that it was time and money well spent. {loadposition followbtns}

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DIY Kitchen Renovations

2011-04-10T07:02:19-04:00

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If you want your kitchen renovations to be a success, you need to follow proper steps that start with planning.

You've probably seen on TV how kitchen projects turn out when they are not planned in advance. It's not pretty.

Understanding the stages involved will save you headaches and the wasting of money.

The first step in the process is the development of a design. If you're using a contractor, be clear about what you want. If you'll be doing the work yourself, you need to know exactly how many materials you'll need and how they will all fit together. You need a picture in your head: What will your DIY kitchen look like? What features will it have? How much room do you have, and how will you use it? What elements will be included - will you have an eat-in kitchen, or perhaps just a breakfast bar? After you have these details, you and your designer can make the first drawings of the kitchen renovations you want done.

Next, you will need to select and purchase the materials you'll need for your kitchen renovation. Speak with contractors if you'll be using one, to get their ideas and quotes. Look at samples of their work, and check their references. If you'll be doing the work yourself, you'll need to budget for the materials you'll be using. You get what you ultimately pay for, so don't cut corners on contractors or materials. Select materials that will last a long time and give the look you want.

You'll want to determine what type of cabinets you want, along with appliances, counter tops, plumbing fixtures, lights, and ceiling and wall finishes. If you will be having contractors do some of the work, and doing some yourself, be realistic about what you can and cannot do. You'll waste money and materials if you try to tackle a job you should have left to a contractor.

The average timeline for kitchen renovations is actually an astounding four to six months! But this includes the planning stages, too. If you order custom cabinets, it may take a month or more to get them done and delivered.

You need to know how long each stage of your kitchen remodel will last. This will alleviate some of the stress you experience when you are without a refrigerator, for instance. When you select the materials, review them and their cost with your contractor, if you are using one. Make adjustments if you are not inline with your budget. Don't make quick decisions on any part of the renovation, since you may regret them later.

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Allow yourself and your contractors to work within your planned budget. Allow a bit extra in your budget, in case you come upon something you didn't expect - this seems to happen a lot. While you are dreaming of a bigger and newer DIY kitchen, don't overlook little things, like bringing your plumbing up to code, that may need to be done.

With detailed and careful planning for this project, you will make sure not to be caught off guard. Anticipate a lot of work, because that's what a kitchen renovation takes, and you'll be happy with the end product. {loadposition followbtns}

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Easy Kitchen Makeovers Tips

2009-06-02T06:58:19-04:00

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Creating Extra Space

A quick space saver in your kitchen is to use metal hanging racks for pots and pans. This saves you a lot of counter space.

You can also use magnetic spice racks and magnetic knife strips to keep things out of drawers.

If your drawers and cabinets are packed, you may want to also clean house a bit. Donate or give away all the bake-ware, Tupperware, utensils ext. you have accumulated over the years, and never use.

Creating a New Look

A great way to change the aesthetics of your kitchen is to paint the walls, ceiling, and also re-paint or sand down and stain your existing kitchen cabinets. You can also tile the walls behind the counter tops.

Practice first, but remember that this is a relatively easy and cheap way to change the look of your kitchen drastically.

When tiling over existing laminate counter tops, measure the area and determine the amount of tile you will need. Remember to always purchase 10% more than what you would normally need.
To tile over a laminate counter top, first turn off the water and remove sink and all appliances that might be in the way of the counter tops. Then make sure all the cracks are filled by applying putty. Once the putty is dry and the whole counter top is even, sand the entire surface of the laminate. This will help the tile adhere. Once done with sanding, wipe it down with a sponge. Wait until it is thoroughly dry.
Because Laminate is water proof, you can now start tiling. Begin with a dry run and laying out all of your tile pieces. Make sure everything fits the way you want it to. Cut the tiles to fit before laying them. For the tiles around the sink, lay them and use nippers to take a little off the tile until it fits the shape you need around the sink.
Once everything is cut and laid out, begin adhering it to the counter top. Keep spacers in until the job is finished to prevent shifting.
Let everything set overnight and then grout the tile. It is easiest to use the pre-mixed grout. Be sure to wipe grout off tiles once. Don't wipe too much, or you may remove some sand, causing the grout to shift color slightly. The tiles make look foggy until they dry; however, there are cleaners for that at home improvement stores.

When putting in your sink, it may be necessary to nip your tiles a bit more.

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Once the sink is in place, lay a thin bead of clear silicone to the perimeter of the sink to prevent water from leaking through.

Creating More Counter Space

If you have limited counter space you can invest in a kitchen cart or table. When entertaining they are very convenient to move around. You can get them with cabinets underneath. This will also save on storage space. You can also buy a very large cutting board and use it over the burners on your stove. {loadposition followbtns}

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Determining the Quality of Kitchen Cabinets

2009-03-09T02:54:55-04:00

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When you decide to renovate your kitchen you'll be bombarded with decisions you'll need to make.

Sinks, flooring, lighting, countertops, faucets and appliances will be some of the item you'll need to select.

But the kitchen cabinets will by far, be your most perplexing decision. There are many styles, materials and colors to choose from.

The most important determining factor for kitchen cabinet quality will be the material. Kitchen cabinets are most commonly built using plywood (A), MDF (B), or particle board (C). A plywood cabinet will almost always be of the highest quality when compared to MDF (medium density fiberboard) or particle board. It is very rare to find solid wood cabinets, and if you do find them they are not as good as they sound, they warp easily and crack easily. MDF or particle board cabinets can also warp easily but they absorb moisture very easily which results in swelling and odor absorption. Another important determining factor in selecting a good cabinet will be the finish. Any wood cabinet will usually have a veneer covering that is used to make the cabinet appear to be made of solid wood. A good quality cabinet will not have a paper thin veneer. If the cabinet is stained you want to check for consistency, if you have a wall of 16 cabinets you should expect some slight variations in shade, but be sure to tell your cabinet supplier that you want a good consistency in the cabinets.

A good place to look when trying to determine the value of your cabinetry will be the drawers. Good drawers will have nice joinery and solid fastening systems. A cheap drawer will usually be stapled together, you will also notice a lot of sloppy glue and scratch marks from the manufacture. Those are all signs of a kitchen cabinet that is not of a high quality. Another way to check on the quality will be to observe the hardware. A good drawer will have roller slides, rollers and tracks or ball bearing extenders. The cheaper drawers will open and close on a plastic runner system. The hinges on the cabinet doors should be adjustable in all directions. Some of the cheaper cabinets do not offer adjustable hinges. You also want to make sure that the doors and drawers can be aligned perfectly using the adjustable hardware.

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A good way to save money on cabinets is to order them un-assembled. You can save up to 50% on the cost of a cabinet when they are shipped ready to assemble. The shipping cost for assembled cabinets can be 4-5 higher than un-assembled cabinets. Not all suppliers are willing to sell you un-assembled cabinets so make sure to ask before going too far with them. Another important factor in a good cabinet will be the packaging material and method.

Some of the lower quality cabinets are shipped in thin cardboard boxes with barely any protection such as Styrofoam or bubble wrap. Even if you do get a cabinet that was damaged in shipping, most suppliers will order a replacement at no cost. But waiting for one replacement cabinet can delay your countertop installation by a month.

Every level of cabinet quality has its place, weather you are outfitting your dream home, renovating one of your rental properties, or flipping a house you'll need to decide on how long you plan on using those cabinets and how often will they be used. {loadposition followbtns}

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Inexpensive Kitchen Makeover Tips

2009-02-21T13:36:56-05:00

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It's a known fact that if a homeowner wants to invest money into only one room of the house, they should pick the kitchen because it will give you the most bang for your buck.

Simple inexpensive ideas that will help you improve your kitchen, without breaking your budget.

Kitchen Makeover Tip #1: Paint

Chipped paint, stained walls, or just plain outdated colors can really date your kitchen. Use the paint selector button to find a new color for your kitchen. Painting your kitchen is cheap and it can truly change the way your kitchen looks. Also don't forget that you can paint wall cabinets too!

Kitchen Makeover Tip #2: Paint, Refurbish, or Re-face Cabinets

New kitchen cabinets can make a world of difference to the look of your kitchen. To save costs, you can paint your cabinets, swap out just the cabinet doors (re-face), and/or change the hardware. These simple kitchen cabinet tips can give you the change you need while keeping your remodeling budget at bay.

Kitchen Makeover Tip #3: Update your sink and faucet

Upgrading your kitchen sink and faucet is simple to do and by click on the button you can shop for your new sink or faucet online. You don't have to spend a fortune to make your kitchen look like a million bucks, just spend your money on the right things first.

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Also keep in mind to match metals such as brass fixtures with brass hardware and so on, this will give your kitchen a well designed look.

Kitchen Makeover Tip #4: Look for deals on appliances

It can take some time but if you are patient you can seek out great deals on appliances. Check your local Sears, Home Depot, Lowes, etc. Sometimes these large big box stores can give you a deal on open box kitchen appliances or appliances that have been scuffed or slightly damaged. It's not unheard of for people to save in excess of $500 by shopping around or waiting for a sale. {loadposition followbtns}

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Kitchen Remodeling - PAGE 1 - Simply Additions

Common Kitchen Remodeling Ideas

{loadposition content300x250}Remodeling your kitchen is a very common project for home improvement.

If you do it correctly, you can make your home worth an additional amount more in resale value than you paid for the remodel.

You'll want to get some kitchen remodeling ideas, including tips for the job, to make the project flow more smoothly.

Kitchen Cabinet Installation Guide

When you are preparing for a do-it-yourself kitchen cabinet installation, keep in mind that installing them properly is the main ingredient that will make a kitchen remodel successful.

Using proper guidelines will be necessary, so that your cabinets will work correctly for years to come.

Once you have finished the new kitchen walls, kitchen cabinet installation is the next step.

DIY Kitchen Cabinet Refacing Guide

{loadposition content300x250}If you want to give your kitchen a fresh, new look, DIY kitchen cabinet resurfacing can help you to save money by giving your cabinets a face-lift without replacing them all.

If you have some moderate carpentry skills and even a small budget, you can transform your kitchen's look in a short time period, without the headaches that come with a complete kitchen overhaul.

You're probably wondering what all is involved in DIY kitchen cabinet refacing.

Planning Kitchen Improvements

When you are planning kitchen improvements, you will need to budget your money according to the layout and size of the room, the cabinets you select, and any plumbing or electrical work you want done.

The cost of appliances will add to the total, but you'll enjoy the result of the work more if you have the kitchen you always wanted.

Kitchen cabinets come in many styles and price ranges, depending on your budget and your sense of aesthetics.

DIY Kitchen Renovations

{loadposition content300x250}If you want your kitchen renovations to be a success, you need to follow proper steps that start with planning.

You've probably seen on TV how kitchen projects turn out when they are not planned in advance. It's not pretty.

Understanding the stages involved will save you headaches and the wasting of money.

With detailed and careful planning for this project, you will make sure not to be caught off guard. Anticipate a lot of work, because that's what a kitchen renovation takes, and you'll be happy with the end product. {loadposition followbtns} {loadposition ckey}

Easy Kitchen Makeovers Tips

{loadposition content300x250}Creating Extra Space

A quick space saver in your kitchen is to use metal hanging racks for pots and pans. This saves you a lot of counter space.

You can also use magnetic spice racks and magnetic knife strips to keep things out of drawers.

Creating a New Look

A great way to change the aesthetics of your kitchen is to paint the walls, ceiling, and also re-paint or sand down and stain your existing kitchen cabinets. You can also tile the walls behind the counter tops.

Practice first, but remember that this is a relatively easy and cheap way to change the look of your kitchen drastically.

Creating More Counter Space

Determining the Quality of Kitchen Cabinets

{loadposition content300x250}When you decide to renovate your kitchen you'll be bombarded with decisions you'll need to make.

Sinks, flooring, lighting, countertops, faucets and appliances will be some of the item you'll need to select.

But the kitchen cabinets will by far, be your most perplexing decision. There are many styles, materials and colors to choose from.

Every level of cabinet quality has its place, weather you are outfitting your dream home, renovating one of your rental properties, or flipping a house you'll need to decide on how long you plan on using those cabinets and how often will they be used. {loadposition followbtns}

Inexpensive Kitchen Makeover Tips

{loadposition content300x250}It's a known fact that if a homeowner wants to invest money into only one room of the house, they should pick the kitchen because it will give you the most bang for your buck.

Simple inexpensive ideas that will help you improve your kitchen, without breaking your budget.

Kitchen Makeover Tip #1: Paint

Kitchen Makeover Tip #2: Paint, Refurbish, or Re-face Cabinets

Kitchen Makeover Tip #3: Update your sink and faucet

Kitchen Makeover Tip #4: Look for deals on appliances

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Remodeling your kitchen is a very common project for home improvement.

{loadposition content300x250}
If you want to give your kitchen a fresh, new look, DIY kitchen cabinet resurfacing can help you to save money by giving your cabinets a face-lift without replacing them all.

{loadposition content300x250}
If you want your kitchen renovations to be a success, you need to follow proper steps that start with planning.

With detailed and careful planning for this project, you will make sure not to be caught off guard. Anticipate a lot of work, because that's what a kitchen renovation takes, and you'll be happy with the end product. {loadposition followbtns}

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Creating Extra Space

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When you decide to renovate your kitchen you'll be bombarded with decisions you'll need to make.

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It's a known fact that if a homeowner wants to invest money into only one room of the house, they should pick the kitchen because it will give you the most bang for your buck.