5 Ways to Save on Your Kitchen Remodel

 When the time comes to think about remodeling your kitchen, you want to make sure you are not only 100% satisfied but also that the renovation adds value to your home and saves you money. A well-designed kitchen not only saves time and effort while cooking but is also a social space for family and friends. Kitchen remodeling costs can add up so quickly that before you know it your budget seems is spent. To avoid this from happening and keep costs in line, while still getting the kitchen of your dreams, follow these 5 helpful tips.

1. Spend time coming up with a kitchen renovation plan and budget.

Before starting, the first step in kitchen renovation is to design a plan. Whether you’re remodeling a kitchen, bedroom, or living room, a plan and budget are extremely important. You can either design this plan yourself or hire an expert to create a blueprint for everything you want to make changes to. Without one, you’ll likely end up spending extra money on things and features you don’t really need but simply want.

Apart from a plan, you also need to work out a budget. There are many ways to update a kitchen but they all cost money. You need to know what you are able and willing to spend. Then set a limit so you don’t go over your budget and get into financial trouble.

2. Go with ready-to-assemble cabinets.

It’s no secret, the biggest cost in kitchen remodeling is the cabinets. The most expensive choice of all cabinet options is going custom. The cabinetry is designed, built and installed to specifically fit your space which can add up to costing an arm and a leg.

For almost half the cost you can get ready to assemble or semi-custom cabinets. A company representative will help you measure and select your cabinets so you can rest assure that you are buying the correct size for your kitchen space. If DIY is your thing, you can assemble these yourself; if not you can hire a contractor, you will still save money either way.

If you don’t want to assemble your cabinets but rather want to grab them right off the shelf and get going then stock cabinets are for you. These stock cabinets come in standard sizes, shapes and colors. Keep in mind though since the cabinet sizing is not based on your kitchen measurements, space-wasting fillers may be required to make the cabinets fit. These cabinets are very affordable for remodels on a budget.

3. Mix Countertop Materials.

Solid marble or granite kitchen countertop is a very pricey option, but that doesn’t mean you have to completely forget the idea. If you feel you want to include some granite kitchen countertop materials, use them in sections, and then use less-expensive material for the rest of the surface. A clever way to do this is to use the expensive granite tops on part of the island and cheaper material on the other work surfaces. 

4. Avoid Changing the Layout.

If the layout of your kitchen already works for you, put your focus on upgrading appliances, cabinetry, and finishes rather than replacing everything. Moving appliances around means you’ll need to hire electricians and plumbers for rewiring and plumbing jobs, which will eat at your budget.

5. Keep Plumbing Where It Is.

Another reason to design a plan or get a designer to help you with your kitchen renovation is to make sure you are using the existing piping and plumbing layout. At the end of the day this is where you will either spend or save most of your money. If you feel competent enough to move around your plumbing by yourself then head out to your plumbing supply company in New Jersey or a plumbing wholesaler. This way you can further save money on your renovation.

FINAL THOUGHTS FOR SAVING MONEY ON KITCHEN REMODELS:

Do enough research and plan out your kitchen remodel before you start. This way you will not only make the best selections and get the best value for your money but it will also make the project go smoother and faster.

Originally posted https://www.crosstownplumbing.com/5-ways-to-save-on-your-kitchen-remodel/

Easy Solutions for Great-Quality Indoor Air

 Indoor air quality is increasingly in the news, and homeowners are paying attention to this more than ever before. Having good indoor air quality keeps you breathing easily, improves your sleep, and increases your immune system response. Good air quality can prevent asthma flare-ups, and lessen the impact of seasonal allergies.

There are many contributors to the lack of indoor air quality that can be found in the home. Carbon monoxide is one of the most common air pollutants. Older homes may contain asbestos and lead particles, this can be very damaging to the lungs when inhaled over a long period of time. Mould and mildew in your kitchen and bathroom can become a big problem, especially where moisture levels are typically higher than in the rest of your house. Dirty ductwork can cause small airborne dust mites to be blown around your house by the HVAC system. 

Despite the many causes of degraded air quality, there are a number of things a homeowner can do to improve the environment. Here are some of the easiest and most common.

Change your air filters in your HVAC system

If you have a forced hot air heating system, keeping a clean filter will remove airborne particulates, ranging from dust to invisible microscopic particles were a dirty filter does exactly the opposite. A dirty filter can actually make indoor air quality worse by acting as a reservoir for dirt and dust. The dirt build-up on the filters will continue to circulate back into your breathing air.

During both the heating and cooling season, change the air filter monthly. Invest in quality pleated fabric filters that can trap airborne particles down to a size of 3 microns. 

Check Your Air Ducts

An Air ducts job is to distribute hot and cold air throughout your home, providing a comfortable climate in every room. But if ducts are not installed properly or maintained regularly they can distribute contaminants from one room to another. Over time, dust, contaminants and even mould can accumulate in your ducts, affecting your air quality.

Vacuum regularly

Dusting and vacuuming on a weekly basis can significantly reduce the contaminants and allergens particles, dust and mites that pollute your home and lungs. By using a vacuum with a HEPA filter you can even reduce concentrations of lead in your home. Many allergens and pollutants rest in the carpeting of an area. Regular vacuuming is important for cleaning efforts. An even more effective way is thorough professional carpet cleaning.  Most companies use steam cleaning or dry-cleaning techniques to eliminate contaminants. This technique is very effective in eliminating contaminants. Professional carpet cleaners recommend at least one cleaning per year, but high-traffic areas might require more frequent cleanings.

Keep a healthy level of humidity

We all know that dust mites and mould love growing in moisture. Being exposed to mold can lead to many health problems such as wheezing, sore throat, skin rashes, watery eyes and headaches. To keep dust mites and mold under control make sure to keep the humidity around 30%-50% particularly in areas like the kitchen and washrooms. A dehumidifier or an aircon helps reduce moisture in indoor air. An air conditioner especially reduces indoor pollen count which can benefit occupants suffering from allergies. Another useful tip to protect you from mold is to turn on the exhaust fan in the bathroom immediately after bathing to help remove the humidity from the room. 

As always, Crosstown Plumbing is here to support your healthy home with air purification, and beyond. Call us Today!

Originally posted https://www.crosstownplumbing.com/easy-solutions-for-great-quality-indoor-air/