A kitchen remodel is a sure way to revitalize one of the most versatile spaces in your home. And if you are already in the process of preparing for such a remodel, chances are that you have lots of questions swirling at the back of your mind in regards to various factors and considerations that will affect your kitchen remodel. Below we discuss a few common ones and shed some light on how to go about the various issues.

How much is a kitchen remodel in San Diego?

A kitchen remodel in San Diego will cost you tens of thousands of dollars. In most cases the project will cost anywhere from 10K to 50K or even 100K. It all depends on the type of finishes and fixtures that you want installed. The type of kitchen contractor you hire will also affect your cost. If you hire an experienced contractor they will come at a premium cost and that will push your project budget upwards marginally.

How much does it cost to hire a kitchen designer?

Most kitchen designers will charge a fraction of the budget cost of the project. So with that said, their cost will depend on the scale of your kitchen remodel. If your remodel is grand and unique, the cost of the designer and their ideas will be high; and vice versa. The location where the project is taking place will also affect the cost of the kitchen designer. If the property is located in a high-end address then, just as it is with the cost of housing, the rates will be higher.

Why is kitchen remodeling so expensive?

Kitchen remodeling costs are a bit high. And construction costs in general are high as well. Part of reason why kitchens are costlier to renovate compared to other rooms in a house is that kitchens need a lot more work. While a typical room only needs flooring, walling, and lighting to function, a kitchen also needs plumbing, electrical, gas, countertops, appliances, faucets, sinks, a backsplash, and more.

Can you redo a kitchen yourself?

Well, yes you can. However, you would need to learn how to do it first. And that would require you to spend hundreds of hours learning to how to properly install various fixtures. And even then you probably won’t be as good as the contractors you might have hired. And when it comes to kitchen design, well, that can’t be learned as easily.

What percentage of remodeling cost is labor?

Today labor costs average somewhere between 20% to 40% of the total project. This is when all the factors have been considered. As you evaluate your labor costs, though, it is important to understand that good materials without good labor just won’t cut it. You need good labor to enjoy good results. And that costs money.

Need a kitchen contractor San Diego County. Creative Design and Build is here for you. We have a superb team that can offer you design and construction services with great results. We handle small to high-end kitchen builds, be it remodels or new constructions.

Are you looking to remodel your San Diego kitchen? If the answer to that question is yes then you are most likely looking to get the very best on your team. And you should. A good kitchen contractor will bring you great remodeling ideas, great kitchen layouts and floor plans, great subcontractors, and the best fixtures and furniture for your dream kitchen. But where and how do you find your kitchen remodel contractor?

How do I find a contractor to remodel my kitchen?

There are 3 easy and quick ways to find a kitchen contractor in your area. They are:

• Make an online search on your phone or computer and look for “kitchen remodel San Diego County contractors”. This search will bring you the top firms near you doing that kind of work.
• You can ask family, friends and co-workers for recommendations based on what they know or who they have worked with in the past. You never know!
• Third, you can look around physically if you have time. This would require that you scout in search of a good company to work with. However, this option has no guarantees as you may not find any company this way.

Once you have tried the above, make calls, schedule consults, check out customer testimonials and then choose the provider that you like best.

Questions to ask prospective kitchen contractors

• How long have you been in the kitchen remodeling business?
• How long ago was your last kitchen remodeling project and how did you find it?
• How would you rate the quality of your work compared to other contractors?
• What edge do you have over other competitors in the industry?
• Are you insured and licensed?
• What do you think about my kitchen remodeling project?

How much do contractors charge to remodel a kitchen?

This will depend on a lot of factors. On average the costs in San Diego will start at about $10,000. The actual cost will be determined by various custom factors such as the size of the space, the extent of the changes you want done, the quality of the materials and finishes you want installed, and how quickly you want the work completed.

Hiring a kitchen contractor Vs DIY

Today the DIY movement is huge and lots of homeowners have at least one construction tool in their garage. Should you think about going DIY on your kitchen remodel? It might look easy when you watch other people do it but it definitely is not. It might also look cheap but that is not the case as well. You will need a lot of tools and that will cost you. Then you will need hundreds of hours to spare which might not be possible, or might be very costly to you. And thirdly, you would need to know how to handle many construction processes (such as tiling, electrical work, plumbing, etc.) and this might not be possible.

At Creative Design & Build we are experts when it comes to remodeling, new builds, and design work. And kitchen remodels are one of our main staples. So give us a call, tell us where your home is located and let’s come around and talk about how we can transform your kitchen!

What should you not do in a kitchen remodel? In our line of work at Creative Design and Build, we have remodeled tens of kitchens all over San Diego and California. And one of the reasons why we are called in to turn kitchens into dream kitchens is because an owner or contractor previously made serious mistakes when building the space. If you are planning to build or remodel your kitchen here are some of the top design and build mistakes to avoid.

Not accounting for work-flow design

What order should I redo my kitchen? Before you can even start knocking down walls or choosing what tiles to buy, you first need to detail out how you want your kitchen to operate. This vision is what you are going to base your floor plan design on. Your kitchen workflow is very important because it determines how convenient and functional the space is going to be. It is important for things to be at the right place. This includes appliances, storage, and fixtures. So first analyze how you want your kitchen to operate before deciding what should go where.

Not measuring appliances to fit into your floor design

I’m sure you have been in a kitchen where some appliances were clearly not matching with the spaces designed for them. This often happens when the floor plan design is drawn up without considering the exact type of appliance to put in. The result is awkward gaps in the design flow of the kitchen. To avoid this simply have everything measured out when designing the floor plan, including the appliances you are going to bring in.

Not creating enough storage

What do I need to know before remodeling a kitchen? That you can never have enough storage! You would rather risk having too much storage than the opposite. Of course, that is without ruining the look of your kitchen. When you have enough storage, not only does your kitchen work better, it also stays tidy and organized because you have space to put everything in. Make full use of your vertical space and your kitchen island too. Also incorporate a pantry into your kitchen if you have enough room.

Not allowing enough workspace

Like we said about storage, the same applies to workspace in kitchen. You can never have enough. Choose a kitchen layout that gives you as much countertop space as possible. That way, multiple people can work in the kitchen comfortably without getting into each other’s way. A kitchen island is a clever way to do this.

Not opening up the kitchen to the adjacent rooms

Where do you start when remodeling a kitchen? There’s a reason why demolition is at the top of the answers. Most people want open concept kitchens. And this trend is not going to make an about-turn any time soon. If you are building or remodeling a kitchen, try to open it to adjacent living rooms as much as possible.

Try to look into these common kitchen remodeling mistakes and perhaps you will save yourself thousands of dollars. Are you are looking to make changes to your kitchen? Hire the best kitchen remodeling San Diego County – hire Creative Design and Build!

A kitchen remodel, just like any other remodel or design project, starts in your mind as an idea. Chances are that you already have a good idea of what kind of a kitchen you would like to have. Perhaps you got your idea from a kitchen showroom, from pictures you’ve seen, or maybe from a kitchen that you’ve been in. Whether you already know what you want or not, here’s a quick way to design your space quickly and effectively.

Design style concept

First decide what style concept you would like your kitchen to showcase. Do you want a contemporary kitchen, a modern kitchen, a traditional kitchen, a rustic kitchen design or other? By choosing a design you are able to narrow on design choices such as materials and colors right away. This makes the ensuing process easier. It also allows you to ensure design uniformity on your remodel.

However, note that you don’t have to stick to any one design concept. You can mix and match as per your preferences.

Kitchen layout

Next, come up with a kitchen layout style. The shape and size of your kitchen space will greatly influence this. If you have a smaller kitchen, a one wall design might be the more suitable option. For medium sized kitchens you may consider a galley or L-shaped design. And for larger kitchens you may consider a U-shape or peninsula design. Which one do you think suits your space the best?

Wall and floor tiles

Tiles are a big item in any indoor remodeling project. And their effect is huge. Do you know what tiles you’d like? Plain colored ceramic or porcelain tiles are good for floors. You can also go for solid hard wood or wood laminate tiles. For walls there are numerous options from hexagon tiles to penny tiles, monochrome tiles, Moroccan tiles, and rectangular tiles.

Cabinets

Cabinets can really define the look of your kitchen while providing much-needed storage space. Here you get to choose from hundreds of designs ranging from traditional to modern and contemporary. You also get to choose between different handle accessories from chrome and gold to bronze. And when it comes to function you can pay extra for soft-closing cabinet doors.

Workspace countertops

No kitchen is complete without a countertop. Countertop designs are elegant and provide a hard durable surface for you to do all your chopping, cutting, drying, and prepping. Maybe eating too! Choose between marble, granite, quartz, wood, stainless steel, and even concrete. This is one area where your design concept as mentioned area really comes into play.

Lighting and paint

Once your tiles and kitchen cabinets are decided you can start to think about the finishes – lights and paint. You can go with a classic white kitchen, a contemporary design with bold dark colors or you can make your space colorful with different shades and hues. As for lighting you have warm or white LED lights, recessed ceiling lights, chandeliers, hidden ceiling lighting, pendant lighting, and more to choose from.

Kitchen furniture

Lastly, add some furniture to complete your kitchen. You can add some stools for the breakfast bar, some wall hangings and plants to add some color, etc.

Of course, deciding what you want is just one half of your kitchen remodel San Diego County project. Now the real work begins – actually remodeling the space. And this is where Creative Design and Build comes in. Call us and let us help you design your kitchen remodel.

Granted, most homeowners worry about how to make smaller kitchens appear larger in terms of function and looks. However, today we look at another problem that, although not common, there are some proud homeowners grappling with. And that is: how to make a large kitchen space not appear like a massive empty boring space. Can this be done? Of course it can! Check out some tips below on how to keep a large kitchen but make it look more modest than it actually is.

Install big floor tile pieces

Small floor tiles give the impression of going on and on and on. They can therefore make a floor surface look long. Larger floor tile pieces in turn have the opposite effect. Fewer of them are needed to span wall to wall, or from the center island to the wall. This creates the illusion that the floor is smaller than it really is.

Install low hanging lighting

A large kitchen is bound to have tall ceilings. The combination of height and width will further amplify the volume of your kitchen space and make it look massive. You can reverse this by installing low hanging ceiling lighting, e.g. pendant lights or chandelier lighting. These lights not only offer better illumination for your large space, they also mask the tall ceilings and make the room look a little more compact.

Put in a large centerpiece island

In a larger kitchen you are bound to find a U-shape layout design. Most modern kitchens will have an island and others will feature a peninsula design. If your large kitchen space does not have an island, install one. And not just any island, go for a large island that will reduce the empty space in the middle of your kitchen. In doing so you also get more storage and countertop space. You can also remodel and swap a small island for a large one.

Wall mounted kitchen cabinets

Wall kitchen cabinets will help to marginally and visually shrink your kitchen’s size. With each kitchen cabinet taking almost two feet of space from the wall, having them installed on 3 of your 4 walls will encroach on your indoor space and reduce its volume. In return you get more storage space and stylish cabinets to add character to your space.

Breakfast nook /Breakfast bar

Another crafty and modern way to add function while cutting back the intimidating sixe of a large kitchen is to add a breakfast bar. You can have this added to the center island or on any one of the walls. The added seating eats up floor space and takes from the floor square size. Alternatively you can install a breakfast nook instead - either on one of the walls or at the corner.

Add a pantry

Still have room to play around with? How about a pantry? A pantry helps to keep your kitchen organized and neat by tucking away supplies in a concealed nook. And a large kitchen needs a large pantry of course. Talk to us about kitchen pantry designs and styles. We can help design where and how to put in one.

Talk to Creative Design & Build for kitchen remodeling San Diego County services. We are here to give you the kitchen of your dreams and more.

Often when we talk about kitchen remodeling San Diego County, it is usually regarding updating old appliances, making structural changes, adding more space, bringing in more light from outside, tearing down a wall or two, etc. However, what about remodeling your kitchen just to change its look? Changes are good. And where appearances are concerned around your home, a new look can make your spaces feel new, vibrant, and refreshing. And when better to do this than at the beginning of a new year?

How long has your kitchen had that same look?

Across America, many households retain the same looks in their kitchens and in others rooms around their houses for years. Now, there is nothing wrong with this. However, shouldn’t looks be updated every once in a while? No one plans to keep the same look on their kitchen for decades to come. Usually when building or remodeling, the aim is to fix structural changes. But what about fixing the look once it gets old?

Keep your kitchen trendy

Just like fashion changes every year and every decade, architectural style changes too. What was trendy seven years ago when you had that big kitchen remodel is not what’s in right now. And that also applies to appliances and fixtures such as lights. An aesthetic remodel on your San Diego kitchen every few years will make sure that you retain that wow factor.

Keep up with your tastes and preferences too

Style and architectural fashion aside, do you know that our own tastes change over time? And these changes could take place in a period as little as a year. It is very possible that you have already outgrown some of the choices you made when designing your San Diego kitchen or when buying your home. For example, a common design element that most people grow out of quickly is color. Changing the look of your kitchen, therefore, can help to satisfy your dynamic style changes. What elements about your kitchen are you no longer happy about?

Save on remodeling costs

How much does it cost to remodel a kitchen? A kitchen remodel in California will set you back a couple thousand dollars. However, if you’re only focusing on changing the look of your kitchen as is the case here, you can spend way less than that. You’d be surprised how little changes can transform your spaces. An aesthetic kitchen remodel will be cheap because very little structural changes will be made. After all, why break bank if there’s nothing broken to fix? Changes to wall paint, window dressings, faucets, and lighting fixtures can really make a huge difference to your kitchen.

Is it worth it to remodel a kitchen just for the aesthetics?

Some will argue that there’s no need to bother with the look of your kitchen or that of your other rooms in the house. Some might say it’s not worth it. But for a space that is used daily to eat, prepare meals, and even entertain. A fresh look will go a long way. And on the upside, as seen previously, it won’t cost you anywhere close to what a normal remodel costs.

At Creative Design and Build we are construction and remodeling specialists. Talk to us about anything to do with your kitchen remodeling San Diego County project and get the best ideas and insights.

So, you’ve found the San Diego kitchen remodeling company of your dreams and now you can’t wait till the day your space is transformed. You’re counting down the days with excitement and someone asks you, “are you all set for the remodel?” And as you think about it you ask yourself if you really are. So this article is here to help you out a bit with your kitchen remodeling San Diego County in this regard. Check out below some of the things you can do to prepare for the big day.

1. Prepare yourself to have strangers in your kitchen space

Like most people, you love privacy in your home. And that includes your kitchen. You probably would not wish to let strangers into your house unless it was totally necessary. As you make the countdown to the kitchen remodeling date, prepare yourself mentally to welcome strangers into your house. And as you do so, make arrangements for what amenities they can access and how they will do that.

• Make sure you’re not having any quests for the remodel duration

Because the duration of the kitchen remodel will be busy, noisy, and dirty even. It won’t be an ideal time to host friends or family. Your attention will be mostly occupied with the ongoing works, as well as liaising with the project manager/coordinator. And no guest wants to come over at such a chaotic time. So go through your diary and see if you need to postpone any such prior arrangements.

• Have a contingency budget just in case

In almost every remodel project, something unexpected is bound to come up; something that wasn’t expected or planned for when the project was envisioned. And in most cases, this unexpected situation requires a little more money. In the case of a kitchen remodel, it could be mold removal, replacing rotten insulation or floor boards, electrical upgrades or plumbing repairs. To avoid finding yourself in a conundrum when things take such a turn, have a little contingency fund in place. You will be very happy that you did.

• Check with the San Diego county office about planning permissions

There are local government regulations that guide how residential works should be carried out. These regulations spell out what safety measures should be in place, what qualifications are needed for certain jobs, what lines should not be crossed, etc. If you are not aware of the San Diego county planning guidelines, you could be in for a rude shock when county officials tell you that you have to push your remodel back as you sort out issues A, B, and C. To avoid all that, call or visit your SD planning office and check with them first.

• Cook some meals in advance

Once your San Diego kitchen remodel starts, you will not have as much freedom to go in and out of the kitchen, or to spend as much time in there as you desire. So it would be really convenient if you prepared some meals in advance. That way you’ll just need to go in there, pull out the dishes from the fridge and quickly warm them. In and out in no time!

Countertops are easily the most noticeable features in any given kitchen. They are also easily the most used fixtures in a kitchen. If you’re in the market for new kitchen countertops, some of the more common options you are likely to run into include marble, granite, quartz, laminate, and concrete. However, another not-so-common but very intriguing option is wood.

How would you feel about wood countertops for your kitchen remodeling Bonsall project?

Can you really have wood countertops?

Yes you can. Wood has not been a very common material for countertops due to the popularity of other mainstream materials mentioned above. However, if designed well, constructed with expertise, and maintained carefully, a wood countertop will look, function, and even feel better than most modern options in the market. And although not common, kitchen wood countertops do exist. In fact, they seem to be coming back in style.

Best wood varieties for kitchen countertops

When looking for a wood kitchen countertop, or when designing one, it is obviously best to go with a hardwood. That is because hardwoods will resist damage by moisture, pests, and mold much better. If prepared and finished well, they should provide the same longevity that hardwood floors are known and loved for. So what wood species are best for kitchen countertops? Experts recommend Oak, Teak, Maple, Cherry, Beech, and Walnut.

Design options

One of the great advantages of using wood for your SD kitchen remodel is that it can be designed and customized in many ways to suit varying tastes and to make it stand out even more.

An unfinished and rugged look is perfect for a throwback rustic look. Smooth, clean, and straight lines provide great contemporary styles. For some extra color you could look into paint options or staining. Torching the wood for a dark charred look that also adds the durability is also an option. And if you want to go the extra mile and bump up the aesthetics, look into epoxy resin designs.

Maintenance tips

Wood fixtures need maintenance. If you use the right hardwoods that have been treated for pest and moisture, that maintenance will only be minimal. Some of the maintenance you should expect to carry out over time includes re-sealing the wood to maintain a waterproof layer and waxing to maintain a glossy layer that also makes the top easy to clean. Over time you may also need to have the wood countertops sanded down and sealed again to get rid of signs of wear caused by dings, knife cuts, notches, and stains.

Wood you look at that!

At Creative Design & Build we have worked with wood on numerous projects. And that includes on kitchen countertops which have turned beautiful by the way. If you are curious about installing unique and catchy wood kitchen countertops talk to us about designs, options, installations, and maintenance. We have just the right people to walk you through the potentially focal piece of your remodeled kitchen.

Planning to renovate your kitchen? The kitchen is probably the most used part of your home, so you want the space to be welcoming. It doesn't matter the size of your kitchen. With the right tricks and design, you can turn a smaller kitchen into a cheerful and functional space. Explore these kitchen décor ideas and get inspiration for your own kitchen makeover.

Update Your Backsplash

Updating your kitchen backsplash is the first thing to do if you're renovating your kitchen, the reason being this is the most abused area of the kitchen. It includes the cooking and food prep areas. From spilled food to hot oil splashes, the backsplash takes it all without any complaint. When renovating this area, go for choices that not only look good but also ones that will withstand wear and abuse best. If you're using just one color for your backsplash, consider textures like matte, satin, or high gloss styles. You can also opt for materials like ceramic or porcelain tiles, glass tiles, or metal tiles. What you choose to buy should depend on personal needs, preferences, and budget.

Add A Kitchen Island

A kitchen island doesn't occupy much space. Natural stones like granite and marble along with engineered quartz pose a wide variety of options, and people tend to lean towards them. Plus, they are durable. Remember, you don't want to have a huge island that looks out of place. The size and nature of your kitchen island are often guided by what use they will serve. For example, if you'll be using the area for wine sessions and serving snacks, then leave enough legroom.

A Change of Lighting

To combine convenience and beauty when remodeling your kitchen, you need to be creative with the lighting. You can get this done by trying to situate your lights at different places and points around the room(s). Depending on whether you want ambient lighting or task lighting, you should plan the layout accordingly. If it's a task light, the LED ceiling lights route could work perfectly. For ambience, we suggest going for chandeliers or even contemporary track lighting.

New Flooring Ideas

There is nothing that brings new life to your kitchen like a new floor. When it comes to flooring ideas, hardwood is the commonly used material. There are various variations of hardwood, such as thick planks of solid timber. Solid hardwood adapts to temperature and humidity changes quite well. One good example of solid hardwood that is commonly used is oak and walnut. Oak is durable and gives an appealing natural grain and is reasonably priced. Additionally, if you prefer a light-colored hardwood floor, ash is an ideal option.

New Cabinets for Your Remodel

You can't do kitchen remodeling without paying attention to the cabinets. First, they enhance the kitchen look and mood. There is plenty of cabinet designs, even if you're on a tight budget. One such design is the ready-to-assemble cabinets, which save you on labor and create more room for your products. Also, you can decide to paint dated kitchen cabinets as well. For a clean, sophisticated look, choose neutral tones or a bright shade of white.

We hope this information helps with new kitchen ideas. If you need help with your kitchen remodeling Santee, we can help transform your kitchen to your liking.