A good kitchen today cannot be complete without a pantry. If you are building a new home or remodeling a kitchen you have the chance to build a pantry that makes your kitchen better. Yes, a good pantry makes your work in the kitchen easier. Enjoy some tips below on how you can build a better pantry that does more for you and your kitchen.

Size matters when building a pantry

If you can, build a large pantry. Size matters when it comes to pantries and walk-in pantries are not a waste of space. They help declutter the kitchen because you get to stow away everything that is not used regularly/daily. You also get to use them as a store of some sort for your freezer, as well as kitchen equipment that you don’t want to clutter your countertops. Think of extra cutlery and crockery, and cookware.

Have a sliding door (not a swinging)

A sliding door for a kitchen pantry is okay. However, if you can help it, think about getting a sliding door. You can go the extra mile and get a sliding barn door design if you like. A sliding door seems more befitting for a pantry because it does not eat into your kitchen space the way a sliding door does. You can have a sliding pantry door open in your kitchen door without obstructing movement. With a sliding door, you have to close it every time you open it otherwise it will be obstructing foot traffic in an otherwise busy kitchen.

Go for open storage pantry shelves

When it comes to pantry storage, go for simplistic open shelves. Not only will these save you money, these offer better aeration for your dried and fresh foods. They also make it much easier to locate whatever you want to grab out of there at any time. And that’s not all, open shelves make it easy to notice what needs a top-up so that you can add it to the grocery list before it runs out. With closed shelves it’s easy to run into empty jars and boxes at the very last minute when you’re not expecting it.

Build shelves of different sizes

When building pantry shelves do not go for one size all across the board. If you do that you will end up wasting very valuable space. Sure, you do need large spaces for pots and storage boxes. However, you also need smaller storage spaces for items that do not need much space. Think about canned foods and spices. A good idea, therefore, would be to have one side of the pantry exclusively fitted with small size shelves only. In fact, each wall can have shelves of different sizes ranging from small to large.

Incorporate specialized storage such as wine racks and freezers

It would be sad to build a large pantry and still have no space to store your wine bottles or somewhere to put your freezer. If you need such large storage items, think about incorporating them to the build of your pantry in the first place.

Creative Design & Build are kitchen remodeling San Diego experts. Talk to us about your kitchen pantry ideas as well as any remodeling plans/projects you may have.

If you just moved into a new house, it is common to want to change a few things about the place. Kitchen remodels, in specific, are quite popular with new home buyers. If you are on the fence about whether or not you should remodel your kitchen, check out some of the most common reasons why so many people remodel houses they have just moved into every year across the country.

1. Design/style doesn’t match your own
   Every family and each new set of homeowners have their own distinct sense of style. So even though you might like the house and what if offers (such as space, the number of bedrooms you need, and proximity to work), you may not like the specific style of your kitchen or other rooms as well. Through a kitchen remodel you can change that so that you get to enjoy a wholesome space that reflects your identity and character.
   And this is where the question - how much should you spend on a kitchen remodel comes in. Well, that will depend on your design taste really.
2. Closed off spaces
   Open concept floor plans and kitchens are the norm as far as today’s designs go. And that may be what you’re looking forward to. But older homes may contain kitchen designs that feature traditional closed floor plan concepts. You may therefore find that your new kitchen feels boxed in and not connected to the rest of the house. Most homeowners in such a situation opt to knock down a wall or two and open up the space by joining it with the dining room and living room.
3. Kitchen is too small
   Modern kitchens are not just mere cooking spaces. They are just as valued as other spaces in the house. And being a common area such as the living room or the dining room, it is important for modern kitchens to be large enough for visitors to walk into, and for multiple people to work in during parties or family gatherings. So that might explain why in the last few years kitchens have been getting bigger and bigger.
   Need a bigger pantry, more counter space, a huge island? Get a kitchen remodel!
4. Outdated fixtures
   If you move into a house that was built quite a while back, you will most likely realize that the fixtures are quite outdated. This is another common reason why people remodel kitchens. Through a remodel you can refresh the space as you like and replace cabinets, countertops, and appliances with modern options.
5. Poor flow/planning of floor space
   Which kitchen layout is the most functional? Any can work. So long as you allow enough working room. Some kitchens just have poor workflow due to awkward installation of the sink, fridge, and storage spaces. That is good reason for a remodel.
6. Not enough storage
   What is the most expensive part of a kitchen remodel? Some say it’s the cabinets, other say appliances. The truth is that it differs with each kitchen. So don’t be coy about needing more storage. It might not be as expensive as you think. Good storage and a well-sized pantry are important in any modern kitchen.

Creative Design & Build is the kitchen remodel company San Diego County that you need. We understand kitchen remodels and the reasons behind them. Which of the above reasons apply to your current kitchen?

If you’re looking to remodel or build your dream kitchen in San Diego, you must be looking for the best kitchen contractors in the county to take on your project. And why wouldn’t you? A good kitchen adds great value to a property and creates a wonderful space to prepare meals and entertain. Wondering, “how do I find a good kitchen contractor?”. Check out our list of some sure ways on how to land the kitchen contractor you need.

Portfolio (past work)

Ask kitchen contractors to tell you (or give you) their portfolio. That is, ask them to show you what work they have done in the past, and possibly what kitchen projects they are in the middle of. This process will reveal to you several things:

• The quality of their work.
• How busy they are (now and throughout the year).
• What type of projects they typically handle.
• What their design style is.

Idea board

How do I choose a kitchen contractor? One of the main factors that should guide you in choosing a kitchen contractor is the potential they can bring to your space. And remember, the best contractor might not hold the best potential for your project; it might be the second-best contractor that gets what you need. So how do you figure it out? Ask the kitchen contractors to give you ideas on how they will transform the space into what you need. This is where you’ll start to see the real contenders and the non-starters.

Client referrals

What should I look for in a contractor? The qualities that make up great contractors include trust, skill, experience, and even affordability. But any contractor can claim to have these qualities. The best way to find out is to go straight to the horse’s mouth. Ask for referrals of past clients and then ask those clients how it was dealing with the contractor in question. The answers you get will give you a first-hand account of what you can expect from working with the contractor.

Ratings & reviews

How do you know if a contractor is reliable? Well, that is hard to tell from talking to one. Once again, the best way to get that information is to hear it from people who have worked with these contractors in the past. And today you can get that information easily via ratings or reviews. You can get these from the contractor’s websites or from consumer-driven review sites such as Yelp.

Trusting your gut feeling (intuition)

Last but not least, trust your intuition when you first deal or meet with a contractor. This is in addition to all the above factors. If your gut feeling tells you that a certain contractor is great, or maybe not-so-great, put that into mind as well and evaluate it alongside all the other factors above.

Creative Design & Build is one of the leading kitchen contractor San Diego County has. We love what we do and we know you would too. Talk to our team today and let us show you what we can do for your kitchen!

If you want to remodel your kitchen (be it because you just moved into the house, you want to list the property on the market, or you just want to reverse the tear and wear of age), you want the best people in San Diego working on your space. You want the job done right the very first time. This is not always easy as far as any type of construction project is concerned. And you may already know this if you have been looking for contractors. The question therefore remains; how do I find a good kitchen contractor? We’ve put together some qualities that should guide you to the right company.

They understand their customers’ needs

It is refreshing dealing with a service provider who understands what their clients are looking for without you having to explain yourself in detail. This is a sign of an experienced and skilled contractor that is well-informed and well-updated on their industry. The moment you start to explain a concept, they immediately understand what you’re looking for and why you’re looking into that idea.

They have great ideas and insights

Your kitchen contractor is the expert when it comes to the project that you are handing over to them. So not only should they remodel your kitchen and give you what you need, they should guide you in that process. They should have the ideas and insights as to what designs, materials, styles, and trends you need to look at. This is where real value comes in and this is part of what you are paying for when you hire your designer or contractor.

Details matter to them

Serious professionals do not leave any grey areas on their plans. Every design and every material must make sense and come together beautifully to complete the client’s vision and meet their needs. There is no margin for error and there is no guesswork in their thought process. This is why they are able to create great works that impress their clients and surpass their expectations. If you are dealing with a contractor that doesn’t pay much attention to detail, you should start to question their expected results.

They do the work themselves

How do I find a contractor to remodel my kitchen? Look for a contractor that does not simply “sell” or “offload” your project to another company. Good contractors don’t outsource work to other parties. The have the manpower, tools, and resources to handle all the work themselves. And they like to do all the work themselves because that is the only way they can guarantee quality to their clients.

They offer both design and build services

A good kitchen remodel company San Diego County will not offer you half the services you need and ask you to seek the rest from another company. By understanding your needs, they should be able to offer you:
• Consultation services
• Design services
• Architectural 3D plans
• Planning permissions
• Construction services
• Interior design

Is a new kitchen worth it? Yes it is. And Creative Design & Build can give it to you. Call us today and let us plan your kitchen remodel together.

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.