Kitchen Remodeling FAQ

According to the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA), cabinets and hardware will make up close to a third (29%) of your kitchen remodel costs, followed by installation, appliances and countertops.  The total cost to consider is directed by home value, with spending ranging from 5% to 20% of that value.  Other factors that can influence spending include kitchen size and the project scope.  A straight pull and replace of existing cabinets with changes typically costs less than changes to the design or the entire space.  Get help understanding budgeting and costs from our Kitchen Budgeting page.

Placing your dishwasher next to the sink is obvious. However, consider practical aspects such as the proximity of cutlery and frequently used items entering and exiting the dishwasher. Ideally, you place the dishwasher within one to two steps of the majority of your everyday items. Get additional tips on dishwasher placement by reading Left or Right: A Kitchen Design Tip for Dishwasher Placement.

Here are the best cabinet accessories that are a must for every kitchen: (1) Pull out trash cabinet, preferably with two bins for trash and recycling. (2) Drawer organizers for cutlery and cooking utensils. (3) Sliding, pull out organizers to maximize drawer storage and organization. (4) A narrow base cabinet, especially at 9" or 12", for baking pans, cookie sheets and cutting boards. The bigger the kitchen gets the more options you can consider. See more ideas in our Cabinet Accessories Gallery.

The main types of kitchen islands are galley kitchen islands, L-shaped kitchen islands, U-shaped kitchen islands, Furniture style kitchen islands, Table style kitchen islands, Bi-level kitchen islands and mobile or rolling kitchen islands. Get more information about these kitchen island types and the questions you must answer for designing a kitchen island in our blog, Types of Kitchen Islands for your Remodel.

According to NKBA guidelines, having at least 36 inches of clearance around the kitchen island allows for ease of movement and access to cabinets and appliances. However, the NKBA guidelines also suggest that if space allows, aiming for 42 inches of clearance provides even greater comfort and flexibility. Take into account your kitchen work triangle and clearance for appliances and seating when determining how much space you need for a kitchen island. Read our blog "How Much Space Do I Need for a Kitchen Island?" or get ideas from our Kitchen Island Gallery.

 

In most cases, appliances will be the first products to consider and decide on (read Appliance Basics - What You Need to Know). Appliance selections will dictate available space for cabinets along with any special considerations for plumbing, gas and electrical. Rushing too quickly through this process can cause mistakes, missed opportunities and in some cases additional costs or even delays. 

The best material for kitchen countertops is a personal choice and is influenced by how you use your kitchen and the countertops. The main materials chosen most often for kitchen countertops includes quartz (engineered stone), granite, wood and laminate. Other options include solid surface, glass, soapstone, marble, concrete and stainless steel. Granite and Quartz compete head on in terms of popularity. Here are some quick reference points for costs, pros and cons to all countertop surface materials.

You can get in stock kitchen cabinets at Reico Kitchen & Bath, delivered or by picking up in Elkridge, MD or Raleigh, NC. Select from four in stock and assembled cabinets and door styles in Elkridge, MD or visit our Raleigh, NC location for in stock Park Place White cabinets. Check out sizes and all of our Reico Express in stock products at https://www.reico.com/in-stock/.

Considered most often during countertop replacements, the options available are limited. If the original sink base is staying, there are very few short apron sinks that can be retrofitted to work in that space. If parts, trim or touch up coloring are not available to order for the sink base cabinets, making this modification is not recommended.

Adding new cabinets to an older kitchen is more difficult work than most realize. New cabinets will typically not match older cabinet in a kitchen design. In some cases, the manufacturer has discontinued the finish or changed the product design. Consideration must also be given to how old the existing cabinets are. Clearly visible differences will be due to the impact of the sun and ultraviolet rays, cooking behaviors and the home environment. If you must add new cabinets to older cabinets, it is important keep an open mind for creative solutions.

Ceiling heights typically need to be at 9 feet (108”) to incorporate stacked wall cabinets into the kitchen design. Based on 54” of space available for wall cabinet height, which allows for 18” space clearance between the bottom of the wall cabinets and the countertop, common combinations of stacked wall cabinets include taller 30”, 36” and 42” high wall cabinets combined with 12”, 15”, 18”, 21” and 24” wall cabinets. You can also leave space for crown molding or other details to create a more finished look.

For regular cleaning, use standard dish soap with a soft clean cloth, dampened with water. If considering common cleaning agents such as baking soda and vinegar, it’s crucial to choose non-abrasive solutions to avoid damaging your cabinet surfaces. For additional tips and guidelines on cleaning your kitchen cabinets check out our blog, Tips and Rules for Cleaning Your Kitchen Cabinets, or refer to the cabinet manufacturer.

When it comes to resisting stains, Quartz and Granite are the top choices. Consumer Reports tests have shown both materials significantly outperform other countertop options, displaying strong resistance to common foods and household products. Quartz and Granite share similar price points and a diverse range of colors. However, they differ in maintenance; granite requires periodic resealing, making quartz consistently more resistant to staining. Explore features and benefits of quartz, granite, and other countertops such as Wood, Soapstone, Concrete, and Marble in our blog, "Granite vs Quartz Countertops: Which is Best for You?"

A full height backsplash can be a stunning focal point in the kitchen. It contains splatter that a 4-inch backsplash cannot, giving a full height backsplash the advantage of being much easier to keep clean. More material equals more money, so it will cost you more. However, it provides an impressive, modern look with its near seamless transition from the countertop and up the wall to your cabinets. For more comparisons along with pros and cons to each, read https://www.reico.com/about-us/blog/2020/4-inch-kitchen-backsplashes-vs.-full-height-backsplashes/.

Improve lighting in the kitchen by using a combination of three different types of lighting:

1. Task Lighting that focuses on areas where you work, such as countertops, cooking surfaces, and sinks. Under-cabinet lights or pendant lights over work areas are used as task lighting for better visibility.
2. Ambient Lighting ensures general illumination by using ceiling fixtures, recessed lights, or a central light source to create an even and well-lit kitchen.
3. Accent Lighting highlights features like architectural details, glass-front cabinets, or another kitchen focal point. LED strips or spotlights can add visual interest and a warm atmosphere.

Combining these lighting types will enhance both the functionality and aesthetics of your kitchen, creating a well-lit and inviting space.

2 ways to improve storage in your kitchen are:

1. Incorporate cabinetry accessories: Use pull-out shelves, pull-out trash and recycling bins, corner lazy Susans, and drawer dividers to maximize cabinet space and improve accessibility. Consider smaller solutions like cutlery trays, spice racks, tilt-out sink trays, and knife trays to make the most of every inch.
2. Utilize Vertical Space: Install tall cabinets or open shelving to expand storage, especially in smaller kitchens. Adding hooks or racks on the inside of cabinet doors can also provide additional storage options.

Whether your accessories come built-in or after market, they will improve storage immediately. See more ideas in our Cabinet Accessories Gallery.