Appliance Size and Style
Kitchen appliances are available in lots of sizes – from the diminutive to the gigantic. If you dream of a huge commercial range, for example, be aware that the weight of it may require additional construction to brace the floor underneath your new pet appliance.
Here are some other appliances where custom cabinets or special installations may be required.
- Range Hood: All hoods come with installation specifications for a certain size vent duct. In an older home or for a large vent hood, you may be required to tear out part of the walls or ceiling to reroute or upgrade the size of ducts.
- Warming Drawer: Before ordering cabinets, you’ll need to know the appliance specs and where the drawer will be located, since a custom cabinet will usually be required to support the weight of the metal drawer.
- Dishwasher or Refrigerator Drawers: It may be handy to space these around a kitchen. But be aware, you’ll need extra wiring and plumbing to each location.
- Cooktops: Various models require different depths in the cabinet underneath. You may not be able to have a handy utensil drawer directly below the countertop in this location.
- Microwave Ovens: Unless you prefer setting this appliance on the counter, a custom cabinet or shelf may be needed to fit the size and style of oven you buy and an electrical outlet will need to be installed at that location. Other options – microwave drawers and built-ins that look like a second oven.
Brightening Up
A great lighting plan can make the difference between an ordinary vs. a spectacular kitchen remodel. If, like most older kitchens, yours has only one or two ceiling lights and a tiny window over the sink, perhaps it’s time to upgrade! Give these solutions some thought as you consider the scope of your kitchen remodeling project.
- Replace old windows and doors with larger, more beautiful new ones that will let in more light.
- Use layers of light – recessed lighting, undercabinet lights, pendant fixtures, or even a chandelier -- to create a dramatic effect with more lighting options.
- Look into Xenon undercabinet lighting that offers the same clean light as halogen, but without the heat.
- Installing a glass-front cabinet? Drop mini-spots through the top so you can light up a display of beautiful glassware.
- Put lights on dimmer switches so you can control the amount of light throughout the day.
- Locate switches in convenient locations, at each entrance to the space. Locate outlets according to local codes. Don’t like seeing the outlets in the backsplash? You may be able to have them installed in the bottom of your cabinets, out of sight.