Build Like a Pro: Remodeling a Kitchen

Kitchen remodeling is the most challenging remodeling you can do. You need good design information because there are many components to considerfrom cabinets and countertops to appliances, plumbing fixtures, lights, and flooring. Careful planning and solid construction techniques are also essential to control costs and get the work done quickly so that your kitchen won't be out of commission for too long. Sam Clark is just the pro to guide you through this adventure. With over 25 years of remodeling experience, Clark knows what it takes to get pro-level results every time.

This book will help you:

• Apply innovative design ideas to create the right remodeling plan
• Save money with smart design strategies and careful planning
• Complete demolition, framing, plumbing, and finish work quickly, with professional results
• Install cabinets, countertops, appliances, plumbing fixtures, flooring, lighting, hardware, and accessories
• Select and install other types of countertops

About the author
Sam Clark (www.samclarkdesign.com) has been a designer-builder for over 25 years, specializing in kitchen design, accessible design, cabinetmaking, and in working with owner-builders. Clark's other books include The Independent Builder (Chelsea Green Publishers, 1996). Clark works primarily in Vermont and in Boston.

Introduction

How to Use This Book

1. Planning Your Kitchen
Preliminary Design
Guidelines for Effective Layout
Your Kitchen Plan: Five Layout Tools
Design Devices for Tight Layouts
Reviewing Your Floor Plan

2. Detailing Your Design
Designing Work Centers
Planning for Universal Access
Your Cabinet Elevations
Lighting and Wiring
Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning

3. Cabinets and Surfaces
Choosing Cabinets
Choosing Counters
Flooring Options
Walls and Ceilings

4. Appliances and Fixtures
Large Appliances
Sinks and Faucets
Accessories

5. Your Final Plans
Completing the Design
Hiring, Permitting, and Estimating

6. Demolition and Rough-In
Demolition
Framing
Installing Windows and Doors
Mechanical Rough-In

7. Finish Construction
Wall Prep
Insulation, Infiltration, and Vapor Barriers
Drywall and Other Finishes
Finish Carpentry and Flooring

8. Cabinets and Counters
Layout
Installing the Cabinets
Installing Counters
Cabinet Trim

9. Finishing Up
Completing Final Cabinet Details
Completing Mechanical Systems, Installing Appliances
Final Finish Details

Resources

Kitchen-Layout Templates

Index

This book surveys the process of remodeling a kitchen from start to finish, including design, carpentry, mechanical systems, and cabinet installation. There is also an overview of making your own cabinets. The emphasis is on good planning, how to work effectively with people you may hire, and practical technique.

A kitchen renovation is one of the most challenging and rewarding projects you can take on. It involves almost every trade: carpentry, electrical work, plumbing, tilework, cabinetmaking, and usually others as well. The planning is a challenge, too, because a kitchen is complex, expensive, and often involves many people.

The rewards, however, are as great as the challenges. First, there's lots of room to be creative as you design, outfit, and detail your kitchen. But the creative opportunities often go further. Many older homes, despite their charms, have problems that extend beyond an outdated kitchen. They may be too dark or the rooms too small. They often will be poorly organized, particularly for the way families live today. Few older homes are energy efficient, and structural problems are not uncommon. These problems may have been compounded by inept renovations by previous owners. Your kitchen renovation may be the best opportunity to address these issues. Often, by remodeling the kitchen, you transform the house around it.

There is more design information here than in other books on the kitchen. Creating a thorough, detailed design makes all the difference in how well a kitchen will work when it's done. In my experience, getting the carving knife, trash can, and spices in just the right places, where you can put them to use effortlessly, is more important than having fancy appliances or high-end cabinets. Locating the new window at just the right height can have as much impact as new flooring. Professional designers use a broad variety of design tools, resources, and techniques to get both plan and details right. I think these methods will be equally useful to you.

There's another reason for a thorough discussion of design ideas. Not every reader will have the resources to purchase expensive appliances, fixtures, or other amenities. But every reader can invest time into the kitchen design. Having the perfect stove is great, but it can be costly. Having your stove in exactly the right place is no less valuable and usually adds no cost to your project. Your kitchen is your workshop. I've found that careful design is your most powerful tool for making that workshop efficient and tailoring it to your particular ways of cooking. Such a kitchen can be a great joy to work in, every day.