Depending upon the extent of kitchen remodeling renovation, even a DIY home project might require a handyman contractor to help with the more difficult aspects. Plumbing, electrical wiring, and new wall construction, for instance, require special skills and tools that the average homeowner might not possess.

The New Smart Approach to Kitchen Design

Why merely enlarge a small kitchen layout or update cabinets and appliances?  The new smart approach to kitchen design is to customize the kitchen to your own particular lifestyle. Combining form with function and beauty.

First, decide what you want to accomplish. Possible reasons for a kitchen renovation might include:

• A better kitchen layout plan
• Increased kitchen pantry storage or kitchen storage organization
• The addition of a breakfast nook, breakfast bar, or work island
• Increased counter space
• Cosmetic purposes; whether to update present features or put together a whole new designer kitchen
• Increased floor space
• Separate space for dining

After determining the main purpose for making alterations, consider the key function of your kitchen. Is it used for meal preparation; on a daily basis, or only occasionally?  Do you entertain frequently?  Is the kitchen used for homework, laundry, or eating purposes?  Answering these type questions will help decide which aspects of new kitchen renovation design to emphasize.

Determine the Best Kitchen Design for You

After determining the main purpose for the kitchen renovation and main function of the kitchen, you are ready to select the best kitchen design for your needs.

Start off by compiling a list of all the things about your kitchen you find inconvenient. Make a “wish list;” write down what would help make your life easier. For instance, where do you set down groceries when you come through the door; is it convenient, or would something else work better?

Does more than one person work in the kitchen at a time?  Is there enough room; what about the kitchen layout?  How could things be rearranged so two people could work on mealtime preparations together, without getting in each other’s way?

What is the kitchen traffic flow; from one destination in the kitchen to another as well as from kitchen to surrounding rooms. Would moving a doorway allow better access to the dining room?  Would removing a wall open the kitchen up and make it easier to communicate with family members during meal preparations?

At the same time make a list of all the things you like best about your kitchen; add them to your new kitchen design wish list.

Kitchen Renovation Cost

After determining what you like about your kitchen’s present design and what you would like changed, it is time to consider kitchen renovation cost. For practical purposes it may be necessary to edit your wish list and prioritize.

Formulate a realistic budget. Put the most important aspects of design at the top of your list. If you absolutely need more kitchen storage or work space in your new kitchen, don’t compromise. Cut back on other design ideas.

Now that you have your kitchen renovation plan in order, consider the style of your home. When you build a new kitchen, you want it to compliment the overall style. Pay special attention to kitchen storage cabinet design; cabinets play a large role in setting kitchen style.

Set Realistic Goals

DIY home repair and remodeling projects such as new kitchen renovation are a big undertaking. Even if you have the necessary skills and tools required for the job, do you have time?

If the additional cost incurred by hiring a contractor would throw you over budget, consider revising aspects of your kitchen renovation idea. Or, do certain aspects of the work yourself, and hire a building contractor to do just the more challenging parts.

As a member of HandyAmerican.com you can post your kitchen renovation design needs online with our easy-to-use tools. Membership is free, and so is project posting. Home improvement contractor members are waiting to bid competitively on your project. Ready to make your dream kitchen a dream come true!

The microwave hood sits on a bracket that is screwed into the wall. The brunt of the weight and stability rests on this wall bracket. The power cord gets threaded through a hole in the cabinet above it. The final adjustment is closing this gap between the microwave and the cabinet.

If you look in the cabinet above the microwave, you will see a screw head near the front of the opening. This screwhead is attached to a bolt that goes through the bottom of the cabinet and into the top of the microwave. The purpose of the bolt is to hold the front of the microwave and adjust the gap. By turning the screw clockwise, you will close the gap. Always support the microwave from below as you turn the screw, as this will make raising the microwave easier. You want to turn the screw just enough to close the gap. Don’t over tighten the screw.