Quality Kitchen Remodeling & Renovation

When it comes to a standard kitchen remodel, some of the first questions homeowners find themselves asking is the following: Should I replace or reface my current kitchen cabinets? What are the cost and time tradeoffs between the two?

If your current cabinets are structurally sound and function correctly, you may save significant time and money by resurfacing your cabinets instead of replacing them. EJS Construction can help you make best choices by assessing your current cabinets and, taking into account your budget restrictions and personal preferences, can show you the best and most cost-effective options. If you choose to reface your cabinets, EJS will be able to provide a wide range of color and stain finishes that are available to you.

If instead you choose to replace your current kitchen cabinets, EJS Construction can provide you with extensive design services to help you choose among the following:

• Kitchen Cabinet Styles
  While shaker-style cabinets have become a popular style in recent years, there are many other alternatives to choose from. Besides shaker cabinets, other common styles include traditional, rustic, contemporary, slab, country, craftsman, and glass-front. EJS will assess your kitchen in order to decide on a style that fits both your personal taste and your budget.
• Kitchen Cabinet Colors
  Homeowners often choose the color of their cabinets to fit the intended design or theme of their kitchen. If you are unsure of which color(s) to choose, EJS will evaluate any plans or designs you have for your kitchen in order to help you select the best color. Additionally, if you have yet to create a design, our trusted remodel consultants can help.
• Kitchen Cabinet Material
  When it comes to remodeling your cabinets, you may be faced with the task of choosing their material. The two most common choices are plywood and particleboard. Depending on the climate of your home and other personal preferences, EJS will help you choose either material, or will show you alternate materials such as wood veneer and solid wood. Most general contractors and remodel consultants, however, agree that particleboard is a preferable choice over plywood, as it is much more durable and can withstand any warping that may result from humidity.
• Additional Storage Space
  In addition to kitchen cabinets, EJS can also help you select and install any additional storage spaces in your kitchen. These can include wine storages, pantries, shelves, drawers, and more.

Please contact us to speak with one of EJS Construction's kitchen design experts to discuss how we can help improve the livability and value of your home.

When it comes to a standard kitchen remodel, one of the first questions homeowners ask is the following: Should I replace my current appliances with a new matched appliance suite from a single vendor, or should I pick-and-choose the best-of-breed appliances from multiple vendors?

Even if you pick a high-end, reputable kitchen appliance vendor (Viking, Thermador, etc.), it is unrealistic to expect that every appliance in any kitchen appliance suite you choose is the best product in terms of functionality, performance, and reliability. Consumer Reports, a leading non-profit consumer magazine, has verified in its test labs that if top performance is your top priority when choosing appliances, you will need to mix models and brands. For more detailed information, check out the Consumer Reports article on the Best Matching Kitchen Appliance Suites of 2019.

Please contact us to speak with one of EJS Construction's kitchen design experts to discuss how we can help improve the livability and value of your home.

When it comes to a standard kitchen remodel, some of the first questions homeowners find themselves asking are the following: Should I replace or resurface my current kitchen countertop? What are the cost and time tradeoffs between the two?

If your kitchen countertop is in relatively good condition and fits your intended design, resurfacing is most often the best choice in terms of both time and money. However, replacing your kitchen countertops may be the best option for you if any of the below statements apply to you and your current kitchen:

• Your intended design does not include your current kitchen countertop
• You would like to replace your current sink, but it is undermounted rather than dropped-in
• Your current kitchen countertop is showing signs of wear or damage, such as burn marks, cuts or cracks, or water damage
• Your kitchen countertop is too difficult to maintain

If any of the above apply to you and your current kitchen, it may be the best choice for you to replace your kitchen countertop rather than merely resurface it. If this is the case, please speak with one of EJS Construction's kitchen design experts for help with choosing the best replacement kitchen countertop for your intended design. This advice will focus on areas such as the following:

• Sink Style
  If you plan on replacing your current kitchen sink, you may have the option of choosing either a drop-in or undermount sink. Both choices have their own pros and cons when it comes to maintenance, price, and quality. Undermount sinks, while more expensive than drop-in sinks, are easier to clean, are generally better quality, and look neater because they are mounted under the countertops. However, undermount sinks only work with countertops such as marble, limestone, and granite; they do not work with laminate countertops. A more traditional sink is the drop-in sink, which are dropped into a cutout in the countertop and therefore rest on the counter. While this alternative is less expensive and works with all countertops, it is a style that is more difficult to clean, generally considered to be outdated, and tends to be lower quality than undermounted sinks.
• Sink Material
  When choosing your new sink, it is important that you consider price, quality, and durability. The material of your new sink is a major component of this along with its style. One of the most popular materials for kitchen sinks is stainless steel—a strong, heavy-duty, and inexpensive choice. Porcelain enamel sinks, though prone to cracks and chips, come in a wide variety of colors and are fairly affordable. Much more affordable than porcelain are composite sinks, made of materials such as quartz or granite.
• Countertop Material
  When choosing the material for your kitchen countertop, it is important that you consider durability, price, and the intended theme of your kitchen. Though quality and price may vary depending on the provider, most homeowners generally buy materials such as quartz, marble, granite, butcher block, laminate, or recycled glass. To read more about the pros and cons of each of the above options, as well as other materials to chose from, read the Consumer Reports review of the Best Countertops for Busy Kitchens.

Please contact us to speak with one of EJS Construction's kitchen design experts to discuss how we can help improve the livability and value of your home.

When it comes to a standard kitchen remodel, homeowners often find themselves asking the following question: Should I replace or resurface my current kitchen flooring?

When it comes to your kitchen flooring, you should resurface if it is in good condition—only requiring some work to repair if damaged—and fits your intended design. However, if your kitchen flooring is heavily damaged or warped in some way, or does not fit the design of your new kitchen, replacement might be the best choice for you. If you feel this way, the following information on various materials may help you narrow down your options:

• Laminate
  If you are looking for a material that can easily mimic the look of wood without risking the possibility of extensive water damage, laminate may be your best choice. While seams may be vulnerable to water damage, spending a bit extra on water-resistant laminate can easily fix the problem. Laminate can imitate a variety of materials such as wood, stone, or ceramic. However, it scratches easily and should not be cleaned with a wet mop.
• Vinyl
  As one of the most inexpensive flooring materials, vinyl is another popular synthetic flooring option for your kitchen. Its smooth surface is easy on the feet and is easier to clean than most alternatives. However, like laminate, it scratches easily.
• Cork
  An eco-friendly option for kitchen flooring, cork is one of the safest choices on this list, as its soft texture prevents slips. Though it must be re-sealed every three years and may become indented, it is mostly water-resistant and is easy to clean. As it is harvested from tree bark, it is highly sustainable.
• Ceramic Tile
  One of the most durable on the list, ceramic tile is available in many different styles and can withstand much more than the above materials. Scratch-resistant and water-proof, it is likely the best option for busy kitchens. Though joints may gather dirt easily and could be a cold surface for the feet, it is an easy surface to clean that can last for decades.
• Wood
  Becoming a popular choice in modern kitchens, wood creates a warm look and, if pre-finished, can withstand most damage. While it is still susceptible to water damage and scratches, pre-finishing can solve this issue. Plastic laminates are generally less expensive and provide a similar look, but wood tends to look more authentic and is easier on the feet than its synthetic imitation.
• Stone
  A quite durable and natural material, stone tile flooring comes in many unique styles and materials that can add value to your home and give your kitchen a natural look. Though durable and waterproof, it must be periodically sealed in order to ensure this durability.

When in the process of a total kitchen remodel, homeowners often question whether they should first install their cabinets or flooring. To help determine your best option before you begin the remodeling process, check out this article from The Spruce on Flooring and Cabinets: Which to Install First.

Please contact us to speak with one of EJS Construction's kitchen design experts to discuss how we can help improve the livability and value of your home.

One of the many questions homeowners may face during the kitchen remodeling process is the following: Should I replace my kitchen's current lighting and electrical systems, or should I keep what I currently have?

Due to cost and convenience, it is generally smarter to reuse your lighting appliances. However, if the electrical systems in your home need to be augmented in any way and/or your current lighting appliances and fixtures do not fit your intended design, you may have to replace them. It is a good idea to choose your appliances before you consider working on the electrical aspect of your remodel, as you will need to adjust your lighting circuits for your new appliances in order for your home to still be up to code. Here are some general guidelines to follow when deciding on new lighting appliances:

A standard kitchen generally requires at least seven circuits: two 20-amp small appliance circuits, one 15-amp basic lighting circuit, and at least five circuits intended for specific appliances. Appliances with motors will always need their own circuits.

• Basic lighting circuits provide 120 volts that power ceiling fixtures, task lighting, and recessed can lights.
• Microwave circuits, as the name suggests, are 20-amp circuits that provide 120 volts to power microwaves and oftentimes gas stove outlets.
• Dishwasher circuits, as implied by their name, are 15-amp, 120-volt circuits that power dishwashers.
• Food disposal circuits are specific 15-amp, 120-volt circuits that provide power to the food disposal. Depending on the codes in your area, the food disposal and dishwasher circuits may share a single circuit.
• Refrigerator circuits are 20-amp, 120-volt circuits that provide electricity specifically for your refrigerator.
• Range circuits are the 50-amp, 240-volt circuits that power the area of your kitchen in which you cook. The oven and range are the main components of your kitchen that is powered by this circuit, but your stove may also share it.
• Small appliance circuits supply any additional appliances in your kitchen, including coffee pots, toasters, blenders, popcorn machines, and more. Countertop and eating area outlets are usually required to have at least two of these 20-amp, 120-volt circuits, no farther than four feet apart from one another.

Please contact us to speak with one of EJS Construction's kitchen design experts to discuss how we can help improve the livability and value of your home.