Whether you’re moving into a new home, renting, or working on a home renovation, it is important to consider how you can upgrade your kitchen. Here are a couple of things that you can include in your kitchen to enhance your experience and home.

Create a Better Cooking Experience

There are a lot of different elements that can create a better cooking experience in your kitchen, including design elements and cooking accessories. First off, you’ll also want to make sure that you have enough counter space. Often, when preparing a big meal, you’ll run out of counter space and feel cluttered and messy. Add a wraparound counter or island counter to solve this problem and provide yourself with sufficient space to cook. 

According to Neil Kelly, there are also some kitchen appliance upgrades that you could make to facilitate your cooking, such as adding a double oven, investing in an air fryer, or replacing your fridge with an extra-wide configuration. All of these decisions will transform your kitchen into a cooking space that you’ll never want to leave.

Use Sturdier Materials

Another thing that you can do to transform your kitchen is to use better quality materials as it is being renovated. By using sturdier materials, you’ll guarantee that your kitchen won’t sustain significant damage over the years, and won’t need to be repaired or renovated again anytime soon. For example, rather than buying a wood or vinyl countertop, it is worth the investment to buy a granite countertop. According to KML Worktops, granite countertops can be maintained with just soap and warm water. They will last a long time while still looking stunningly beautiful.

Finishing Touches

As you’ve almost completed your kitchen, don’t forget to add finishing décor touches such as decorations, lighting, and hardware. According to Leedy Interiors, a statement chandelier or pendant light can make a huge difference to the presentation of your island counter. Adding gold hardware adds a luxurious sparkle and shine to your space. Decorations such as a nice floral centerpiece with greenery or a decorative bowl on your counter look beautiful. Don’t forget to use personalized touches such as paintings, signs, or photos that will give your kitchen a personal, homey feel.

Remember, this process is worth every minute spent and penny sacrificed since you’ll spend so much time in your kitchen in the future. It is so important to take the time to do all of the upgrades and changes that you’ve dreamed of because the outcome will bring you so much happiness. Keep each of these upgrades in mind and try to integrate them into your renovation plan. 

Read this next: How to Pull Off a Successful Home Improvement Project

Starting a Home Remodeling Project

7 tips for choosing a qualified contractor

(Family Features) Outside of the home itself, remodeling is typically one of the largest investments you can make as a homeowner. While some projects can be tempting to tackle yourself, many larger-scale projects may require hiring a qualified professional.

Because remodeling your home is a big undertaking, it’s important to take steps to ensure the professional you hire to perform the work is qualified to complete it to the highest standards of quality and integrity.

Consider these tips from the experts at the National Association of the Remodeling Industry to help you make an informed decision when hiring a remodeling contractor.

Get Recommendations
One of the best ways to find qualified, professional help is through word-of-mouth referrals. Ask your relatives, friends, neighbors or co-workers – particularly if they’ve recently renovated their own homes – if they have any previous experience with companies they would recommend. Also consider searching online for reviews of companies in your area.

Stay Local
It’s often best to consider established local remodeling companies first, as they are typically more compelled to perform high-quality work, which allows their businesses to thrive and remain in the community. Local professionals are also likely to know permit requirements and building codes in your city or county, which can change from year to year.

Follow Your Design Aesthetic
Whether your home features a mid-century modern, contemporary or farmhouse design style, it’s critical to choose a remodeler who is knowledgeable in the construction and design of the style of your home. Additionally, a company that specializes in remodeling kitchens may not be suited for a bathroom or bedroom project.

Ask for Licenses and Insurance
Many states, but not all, require contractors to be licensed, bonded and insured. Ask for copies of licenses and insurance certificates for any remodelers you’re considering to make sure they’re current. Most states also require contractors to carry worker’s compensation, property damage and personal liability insurance for their crews. Contact your state or local licensing agencies to ensure the contractor meets the minimum requirements.

Check References
Once you’ve narrowed your list of potential contractors, ask for a list of references you can contact and a portfolio of work. A typical reference list includes 10 or more jobs with dates as well as the customer’s name, address and phone number, and a portfolio should also contain at least 10 projects with photos of the space before work began, during the project and after completion. If possible, also consider visiting a current job site to see first-hand how the contractor operates.

Search for Violations or Complaints
Because you can’t always rely on a portfolio or references, it’s important to also check with your local consumer affairs office or the Better Business Bureau to ensure there are no complaints on record for the contractors you’re considering, which may help further narrow your list.

Compare Apples to Apples
While a number of different factors goes into every remodeling project, be sure all contractors you solicit bids from are using the same scope and quality of work requirements. Discuss any significant variations in price or timelines and be wary of any substantially lower estimates.

Find more tips for selecting a contractor at remodelingdoneright.com.

How to Safely Tackle Home Projects

(Family Features) When contemplating home upgrades or building projects, contractors and DIYers alike focus on factors such as budget, scheduling and materials. Another important consideration before starting work on any project - from renovating a main living area to expanding a bathroom or transforming your outdoor space - is safety.

While having properly functioning tools is crucial to completing projects both big and small, proper handling and transportation of power tools and batteries can sometimes be overlooked. Due to their efficiency, energy storage capabilities, convenience and durability, lithium-ion battery-powered tools are a popular choice for taking care of task lists of all sizes, but must be handled correctly.

With members representing portable and stationary power tool brands, the experts at the Power Tool Institute - the leading organization for power tool safety resources, information and education - recommend these tips for safe use, storage, transportation and disposal of lithium-ion batteries.

Use:

• The higher energy potential and small size of lithium-ion batteries makes them ideal for cordless power tools but also pose additional safety risks when misused.
• Batteries are not interchangeable, so it's important to only use batteries and chargers from the original power tool manufacturer.
• Original manufacturer batteries are engineered to communicate and work with specific tools and chargers. These components go through a rigorous certification and testing process. Third-party batteries are not always held to the same standard, and can pose fire, property damage or personal injury risks.
• Never modify, disassemble or tamper with a battery. The performance of damaged or modified batteries can be unpredictable and dangerous.
• If a lithium-ion battery is damaged, contact the manufacturer before use.
• Never immerse your tool, battery pack or charger in fluid or allow fluid to enter it

Storage and Transportation:

• Inspect batteries regularly for signs of damage, such as crushing, cuts or punctures.
• Store your battery in a cool, dry place, away from combustible and flammable items.
• Avoid contact with metal objects, such as keys, coins, screws and nails.
• Always transport and store lithium-ion batteries as instructed in the owner's manual.

Disposal:

• Throwing a lithium-ion battery in the trash or municipal recycling can be a fire hazard.
• Safely dispose of used or damaged lithium-ion batteries by taking them to a local battery recycling center or placing them in a receptacle specially designed for recycling batteries.

Find more information on safe battery use at TakeChargeOfYourBattery.com, or visit PowerToolInstitute.com for additional power tool safety and operation tips.

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