Entries Tagged 'Kitchens' ↓

If you’ve chosen a granite kitchen countertop after reviewing the different styles of kitchen countertops, you’ll have to pay close attention to the care of the grantie in order for your kitchen to keep its value. Granite is known as one of the most durable types of countertop available.

Made from igneous rock, granite countertops contain different minerals that give the material its speckled or salt and pepper appearance.

While granite countertops are very strong and durable, you’ll still want to take precautions to keep them from being stained or damaged. With proper care and cleaning, your granite countertops will continue to look beautiful for years.

Clean Spills Immediately

You’ll want to avoid spilling anything other than water or some mild dish soap on your granite countertops, particularly liquids that have a high level of acidity. Orange juice, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages are acidic and can cause damage to your countertops if they are need cleaned up immediately. If you do spill something, use a cloth or papertowl to soak up any major spills and then use a damp rag to take care of any sticky residue.

Avoid Adding Weight to Countertop Edges

While granite countertops are very durable, you want to do your best to eliminate any chance of damaging them. One of the ways you can prevent damage is to avoid putting any unnecessary weight on the edges of the countertops. This can include grabbing on to the countertops for balance or using the countertops to climb up and reach a high shelf or clean something that has spattered high up on the wall. This added pressure and weight can cause damage to the edge of your granite countertops, which can take away from the attractiveness of the granite. Continue reading →

If you’re building a home or remodeling your existing kitchen, the countertops will play an important part in your finished room. Countertops can change the entire look of a room when they are purchased in unique colors or textures and are often the center of kitchen activity when food is being prepared and cooked. A number of surface options are available.

The surface you choose will depend on a number of factors including the size of your kitchen, your budget, and how you will be using your kitchen countertops when they are installed. Here are six options to consider. Continue reading →

Sometimes home improvement reaches beyond additions, new rooms, patios and replacing countertops. Adding value to your home goes beyond monetary changes to its look and feel and also includes the care and presentation one puts into a comfortable house. Today well look at how to spruce up your kitchen in 10 easy steps which will compliment your remodeling job with a down home and hearty feeling.

The kitchen is one of the most frequently-used rooms in many homes. From preparing meals to serving as a storage area for backpacks and school papers, the kitchen often acts as the center of family life. With all the wear and tear to your fixtures and appliances, fingerprints on the walls, and other little dings and dents that can happen, the kitchen can also get worn down pretty quickly. The good news is, you don’t have to spend a fortune to spruce up your kitchen area. Try these ten quick fixes to make your kitchen look better without spending thousands of dollars.

1. Make or Purchase New Curtains or Valances

New curtains can change the whole look of your kitchen. If you’re crafty, you can make your own curtain panels or valences by purchasing the fabric and following a pattern. If you’d rather cook than sew, buy new curtains or valances at a home fashions store or department store and you can have them hanging in less than an hour. Experiment with patterns, colors, and textures to add more personality to the room.

2. Add a Display Shelf to the Wall

A display shelf can add personality to your kitchen and also serve as a handy storage center for frequently-used items. Purchase or make a shelf that will hold the items you use the most and display some of your most treasured collectibles. Make the shelf blend in with your kitchen décor by painting it a matching or complementary color or adding interesting details. Continue reading →

Leo Nov from RestorationSOS has sent us some interesting tips on preventing water damage in the kitchen. By doing so, a home owner can take one extra step in preserving the home’s value for years to come. The kitchen is often neglected even though it is often cleaned and warning signs of excess moisture and impending water damage are overlooked. Inspecting the following moisture sources will help in preventing damage where it is likely to happen. The following guide lines will help you keep your kitchen in good condition and to prevent damages caused by the refrigerator, the dishwasher and the dink and countertop.

Be thorough while performing these kitchen inspections and remember to do them every few months

Refrigerator

The area behind the refrigerator is hardly ever inspected because it is relatively hard to reach. Inspecting this area will reduce the chance for water problems. water behind the refrigerator is a sign. Do not ignore it, fix immediately or hire an appliance technician. If you detect mold growth, clean it immediately. Locate the moisture and fix it. If you have an icemaker, check the hose to make sure it is sealed and attached to the water supply.

Sink and Countertop

The sink and countertop are highly watered areas in the house. Check regularly under the sink and remove the trash can and other stored items to search for leaks. A drip in the trap under the sink means drain problems and must be repaired fast. Look around the sink, slow draining pipes indicate a blocked drain. A dripping faucet must me repaired promptly. Pay attention to the countertop. If tiles are cracked or grout is missing, fix it to prevent water from pervading. Stained walls and floors around pipes indicate an internal leak that must be fixed to prevent additional damage.

Dishwasher

If the dishwasher doesn’t empty after use, the main filter may be blocked and must be released promptly. When the sink overflows, it is usually due to back-ups. This problem usually occurs when the drain line is clogged. Clean the drain line regularly. Look under the base of the dishwasher for leaks. If you find any leaks, there could be an unsealed joint or a damaged hose. Check the connection and fix as needed. Check the dishwasher hose under the sink for signs of leakage and fix if necessary. Consider installing steel-braided hoses on appliances such as the dishwasher.

All Around the Home is an online directory of home improvement contractors in Maryland, Virginia and DC.

The site matches homeowners with contractors in a one-to-one quote request service. The service specializes in Kitchen Remodeling, New Additions and Roofing Companies. Continue reading →