Kitchen Remodel Questions and Tips

#1
n_huffhines

n_huffhines

What's it gonna cost?
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Mar 11, 2009
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#1
I've got a remodel that I'm just starting to plan and I have lots of questions, and I'm sure others are wondering about some of these, too. I'd also accept any off-the-wall suggestions about what must be included in a remodel, like maybe a custom air fryer station. I'll start with a couple product and material questions:


I'm looking at apron-front farmhouse-style sinks, specifically Moen and Elkay. Is there any brand that I should be looking at or is this something you can just go with whatever on?

One bowl or 60/40? I think we're leaning one bowl.

For those with touchless, touch, or voice-activated faucets, do you like the tech or is it kinda annoying? It's annoying to me being unfamiliar with the faucets I've used, but I'm guessing it's awesome and worth it when you are familiar?

Best substitute if we're not going to install granite counters?
 
#4
#4
n_huffhines said:
I've got a remodel that I'm just starting to plan and I have lots of questions, and I'm sure others are wondering about some of these, too. I'd also accept any off-the-wall suggestions about what must be included in a remodel, like maybe a custom air fryer station. I'll start with a couple product and material questions:


I'm looking at apron-front farmhouse-style sinks, specifically Moen and Elkay. Is there any brand that I should be looking at or is this something you can just go with whatever on?

One bowl or 60/40? I think we're leaning one bowl.

For those with touchless, touch, or voice-activated faucets, do you like the tech or is it kinda annoying? It's annoying to me being unfamiliar with the faucets I've used, but I'm guessing it's awesome and worth it when you are familiar?

Best substitute if we're not going to install granite counters?
Click to expand...
As far as the sink, don't know anything about the brands, but I will say I thought I would absolutely hate the one-bowl sink and I was dead wrong. I never want to go back to a two-bowl.
 
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#5
#5
n_huffhines said:
I've got a remodel that I'm just starting to plan and I have lots of questions, and I'm sure others are wondering about some of these, too. I'd also accept any off-the-wall suggestions about what must be included in a remodel, like maybe a custom air fryer station. I'll start with a couple product and material questions:


I'm looking at apron-front farmhouse-style sinks, specifically Moen and Elkay. Is there any brand that I should be looking at or is this something you can just go with whatever on?

One bowl or 60/40? I think we're leaning one bowl.

For those with touchless, touch, or voice-activated faucets, do you like the tech or is it kinda annoying? It's annoying to me being unfamiliar with the faucets I've used, but I'm guessing it's awesome and worth it when you are familiar?

Best substitute if we're not going to install granite counters?
Click to expand...
Countertops we chose quartz.
We prefer two sided sink so we can put glasses or bowls that we might use for leftovers in the sink and just rinse prior to using.
We love the touchless Moen faucet. Voice activated we didn't really care for.

Good Luck.
 
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#6
#6
n_huffhines said:
I've got a remodel that I'm just starting to plan and I have lots of questions, and I'm sure others are wondering about some of these, too. I'd also accept any off-the-wall suggestions about what must be included in a remodel, like maybe a custom air fryer station. I'll start with a couple product and material questions:


I'm looking at apron-front farmhouse-style sinks, specifically Moen and Elkay. Is there any brand that I should be looking at or is this something you can just go with whatever on?

One bowl or 60/40? I think we're leaning one bowl.

For those with touchless, touch, or voice-activated faucets, do you like the tech or is it kinda annoying? It's annoying to me being unfamiliar with the faucets I've used, but I'm guessing it's awesome and worth it when you are familiar?

Best substitute if we're not going to install granite counters?
Click to expand...
Also since it's a remodel... tape out your ideas and make sure they function in life as they do on paper.


ETA. Soft close doors on cabinets and drawers are great
 
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#7
#7
Stainless or cast iron sink? Kohler makes great cast iron and were putting in an Elkay SS in our new house. We got double bowl but with a lower divider (aqua divide I think). Also getting the motion activated faucet after trying it at several homes and feedback from friends with kids

For counters maybe butcher block, soapstone or even concrete if you're staying away from the granite look
 
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#11
#11
And don’t be afraid to ask around for names of custom cabinet-builders. We got exactly what we wanted (weird sizes, natural cherry) from a local guy for less than we would have paid for commercial so-called custom cabinetry.

Good luck!
 
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#12
#12
utvolpj said:
Stainless or cast iron sink? Kohler makes great cast iron and were putting in an Elkay SS in our new house. We got double bowl but with a lower divider (aqua divide I think). Also getting the motion activated faucet after trying it at several homes and feedback from friends with kids

For counters maybe butcher block, soapstone or even concrete if you're staying away from the granite look
Click to expand...

Fireclay or cast iron
 
#13
#13
utvolpj said:
Stainless or cast iron sink? Kohler makes great cast iron and were putting in an Elkay SS in our new house. We got double bowl but with a lower divider (aqua divide I think). Also getting the motion activated faucet after trying it at several homes and feedback from friends with kids

For counters maybe butcher block, soapstone or even concrete if you're staying away from the granite look
Click to expand...
We’re very happy with the white porcelain single bowl apron sink with a stainless steel wire strainer.
 
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#14
#14
You will like a quiet sink. Either the material , cast iron or other thick solid material or if you like stainless don't go cheapest. It should not be thin material, and have something to deaden the noise. Stainless is very easy to keep clean.
 
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#15
#15
VolNExile said:
And don’t be afraid to ask around for names of custom cabinet-builders. We got exactly what we wanted (weird sizes, natural cherry) from a local guy for less than we would have paid for commercial so-called custom cabinetry.

Good luck!
Click to expand...


Second this! We bought custom cabinets from a local shop. They did a wonderful job and installed everything for almost half the price of just the cabinets at Lowes/Home Depot.
 
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#17
#17
Danl said:
Second this! We bought custom cabinets from a local shop. They did a wonderful job and installed everything for almost half the price of just the cabinets at Lowes/Home Depot.
Click to expand...
Where was your cabinet builder located
 
#19
#19
VolNExile said:
Look at Kraus sinks and save a fortune. This is our second one (second house.) I think it’s a 33”. Single sinks are da bomb. You can get a skillet with a long handle in, lying flat. (Sorry for the mess. 🤪

View attachment 397750

View attachment 397751
Click to expand...

Kraus makes great quality sinks, put a 60/40 in our last house. Wife hated the 60/40, we have a single now love it. Some stainless sinks are a bit thin and make a lot of noise, Kraus was thicker gauge. Very nice.
 
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#20
#20
Soft close drawers are great!! Also, instahot is very nice to have. As well as lighting under the upper cabinets (on a dimmer). Finally, I've gotten to the point where I want at least one outlet with usb plugs for charging phones etc.
 
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#21
#21
GoDucks349 said:
Soft close drawers are great!! Also, instahot is very nice to have. As well as lighting under the upper cabinets (on a dimmer). Finally, I've gotten to the point where I want at least one outlet with usb plugs for charging phones etc.
Click to expand...
2nd the USB plugs. I use our island as office when work from home as wifey has the actual office and saves hassle on going and bugging her to get a charging adapter out of the desk. Also grab a couple switch covers with LED night light on bottom for midnight runs to the fridge.
 
#23
#23
Under counter Ice Machine(Kitchenaid), especially if you use coolers a lot, do any boating, kids ball games, camping , etc. Besides having loads of small cube ice available, you save freezer space and money not having to purchase a frig w/built in ice maker. I’ve had one in my last three homes and absolutely love it.
My wife will not be without the instant hot water dispenser. We’ve had three of those as well
 
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#24
#24
I had a guy come yesterday come quote work for me to get started on my kitchen. Any cabinet place in middle TN you would recommend?
 
#25
#25
Just for kicks take a look at Waterworks. I recently did some consulting them. Unfortunately I can’t get a discount 😬
 
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