Tag: remodel kitchen

Remodeling 101

Are you thinking of remodeling or upgrading your home? Before embarking on any remodeling project there are a few things to consider and know before hand.

  1. How to find a quality and professional company to do the job: It is a good idea to ask family and friends that have done any home improvement for a referral. You can also search online for companies that do the kind of work you are looking todo. once you find a company do some due diligence by researching about them . Check the BBB , Angie’s list and other review organizations to determine if they are dependable and capable of doing the work. Check to see how long they’ve been in business. The longer the company have been in business the easier it is to count on them doing business the honorable way. You can be assured that they intend to do as advertised or claim since long time success is their goal.
  2. What to pay for the project: Do not choose a company based on price. Remodeling is a easy way to get scammed. Many unscrupulous companies will come in with a low bid to get the job. Once they win your job and start the project, they will charge ridiculously high for “unforeseen” or changes to make up the initial low bid.
  3. Are you prepared for the temporary disruption and stress: Remodeling or upgrading your home is stressful. Remember that things are not going to be the same during the process. You will have strangers in your home on a daily basis working on completing your project. You will need a lot of patience and planning to minimize the disruption to your daily life. Working with your contractor to minimize the disruption is always a good idea. Plan ahead! It is important that you use a company that will listen and care about your well being. ABF Remodeling is a company that does this very well. When you are ready for your remodeling project give us a call and we will show you why we’ve been in business for over 20 years. We truly want to help!

Kitchen Remodeling: Stainless-Steel Sinks vs. Porcelain Sinks

Your kitchen sink is a pivotal appliance in your kitchen. It is used for dish washing, meal prep, washing clothes, washing dirty hands, and even an occasional baby from time to time.

The only thing that rivals the uses of your kitchen sink is the options available when it comes to choosing which kitchen sink to install.

kitchen remodel, kitchen renovation, kitchen design, remodel kitchen, kitchen remodel cost, small kitchen remodel, kitchen designer, kitchen makeovers, kitchen renovation cost, cost of kitchen remodel, small kitchen renovations, remodel kitchen cost, custom kitchens, best kitchen designs, new kitchen designs, home kitchen design, remodeling a kitchen, kitchen contractors, home remodeling, renovate kitchen, kitchen redesign, kitchen layouts, designer kitchens, kitchen renos, cost of kitchen renovation, cost to remodel kitchen, cost of new kitchen, kitchen interior design, design of kitchen, new kitchen, kitchen remodeling companies, design a kitchen, remodel small kitchen, small kitchen remodel costThe two most popular options for kitchen sinks are porcelain and stainless-steel. With all the style options available, which material do you choose? That is why we are here, we can help you determine the best sink material based on your preferences and uses. After all, we have installed hundreds on kitchen sinks all across Southeast Texas, and we have the scoop on in choosing all the right materials for your kitchen. We analyzed strength, cost, maintenance, installation options of these two leading sink materials and thought we would share our findings in helping you determine which meets your needs best.

Strength.

Both stainless-steel and porcelain kitchen sinks will last about 15 years or so, depending on how well they are maintained. Stainless-steel sink strength is determined by the gauge of steel used in its construction. kitchen remodel, kitchen renovation, kitchen design, remodel kitchen, kitchen remodel cost, small kitchen remodel, kitchen designer, kitchen makeovers, kitchen renovation cost, cost of kitchen remodel, small kitchen renovations, remodel kitchen cost, custom kitchens, best kitchen designs, new kitchen designs, home kitchen design, remodeling a kitchen, kitchen contractors, home remodeling, renovate kitchen, kitchen redesign, kitchen layouts, designer kitchens, kitchen renos, cost of kitchen renovation, cost to remodel kitchen, cost of new kitchen, kitchen interior design, design of kitchen, new kitchen, kitchen remodeling companies, design a kitchen, remodel small kitchen, small kitchen remodel costThe lower the gauge, the thicker the stainless-steel will be. Brushed or weathered finishes are the best as to hide any surface scratches.

Porcelain sinks are of two types. A solid porcelain sinks and its stronger counterpart; porcelain cast over steel or iron. Porcelain can be chipped or scratched by sharp corner coming into contact with the porcelain surface. Some cleaning solutions should be avoided when cleaning a porcelain sink. Bleach and acidic solutions should not be allowed to sit for extended periods of time.

Affordability.

Stainless-steel kitchen sinks are generally more affordable than porcelain kitchen sinks. kitchen remodel, kitchen renovation, kitchen design, remodel kitchen, kitchen remodel cost, small kitchen remodel, kitchen designer, kitchen makeovers, kitchen renovation cost, cost of kitchen remodel, small kitchen renovations, remodel kitchen cost, custom kitchens, best kitchen designs, new kitchen designs, home kitchen design, remodeling a kitchen, kitchen contractors, home remodeling, renovate kitchen, kitchen redesign, kitchen layouts, designer kitchens, kitchen renos, cost of kitchen renovation, cost to remodel kitchen, cost of new kitchen, kitchen interior design, design of kitchen, new kitchen, kitchen remodeling companies, design a kitchen, remodel small kitchen, small kitchen remodel costManufacturing, packaging and transporting are easier with stainless-steel making which allows them to start at around $200 at most big box retailers.

Porcelain kitchen sinks start at around $300, wich undermount models being slightly higher. Farmhouse and apron style kitchen sinks are among the most trendy styles, and you can expect to pay slightly higher prices for those designs.

Installing.

Stainless-steel kitchen sinks are generally easier to install due to the sheer weight of the sink. Top mount and self-rimming stainless-steel sinks can be installed by most home owners, but an undermount sink style requires more extensive expertise to install.

kitchen remodel, kitchen renovation, kitchen design, remodel kitchen, kitchen remodel cost, small kitchen remodel, kitchen designer, kitchen makeovers, kitchen renovation cost, cost of kitchen remodel, small kitchen renovations, remodel kitchen cost, custom kitchens, best kitchen designs, new kitchen designs, home kitchen design, remodeling a kitchen, kitchen contractors, home remodeling, renovate kitchen, kitchen redesign, kitchen layouts, designer kitchens, kitchen renos, cost of kitchen renovation, cost to remodel kitchen, cost of new kitchen, kitchen interior design, design of kitchen, new kitchen, kitchen remodeling companies, design a kitchen, remodel small kitchen, small kitchen remodel costPorcelain kitchen sinks require a more advanced skill set to deal with the weight of the sinks. Undermount porcelain sinks require supporting structures to distribute the weight properly.

Sink Maintenance.

Mild cleaning solutions, warm water and even a little lemon juice can keep your stainless-steel kitchen sink clean. Pumice style cleaners, chlorine-based cleaners and abrasive scrubbers or sponges will scratch stainless-steel rather easily.

Porcelain kitchen sinks are easy to maintain as well. Staining your porcelain sink is easy with food or liquids that are colored. Wine, juices, grease, dried stuck on food can permanently stain a porcelain kitchen sink. Although it may be a softer material, the sink can be resurfaced to rid the sink of scratches and stains.

What Do We Recommend

When we advise our clients on kitchen sink selection, we always choose a design based on the budget of the project. We want to make sure that we stay  on target for your budget, and deliver the finished remodel on time.

For a free consultation, give us a call at 281-855-3400 or fill out the information below and one of our kitchen remodel experts will contact you as soon as possible.


     

    Kitchen Cabinet Remodeling: Distressed Cabinets Pros & Cons

    Thinking about Distressed Kitchen Cabinets?

    kitchen remodel, kitchen renovation, kitchen design, remodel kitchen, kitchen remodel cost, kitchen cabinet design, small kitchen remodel, kitchen designer, kitchen makeovers, kitchen renovation cost, cost of kitchen remodel, new kitchen cabinets, kitchen cabinet refacing, cost of kitchen cabinets, small kitchen renovations, remodel kitchen cost, custom kitchens, best kitcen designs, new kitchen designs, home kitchen design, remodeling a kitchen, custom kitchen cabinets,kitchen contractors, refacing kitchen cabinets, home remodeling, renovate kitchen, kitchen redesign, kitchen layouts, designer kitchens, kitchen renosDistressed cabinets have become very popular over the last few years, and as with all cabinetry there are many choices. With most custom cabinetry lines the choices are virtually limitless as they allow you to mix and match different distressing techniques, with different wood species, paints, stains, glazes and door styles.

    Choosing an inexpensive distressed cabinet option can leave you limited on finishes, techniques, and the overall look is underwhelming, and much more obvious that it was done by machines as opposed to the handcrafted look you get when ordering custom distressed cabinetry.

    Along with different distressing techniques, there are also different levels of distressing available. They range from some minor pitting of the surface or some worn off paint edges all the way to wood that looks like it was re-purposed from an old barn or sunken boat. If you want the latter, starting off with a rustic wood like knotty alder is recommended. If you want something less drastic, most good manufacturers will start out with some sanding of the top coat to make the bare wood visible through the stain. This technique is a called a rub-through and it’s very popular with paints or dark stains.  Some of the available techniques involve using multiple coats of different colored stains that are visible as the top coats are sanded down to show different wear layers.

    The other techniques available use different types of tools such as punches, knives and chisels to give you whatever level of distressing you might want. There are techniques such as birdpecking, wormholing, rasping of edges, corner softening, knife cuts, and hammer marks. These can be combined with the above mentioned sanding of top coats or rub through for a finish that is as rustic as you want it to be.

    These techniques are available on an ala carte basis, but each one ads its own separate charge, so keep that in mind while you are in the cabinet selection budgeting. When you add many of them together the cost can be as much as the entire cabinet order! For this reason most of the manufacturers put together packages of distressing techniques to make typical treatments that are popular for rustic finishes. These will usually run from 20-50% and give you a well tested look for your cabinetry.

    Distressing kitchen cabinetry is an art form, and we have a great selection of custom cabinet manufactures. Our cabinet makers possess unsurpassed expertise,  that have been making distressed cabinets for as long as they’ve been around.

    Kitchen cabinetry is the foundation of any beautiful  kitchen, and distressed cabinetry is a great way to get a one of kind look for your new kitchen. If you’re in the market for distressed kitchen cabinetry there’s no better value than some of the great manufacturers offered at wholesale pricing through ABF Remodeling.

    Don’t Stress About Distressed Cabinets

    Call us at 281-855-3400 or fill out the information below and let us help plan your kitchen remodel with the distressed kitchen cabinets to make your dream kitchen become reality.