askjake

Making space for a fridge

I am getting a new refrigerator that is larger than the space the current one is in. I would like to relocate the frig to a different area, but there is a wall vent (for heat and air conditioning) there. Can this be moved so that the air comes out under the cupboard next to the refigerator? If so, is this difficult?

- Linda

Linda,

This is not a job for the un-trained homeowner.  It will require you to perform sheet metal work and some carpentry – both ruff and trim.   If you feel like you are capable of doing this type of work then go for it.  If not, hire a professional remodeler to complete the work.   It could cost up to a thousand dollars, now remember this is a sight-unseen guess estimate, so get a price to see if it is worth it to you.

Making room for lights

Question from Claire: 

We are remodeling our 70's style custom kitchen. I want to take out the upper cabinets. I know everyone thinks I am crazy but I haven't used my upper cabinets for months now testing my theory. Question that I have is we have a soffit above the upper cabinets, would you keep the soffit and put in can lights in the soffit or would you remove the soffit and put can lights or small pendent lights from the ceiling?

Jake's Answer:

Claire,

Without a doubt, I would remove the soffits and put in can lights over the counters.  Consider installing the pendants over the island or other focal point you might be creating in your new kitchen.

Removing soffits

Question from Judy:

I am having my kitchen remodeled by a contractor. To try to curb costs, there a few things I want to do myself. I want to remove the soffits, two are on walls, and the third is a peninsula soffit. I will also be removing the flooring. I know there is electrical in the soffit over the sink. There shouldn't be any electrical or plumbing in the others. The house was built in the 50s. What am I likely to find under the soffits? Also, should I remove the flooring before or after the cabinets are removed? It is a floating floor over original flooring.

Jake's answer:

Judy,

I hope you enjoy your time with the hammer and crowbar.  I know it can be rewarding when participating in your own remodeling project.  You will definitely have some sweat equity in the finished product. 

When removing soffits we have found electrical wiring, pluming pipes, heat ducts, attic insulation that has spilled down and a few beer cans too.  To determine if you will run into any of these items, it might take a trained eye to help you inspect the area. 

Since the floor is a floating type and was installed over the original floor, it probably does not go under the cabinets.  In which case, you can remove the floor either before or after the cabinets come out – which ever you find easier. 

Cabinets or tile first?

Question from Shannon: 

I am rebuilding my kitchen and putting new cabinets and floor tile in. The question I have is, should I put tile down on the floor under my cabinets before I install new counters or install the cabinets then put down on the floor up to the cabinets? 

Jake's answer: 

Shannon, 

When installing tile in a kitchen, I would set the cabinets and then I would install the tile. Install the backer board before you install the cabinets and make certain to place the cabinets on blocks of wood equal to the height of the tile. This will allow you to install the dishwasher and it will maintain the proper height from the tile floor to the counter top.

Remodeling online?

Question from Amy: 

I live in an older home (1889) and would like to remodel the kitchen, it is terribly inefficient and outdated. But are there any online design help-sites? We need help with the design/layout process. Take out walls? Put what where? Thanks so much. 

Jake's answer: 

I don’t know of any online design services and if I did I probably wouldn’t recommend them. You should find a knowledgeable kitchen designer and sit down with that person and share your thoughts on what you are looking for in your new kitchen. The kitchen design process is too important and detailed to do online. Go to NARI.org, the web site of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry, and see if they have any kitchen design firms in your area.

Installing a range below a window

Question:  We are remodeling our kitchen and have to put our range where our sink is currently. There is a window above that spot. It is a view directly into my neighbor\'s kitchen. Is it possible or advisable to have an art glass \"backsplash\" made for behind the range so that I can still have the light but not the current view or does the steam and heat compromise a window above it?

Jake's answer:  Avoid having any type of combustible material, i.e. wood trim within 30" of the top of the range.  Most tiles, including glass tiles and glass block s are suitable to use at this location.  You will need to design an opening to accept a non-combustible material. 

Cost to hire to kitchen designer

Question:  We are remodeling our whole house, and doing all the work ourselves. However, we are concerned about getting the kitchen layout and design perfect. So, we are thinking about using a consultant for kitchen design and just looking to find out how much something like that might cost. Any information you could give me would be appreciated. Thanks, Manda

Jake's answer:  Manda, it all depends to what extent you are needing design services.  Is it just the layout, or does it include lighting plans, material selections etc?  If you looking only for the basics, a Home Depot in our area will charge $750.00.  If you are looking for a "perfect" design be prepared to spend anywhere from $2500 on up.  I have seen designs go well over $15,000.  Look and ask around.  Interview a few and see which ones fit with your style, budget, and personality and then hire him or her.  It will be well worth it. 

Converting downdraft to an overhead vent

Question:  I would like your advice on converting an existing downdraft range hood to an overhead hood. Is it possible to use the existing vent line running through the floor (slab) then make a connection to new ductwork going up the wall to the overhead? Have you ever heard of this being done? Any links would be appreciated. Thank you for your response. Leonard

Jake's Answer:  Leonard, yes, you can convert your venting.  It seems you most likely will have to do some floor demo to redirect your duct up through the wall, if the existing comes up through the bottom of the cabinet.  Assuming that the existing vent line is a 3 x10 or 3 x 12 this should fit in your wall cavity. A couple of things to consider is the duct size requirement of your new range hood and the number of elbows you will have in the line.  Most venting situations have a limit on how many feet the line can run until it is discharged outside.  This information is usually included in the hood specifications.  I do not know of any links, try Googling it.  Good luck. 

Kitchen cabinet heights

What is the standard height for a wall cabinet above a sink without window to prevent hitting ones head?

I went to one of our Design Consultants for this answer.  Here is Megan's response to your question: 

'There really is no “standard” height for a wall cabinet above a sink because it just depends on the user’s height.  We are able to dictate the exact size of our cabinets because we use Crestwood Cabinetry, a full custom factory cabinet line. www.crestwood-inc.com  The dimension from the kitchen countertop to the underside of the wall cabinet above the sink on most of what we specify ranges from 68”-78”, again depending on the user’s height."

Kitchen wall cabinet height

Question:  We are replacing cabinets in our small 8 1/2 by 10 ft kitchen.We currently have 30inch high cabinets with a soffit above.We are removing the soffit but can\'t decide on 30 or 36 inch cabinets.Original plan was 30inch cabs with open space above but have been told we should go 36inch to ceiling with molding and filler. Kitchen is U shape with no window above sink,and we look directly in from dining area. We are going with off white maple cabinets. Will 36inch cab height with filler and molding be too top heavy? We want the kitchen to have a cottage feel.Any suggestions?

Jake's answer:  There really is no right or wrong answer to your question.  I can tell you what I would do, since I just recently remodeled my own lake house kitchen.  We removed the soffits and installed 36" tall uppers with a two piece molding to trim it to the ceiling.  I like the look.  I think it adds a nice finish and it does not look too top heavy and I don't have a dust collector.