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NARI GUIDE


When Planning a Kitchen Remodel, the Devil is in the Details


BY JULIE HENDRICKSON


Appliances can be a real bugaboo.


W


hether they are trying to improve their day-to-day quality of life or are con- cerned about preserving or increasing


their investment, home owners are taking a hard look at their homes, inside and outside, and mak- ing note that some areas need atention. Te kitch- ens and bathrooms of course get an especially criti- cal going over because they greatly affect the value of the home.


Te daunting task of making all the selections can make some people put off the remodeling their homes really need. Although a ton of shopping is required, designing the kitchen renovation is re- ally the most important part of the process. I have noticed that a particularly tricky area of our job in- volves integrating the appliances into a new kitchen design and being sure our clients will be happy with their final choices. Communicating effectively to my customers some key facts as they shop for these items helps them to avoid some common pitfalls.


Appliances can be a real bugaboo. Our firm does not typically supply appliances, but it is crucial that we know exactly which appliance makes and models you choose for your new kitchen. We spend a good bit of time geting various specifications and exact dimen- sions to ensure there is enough clearance for your new cabinetry. We also do our best to anticipate how the


30 create | A REMODELING RESOURCE FROM NARI METRO DC


appliances you choose will integrate, fit, and look in your brand new kitchen. Tis is tough to do perfectly on paper or in words.


Te appliance industry has challenges too. It wants to give you the best features, durability, beauty, and value. Almost all of your appliances will be designed to fit into the cabinet industry standard depth of the base cabinets in your kitchen. Tis magic number is 24 inches. Your countertop should overhang the front of your base cabinets by around 1½ inches; that makes the other magic number 25½ inches.


Dishwashers, ranges, cook tops, wall ovens, micro- waves, hood fans, and wine chillers all seem to tuck into this space neatly enough. Many appliances appear rather “chunky” because the general desire for a more commercial appearance continues to drive sales. Tis will cause the doors, and handles to protrude more than they have in earlier models, which makes it neces- sary for us to create more clearance in corners so that drawers don’t collide with dishwasher handles.


But the overriding “problem child” in the appliance family really is the one that is opened and closed more than any other in the house: the refrigerator/freezer. When you look at these items in the appliance store, they usually aren’t surrounded by cabinetry. Tey’re more likely to be lined up like gorgeous stainless steel soldiers awaiting your inspection. You are free to open


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