There are many things to consider when remodeling a kitchen. You have to consider the style you'd like, the color scheme, the appliances, the fixtures, and much more. One of the main things people are considering now when doing a kitchen remodel (or a remodel of any part of their home) is how environmentally friendly do they want their new kitchen to be, and how much is that going to effect the cost of their project.
Cost is an important factor when trying to keep a home green; but something to keep in mind is that it can be done effectively, efficiently and in-expensively. You also have to keep in mind that while you may have to pay a little more for things like VOC-free paints, long term you will save on your health and your general well-being.
The next thing to consider then, is how is it done. And how is it done in-expensively? It is actually quite simple. The simplest thing to start with his your cabinetry. You can do one of two things. The least expensive option would be to re-use your current cabinetry. You can give your kitchen cabinets a new look by sanding them down and re-staining them or re-painting them to your liking. Just remember, if you are trying to keep your kitchen remodel as health-happy and environmentally friendly as possible, use paints and stains that VOC free or have very low VOC. The other option for your kitchen cabinetry would be to get totally new cabinets that are made from FSC woods (which are formaldehyde free). In this case, you will be spending more money, but you will get a "newer" kitchen.
After picking out your cabinetry you should pick out your countertops. There are many sustainable options for this. If you interesting ideas are bamboo, recycled glass or Paperstone. These very widely in cost, so at this point it becomes a matter of style and taste and what fits you most.
Once you've picked out the countertops for your kitchen, the next is to pick out your backsplash. Some different options for this are recycled glass, recycled tile or recycled aluminum. These can also very in price, so it's again a matter of taste and style.
With that, you have the basic design of your kitchen, and you can consider the most important part--your appliances. A sustainable option is to use as many of your existing appliances as possible (if you decide not to re-use them, make sure to donate them to an organization who could put them to good use). The other, more eco-friendly option which in the long term is easier on the wallet, is to get appliances that are Energy Star rated. This will save you on your energy bill, as well as help the environment.
So there you have, some simple suggestions to consider when looking at doing a full kitchen remodel. I hope you found it helpful!
Feel free to contact us if you would like to do a kitchen remodel and you live in our surrounding areas: Boston, Newton, Wellesley, Natick, etc.
Victoria Sene
Lead Designer
New England Design & Construction
(617) 708-0676
New England Design & Construction is an award-winning architectural design and remodeling company in the Greater Boston area. With over 25 years of experience, and countless happy customers, we are recognized as the most- trusted team to design and remodel your home.
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