kitchen Tips
- Before you begin your renovation, decide what problems you want to solve and what features you would like to incorporate in your renovation.
- Before you begin your renovation, determine the look you would like to have, perhaps contemporary, country, or high tech. To assist you in determining your specific look, find photos or magazine articles of kitchens you like.
- To properly design your kitchen the designer requires precise details of any planned changes that will affect the cabinet layout, such as the replacement or relocation of windows, plumbing, heating, electrical and appliances.
- The type of floor covering you choose may affect the design of your kitchen. Hardwood and tile may be up to an inch thick, which could be significant in the design of your kitchen. Ensure to discuss the type of flooring with your design expert at Carefree Kitchens and Lighting.
- When preparing for the installer; ensure the old cabinets are removed prior to the arrival of the new cabinets. If we are removing the existing cabinets, then all items must be removed from the cabinets and countertops before the installer arrives.
- If you plan to reuse or sell the old cabinets keep in mind that cabinets that are built in place or in large sections may not be removable without considerable disassembly and damage. If you plan on keeping the existing cabinets, ensure you have discussed this with your sales rep before the final quote..
- Old floor covering should be removed and new sub floor installed prior to cabinet installation. Vinyl floor covering or prefinished hardwood flooring should not be installed until after the cabinet and countertop installation.
- Unfinished hardwood flooring can be installed before the cabinets but should not be sanded or finished.
- Modifications to plumbing and electrical lines must be completed before the cabinets are installed. Existing plumbing should be capped 4”-5” from the wall.
- As with all wood products, avoid excessive moisture on your wood cabinets. Simply wipe with a clean, damp cloth. Wipe dry immediately with a dry, soft cloth. We recommend that you use a 100% cotton cloth. This process may be done as often as needed.
It is recommended that you complete a small area at a time so that any moisture from the damp cloth will not sit on wood for an extended period of time. For best results, wipe in the direction of the wood grain, rather than in a circular motion.
- Avoid using products containing ammonia, bleach, wax, or silicone. The use of these products may damage the finish on your wood cabinets.
- Wood has a tendency to expand during humid seasons (spring & summer) and contract during dry, cold seasons (fall & winter). Ideal humidity levels are 40%-50%, which should be maintained through the year.
- Self-cleaning appliances create a great deal of heat during the cleaning process. Since there is a chance that some of this heat may escape through seals or gaskets, we recommend you either pull your oven out approximately eight inches, or remove doors and drawers that are directly beside the appliance while the self cleaning feature is in use.
