Kitchen Remodeling – Bringing the Room Into a New, Contemporary Style

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Kitchen Remodeling Lexington KY is an opportunity to bring the room into a new, contemporary style. Replacing outdated appliances with energy-efficient models will save space and reduce utility bills.

It’s important to determine a budget for the project before beginning work. Renovating your kitchen can be expensive, and adding extras or features can quickly inflate costs.

Cabinets form the backbone of the kitchen and can add beauty, function and value to your home. The type of cabinets you choose will depend on your lifestyle and how you use your kitchen. A gourmet cook may justify a splurge on a professional range, while a family chef needs ample storage space and durable work surfaces. Whatever your priorities, you can find the right cabinets to fit your budget and style preferences.

Cabinet design can take on a number of styles, from sleek slab door fronts to classic raised panel detail. Even plain door and drawer faces can be spiced up with a unique paint color or stain, oversized hardware or a dramatic finish. The kitchen remodel experts at Red House can help you navigate the options to ensure that your new cabinets perfectly match your vision and reflect the way you live.

A kitchen remodel can range from minor cosmetic upgrades to a complete overhaul of the entire room’s layout and footprint. The first step is to determine a budget and decide how much of the work you can do yourself. For example, if you want to install new countertops and replace appliances, you’ll likely need to hire a contractor. This will be a bigger project that may require plumbing, electrical and gas line relocation or drywall installation.

Start by thoroughly cleaning your existing cabinets. Using a degreaser like trisodium phosphate will get rid of any grime that has built up over time. You should also sand the cabinets down with 100-grit sandpaper to roughen them up for better adhesion.

Once the basics are in place, you can have fun adding your personal touches to the room. This could include glossy backsplashes with playful patterns, eye-catching sink faucets or even decorative hardware that ties the whole kitchen together. While this isn’t a kitchen remodel that should be attempted by the do-it-yourselfer, the finished product will be well worth the investment of hiring professionals to do the larger tasks. Ultimately, the end result should be a beautiful new kitchen that complements your style and suits your needs.

Countertops

Countertops are an important part of the kitchen and are often the first thing people notice. They must be both functional and attractive. They can also add a lot of value to your home when it comes time to sell. During kitchen remodeling, countertops should be the primary focus. There are many different materials to choose from, each with its own pros and cons. Some are more durable and resistant to heat, liquids, and scratches than others. In addition, some are easier to clean than others.

Laminate is an inexpensive countertop material that can give your kitchen a new look. It is available in a wide variety of colors and patterns. It is also very easy to install and requires little maintenance. However, it can be susceptible to damage from hot pans and can easily become stained by spills.

Tile is another popular countertop option. It can be made of ceramic, stone, or other types of material and is usually installed with grout. Depending on the type of tile, it can be extremely durable and water-resistant. It is often easier to clean than other countertop options, but it can be brittle and may crack over time.

Granite is a natural stone that can be very durable and beautiful. It is highly stain-resistant, heat-resistant, and scratch-resistant. It is relatively expensive, but it can add a significant amount of value to your home.

Quartz surfacing is a manmade material that is similar to granite but is more durable and stain-resistant. It is also less expensive than granite and offers a vast array of color options.

Other natural stones that can be used as countertops include travertine, slate, and soapstone. Each has its own pros and cons, so be sure to research each before making a decision.

Stainless steel is an option for kitchens that are heavily used by cooks. It is durable and hygienic, and it will develop an attractive patina over time. It is not as aesthetically pleasing as other types of countertops, but it can be an excellent choice for high-use kitchens.

Flooring

The type of flooring you choose is an important part of a kitchen remodel, especially when it comes to functionality and style. This area of the home often sees a lot of foot traffic and a fair share of spills, so durable materials are essential. It’s also important that the flooring can withstand moisture and be cleaned quickly.

The good news is that there are a lot of options to choose from. From upscale, wood floors to budget-friendly vinyl, there’s something for everyone.

A complete kitchen remodel involves a major renovation, which may mean dropping walls, re-routing plumbing lines, and changing the overall layout of the space. This kind of transformation is complex, and it’s usually best left to professionals. Licensed general contractors can handle everything from design services to electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work to make sure that your project is done correctly, on time, and within budget.

A new kitchen can be a big investment, but it can also add a lot of value to your home. To help you save for a kitchen remodel, consider applying for a home equity line of credit (HELOC). These loans are secured by your home and can be used for anything from home improvements to paying off debt.

The most popular flooring choice for kitchens is hardwood. Whether you opt for solid wood or engineered wood, these floors are warm and inviting underfoot. They’re also easy to clean, as they only require sweeping and occasional mopping to stay looking great. They can even be refinished when they begin to show signs of wear and tear. If you’re a fan of classic patterns, try out a delicate parquet or herringbone floor. These patterns can be woven into the floor as individual blocks or copied by using engineered wood planks that are easier to fit together. They’re a bit more expensive than traditional laminate flooring, but they’re an affordable way to get the look of natural wood for your kitchen remodel.

Appliances

Whether you choose a glossy backsplash or stainless steel refrigerator, new appliances make the most of your kitchen space and provide an instant style upgrade. When selecting your major appliances, consider color and design as well as quality, size and features like energy efficiency, hinge styles (we love a soft-close hinge) and knobs/drawer pulls. Today’s compact dishwashers, range hoods and microwave ovens work harder than ever while providing stylish good looks with smart capabilities.

If you opt to keep your existing appliances, upgrading their style and performance can still dramatically improve your kitchen. This is especially true when you upgrade to a high-end appliance brand that offers more contemporary color, finish or design options. And while a fresh coat of paint or new flooring can add some punch to your old appliances, don’t overdo it with scene-stealing accents that can distract from their functionality.

Lighting is another easy way to refresh your kitchen without breaking the bank. Swap out pendant lights for a modern update, swap in track lighting for a more functional option or add under-cabinet or task lights to enhance the function of your space.

Kitchen remodeling can be a disruptive process, and it can be challenging to cook or eat at home for weeks at a time. Planning ahead for how you’ll prepare and eat meals while your kitchen is under construction can make the renovation go more smoothly, and reduce the risk of overspending or eating out too much.

A full-on kitchen overhaul requires demolition, construction and sometimes floor plan rearrangement. This is where the real fun begins and it’s where you can really transform your living space. Experts generally divide these types of remodels into two categories: minor and major. Minor remodels are purely cosmetic, while major rework can require plumbing and electrical changes and could change the flow of your room.

If you’re taking on a major kitchen remodel, it’s wise to set aside 20 percent of your budget for unexpected costs like water damage, electrical upgrades or structural surprises. It’s also a good idea to establish a rough timeline and discuss alternative dining or cooking arrangements with friends and family.

What Does it Take to Be a Stone Mason?

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Stone Mason Charleston SC work on construction sites where they are exposed to the elements and must use specialized tools. They are also required to read and understand technical blueprints and follow instructions from builders and architects.

Masons need excellent craftsmanship skills, a keen eye for detail, and physical strength to perform their job. They must also be certified to operate heavy machinery and cranes.

Stonemasonry has been one of civilization’s oldest trades. Over millennia stonemasons have carved, cut and assembled stone to produce shelters, temples, monuments, artifacts and entire cities. Some of the world’s most famous structures have been built by stone masons including Gobekli Tepe, the pyramids of Egypt and Angkor Wat.

The Renaissance saw a return to the old classical forms of building with Michelangelo Buonarroti planning and sculpting great works such as the Laurentian Library and Florence Cathedral. In modern times a stone mason is called upon to repair damage to existing buildings or to build new structures using traditional techniques and materials.

A modern stone mason may work in a workshop where they use tools to cut and carve the stone to the specifications provided by builders or other parties. This can include working from a drawing to create the exact shapes of stones that are then transferred to the construction site for assembly.

In the past stonemasons, like any other craftsmen, belonged to a guild. A new entrant to the trade would sign up for seven years of apprenticeship where they would be bound to a master mason and paid a pittance for their board and lodging. After this period they could become a journeyman mason and then a master mason after further training.

The role of a modern stone mason has changed greatly since the days of the guilds. A good stone mason needs to be a jack of all trades, able to do a little bit of everything. Modern stonemasons also need to be very physically fit and have a high level of attention to detail. This is because many of the tasks are still the same but have been made much easier by machinery. Cranes make lifting and moving heavy stones a lot less labor intensive while compressed air powered tools can do the cutting much quicker and with more precision than chiseling by hand.

Tools

The masonry profession demands heavy duty, durable tools to perform its tasks. Those a mason uses are typically made of metal and may include simple shaping tools for roughing out the stone and more advanced chisels for carving. In addition to these tools, masons often carry measuring devices to keep track of where a wall starts and ends.

A mason’s hammer is an indispensable tool for stonemasonry, with a long and thick implement that has a flat face and a chisel-like edge on one side. It is used to rough out the stone, cut it, and slam it to create a variety of shapes.

Trowels and floats are also essential masonry tools. A narrower trowel known as a margin trowel is used to apply mortar across small surfaces, while a v-notched trowel is better for applying mortar in the corners of a stone. A hammer drill is another common masonry tool, with a metal rod with a chisel-edged steel point on both ends. Masons and quarry workers use these to bore holes in rock for mining purposes.

Masons can also use other specialized tools, such as a stone saw to cut blocks of stone into specific shapes or sizes for construction projects. An angle grinder with a diamond blade is also useful for cutting through stone quickly and efficiently.

Some specialized masonry tools are more expensive than others, but they can save time and effort in the long run by making it easier to work with difficult or exotic materials. A mason that builds structures with mithral, for instance, does not have to worry about it suffering double damage from siege engines, though its cost will be higher (as per DM discretion). This type of structure is typically viewed as an investment and is often built by wealthy individuals or guilds.

Safety

Stonemasons must be aware of the risks associated with their work and take the appropriate safety measures to avoid injury. This includes wearing personal protective equipment such as safety goggles, ear protection and steel-toed boots. They must also ensure that their working area has good ventilation and that they are using dust-free tools. The risk of respiratory hazards is particularly significant, with exposure to stone dust causing irritation and resulting in long-term health issues like silicosis.

Accidents can be very serious and a slip, trip or fall can cause severe injuries in the construction industry. This is especially the case for stonemasons whose work requires them to operate at heights, such as on scaffolding or ladders.

Another significant risk for stone masons is the use of vibration-producing hand tools, which over time can damage the bones, muscles and tendons in their hands and arms. This can lead to pain and numbness, inability to hold objects securely and loss of sensation. In severe cases, these symptoms can spread to the shoulders and neck.

A stone mason must be able to move large slabs of stone, which can be very heavy. Depending on the type of rock, they may have faults and fissures that could lead to the stone cracking or shattering during or as a result of handling. This can be dangerous to other members of the building team who are not specialised in dealing with stonework.

Other potential risks include the dangers of working with chemicals and power tools that generate noise. Masons must wear ear protectors to prevent hearing loss and gloves to protect their hands from cuts and abrasions when working with stone materials and tools. They must follow all procedures outlined in the job hazard analysis and risk assessment they receive from their employer.

Working Conditions

Stone masons often work outdoors and can be exposed to all weather conditions on building sites. They may also work indoors in workshops and studios where they can create intricate stone carvings and sculptures. The work can be noisy, dusty and physically demanding, and it is important for stonemasons to wear appropriate personal protective equipment to prevent respiratory issues.

Stonemasons can specialise in a number of different types of work, including kitchen benchtops and bathroom vanities made from a variety of materials, commercial stone facades and masonry structures such as fireplaces and window frames, and restoration and repair work on historical landmarks and buildings. Some stonemasons can also be found working on cemetery projects, laying headstones and carving memorials. Other types of masonry work include working on stone flooring and tank and vat linings, as well as producing ornamental garden pieces and sculptural work.

The main job duties of a stone mason involve preparing, cutting and shaping various types of stone for use in a wide range of construction and masonry projects. Preparing stone involves cleaning it, identifying the natural grain and marking it for cutting. Cutting and shaping stone may involve using a saw, chisels or hammers. Some masons can also use heavy machinery to split large sheets of stone for use in building and construction projects.

The type of stone used in a project may be specified by the client or project designer. Some stone masons may also be responsible for interpreting blueprints or designs to work out the materials required, and they might also need to calculate quantities of stone to cut or shape. Some stonemasons can also work as quarrymen, sourcing and extracting different types of stone from the earth.

Training

A successful career in stone masonry requires a high level of physical fitness and a strong work ethic. Training usually takes the form of an apprenticeship, with students working alongside experienced bricklayers or masons and receiving classroom instruction on a variety of subjects, such as blueprint reading and construction layout.

Some stonemasons specialise in specific areas of the trade, allowing them to be more effective on construction sites and lowering costs. For instance, sawyer masons focus on refining rough chunks of stone to meet predetermined specifications. They work on larger chunks than banker masons, which allows them to achieve more complex shapes.

Masons also have the option of completing advanced qualifications, which can lead to promotion or new opportunities in the industry. Typical entry-level qualifications include a Level 1 Award in Masonry Operations and the Level 2 (NVQ) Diploma in Craft Stonemasonry.

Many stonemasons work for private clients, construction companies or national organisations like the National Trust. They might be commissioned to build cottages, country houses, cathedrals or other heritage buildings. They can also be employed by a local authority to build roads, pavements and bridges.

It’s important for stone masons to be well-trained and comfortable working in hazardous environments. They must be familiar with all relevant workplace safety procedures and understand that failure to follow these guidelines could put them or their colleagues in danger. While these rules may seem restrictive, they’re designed to protect workers from injury. CDK Stone stocks a wide range of tools and equipment to assist stone masons in their work, including diamond-tipped saws for cutting through tough materials. Visit our range here. Alternatively, contact our team for more information.