Taty Construction is a Chicago North Shore remodeling contractor and constructor providing custom home building, bathroom remodeling, kitchen remodeling, basement finishing, room additions in Chicago and suburbs.

A kitchen is one of the most satisfying rooms to make over. Imagine improving the efficiency of the layout, creating convenient and abundant storage, or turning a cramped room into an open place where family members and friends will love to gather.

The key to a successful kitchen remodeling in Chicago is to determine your highest priorities and never sacrifice them. For example if your focus is more on time with the family, save on appliances and add an island where kids can hang out. If you are a passionate cook, plan to spend more on appliances and work stations that make preparing meals a pleasure.

Taty Construction and other construction companies in Chicago offer a range of kitchens from low cost to luxurious makeovers. In each category, there are lots of exciting ideas for creating a satisfying new kitchen.

Efficient kitchen plan

The three most heavily used work areas - the refrigerator, sink, and cooktop – should be placed so that the lines between them form a triangle in which one single leg is shorter than 4 feet or longer than 9 feet. The most efficient work triangles are found in galley, U – shaped, and L – shaped kitchen designs. If the distance between the opposite walls is wide enough, you can built an island in the center of the room and install a cooktop or sink there.

Galley Style

A galley layout consists of two parallel walls, with entry and exit at each end. This narrow layout makes the best use of a small space, especially when one major appliance can be placed on the second wall. Locating the refrigerator and microwave near one end minimizes the traffic flow through the work space. Put upper cabinets on both walls to maximize storage

U - Shaped

When you have enough distance between opposite walls, use a U shape arrangement to provide maximum cabinetry storage and counter space. This is considered by many to be the most efficient kitchen layout possible. Use a lazy Susan in the corner space cabinets to maximize storage.

If possible, include a large window and /or skylight to keep the space light.

L – Shaped

This layout provides plenty of counter workspace and room for two cooks. The work triangle is efficient with minimum traffic interruption. Another advantage is that it can accommodate an island if the area is spacious enough. The corner is prominent. If you don’t put the sink there consider storage options such as cabinets, open shelving, or an appliance to avoid dead space.

Safety Tips

Both the owners and construction companies in Chicago must make safety a priority.

Always keep a fire extinguisher where you can reach it quickly and easily and be sure it’s appropriate for the location.

Construction companies in Chicago will install smoke detectors as required by local codes. When buying an alarm, look for the kind with a hush button to silence it quickly in non – dangerous situations.

A carbon monoxide monitor detects toxic gas in your home. A digital display shows current levels and recent peaks. A loud alarm signals dangerous high levels.

Countertops

After cabinetry, work surfaces are probably the most noticeable elements when kitchen remodeling in Chicago is performed. Certainly these heavily used countertops need to function well. Fortunately they can also be beautiful, given the wonderful array of materials in varying style that construction companies in Chicago can provide when performing kitchen remodeling in Chicago feel free to mix several different ones, taking into account the characteristic of each and the function it must serve. For instance, choose moisture-resistant solid surface around the sink and heat resistant quartz, granite near the stove, with decorative ceramic tile as backsplash. The following information will help you make your selection

 

Granite

One of the hardest natural stone surfaces. Variegated patterns and color nuances in polished, glossy, or honed finishes. Variety of edging options Durable. Moisture, scratch, and heat resistant, stain resistant if sealed. Use with drop in or under-mounted sinks. Can be placed anywhere

Quartz

Luxurious surface made up of quartz crystals that absorb and reflect light. Variety of edging options. Durable. Moisture, stain, scratch, heat, and chip resistant; no need for sealing. Safe for food preparation. Use with drop-in or under- mount sinks. Good in any location.

Nonporous manufactured product that can be molded to any shape you wish. Comes in a variety of colors and finishes; offers many edging options. Durable. Stain and moisture resistant. Virtually seamless, easy to clean. Can scratch or burn, so it needs protection against hot pots and knives. Consistent color throughout, so some stains and scratches can be buffed away. Sink can be integrated into countertop, or use drop-in or under-mounted sink. Use anywhere.

Ceramic Tile

Made from pressed clay and sealed with glaze. Construction companies in Chicago make it available in solid or mottled colors as well as textured or embossed surfaces. Durable. Stands up to hot pots, moisture, and dings. Can chip and crack, but individual tiles can be replaced. Regular grout needs to be sealed; newer epoxy – based grout deters staining and bacteria. Innovative sink options, including a sink made of tiles, are available. Use anywhere a flat surface is not required.

Laminate

Made up of layers of protective finish, printed design, and composite Backing bonding together. Wide choices of colors, patterns, and visual or real textures, such as honed stone or metal. Limited edging options. Visible seams. Less durable than other materials. Stain resistant and easy to clean but will scratch and burn; protection such as cutting boards required. Use with above mounted sink. Does not require professional installation.

Counter Height

Construction companies in Chicago must take into consideration the average height for kitchen and bath counters that ranges from 28” to 36”. For special circumstances consider the following:

Edging options

Each counter material offers various edges profiles, so you can choose what best suits your style when kitchen remodeling in Chicago is performed. Rounded or straight edges work well in contemporary applications, while decorative edges add style to traditional décor. Rounded or curved edges are more forgiving than square ones if you bump into them. An edge typically overhangs the top of the work surface by 1”, but some materials look better with a deeper overhang. Just make sure it does not obstruct base drawers or doors.