Choosing the Best Sink For Your Kitchen Remodel

By: Mark Stein

When remodeling your kitchen it can be difficult to choose the best sink. There are many choices in sinks. By understanding how you use your kitchen, whether it be entertaining or or quick meal preparation, you can decide on the sink that is best for you.

First you need to consider how large of a remodel project you are planning on doing. If you are keeping the existing counters, you may be stuck with the size of sink you currently have. If you want a larger sink, in this case it may be better to look at deeper sinks to get the extra space. If you will be replacing the counters you can customize them to the size of your new sink.

The material of your sink is also important. Stainless steel, solid surface (a composite of acrylic and polyester resins), or enameled cast iron are the most common choices. Stainless steel is the most popular choice as it is durable and easy to clean. Enameled cast iron gives a classic look and also dampens the noise of banging pots and pans. Solid surface sinks come any many colors that are sure to match any kitchen decor.

When choosing the best sink for your kitchen remodel, keep in mind what you need it for. If you only use it to rinse a few dishes and wash your hands, a small and shallow sink will be fine. If you cook frequently and peel vegetables in your sink, a deeper and larger sink is best. A multiple bowl sink is especially handy so you can stack dishes in one side and peel veggies in the other.

If you have stone counter tops, you may choose an undermounted sink. These sinks are mounted under the level of the counter top, allowing you to easily wipe crumbs into them. Rimmed or over mounted models set above the level of the counter top and are the most common. You may also wish to do an integral sink, which is actually part of the counter. It is built in as the counter top is constructed and is made of the same materials.

Keep in mind your decoration scheme and especially what kind of counter tops you will have. Your new sink will need to match into this decor. The wrong sink can be inconvenient at best and lower the value of your remodel at worst.

Mark Stein is a retired builder from Texas who is now a consultant for PMA Partners. Kitchen Sinks

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Use A Contractor For Intricate Kitchen Remodeling

kitchen remodel

by: Rob Carlton

Image by evilsciencechick via Flickr

Almost everyone who undertakes some sort of improvement project on their home will end up using a contractor at some point. Although most of the jobs may be manageable by a handy individual, at some point expertise is going to be called for. Take, for example, kitchen remodeling. Although some jobs such as installing new sinks and new tile can be handled quite easily by the average handyman, installing cabinets is something that requires the sure hand and experience of a pro. The rigth contractor is worth every single penny she charges, but the wrong one can turn your project into a money draining nightmare. Here are some ideas when it comes to selecting a good contractor.

Most really good contractors also obtain a lot of business skill. They may not handle the financial and accounting aspects of their business, but they do have very good management skills and are able to find the right people to assist them with big jobs. They will also be able to provide fair and reasonable estimates for the job that you are looking to have done. The first place to look for a reliable contractor is through your friends and family. Ask them if they have had any work done recently, and who they used to do it. Find out if they were happy with the job.

There are many people who will not be able to ask friends or family about recent contracting work, since they haven't had any done. In this case, you will have to start from ground zero. Before you hire the contractor you find in the Yellow Pages or on the Internet, make sure to ask them for a list of references. Don't worry about seeming suspicious; this is an expensive thing that you need to get done and you don't want to waste your money on sub par work. Good contractors are never shy about their past clients either; they will have a solid customer base that offers positive reviews. Referrals are the way they grow their businesses, and that is always in the back of the mind of every contractor.

Before you contact the former clients, make sure to prepare a list of questions you would like to ask. Find out about the size of the project that was done, and what the budget was like. Ask if the person who did the work stayed within this budget or went over; if they went over, by how much? Also, be sure to inquire as to whether the schedule was met on time in a satisfactory manner.

Remember that this is your project, and in most cases there will be no obligation to hire a licensed contractor. In fact, some of the best contractors out there do not have a license. If you do hire a licensed contractor, though, get the license number from them and do a background check. Contact business groups such as your local Better Business Bureau and see what they have to say. Check with city and state agencies and see if there are any outstanding complaints or impending actions against the company. Remember that it is not only contractors who are dishonest if you find some complaints, though; many clients are trying to get away with paying as little as possible and so will go to great lengths to get a deal.

When interviewing the contractor, trust to your instincts. Remember to treat the individual as a professional, but watch for warning signs. Evasive answers to questions or a lot of excuses and explanations should set off warning bells in your head.

Despite the bad press that is given broadly to a few individuals, the fact is that most contractors are upstanding and want to do the best job possible. Taking care in how you hire them will ensure that you have a good experience.

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More About Writers
Concentrating on the area of cabinets, Robert Carlton published primarily for kitchen cabinets tips Sharing his passion in works he expressed his capability in the area.