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Q. What is the average price to remove a kitchen from a home? I am combining apartments and will need to remove one of the kitchens. |
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-joelle greenhill,
new rochelle,
ny
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A. Hi Joelle,
Congratulations on combining spaces! Based on your question, it sounds as if you own two apartment and are planning to merge them into one home. The cost of removing one of the kitchens will depend on a number of factors, including: 1. What is the size and condition of the kitchen to be removed? 2. With what type of room will you be replacing the kitchen (for example, will it be a bathroom that makes use of current plumbing?). 3. What is the age of the building and the condition of the pipes? 4. In terms of cost, are you taking into account the cost of removing appliances and -- if no longer needed -- pipes and vents?
These are just some starting-point questions to consider as you make this decision. My suggestion is to meet with at least three different contractors (with experience in kitchen removal and remodeling) to get a sense of their estimates in terms of time and cost.
All the best to you!
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Q. I want to replace an electric coil cooktop with an electric radiant cooktop. Problem is the opening is only 17" by 35". Do you know if anyone makes an electric radiant cooktop this size? I would rather not have to knock out the tile that is presently surrounding the coil cooktop.
Thanks for your help.
Jules |
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-Jules,
Redlands,
CA
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A. Hi Jules,
I have found something close: Bosch makes a 36-inch electric radiant cooktop. The manufacturer model number is NEM9462UC. The width opening is 34 3/4 inch, and the depth opening is 19 7/8 inch. Out of more than 100 models I reviewed, the was the most narrow depth opening I could find with a 35" width. However, because it's a frameless, it's worth looking into. Best of all, it's available at Sears so you can use the online help feature at www.sears.com: just click on "Customer Service" then "Product Information." Another option is to call the manufacturer of the electric coil cooktop that you currently have installed and ask if that manufacturer makes a radiant cooktop in the same size.
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Q. I have a very odd kitchen sink, in both shape and size. It is shaped like a peanut. The dimensions are roughly 38.5" x 19", if you don't count the curved indentations of the peanuty-shape. The length of the countertop cutout is 37.5". Please help!! Do you know who made this sink? Do you know where I might find something to replace it without replacing all of my countertops? |
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-Katy,
Columbus,
WI
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A. Hi Katy,
This sounds like a "Franke" sink -- Franke is a sink manufacturer known for unusual and exciting shapes. You can find a gallery of many styles of Franke sinks (including peanut- or kidney-shaped styles) at this web site: www.irawoods.com.
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Q. Could you suggest a counter top and flooring for a 10 year old average size kitchen with white cabinets, white tile backsplash and white appliance. I am trying to come up with an updated look without changing the cabinets. |
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-Barbara,
Advance,
NC
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A. Hi Barbara,
I think it’s exciting that you have a white backdrop for your new kitchen design. May I suggest considering natural stone for the countertops? Granite, marble, slate and quartz are becoming more affordable; they are not only durable but also add texture and depth to your kitchen design. Digital templating will save time and money as far as achieving smooth edges from the initial cut. Choose the countertops first and then select a floor style that will welcome you, your family and guests into your new, contemporary kitchen space. For example, you can go with bamboo for an organic feel or even install a colorful mosaic design to create a feeling of spaciousness. Take advantage of all that white in the background to add a splash of color and style – for an affordable price.
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Q. How does tile hold up for a kitchen countertop? Is there a way to install the tiles without seeing a grout line? |
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-Katina,
Appleton,
WI
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A. Hi Katina,
There are many options for countertop tiles, and all require at least some (a minimum of 1/16" inch) grout. One approach to lessening grout lines is to use colored grout along with multi-hued tile. For example: if you go with a Spanish-style blue and white theme, the grout lines will be less visible than if you had selected all-blue or all-white tiles. Another helpful hint is to choose tiles with a matte finish; this will not only make the grout (which itself has a matte finish) less visible, but also prevent scratches from showing. In terms of how tile holds up, this really depends on your kitchen use: if you've got a lot of activity in your kitchen, you may wish to consider tiles made from natural stone rather than ceramic tiles.
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Q. We need our tiled new kitchen countertop redone. What would be the most efficient and economical way to replace this? |
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-Dianne Berkner,
Brandon,
South Dakota
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A. Dianne,
Great question. There are numerous ways to redo your kitchen counters. The most economical way would be to retile the countertop with new tiles to create a new color or a new look. Now if you are looking for a whole new look there are quality "solid surface" products such as Corian that would create a stunning look. If you would like to get some prices I would recommend that you go to www.everycontractor.com and put your no obligation request in and we will provide you a few quality contractors to give you the options and show you samples with prices.
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