Solid recipe for transforming kitchens – Winnipeg Free Press

It is nearly impossible to capture the entirety of task descriptions regarding a renovation project within a single column. As such, included photos serve to better help visualize the efforts required along the way. Recently, an email from a devoted Reno Boss reader had inquired my photos rarely (if ever) include any “before” pics, and wondered whether there was a project that stood out over the years, having resulted in the most drastic transformation. Intrigued by this request, I compared several before and after photos of a few recent jobs — pics of a kitchen remodel completed last year showcase a drastic change.

Generally, most renovations will offer an aesthetic improvement. Short of simply replacing a hot water tank or upgrading an A/C unit, the objective of a renovation is to update the look, enhance functionality, and in some situations, reorganize or even expand the layout of a room or space. Although kitchen remodels include the full replacement of cupboards, despite the reorganization of the cupboards themselves, the existing amenities, and services likely won’t change. In other words, the sink location, stove and fridge positions, and even the window placement remain the same, even if the items themselves are upgraded. Moreover, when the cupboard arrangement remains feasible, the homeowner main simply elect to change the doors and drawer fronts as a kitchen facelift, in lieu of replacing the cupboards — this can be just as satisfying, for a fraction of the cost of a gut and remodel.

The kitchen that stands out as offering the most drastic visual transformation involved the removal of a load-bearing wall, which subsequently introduced the need to remap several house functions; the main ducting to the second floor, the second-floor bathroom plumbing, as well as nearly a dozen electrical circuits were affected by removing the supporting wall. Once the newly introduced load bearing LVL beam was in place, the kitchen area was no longer quarantined in the back of the house. And as had been desired by the homeowners, the peninsula island introduced below the beam allowed a clear unabated view from the living room through to the back picture window.

During the planning stages, which included the optimized cupboard layout, the stove and microwave locations shifted considerably. However, the sink and dishwasher placement remained the same. And although the new fridge required a wider area, it too remained in the same general position. Beyond the wall removal, the old pantry (which was essentially a closet with shelving) was transformed into an inset cavity, that allowed matching cabinetry with roll-out drawers. On the living room side of the peninsula, the cabinets continue past the island, creating even more sought-after storage space. The cupboards conveniently tuck into an old hutch outset, providing deeper than expected roll-out drawers.

Another aspect of the metamorphosis is shifting away from the outdated dark tones on the walls, and the black with wooden pulls of the cupboards. The influx of light greys of flooring and backsplash against the new bright white cabinets and marble-esk quartz countertops offers a much more inviting, and up-to-date space. The contrast between the before and after photos is actually quite striking — after spending eight or so weeks on a major renovation, I sometimes forget how drastic a change has occurred. In this particular case, it’s hard to believe it’s the same kitchen!

Not all renovations need to incur a huge transformation. Sometimes the smallest of changes in a kitchen can make a world of difference; new paint on the walls, replacing the pulls and knobs on the doors and drawers, or even just swapping out the faucet. To the homeowner, these simple things can sometimes be enough. But when the walls do come out, and the entire space is gutted and reorganized, there’s no doubt a drastic change is at hand. These before and after photos chronicle a renovation project by providing a visually nostalgic archive for posterity that showcases a dream-kitchen realized.

RenoBoss.Inc@outlook.com