Kitchen remodels are detailed projects that require careful planning, including assessments of the structural constraints of the space. Structural integrity is a key factor to consider before, during, and after a kitchen remodel to ensure the project goes smoothly and safely.
Without careful planning, your project could violate building codes, experience costly delays, or fail to structurally support its new additions. This guide addresses how Maryland homeowners can work around the structural constraints of their space when remodeling their kitchen.
Our goal is to help homeowners complete kitchen remodeling projects safely, stay in compliance with codes, and find experienced designers to address structural concerns throughout the entire process.
1. Assess the Foundation
The first step in working around structural constraints is to assess the existing foundation of the kitchen to determine its condition. This will allow your contractors and designers to ensure the stability of the structure while planning the remodel. When working without expert guidance, many DIY remodelers skip this process.
Experienced designers know that the foundation must be thoroughly vetted to ensure that it can withstand the remodel and remain compliant with building codes. This process includes noting which walls are load-bearing and how this could impact the remodel plans. Demolishing a load-bearing wall is dangerous and costly.
Additionally, many walls support plumbing and electrical systems and are difficult or even dangerous to alter. If your plans can not work around the load bearing wall and removal is necessary, an experienced designer will know to enlist a structural engineer for a safe and compliant support beam system.
2. Account for Load-Bearing Structures
In addition to load-bearing walls, your remodel plans should account for other load-bearing structures, such as floor joists. The frame and joists of the kitchen must be strong enough to bear the load of the furniture, counters, and appliances that will be added during the remodel.
This step should include repairing or replacing any joists damaged by rot, water, pests, or age. These repairs must be built into the remodel schedule and budget to ensure safety and compliance before proceeding with the full project.
3. Design for Efficiency
When working within structural constraints, the efficiency of the remodel is just as important as the aesthetics. Designing functional spaces requires careful attention to the intended workflow; in the kitchen this includes the distance between the refrigerator, stove, and sink. The goal of a remodel is to improve the functionality of the space rather than restrict it.
For example, many homeowners add islands to their kitchen designs to create more counter space without changing the walls. However, islands are not ideal for every kitchen and in some cases, they can take up so much floor space that they detract from the intended workflow.
Efficiency should be considered an art rather than a science when kitchen remodeling. This requires the designers and homeowners to collaborate to determine the optimal solution for the dream kitchen and budget.
4. Optimize Storage Space
The structure of the kitchen may restrict its storage capacity, but designers can work around these limitations. Using custom cabinets, islands, and built-in appliances, they can expand storage space and declutter the counters without expensive structural renovations.
Examples of space-saving designs include floor-to-ceiling vertical cabinets, pull-out shelves, toe drawers, built-in appliances, kitchen islands, floating shelves, and lazy Susans. These features can be incorporated into cabinets or built into the walls to save floor and counter space while creating an aesthetically pleasing display.
5. Use Aesthetics to Your Advantage
Strategic stylistic choices can help you achieve your ideal kitchen, even with structural limitations of the space. For example, strategically placed lighting can make a small kitchen feel more spacious while adding functionality by highlighting important workspaces.
Natural light is another important resource for kitchen remodels because it also impacts how large or small the room feels. An experienced designer will know how to utilize natural light to create inviting spaces within your structural limits.
They may employ glazed glass or mirrors to control light or strategically place metal surfaces to distribute it throughout the space. Explore materials like white birch which reflects more light than dark materials; these types of options can make your kitchen feel more spacious.
6. Follow Building Regulations
Everything in your kitchen remodeling project is negotiable except for building regulations and permits, which are needed to guarantee that the project is completed safely. If you plan on changing the structure of the home, including changes to its plumbing and electrical systems, you will need to follow the relevant building codes in your area to ensure compliance.
The permit process is different in each location; find a design company familiar with the permit process in your area to make sure you stay safe and compliant throughout your kitchen remodel.
Book Our Trusted Maryland Kitchen Remodel Experts
At Southern Maryland Kitchen & Bath, we prioritize the needs of each kitchen remodel, including its structural constraints, to deliver dream kitchen designs for our clients. Our experienced team will never employ a one-size-fits-all solution to safety and regulatory compliance. Contact our experienced team today to learn more about the structural constraints in your kitchen and how our designers can help you work around them.