Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Windows, windows everywhere
Windows, its the HOT question right now. Replace or repair? For our clients with historic homes, repair is usually the recommendation -- especially if drafts are the issue rather that "gain" or "loss." Questions? Feel free to ask!
Saturday, June 7, 2008
All About Kitchens
We get lots of questions about home renovations -- about projects people are planning, about those they plan to hire for as well as those they plan to do themselves.
This week's question is about cabinets. Framed vs. frameless. Its sort of an esoteric question but here's the low down:
It's really a question of style and personal preference. Once upon a time, frameless cabinets had a certain panache because of their contemporary styling and European heritage. They cost more because all of the structural integrity had to be built into the rear of the cabinets. Certain brands that shall remain nameless had additional supports that had to be installed by the contractor; and here on the East Coast where framed cabinets rule, they were famously forgotten causing the cabinets to eventually collapse or sag.
Framed cabinets, those with face fronts and center stiles -- those are the posts in larger cabinets were and remain the rage of traditional markets on the East Coast.
So what to do? Basically, frameless cabinets give you more space to store things, especially large pots, and framed cabinets retain their repuation for durability. Now that you can get a full overlay, they can even give you the "frameless" look. Frameless cabinets are studier than they used to be.
So what is an overwhelmed homeowner to do?
I always recommend you look a your lifestyle first. Do you have lots of large pots and pans? Cookie sheets, etc. but not a lot of traffic in the kitchen? Then frameless is a great choice. One the other hand, do you have a large family, young children, or an extended circle of friends, in the kitchen? Framed cabinets might be for you.
Next time Wolf vs. Viking -- hold onto your hats folks should be a real barn burner.
More about kitchens, appliances, maintenance or virtually any home improvement topic? Call or e-mail any time.
For more on all your home renovation needs and questions, visit us on-line at www.whatabeautifulhome.com or e-mail at lillandbill@aol.com or call (908) 380-0055.
Lill
B&L Home Improvements, LLC
This week's question is about cabinets. Framed vs. frameless. Its sort of an esoteric question but here's the low down:
It's really a question of style and personal preference. Once upon a time, frameless cabinets had a certain panache because of their contemporary styling and European heritage. They cost more because all of the structural integrity had to be built into the rear of the cabinets. Certain brands that shall remain nameless had additional supports that had to be installed by the contractor; and here on the East Coast where framed cabinets rule, they were famously forgotten causing the cabinets to eventually collapse or sag.
Framed cabinets, those with face fronts and center stiles -- those are the posts in larger cabinets were and remain the rage of traditional markets on the East Coast.
So what to do? Basically, frameless cabinets give you more space to store things, especially large pots, and framed cabinets retain their repuation for durability. Now that you can get a full overlay, they can even give you the "frameless" look. Frameless cabinets are studier than they used to be.
So what is an overwhelmed homeowner to do?
I always recommend you look a your lifestyle first. Do you have lots of large pots and pans? Cookie sheets, etc. but not a lot of traffic in the kitchen? Then frameless is a great choice. One the other hand, do you have a large family, young children, or an extended circle of friends, in the kitchen? Framed cabinets might be for you.
Next time Wolf vs. Viking -- hold onto your hats folks should be a real barn burner.
More about kitchens, appliances, maintenance or virtually any home improvement topic? Call or e-mail any time.
For more on all your home renovation needs and questions, visit us on-line at www.whatabeautifulhome.com or e-mail at lillandbill@aol.com or call (908) 380-0055.
Lill
B&L Home Improvements, LLC
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