15 Features Your Kitchen Has To Have
1. DOUBLE OVENS
Who wouldn't like built-in double ovens? Not only do they add style to your kitchen, they provide two ovens you can use without bending over. You can bake in the first oven and use the second oven for warming or additional baking. Built-in ovens will also allow you to be creative in your floor plan in terms of where your cooktop will be placed.
2. ISLAND COOKTOP
An island cooktop can be built into a large island, providing generous work surfaces and room for a warming drawer or other amenities below. A view-blocking range hood is not needed because of a downdraft exhaust system.
3. COMMERCIAL-STYLE RANGE
If you choose this feature, you can expect a range with three to four times the BTU output of an ordinary stove.
4. DOUBLE BOWL SINK
Double bowl sinks are handy when washing and rinsing dishes and pans. This item was the most controversial item on must-have lists because there are many who wanted the huge single bowl sink for washing cookie sheets and stockpots.
5. PREP SINK WITH DISPOSAL OR TWO SINKS
A prep sink is an excellent addition to your kitchen when preparing fruits and vegetables. This keeps one person in the kitchen from taking up all the sink space. Another idea is to have two separate, full-size sinks; one large single and the other a large double, both with disposals. This may take up more space but with a large family or frequent entertaining two sinks would be extremely useful.
6. TWO DISHWASHERS
This is also a useful idea for large families or frequent entertainers. If you feel two full-size dishwashers are excessive, consider building a single dishwashing drawer along with the full-size dishwasher. There are creative ways to place a small dishwasher in a pantry or at different ends of an island.
7. DISHWASHER IN A DRAWER
A drawer dishwasher can be used in place of a regular dishwasher or in addition to a full-size dishwasher. This could be installed in a butler's pantry, game room or near a prep center. It looks like a regular drawer and pulls out for easy cleanup.
8. POT FILLER
This is a popular feature which places a cold water faucet high on the kitchen backsplash, usually over the stovetop, in order to fill large pots with water.
9. BUILT-IN REFRIGERATOR AND/OR ICE MAKER
Built-ins add style and keep an integrated look to your kitchen. Ice makers that come with refrigerators may have a small capacity, and not taste as good as a freestanding ice makers.
10. COUNTER-DEPTH REFRIGERATOR
A Counter-depth refrigerator is less deep, but usually taller or wider than standard refrigerators. They sit nearly flush with standard base cabinets, which makes for a built-in look.
11. ON-COUNTER GARAGE
This is like a garage for a car only its houses an appliance which is used often but would like kept out of sight. Usually they have a roll-up door, which leaves counters empty in front. Plan ahead to determine which appliances you want out of sight, don't forget outlets so that you can simply slide out the appliance when needed.
12. WARMING DRAWER
This is a great feature for busy households. These do require a reinforced cabinet with power and may be heavier than other drawers. Most warming drawers range in size from 27 to 30 inches wide and 11 to 12 inches high.
13. WASTE AND RECYCLING CENTER
This is one feature you will probably use everyday. Your recycling center will allow you to keep the recycling and trash hidden away until it's ready to be taken out for pickup.
14. DEEP DRAWERS/FULL EXTENSION DRAWERS WITH DIVIDERS
Deep drawers next to the kitchen range which house large cooking pots and pans are extremely convenient. Hardware that will allow drawers to slide open all the way will also make it easier to get objects in and out and keep them neat and orderly. Internal drawer dividers will help with organizing kitchen utensils and provide a finished look to your cabinetry.
15. HOME OFFICE SPACE WITH TV
If possible, make room for a home office or media center. This space can be used to access recipes online or provide a space for kids to do their homework. A television allows you to see the news while you cook.
Harper Construction> specializes in custom, high end construction and remodel projects. Check out our porfolio of work on Houzz>. Harper Construction has a reputation for quality custom construction, attention to detail and strong customer service. If you are ready to start your project, or just want to discuss your ideas, please give us a call.