All-Trade Construction Co

Wood flooring is a great choice for kitchens as long as you choose flooring that is factory-pretreated with a tough sealer like polyurethane. There is less mess and smell associated with installing pretreated wood. Another bonus? Sealed wood floors do not need to be waxed and can easily be kept clean with a broom and mop.

A popular kitchen island design is the two-tiered island. Here, there's room for food prep on the lower portion, with a raised counter perfect for a breakfast bar. Some islands even include a sink or cook-top on the lower level.

When designing your kitchen remodel, keep in mind the work triangle (the shape that connects the sink, cook-top, and refrigerator). For maximum efficiency, you want the three legs to add up to at least 12 feet but no more than 23 feet.

Hardwood floors, which are non-toxic and do not trap allergens, are a environmentally friendly type of flooring. According to the U.S. Forest Service, using hardwood doesn't deplete tree supply.

Think of ways to make kitchen tasks easier during your next remodel. Consider installing a three-rack dishwasher, a self-cleaning oven, tall cabinets, and a pantry with ample storage.

Did you know that oak and maple are the most popular hardwoods used in flooring? Other common options include ash, beech, birch, cherry, hickory, and walnut.

Before a remodel, research your project thoroughly. Check out the many available guides online, find books at your local bookstore or library, and watch television shows featuring areas of the home you'd like to remodel. This will help you generate ideas and plans to discuss with your contractor.

If you have a long, narrow bathroom or kitchen, use a warm color on a predominant wall to make the wall advance and prevent the room from looking too long.

Did you know that wood floors in a bathroom or kitchen require a sturdier and more protective finish than floors in other parts of your home? This is because moisture in bathrooms and kitchens is more prevalent.

High ceilings are usually considered highly sought-after feature in homes. If you want to create a more intimate look in a room with high ceilings, such as a great room that blends your kitchen and family room, paint the ceiling a darker color.

A tiered kitchen island allows for simple types of food prep on the lower side, while still providing a snack/entertaining counter on the higher side. In smaller kitchens, this can be an ideal way to maximize your space.

A family of two needs 10 cubic feet of food storage in a refrigerator, and each additional member in the family needs an addition cubic foot, so choose the size of your fridge accordingly.

If you have a smaller kitchen that lacks sufficient storage space, then plan your remodel so that you maximize the space you have as well as finding creative ways to add extra storage areas. Interior cabinet fittings and overhead hooks are great options.