Watch Full Episode

Besides being isolated, this old kitchen was too small for the homeowners, not to mention out of date. Needless to say, it was ready for a change.

Kitchen with a View

Instead of widening the kitchen to increase square footage the new plan added about eight feet to the length of the kitchen. The first thing to go during demolition was the small bathroom situated next to the kitchen that also functioned as a pantry. This really opened up the kitchen. The homeowner will now have a great view of the playroom and the pool from her new kitchen.

Kitchen Before Renovation

The bathroom was relocated to the lower level, while the cabinets took over the pantry chores. The new custom cabinets included some great features like an offset sink cabinet, raised bar on the lower level and peninsulas on either end of the room. All helped add interest to the narrow long space.

The warm wood floors and the rich tile backsplash create a nice contrast for the cool granite counters and the stainless steel appliances.

Producer's Notes from Allen Lyle

Asbestos

I always enjoy it when we get involved in a remodeling project with a family that has small children. I had an opportunity to sit down with the Costello’s daughter during one of the days we were taping. I had my laptop with me that has a Disney game on it that my daughter likes to play. She played the game for quite some time, totally oblivious to all the hubbub going on around her.

It made me think about projects of this magnitude taking place where children are nearby. Any time you undertake a remodel that has a significant amount of demolition, you want to think about all the dust and debris that will be a result.

Asbestos

For many homeowners, especially in older homes, the possibility of asbestos materials will be a concern. Fortunately, this wasn’t a concern for us on this job, but if you think that asbestos products were used in your home, you may want to investigate the precautions before beginning a remodeling project. The EPA’s website has a ton of useful information on asbestos.

Kitchen Design & Floor Plan

The old kitchen was a true mystery to me. Why in the world anyone would have put in an island cabinet in a narrow galley kitchen like that was beyond me. Danny even mentioned that fact and explained why an island wouldn’t work in that size kitchen. It’s very important to carefully consider all the options for your kitchen and then get a good design. I highly recommend having a professional kitchen designer do this for you. In many cases, you can get this done at no cost by taking your floor plan to a designer at one of the large home centers.

Now, don’t misunderstand me here. I’m not suggesting that you get a “free” design only to take it to someone else for cabinets. Be respectful of these designers. They put in a lot of time to design a kitchen for you in the hopes of selling you the cabinets. If you already have a place for purchasing your cabinets, get a design from them first. The things that you might think will work may be awkward in real life, just like the island was in the kitchen here before we tore it out!

I have to say that the dark cabinets and granite countertops the Costello’s chose look great. I also appreciate the fact that they put under-mount sinks in. Do they cost more? Absolutely. Are they worth it? Absolutely. Anytime you can opt for an under-mount sink, I would do so. The ease of clean-up alone is worth it. You can purchase these in stainless steel, ceramic and new composite materials that are even more maintenance-free. Even the solid surface materials, like Corian or Wilsonart, have under-mounts that flow seamlessly into the countertop making them appear to be all one piece.

Now, personally, I like the look of a natural stone countertop. If money were no object, I would go with one of the quartz composites. Looks fabulous and is even more durable than granite without being as porous, and no need to seal it on a regular basis.

Other Tips From This Episode

Simple Solutions with Joe Truini:
Protecting Your Car Trunk

Protecting your trunk bumper

Sliding materials in and out of your trunk can really mess up the bumper with scratches and nicks. But, if you grab a couple pieces of 3/4-inch pipe insulation and store them in your trunk you can temporarily slip them over the edge of trunk and where the trunk closes at the bottom lip to protect it. This way, you protect your car’s paint job and whatever you’re hauling in the trunk. (Watch This Video)

Best New Products with Danny Lipford:
HomeBrite Solar Stepping Stones

HomeBrite solar stepping stones

These illuminated stepping stones from HomeBrite are solar powered, so there’s no wiring to worry about. Just set them in the ground and the stepping stones soak up the suns rays during the day and light the ground by night. Not only will they increase safety around your home by adding extra light, they’ll also add a decorative touch to your landscaping. For $24 each you get a little extra light under foot and add some personality to your outdoor space. HomeBrite Solar Stepping Stones are available at The Home Depot.

Around the Yard with Tricia Craven Worley:
Solutions for Drainage

Solutions for drainage

Low-lying areas in your lawn can create lots of mud and muck along with other problems. To drain water from a low-lying lawn area, first a trench that spans from the flooded area across a large area of your yard. Use gravel to line the trench and place perforated pipe atop the gravel bed. Make sure it slopes to a valley or area where it will drain properly. Use landscape fabric to keep dirt from clogging the pipe. All that’s left is to then bury the pipe. Water will go into the pipe and drain the area as needed. (Watch This Video)

Editorial Contributors
avatar for Danny Lipford

Danny Lipford

Founder

Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.

Learn More