Kitchen FAQs

There are several places you can set up a makeshift kitchen while your kitchen proper undergoes reinvention. A few we recommend are:

1. A corner of your dining room
2. A section of your living room
3. A parcel of your finished basement

Ultimately, you need enough space to accommodate a small prep area, a compact cooking appliance or two (e.g. portable induction cooktop, toaster oven, or microwave), and a mini-fridge (if not the full-sized fridge from the previous iteration of your kitchen). Proximity to running water is the biggest challenge for most folks — we’ve seen people utilize laundry room sinks, basement or garage utility sinks, or even the hose outside during the warmer months.

We know that surviving a kitchen remodel can be tough, so restoring running water within 4 weeks is our first priority.

The main difference between a pantry cabinet and a pantry closet is how they make use of space. A pantry closet is effectively a small room with 2-3 shelves and then the floor space below for storage. In larger homes, it can be a luxury to have a large, walk-in pantry closet.

But we tend to favor full-height (i.e. floor to ceiling) pantry cabinets for their flexibility and versatility — their entire cubic volume is dedicated to storage and storage alone (they don’t have to accommodate walk-ins), and we can combine stationary and pull-out shelving for a fully customized storage solution. Plus, they’re a lot nicer to look at.

Not necessarily — in fact, some customers are forgoing them altogether. One thing is certain — microwaves in modern kitchens have assumed a much lower profile than they used to. Mounting a microwave over the range has become exceedingly rare in modern kitchen design —which leaves room for the range hood to become a statement piece.

Still, the convenience of a microwave is tough for most folks to give up entirely. To minimize their influence on the overall kitchen aesthetic, we’ll often hide them in base cabinets or install a sleeker and more integrated alternative, such as a steam oven or microwave drawer.

The best material for kitchen countertops depends on your priorities in terms of aesthetics, durability, maintenance, and budget. In general, kitchen counter materials fall into one of two major categories:

Natural Stone

Pros:

• Aesthetics: Natural stone, such as granite, marble, and soapstone, offers unique, one-of-a-kind patterns and colors that can add a luxurious and timeless look to your kitchen.
• Durability: Many natural stones, like granite, are very durable and heat-resistant.
• Value: Natural stone can add value to your home due to its high-end appeal.

Cons:

• Maintenance: Natural stone is porous and often requires regular sealing to prevent stains and damage, especially marble.
• Cost: It can be more expensive than some engineered options.
• Variability: The natural variation in stone can be a pro or con, depending on your preference for uniformity.

Engineered Materials

Pros:

• Durability: Engineered materials like quartz are non-porous, making them generally resistant to stains, scratches, and bacteria without the need for sealing.
• Consistency: They offer consistent patterns and colors, which can be a plus if you prefer a uniform look.
• Low Maintenance: Generally easier to maintain than natural stone, requiring only regular cleaning.

Cons:

• Aesthetics: While engineered materials can mimic the look of natural stone, some people feel they lack the unique character of natural stone.
• Heat Resistance: Some engineered materials, such as solid surface, may not be as heat-resistant as natural stone and will need to be insulated against hot pots and pans.

While both materials include very impressive and quality offerings, we find many of our customers opt for natural stone for its unique, timeless beauty — but higher-end engineered countertops can pretty closely approximate the look.

Most kitchen remodels that do not involve moving the plumbing locations can be completed in 4 to 5 weeks. More involved kitchen renovations that include gutting the kitchen completely, possibly moving sink and appliance locations, and/or implementing more elaborate cabinetry and finish trim details can push the timeframe out several more weeks. All of this is discussed in the planning phases and a complete schedule will be finalized prior to the project start. Setting clear and honest expectations is a priority of the Ayars team and a hallmark of our reputation for exceptional service.