Contractors giving free estmates for bathroom remodeling in Bellevue.

Kitchen Remodeling in Bellevue, Washington

Before You Begin

It's always a good idea to visit home shows to see what's new in kitchen design. This and cruising the net and reading magazines gives you a great visual perpective of what you want to do. Since a change in the kitchen can range between changing appliances to ripping out the old and building new careful planning is a must.

Refacing

If you are tired of old cabinets? Refacing offers a new look for those on a limited budget.

1) Replacing your old door and drawer fronts with new ones, made of either solid wood, laminate or one of a half-dozen solid materials including MDF. Many older homes had built-in cabinets that are soundly made and, in many ways, superior to many of the products out there today.

2) Painting the existing cabinets and doors with a variety of ideas and combinations.

3) Replacing the old countertops new formica or tile.

4) Redoing the floor with linoleum or tile.

5) Repainting wall areas with complimentary colors.

For less than 50 percent of what it would cost to replace your old cabinets with all new ones you could have a whole new kitchen including moderately-priced appliances.

Replacing

For those who want to begin with an empty space here are some pointers:

1) Start with some graph paper and mark off the space. Some kitchen places and box stores like Home depot will give you a kit with all these materials and the shapes of the cabinets so you can stick them place just like you are playing with a kids cut-out doll house.

2) Talk with your family and friends and get their ideas.

3) Visit a designer at the kitchen place and give them your ideas.

What's New and still hot in Kitchen Design?

Industrial-style kitchens are still in vogue and there are a wide variety of:

Cupboard organizers
Industrial-style and decorative pot racks.
Kitchen gardens: Herb and decorative plants can add a bright and lively dimension to any kitchen space. There are many design ideas for garden-fresh kitchen even in winter.
In-cabinet fridges and freezers: Just like the chefs can do you can pull open a drawer under your workspace and have cool vegetables or frozen food at your fingertips.
Potfillers: Potfillers are faucets placed near or overtop the range or cooktop and are used exclusively used for filling pots with water without having to move the heavy, water-laden vessels. Many have swing-arms that make it easy to reach to the front of the range.

(Kallista Potfiller)

City of Bellevue Permit Center

Whatever your choice in kitchens the City of Bellevue Permit Center can assist you in getting the right permits. Here are a few guidelines:

Bathroom and Kitchen Fixtures: A permit is required to install a new fixture or move an existing fixture that requires installing or modifying existing water lines, drains or vents. A permit is not required for replacing a fixture with a similar fixture in the same location. Examples are wash basins, toilets, bidets and laundry tubs. However, a permit is required for installing showers and bathtubs, even if they are going in the same location.

Appliances: A permit is required to move an appliance if it will require installing or modifying gas lines, water lines, drains, vents or electrical circuits. Permits are not required when replacing an appliance with a similar appliance in the same location. Examples are dishwashers, range tops, ovens, gas logs, washers or dryers.

Electrical Circuits and Service: A permit is required for adding or moving electrical circuits and for changes to the service panel. This permit is available online

You can apply in person at the Permit Center, Bellevue City Hall, 450 110th Ave. NE, lobby floor.
Hours are 8 am to 4 pm, Monday through Friday (except Wednesday: 10 am to 4 pm)
Their phone is: 425-452-6800

Apply by Fax : Download the application from our Web page. Fax the completed information to 425-452-2842. Faxed applications are available for pick-up the same day.