Thursday 23 October 2008

Kitchen Drawings * Know What to Look For Before You Start Remodeling

Great plans are the key to the best kitchen remodels. Professional kitchen plans require several fundamental elements which we will review in this article.

Floor plans �"

A complex and difficult kitchen remodel should actually include two individual kitchen floor plans. One to show the space in its present condition and is sometimes called an "as built" plan. In addition, a second kitchen floor plan drawing is needed to depict the kitchen in its final form and is referred to as the "proposed kitchen floor plan".

Other important components in need of illustration on the finished kitchen floor plans would include all new cabinetry with names and labels. You will need to view the appliance selections you have made including their door swings and exact locations. Countertop material selection and their shape as well as flooring selection should be clearly noted on the proposed kitchen plans as well. Obviously, the exact position of these and all other elements along with specific notes for the kitchen plans should be indicated here.

Many kitchen designers like to show various cabinet dimensions on their kitchen floor plans. This leads to a labyrinth of extension and dimension lines. With the exception of a few depth dimensions this should be averted totally in favor of displaying these cabinet dimensions on elevation drawings. Simply put, the purpose of kitchen floor plan is to designate room specific dimensions only. The main purpose of the kitchen floor plan drawings is to show dimensions including wall length and position, window location and size and walkway clearance along with elevation markers. Look for the new cabinetry and countertops here but only as they concern to the room lay-out. The only cabinet/appliance dimensions you should see would be those showing cabinet/appliance depth.

Elevation Drawings �"

The elevations drawings offer specified cabinet and appliance dimensions from the items depicted on the proposed floor plan on a particular wall or area of the new kitchen. Individual cabinet sizes should be shown here including all cabinetry specific dimensions. Mounting positions and heights (wall cabinets) will be designated.

If your cabinetry requires special changes by the cabinet maker or carpenter they should be noted in the corresponding wall elevations. Clear illustration of the precise door and drawer design as well as custom details such as crown moldings, turnings and carving on lays should be shown in precise detail here as well.

Most kitchen designers nowadays use some form of CAD software program to produce kitchen renderings while a smaller number still illustrate by hand. Whichever method is practiced you should look for larger sheet sizes for your kitchen plans. Too many designers produce plans on 8 ½” x 11” sheets. This causes each illustration to be scaled down to fit the page size.

The ideal scale for kitchen drawings is 1/2" = 1' - 0". At this scale floor plans and elevations are easier to read. In most cases sheet sizes larger than 8 1/2" x 11" will be required to show kitchen floor plans, elevations and notations.

Kitchen drawings should always be exceedingly detailed. All sub contractors should have all necessary information for easy reference and know exactly what is and is not part of the project. Remember, a great kitchen starts with great kitchen plans. If you utilize the principles suggested here you will be well on your way to building your dream kitchen.

Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com

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