How to Remodel a Kitchen in a Townhouse
- 1). Measure the existing kitchen space. Sketch the existing footprint layout to see if you can use it. Find ways to expand the usual small kitchen of most townhouses, if needed. Look for room in a nearby hallway or back entrance, for example. Plan to knock out a wall between the kitchen and living room, as another option, because gaining bedroom space is usually not an option in a townhouse.
- 2). Look at many kitchen designs and define a plan. Do your homework by reviewing layouts created for townhouses or condos. Figure out how to create an efficient space for cooking with ample elbow room for dining or socializing. Plan to build an island bar to create a food preparation area with mobility around it on all four sides. Make notes about cabinets, appliances, flooring and counter tops you want to include in the makeover. Create a plan, a budget and a time-line for remodeling.
- 3). Disconnect all electricity and plumbing in the kitchen. Hang plastic sheeting over doorways to prevent construction dust from penetrating the rest of the house. Secure plastic over the stairwell in the townhouse to keep dust from rising to the second floor of a townhouse. Remove old cabinets and appliances to strip the room down for the remodel. Take up old flooring, buy try not to damage underlying sub-flooring.
- 4). Haul off old materials and clean up the space. Move dismantled materials away from the townhouse backyard or side yard area, and vacuum up all drywall dust and debris. Prepare walls and framing for new cabinets and counter tops. Screw furring strips along walls, and do all preparatory work for new plumbing and drains, plus light fixtures. Install drywall, if needed. Secure new cabinets and counter tops in place next.
- 5). Install appliances and flooring. Move a new dishwasher, refrigerator and stove top into place. Add flooring last, so you won't scratch it when moving appliances. Lay tile or hardwood flooring and finish with new baseboard materials. Install flooring that complements the living space flooring, so consider using the exact same color of wood or tile to make both areas flow together. Dividing up floor materials in a townhouse will make the area seem smaller.