Cooking dinner in a cramped 1970s ranch home off Victoria Avenue while feeling totally cut off from the rest of the family is a common problem. Opening up a Kitchen Remodel layout is one of the most requested projects for homes across Riverside, but it is a massive undertaking that takes real planning.
Before any demolition begins, it is important to understand what is actually inside your walls. Many mid-century homes in the Woodcrest area or down near Orangecrest have load-bearing walls holding up the roof trusses. Taking down a structural wall without a proper beam and post setup can lead to a sagging roofline. Homeowners should check their attic space first, or hire an engineer to take a quick look.
What You Can DIY vs. When to Call a Pro
Sweat equity is helpful for saving cash, but you need to know your limits when tearing into a house.
- Demolishing non-load-bearing drywall and hauling away the debris to the Riverside landfill on Rustin Avenue can be done over a long weekend.
- Rerouting electrical circuits or gas lines for a new island requires licensed tradespeople. Riverside building inspectors are thorough, and property owners do not want an insurance claim denied down the road because of incorrect DIY wiring.
- Installing luxury vinyl plank flooring or hanging open shelving can be done once the major framing is complete.
During the Dust and Chaos
Dust management is a key part of an open kitchen conversion. Dry Riverside winds can carry fine drywall dust into every corner of an HVAC system. Living spaces should be taped off with heavy plastic barriers, and air conditioning units should be turned off while heavy cutting is happening to prevent dust from coating the rest of the house.
After the Last Brush Stroke
Once the final inspection is signed off and the paint dries, the entire house feels bigger and brighter. For homes in Riverside, Champion Kitchen Remodeling recommends giving the new layout a couple of weeks to settle before buying all new counter stools. Living in the space first helps determine natural traffic flow, and Champion Kitchen Remodeling provides Kitchen Remodeling services for homes in Riverside.