Revamp Your Kitchen with MDM Custom Remodeling

 

Transform your kitchen with MDM Custom Remodeling, your trusted partner for kitchen renovations in Los Angeles. Ever faced the dilemma of needing extra storage despite having pull-out cabinets? As lifestyles evolve, so do our storage needs. Our expert team understands this challenge and specializes in crafting innovative solutions tailored to your requirements. Whether it's maximizing cabinet space, installing custom pantry solutions, or optimizing under-utilized areas, we've got you covered. With MDM, your kitchen becomes not just a culinary space but a functional and stylish haven. Say goodbye to clutter and hello to seamless organization with the leading kitchen remodeling company in Los Angeles.

Drainage Problems: Is There a Foul Smell Coming From the Kitchen Drains?

 

Do you have a foul odor coming from your kitchen drains that makes you wrinkle your nose? It's a typical problem that many homes confront, and it often indicates an underlying drainage issue that has to be addressed. Before you reach for air fresheners to cover the odor, consider the main reasons and effective treatments for keeping your kitchen fresh and pleasant.

Identifying the Culprit:

Unwanted scents emanating from kitchen drains are frequently caused by accumulated food debris, grease residues, and probable pipe blockages. Addressing these concerns is critical for keeping a clean and sanitary cooking environment. Engaging reputable kitchen remodeling contractors in Los Angeles, California is essential for a thorough solution that goes beyond simple troubleshooting. These experts not only detect the source of foul scents but also provide competent solutions to keep your kitchen a pleasant and inviting area.

Effective DIY Solutions:

Boiling Water: Pouring a kettle of boiling water down the drain can aid in the breakdown of grease and the removal of minor obstructions.

Baking Soda and Vinegar: Combine baking soda and vinegar to make a natural cleaning solution. Pour it down the drain, let it sit for a few minutes, and then flush with hot water.

Citrus Peels: Tossing citrus peels down the garbage disposal offers a lovely aroma while also cleaning and deodorizing.

When to Seek Professional Help:

If the unpleasant odor remains despite your DIY attempts, it could be a sign of a more serious drainage problem. Our skilled staff at MDM Custom Remodeling specializes in detecting and fixing difficult drainage issues. We use innovative technologies to inspect the pipes and effectively resolve the root cause.

Preventive Measures:

Once the problem has been repaired, consider taking preventive actions to keep your kitchen drains in good working order.

Regular Cleaning: Schedule regular cleaning activities to prevent the accumulation of trash and grease.

Avoiding Grease Disposal: Cooking oils and fats should not be poured down the drain since they might harden and cause blockages.

Use a Drain Strainer: Install a drain strainer to trap food particles and keep them out of the pipes.

Conclusion:

A bad odor coming from the kitchen drains is more than just an olfactory annoyance; it could be a sign of a larger drainage problem. While do-it-yourself treatments can provide temporary relief, a professional examination from MDM Custom Remodeling provides a thorough resolution. Don't let bad odors linger—address the source for a clean, functional kitchen.

KITCHEN REMODELING – INSPIRING IDEAS FOR YOUR CONTEMPORARY KITCHEN!

 

So, you want to modernize your contemporary kitchen! This home improvement project can truly boost the value of your property. But make sure you opt for the ideas that suit your kitchen. In Los Angeles, you will find many reliable contractors who have the expertise to make a contemporary kitchen more functional and look stunning. The ideas they suggest for kitchen remodeling los angeles can change the overall look of this space. Want to explore these? Continue reading!

A Few Smart Kitchen Remodeling Ideas to Go for

 Discover inspiring kitchen remodeling ideas in Los Angeles to transform your space into a stylish and functional culinary haven.

Listed below are a few of our contemporary kitchen design ideas to keep everything in your kitchen up to date.

Have a Bright Contemporary Kitchen

 Add a long marble island to your airy kitchen design. And get your kitchen painted with bright colors to illuminate this space. The clear-back chairs, marble backsplash, and pendant lights can complement the shining style of this space. Besides, an accent wall with blue cabinets can increase the beauty of this space.

Warm Toned Accents

 A warm-toned accent in a contemporary kitchen can be balanced by a grey marble island countertop. Opt for teak cabinetry that features a decorative line finish and can complement the use of wood throughout the space. You can also add skylight beams to accentuate the geometrical look of this space.

A Dramatic Backsplash

 An elegant backsplash can enhance the aesthetic appeal of a kitchen. Now imagine how captivating the space can be if you add a stunning blue backsplash to your kitchen. And if it combines with a dark wood kitchen island, your contemporary kitchen looks marvelous. Most general contractors in Los Angeles suggest this idea to their clients.

Opt for the Gold

 The golden accents of a contemporary kitchen bring a welcome warmth and glow to this space. And it looks best with a touch of black cabinets. The combination of gold and black can truly give your cooking space a visually appealing decor.

Let the Outside in

 An airy kitchen blends seamlessly with an outdoor entertainment space. And to achieve this goal, install walls of windows to separate your indoor and outdoor space. And this feature will allow plenty of natural lights to reflect inside your kitchen.

Hope, these ideas will help you get your dream kitchen. But whatever the ideas you choose, think about the outcome. And read our other blogs to explore more ideas to modernize your contemporary kitchen.

DO YOU NEED A PERMIT TO REMODEL A KITCHEN IN CALIFORNIA ?

 

DO YOU NEED A PERMIT TO REMODEL A KITCHEN IN CALIFORNIA

Enthusiastic about giving your dated kitchen a fresh look? We spend much of our time inside the kitchen preparing food, eating with family, or even having a cup of coffee with a friend. It is one of the loveliest places inside our home.

Hence remodeling a kitchen can be an exciting project but also a daunting prospect. Unless you are doing a simple upgrade, like repainting existing cabinets or changing a countertop, you will likely need one permit or more to make sure what you do is legal and safe.

In this blog, MDM Custom Remodeling will walk you through the kitchen activities that typically require permits and those that don’t, how to get a kitchen remodel permit, as well as the risks of not getting a permit when you should.

Kitchen remodel work that typically requires a permit

• Plumbing: Adding a new sink or removing an old one, changing sink location, adaptations to sewer lines, installing new outdoor faucets, sometimes even replacing a water heater. That is because this type of work requires changes to the water supply and drain pipes.

• Structural: If you want to alter, demolish, or add new walls, exterior doors, or skylights, you’ll have to obtain a building permit. Sometimes non-load-bearing wall removal also requires a permit. 

Also, if the wall you plan to alter conceals electrical conduits, air ducts, and pipes, you’ll require an additional electric, mechanical, or plumbing permit for the ensuing change to this infrastructure. 

• Electrical: Any time you remove, alter, or install an electrical circuit, you’ll need to get an electrical permit.

For example, you will need a permit if you are moving your electric range to a new place because it requires a dedicated 240V circuit.

Also, you cannot move your fridge or microwave to a new location where they will be sharing the current with other appliances and overload the power circuit.

• Ductwork changes: It includes new air conditioning, rerouting existing ventilation systems, installing a new range hood or moving the existing one to a new location. That is because range hoods rely on ducts to drive out the fume produced while cooking.

 

Kitchen remodel activities that may not need a permit

Simple kitchen remodeling activities that you can do yourself are usually possible without a permit if they don’t require any new plumbing, wiring, or ventilation.

• Apply new wall coverings — You can paint walls or apply wallpaper, without notifying the building authorities. 

• Repaint or change cabinets — You can sand and restrain or repaint existing cabinets without any problem. You can also take them down and install new cabinets if they are in the same location.

• Replace countertops — You won’t have to get a permit to replace an existing countertop. 

• Replace existing light fittings — You can replace an existing light fixture if the circuitry is already in place.

• Change a sink — You can install a new sink and remove the old one as long as you don’t alter the existing plumbing.

• Replace an existing faucet

• Refloor your kitchen

• Install new appliances if there is no need for additional electrical work.

• Otherwise, you will need an electrical permit.

 

How do you get a permit to remodel your kitchen?

You can apply to your local authorities for any necessary permits yourself, but MDM Custom Remodeling recommends you seek the aid of professionals in this arduous process. It may be a more expensive route, but it takes the stress out of the process.

A reputable kitchen remodelling company should be familiar with how the local building authorities process applications. It will take care of the entire permit process, including creating plans, submitting paperwork, collecting fees and attending inspections.

What happens if you don’t have a permit?

You can face multiple challenges if the building department finds out that your kitchen remodel required a permit, but you failed to apply for one. Any failure to acquire a building permit is a violation of California’s Building Code.

Any breach of Business and Professions (B&P) Code sections 7110 and 7090 subjects the violator to punitive action by CSLB, comprising civil penalty charges of up to $5,000 per violation.

Not applying for permits when you should create problems for yourself with the sale or refinancing of your home. You could also face extra fees and fines and experience delays when you apply for any permits in the future. Additionally, the authorities may ask you to rework your kitchen to comply with the local building codes.

Not applying for permits when you should create problems for yourself with the sale or refinancing of your home. You could also face extra fees and fines and experience delays when you apply for any permits in the future. Additionally, the authorities may ask you to rework your kitchen to comply with the local building codes.

Be prepared before you start the work for inspection and possible delays

Plumbing and electrical permits are sometimes issued shortly after you apply for them. While building permits for structural changes typically take around one month to 6 weeks.

You may also experience delays if there is a need for inspections. They are part of the permit approval process. The authorities visit the work site to ensure that the completed work meets all building codes.

If the inspection fails, they ask you to make more changes that will require a further visit for approval. The authorities may then visit you once the work has been completed or even during the progress of the project which may cause further delays.

What is a building permit?

A building permit has an extensive list of action items. They can be:

• Demolition Drawings
• Fundamental Drawings and Computations
• Structure Elevations
• Mechanical Drawings
• Electrical Drawings
• Site plan and/or Grading Plan
• Plumbing Line Drawings
• Technical Requirements
• Architectural Floor Plans

 

Work through the permit process with help from the professionals

Take the stress out of your kitchen remodel project. Consult with a professional contractor or home renovation company that saves you time and money and avoids your frustrations by ensuring that you have all the proper building permits. 

Step every day into a place that you love, into a spectacular kitchen where you can share special moments with your family and friends.

KITCHEN REMODELING – HOW TO UPDATE THIS SPACE ON A BUDGET!

 

So, you want to update your outdated kitchen to make it look stunning and functional. But you are on a tight budget! In Los Angeles, you will find many reliable contractors who have the expertise to handle kitchen remodeling projects within your budget. The ideas they suggest can change the overall look of your kitchen without putting a dent in your pocket. Want to explore some of these? Read the entire blog!

A Few Low-Cost Ideas for Kitchen Remodeling

Are you on a limited budget? But you wish to have a modern kitchen! Listed below are some clever ideas for affordable updates.

 

Stick to Existing Kitchen Layout

Changing the current kitchen layout can consume a considerable amount of your kitchen remodeling budget. Moving plumbing, walls, cupboards, electrics, and so on may take this home improvement project into big money. And doing this task involves a lot of hassles. The timeline of this project may increase. Hence, if you are satisfied with your kitchen layout, it’s better to stick to it.

Add a Backsplash

Adding a backsplash can do wonders to amp up the personality of a kitchen. You can go for a simple backsplash, such as white subway tiles with oak cabinets. If you have a small kitchen, patterned ceramic tiles can also make a big impact. These are inexpensive but beautiful. Visit Yelp to know more in this regard.

Upgrade Lighting

Update the lighting can refresh the look of your kitchen and make it easier for you to work in your cooking space. So, look for modern but inexpensive light fixtures. You can add pendants over the kitchen island. Also, opt for tiny white lights underneath the cabinet, which will illuminate the counter. 

Open Up the Space

Removing some of the upper cabinetry can transform the look of a kitchen. Most importantly, it can make your kitchen more functional. Open shelving is an excellent way to display the kitchen essentials you use along with some items, such as cookbooks, herbs, etc. Visit our kitchen gallery page to witness how it looks.

Paint Your Kitchen

A simple way for a budget-friendly kitchen remodel is to paint. You can lighten up a tired and gloomy space by applying a fresh coat of paint with bright colors. This idea works best to make your kitchen feel spacious.

We hope, these guidelines will point you in the right direction. But you can also explore more about kitchen remodeling ideas as well as kitchen remodeling contractors in Los Angeles, California by reading our other blogs. Keep in touch!

5 KITCHEN REMODELING IDEAS FOR OVEN AND COOKTOP ARRANGEMENTS

 

Have you started planning to remodel your kitchen? There are numerous ideas lurking in your mind to make this space look stunning and functional, right? But what about the oven and cooktop arrangements? These are one of the most vital parts of a kitchen. Don’t worry! Before investing in kitchen remodeling Los Angeles, take a look at a few effective ideas we have highlighted in this blog.

 

Oven and Cooktop Arrangements for Your Kitchen Remodeling Project

Listed below are a few ideas you can consider for your oven and cooktop.

 

1.    Introduce a Kitchen Island

 

A kitchen island can be a great cooktop and storage space. It’s one of the most appealing features of a kitchen. If you are frustrated by a lack of kitchen seating, a kitchen island can provide your family with a great space to sit. Visit our kitchen gallery to view more ideas for customizing this space.

 

2.    Double Oven

 

Oven separated from a cooktop gives homeowners more flexibility with a kitchen layout. Many people even also prefer raised ovens. If your kitchen has enough space for this setup and you find a spot for a microwave, it can be a great solution. A microwave drawer hidden on the back of the kitchen island is also a good option.

 

3.    Stacked Double Oven

 

It’s one of the most familiar setups of a kitchen. And in terms of this appliance, standard tall oven cabinets work best. These double oven units come with one or two drawers. And the appliance is usually about 10 to 16 inches, including the toe-kick space.

 

4.    Raised Side by Side Single Oven

 

This is the arrangement that you usually see in a modern kitchen. A raised single oven can be arranged side by side on the wall, which can double your cooking potential while opening up space for storage. This oven arrangement can be a boon for the cook who wants to place their cooktop on an island. 

 

5.    Under Bench Oven

 

Want to maximize your bench space? Then placing your ovens under the bench can be a safe bet. This oven arrangement can open up your kitchen space. It’s truly a great option for the safety of your children. But before you invest in this oven configuration, it’s best to visit Yelp beforehand to know more in this regard.

 

Well, whatever the arrangement you choose, make sure you associate with a reliable kitchen remodeling contractor to get it done. And read more blogs to stay updated on kitchen remodeling companies in Calfornia.

LIVING IN STYLE EMBRACING A GREAT ROOM KITCHEN CONCEPT!

 

We have done many kitchen remodeling in Los Angeles, projects so far and found that families enjoy and meet more in their kitchens. But with a traditional living space, you can’t have fun at the same time while cooking. That’s why the day is not far when the old living rooms are going to be replaced with ‘Great room kitchen concept!’

If you would like to get one, we suggest taking a few minutes to dive deep into the concept a little. Here, we have shared some information with you!

 

Everything About the Great room kitchen Concept

In the last decade, most homeowners wanted their kitchens to be away from living quarters as much as possible. In fact, the cooking space in larger homes remained separate from the main home. But the time has changed! And now, the kitchen has become the heart of any modern home, especially the perfect place where families meet and share their experiences throughout the day.

A recent study shows that a family of five spends around six times more time in the kitchen than in their living room. And if you find your lifestyle quite similar to it, unlike them, you should bring your daily family living into your cooking space by embracing the concept of ‘Great room kitchens.’

In fact, there’s a more reason that makes a great room kitchen worth creating, like:

 

Perfect for enjoying the daily family affair:

A simple kitchen remodeling can give you a well-designed great room kitchen. And the best part of it is you can enjoy the fireplace and TV while cooking and even helping your kids with their homework.

Now, while speaking of preparing meals, a great room kitchen can create a perfect family affair because the room becomes beyond just an eat-in cooking space! The great room brings a comfortable living space and a functional kitchen together.

 

How to Design Your Great Room Kitchen

Embracing a great room kitchen means having an organized multipurpose space that serves you for:

• Food preparation and cooking
• Informal dining
• Dishwashing after meal
• Storage
• Media entertainment and relaxing
• Family activities and studying

 

With the perfect flooring, cabinets, and light fixture additions, you can enjoy a cohesive look in your great room kitchens. For instance, the open shelves in your cooking space and hardwood flooring can blend into the living room beyond the kitchen area.

HOW TO BUILD AN ADU ABOVE YOUR GARAGE IN LOS ANGELES?

 

Do you have a wonderful little space above your garage in Los Angeles that could make an exceptional accessory dwelling unit? You’re in luck! The California state government recently relaxed the formerly strict laws about creating an accessory dwelling unit above a garage. If you don’t currently have a finished space that can be converted to an ADU above your garage in Los Angeles, you can certainly create one. It’s a great idea to take advantage of the unused space and enjoy the revenue from another income stream or expand your living area to include the benefits an ADU can bring.

 

Why an ADU Over Your Garage is a Good Idea?

A garage space is fantastic for your vehicles and extra storage options, but what about the space above? As space is at such a premium in Los Angeles and southern California, it makes sense to build up. A garage with an ADU above that contains a bedroom, living space, kitchen, and bathroom can bring in nice rental income from either long-term or short-term tenants. In addition, the ADU adds square footage to your property, which can boost your property value.

 

But there’s also the bonus of having an extra space you can use for family or friends. As multi-generational households become more common, an ADU above the garage can provide the additional dwelling area and privacy necessary to ensure harmony in the home. If you already have space for everyone but that leaves privacy, and quiet time at a premium, you can use that newly-finished space as a home art studio or recording space, a workout area, an office, or a cozy getaway.

 

If you ever choose to sell the home, the ADU can be pretty appealing to potential buyers; Forbes reports that many homeowners are willing to pay more for homes that have a garage with an ADU above, as it provides them with flexibility in using the space for whatever they might want – a home gym, an office, or just an excellent place for grandma to visit.

 

If you are planning to use your ADU to generate rental income from tenants, get up to speed with the rules set forth by the City of Los Angeles. The Los Angeles Housing Department offers in-depth information on renting out accessory dwelling units. Make sure you can stay compliant with the rules before you make the decision to turn your ADU above the garage in Los Angeles into a money-making rental property.

 

Digging Into the Finances: ADU Above the Garage Costs

Building an ADU over the garage in Los Angeles means adding an additional story over the existing space, which qualifies as significant construction.

Regardless of the work required, the costs of an ADU above your garage can vary widely depending on the contractor you choose to work on the property. Those costs also depend upon the following:

 

• Any refinishing required for the exterior of the building
• The materials you choose for the ADU
•  Aligning the ADU above an attached garage with the second floor of the home
• Reinforcing the garage foundation to accommodate the added weight
•  Reconfiguring or installing utilities
• Adding a new roof and interior and/or exterior stairs
• The age of the house and how much work must be done to bring it up to modern code
• The overall design: for instance, an outdoor staircase might cost less than an indoor one

 

So what are the ballpark figures? The average cost of detached new construction above a garage runs from $260,000 and up, depending on design and size. That’s assuming approximately 400 square feet of a two-car garage plus a 400 square foot ADU above, including the stairway.

That might seem like a lot of money, but keep in mind that you can create additional income with that space, which can eventually offset the costs of your investment. When it comes time to sell the property, a well-constructed ADU can increase your selling price.

 

Building an ADU Above the Garage in Los Angeles

When you start to consider building an ADU, it’s easy to become overwhelmed with all the things you’ll need to do from the start of the project to the completed space. Breaking it down into small, manageable steps is the key to getting the job done without compromising your sanity.

 

1.Start with ADU Concept Design

 

Begin by asking yourself some fundamental questions about how you intend to use the ADU. Are you looking for income by making your ADU a short-term or long-term rental property? Do you want a cozy home office or gym? Is this intended to be a getaway space for you or the whole family, perhaps a game room or a den dedicated to watching sports or movies? Will the ADU eventually become a home recording studio? Or will you be creating the space for a family member, such as a mother-in-law suite?

 

Once you know your intention for the space, you can move on to creating the Concept Design. You could hire MDM Custom Remodeling Inc. to create the Architectural Concept Design, which will include the floor plan, interior, and exterior view design, 3D rendering, and 360 degrees panoramas with a virtual walk-through. This lets you experience walking through your finished ADU project virtually before you invest even one dollar in construction or blueprints. This Concept Design Service by MDM Custom Remodeling Inc. includes searching city and county records to verify what the local zoning and building code allow in your area. This Concept Design also includes an accurate budget plan, which provides you with an accurate cost of the project before you commit to the high cost of construction. Your contractor will use these guidelines to build the ADU to the proper specifications.

 

2. Clear the Plans with the City of Los Angeles

 

The ADU Concept Design you get from MDM Custom Remodeling Inc. will comply with the regulations for Los Angeles. This will be the foundation of the complete set of blueprints MDM Custom Remodeling Inc. will create for you to ensure the project is approved by the city. The plans must be officially approved by the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety. This step is vitally important to ensure that you are in compliance with all the laws and regulations. After approval, you can start the process of applying for a construction permit.

 

3. Consider the Funding

 

There are numerous options for financing an ADU, including your current cash on hand, a loan or line of credit based on your home equity, a renovation or construction loan, a cash-out refinance of your home, and more. Take your time in choosing the right option before you move into the construction of your ADU.

 

4. Get a Reliable Contractor

 

When hiring a contractor, look for one that has significant experience in building ADUs, especially those that are built over a garage in Los Angeles. Not only does seasoned contractor understand what it takes to build a safe ADU over your garage, but they also know their way around the permit process and the new regulations and rules regarding accessory dwelling units in Los Angeles and southern California.

 

No need to be concerned; we will choose a trustworthy contractor for your garage. ADU contractor Los Angeles will assist you in building a durable and safe garage.

 

5. Be Involved in Selecting Finishing Materials

 

While construction of your new ADU is in progress, you’ll need to select the finishing materials you’d like to install. This can include windows, doors, roofing materials, interior, and exterior finishing, plumbing and electrical fixtures, AC system, tiles, flooring, paint colors, and more. Use your contractor’s help to get these materials at discount prices to save money.

 

6. Finishing Tips

 

Select colors to paint the space in a way that not only makes it look bigger but makes it more appealing to potential tenants. Grey and white have dominated the painting space in recent years, but now the colors that get attention are light-intensity earth tones, blues, and, yes, the ever-present greys. Choose those for your wall and look for furniture that complements them.

 

7. Cast Your Eye Toward Potential Storage

 

Make furniture work double-duty by opting for smart storage solutions, such as ottomans that open to create space for blankets and drawers hidden away underneath the bed. Just as you built upward with your ADU over the garage, consider going up with storage – tall armoires, high cabinets, and even racks dropped a foot or so below the ceiling can be great to tuck away small items and keep the rooms looking light and airy.

 

8. Timing

 

Make sure you can trust your contractor to commit to the completion date. Check the contractor’s background with previous customers who had a project of a similar size to yours. Ask those customers how long it took to complete their project. Did the contractor complete the work right on time or even ahead of schedule?

 

When you choose to build your ADU over the garage at your Los Angeles home, the keys to success include good planning, a smart architect, following all the rules and regulations set forth by the state and local governments concerning ADUs, and finding the right contractor for the job. It might seem like a lot to handle, but the end result is worth doing the right way.