Keeping the kitchen cool
Fresno summers are extremely hot; National Weather Service records show 69 days at or above 100°F in 2021. A kitchen with an oven running, west-facing windows and a poorly insulated ceiling can be the hottest room in the house. During a remodel, consider:
- Induction cooktops, which heat the pan rather than the air around it, adding less heat to the room.
- A range hood vented outdoors to remove cooking heat.
- Insulating exterior walls and the ceiling, and using airtight recessed lights rated for insulation contact.
- Low-emissivity windows or good window treatments on west-facing windows.
Indoor air quality
Fresno County is part of the San Joaquin Valley area the EPA has classified as not meeting federal fine-particle standards. Cooking produces its own particles and, with gas ranges, combustion byproducts. A properly sized range hood that vents outdoors, used every time you cook, helps keep indoor air cleaner. Large hoods may need makeup air.
Electrification
If you're switching to induction or adding electric appliances, have an electrician confirm your panel can handle the new load. Ask your electric utility about current rebates before buying.
Slab foundations
Many Fresno homes are on slabs. Moving a sink to an island or relocating the dishwasher may require cutting concrete for drains. Keeping plumbing in its current location saves money. If the house has had slab leaks, have lines tested before new flooring goes in.
Countertops in the sun
Some quartz products can discolor with prolonged strong sunlight. If your kitchen gets direct sun on the counters, check the manufacturer's guidance before choosing.
Older homes
Older Fresno kitchens may have outdated wiring, galvanized pipes and hidden water damage. Ask for a contingency and a plan for discoveries.
Permits
Kitchen remodels with plumbing, electrical, gas or structural work need permits from the City of Fresno or Fresno County.
Before you hire
Ask Fresno kitchen remodelers for an itemized proposal with allowances, a schedule with lead times, how they'll vent the hood, and what their workmanship warranty covers. Look up the contractor's California license with the CSLB.
Living through the remodel
Set up a temporary kitchen inside the house, with a microwave, a small refrigerator and a place to wash dishes. In Fresno's summer heat, a garage setup can be too hot to use comfortably. Ask for a written schedule that shows inspections and lead times for cabinets and countertops, and how the contractor will keep dust out of the rest of the house while the air conditioning runs.
Flooring
Tile and luxury vinyl are popular kitchen floors in Fresno's climate because they stay cool and handle spills. If you're replacing flooring, decide whether it runs under the cabinets or stops at them before cabinets are installed.
Choosing appliances early
Appliance sizes set cabinet sizes, countertop cutouts and electrical and gas requirements. Choose your range, refrigerator, dishwasher and hood before cabinets are ordered and countertops are templated, so nothing has to be changed later.
Pantry and storage
Tall pantry cabinets with pull-out shelves make better use of space than deep fixed shelves. Keep food storage away from the oven and any wall that gets hot afternoon sun.