Water and your new kitchen
Modesto's drinking water comes from a mix of treated Tuolumne River water and city groundwater wells, and mineral content can vary. Minerals can leave spots on stainless sinks, faucets and dark countertops, and can build up in dishwashers, refrigerator water lines and coffee makers. When remodeling, consider:
- Faucet finishes that hide spots and are easy to clean.
- A refrigerator with a replaceable water filter, and a plan for changing it on schedule.
- A dedicated filtered water tap, if you want one, chosen before countertops are templated so the hole can be drilled.
- Under-sink space for any filtration equipment.
Check the City of Modesto's annual water quality report before choosing treatment equipment, so you know what you're treating.
Ventilation through damp winters
Winter tule fog in the San Joaquin Valley keeps the air cool and damp for days. Cooking adds moisture. A range hood vented outdoors removes moisture, heat and grease, and helps prevent mold around windows and behind appliances on exterior walls. Gas ranges especially benefit from outdoor venting.
Electrification
Many homeowners are switching to induction cooktops. Before choosing, have an electrician confirm your panel can handle the new circuit. Ask your electric utility about current rebates before buying appliances.
Older homes
Modesto's older neighborhoods have kitchens with original wiring, galvanized pipes and hidden surprises. When walls open, contractors may find water damage, outdated wiring or materials needing special handling in older homes. Ask for a contingency and a plan for discoveries.
Long summers
Hot Modesto summers make kitchens with west-facing windows uncomfortable. Insulating exterior walls and ceilings during the remodel, airtight recessed lights and good window treatments help.
Permits
Kitchen remodels with plumbing, electrical, gas or structural work need permits from the City of Modesto or Stanislaus County.
Before you hire
Ask Modesto kitchen remodelers for an itemized proposal with allowances, a schedule with lead times, how they'll handle older-home surprises, and their workmanship warranty. Look up the contractor's California license with the CSLB.
Living through the remodel
Set up a temporary kitchen with a microwave, a small refrigerator and somewhere to wash dishes, such as a laundry sink. Ask for a written schedule showing demolition, inspections, cabinet and countertop lead times and finishing, and how the contractor will protect the rest of the house from dust.
Flooring
Tile, luxury vinyl and engineered wood are all common kitchen floors. Decide whether new flooring runs under the cabinets or stops at them before the cabinets go in, and make sure the subfloor is flat and solid, especially in older homes on raised foundations.
Removing walls
Before removing a wall to open the kitchen, a contractor should determine whether it's load-bearing and what runs inside it, and get an engineer's design for any beam.
Choosing appliances early
Pick the range, refrigerator, dishwasher and hood before cabinets are ordered, because appliance sizes set cabinet dimensions, countertop cutouts and electrical needs.
Lighting
Layer lighting: ceiling fixtures for general light, under-cabinet task lighting on every work surface, and pendants over an island. LED fixtures add little heat in summer.