Technological Changes in the Kitchen
Technological Changes in the Kitchen
The type of equipment a person utilizes in their kitchen is a matter of experience, cooking preference and style. While some people like gas ranges, others like electric. Many people prefer gas cook-tops and ranges. They find it easier to adjust a flame when cooking rather than counting on a knob that reads low, medium and high.
Technology in the kitchen has progressed dramatically. Who thought microwave ovens would have taken off the way they did. I can remember when they first where introduced to the market. My mother, being a busy working mother and involved in the church, as well as, several other organizations, had to have one. She loved it! This was going to free her time up! So, she cooked everything in it. Roasts, chicken, fish, you name and she cooked it in the microwave. Believe me, it wasn’t a good thing. Everything looked horrible and tasted like rubber. But times have changed, and technology now allows us to cook a variety of foods in a microwave due to the addition of the convection process that was added to these units. Now we find heating food with electro-magnets (induction cooking) can be an alternative to open flames and red hot electric elements.
So how does induction cooking differ from conventional methods?
Technology and science is now introducing a new type of cook-top. Induction cooking, this is where a high frequency circulating current is created; heating an iron pot or pan which intern heats the food. Nothing outside the cooking utensil is affected by this current. The only thing heated is the food.
How long have they been around?
Induction units have just begun to take hold in residential markets. Controlling a unit like this is much easier today than it was years ago. Although they have been in existence for 15 or so years, commercially, it just really never took off. Standalone units where used while a commercial kitchen was being revamped or for a quick temporary kitchen set up, but not for regular use or as a permanent appliance.
How efficient are they?
Although I did not find the efficiency difference between conventional electric cook-tops and induction types, according to The United States Department of Energy, induction type cooking is 84% efficient compared to gas cooking which is 39.9%.
How do they differ from conventional electric and gas cook-tops?
Induction cook-tops are smooth with designated areas for placing your cookware. There are no elements or gas jets to clean. These induction appliances are as precise and instantaneous as gas to turn on and off but do not burn you and are said to be much better to cook with than your standard electrical element variety.
How expensive and safe are these systems?
Now, due to technology, these units are much more affordable and are not for just commercial use, but as permanent residential major appliances. They are said to be more efficient and safer to use than conventional gas and electric cook-tops. Safety is a large factor in homes that have gas ranges and electric element cook-tops. Being able to control an induction cook-top like a gas unit without the worry of a gas leak, a troubled pilot and the possibility of getting burned makes induction systems very attractive to the modern homeowner. Another reason that people are making the move to this method of cooking is the decrease in the possibility of a fire occurring and the possibility of being burned. The fact that they do not have an open flame or red-hot electric element makes them safer for children and the homeowner. Once the power to these appliances is turned off they stop cooking immediately and allow for a quick and easy to clean cooking surface. In fact, you can turn the cook-top on and place your hand directly on it without the slightest burn, even if you are wearing jewelry.
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Help answer the question about kitchen improvement
What kind of improvement expenses can I deduct when I sell a house I inherited a year ago?For example paint, lawn improvement, kitchen, bath remodel etc.
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Tags: 37405, additions, Chattanooga, construction, home, improvement, Improvements, kitchen, remodeling, siding, TN
At big box stores you can find black insulation tubes– made to insulate refrigerated air condition piping I think. I would measure the pipe length– some good idea of the diameter then get the insulation and put it on the pipe. You may need some duct tape. This is safety for you. Now, measure for the type cabinet space– go to a big box store to get the cabinet– use a jig saw to cut out the place in the shelves for the pipe.
Be sure and measure how much you need to cut out– you can use paper and make a template– or one of those metal things that give you a negative and positive of a door jamb– This is definately a DIY thing– the hardest part probably will be finding the studs the cabinet will need for attachment. Cabinets and their contents are really heavy.
good luck
I figure….there are only so many things these sorts of shows can show and about only so many ways to do them, because their audience base is your average Joe, by and large.
Any expense you put into the house is an expense as it is added to the basis of the cost of the house. The house basis is what it was worth the day that you inherited it. If you put paint roof drive kitchen or anything into the unit to improve it. then it is an expense…. I doubt that you will have to worry about it being worth more now than it was worth a year ago,, Find an appraiser that will give you a high appraisal for last year, and then sell it for less will make it a loss, and no taxes paid at all. Most property is not worth what it was last year according to so many pundits on TV.
probably $400 or so, if you want the old sink pulled out and a new installed with a garbage disposal.
That of course does NOT include the costs of the materials.
(1) Kitchen more visible, more use
(2) Bathroom (needed especially if there are more than two in your household
(3) maybe rethink fireplace, little known fact sometimes your house insurance will go up cause of a fireplace, or you might not find an insurance that will insure a house with a fireplace
I prefer oil stain ,Two coats and usually mix whatever color that I am using (4 parts color to one part natural) with natural"clear" stain of the same brand. It seems to make the grain a little deeper. A trick an old floor refinisher showed me years ago and seems to work well.
As far as the finish. I also prefer oil polyurethane, Three coats ,sanding between #2and #3 coat. I use high gloss for my first two coats and whatever gloss is required (flat,semi,satin, or gloss) for the final coat.(The higher the gloss the more durable the finish)
Water based polly is fine for the insides of the cabinets as it is much easier to apply but tends to be a little "chalky" looking and does not hold up to cleaning solvents as well. It is great for closet built-ins , and other household furniture
Whatever you use ,take your time and be as neat as possible ,Letting each coat dry and lightly sanding with fine sandpaper between coats. Dust or vacuum constantly and use a tack cloth before coats. Your efforts will be their own reward.
Good luck.
How extensive a "fixup" were you going to do? Check your lease first to see what you're allowed to do without prior written consent from the landlord. Most residential leases, at least in my market, limit tenant alterations to reasonable changes that can be easily restored to their original condition when the tenant leaves (e.g. painting, hanging shelving and pictures).
Major renovations, such as replacing cabinets, tile, appliances, must only be done with the landlord's consent. He'll be living with your choices long after you move out, so HE has the right to say no, or, if he says yes, to approve styles and materials. Also, all improvements belong to the landlord, so unless he's cut you a deal where you fix the place up in exchange for much lower rent, you're losing money on the deal.
That being said, there are plenty of things you can do to fix the place up. Paint is the easiest way to liven up the kitchen and bath. Even if you're not up to decorative painting, a good fresh coat of paint will brighten any room. For kitchen and bath, make sure to use a semi-gloss paint (there are some that are specifically for kitchens and baths)–this will hold up to the moisture, dirt and grease and be easier to clean.
Use baskets or boxes covered with cloth or contact paper to corral small or oddly-shaped items in kitchen and bathroom cabinets or shelves. Cheap and decorative way to increase storage space and keep the place looking neat.
If you need more cabinet space in the kitchen or bath, try to find old dressers, china hutches, bookcases or cabinets on Craigslist or your local freecycle–these can be cleaned, painted, and moved around to suit your space. I used an old 1940's metal dresser for years as a kitchen island/storage for pots and pans. Dressers with missing drawers make good deep shelving for large pots and baking sheets: just cut plywood to fit where the drawer bottoms would sit.
With your landlord’s permission, you can paint or reface existing cabinets. If not, you can usually cover objectionable cabinets with contact paper or starched fabric without permanent harm to the surface. (Contact paper has gotten a lot cooler–it now comes in all sorts of styles, including faux leather, faux granite, real cork, brushed aluminum and copper, etc.).
Also, you simply must check out Craftster! It’s not a home improvement site, as such, but it has every sort of craft and DIY project you can imagine, from what to do with old light bulbs to decorative painting, furniture design and complete room makeovers, in every style from classic to gothic and back again. And if you ask nicely, the members will often give you a free tutorial.
The Government has created a portal to help individuals who need benefits because of life events. Visit http://www.govbenefits.gov
Use the drop down button
DO YOU NEED BENEFITS BECAUSE OF A LIFE EVENT?
Choose the life situation best applicable to you and then see if you qualify for the available government assistance.
As for grants, if you live in a rural area, you can apply with the Dept of Agriculture for Grant #10.417 VERY LOW-INCOME HOUSING REPAIR LOANS AND GRANTS http://12.46.245.173/pls/portal30/CATALOG.PROGRAM_TEXT_RPT.SHOW?p_arg_names=prog_nbr&p_arg_values=10.417 Here is how this grant should be used:
"USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS
Loan funds may be used to make general repairs and improvements to properties or to remove health and safety hazards. Grant funds may be used only to pay for the costs for repairs and improvements that will remove identified health and safety hazards or to repair or remodel dwellings to make them accessible for houshold members with disabilities. Loans and grants are typically used for repair or replacement of heating, plumbing or electrical services, roof or basic structure as well as water and waste disposal systems, and weatherization. Loans bear an interest rate of one percent and are repaid over a period up to 20 years. In addition to the above purpose, loan funds may be used to modernize the dwelling. Maximum loan amount cannot exceed a cumulative total of $20,000 to any eligible person and maximum lifetime grant assistance is $7,500 to any eligible person. The house must be located in an eligible rural area which does not exceed 10,000 population. Some places with populations between 10,000 and 25,000 may be eligible if not within a Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). Assistance is available in States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana's and the Trust Territories of the Pacific Islands."
You can also check with HUD who are the recipients of Grant 14.181 SUPPORTIVE HOUSING FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES http://12.46.245.173/pls/portal30/CATALOG.PROGRAM_TEXT_RPT.SHOW?p_arg_names=prog_nbr&p_arg_values=14.181 . This grant is given to non profits "to construct, rehabilitate or acquire structures to be used as supportive housing for persons with disabilities." Check if you can be a beneficiary of this grant.
You can find other home improvement grants at the the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) http://www.cfda.gov . Here is a list of home improvement grants available http://12.46.245.173/pls/portal30/CATALOG.PROGRAM_TEXT_RPT.SHOW?p_arg_names=prog_nbr&p_arg_values=14.181
To apply for grants, go to Grants.gov http://www.grants.gov . They have everything you need to apply for grants.
I would suggest the following brands:
>American Woodmark at Home Depot
>Shenandoah at Lowe's
They're actually the same product from the same firm, just branded differently for the two chains. I have them in my home and have been quite satisfied with the quality. Both also have a nice selection of finishes, trims, door styles and accessories.
Good luck with your remodel.