Home Improvement Kitchen

Are you interested in adding an island to your kitchen, but not sure of the logistics? A kitchen island adds storage and functionality to your kitchen, and it’s also a fantastic design element. But does it need to be attached to the floor, and if so, how?

An answer to the lack of counter space in the kitchen is the addition of an over-the-range microwave oven. Many homeowners find a GE Spacesaver microwave oven already installed when they purchase their home. In time, these microwaves need to be updated or replaced, and homeowners wonder how to remove a GE Spacesaver microwave oven.

Dirty burner caps don’t just make your stove look bad, but they can throw off the vibe in your kitchen. It’s hard to keep burner caps clean when you cook several days a week. However, it’s best to clean them as much as possible before stains form and it becomes harder to remove them. Many homeowners struggle with how to clean gas stove burner caps.

When your dishwasher doesn’t work, you can either fix it or replace it with a new one. Either way, there will come a point in the process when you need to reattach the dishwasher to your countertop. If you have granite, marble, or stone countertops, you need to act carefully not to damage them while doing this.

Refrigerators are now so commonplace in kitchens in the United States that we take them for granted.  These major appliances have become so refined and reliable that we seldom give a second thought to them, but refrigerators still do malfunction.  One problem many people wonder about is how to know if your refrigerator is leaking freon.

There comes a stage in the process of building in the plumbing fixtures and pipes where everything is connected but not quite sealed. This is known as the rough-in stage and it can be a little on the tricky side of things.

Dishwashers may seem useless if you don’t have a hot water connection, but that’s not necessarily true. Not every home has a hot water connection that runs to the dishwasher, and that can make it tricky to clean dishes. So, will a dishwasher work without hot water?

If you own a dishwasher, you’ll likely experience a blown thermal fuse at some point in your life. This isn’t uncommon, as these fuses are designed to blow to protect the components of your dishwasher. Fortunately, the replacement process for thermal fuses is very straightforward.

When I went to a friend’s home, it became very clear that he had a lot of money to play with. How could I tell? Simple. Inside his luxury condo was a built-in refrigerator. Those aren’t exactly cheap to come by, even if you are in a well-off circle of friends. Did you ever wonder why built-in refrigerators cost so much?

Microwaves are a fairly essential addition to any kitchen, and they come in many different forms. Some of the most common types of microwaves include built-in, over-the-range, countertop, convection, and under-counter models. The question we’ll be answering today is what if you have one of these microwaves and want to turn it into an under-cabinet microwave?

Though there has been a shift in materials used over the last several decades, porcelain is still a popular choice for fixtures of all kinds. Be it bathtubs, toilets, or sinks, porcelain has a natural, beautiful aesthetic that the other materials simply can’t match.

Staying organized inside the kitchen means making smart use of your surroundings. That’s why you see many homeowners installing shelves and spice racks. They want to maximize all the space available to avoid making a mess in there.

When it comes to installing a dishwasher, there are three distinct connections that must be made. The first connection is to the hot water, which is typically done by hooking the appliance up to an outlet on the shut-off valve from the kitchen sink faucet. The second is the drain, which discharges into a specialized fitting on the sink drain’s tailpiece. And, the third connection is the electrical one, in which case you may be wondering: What gauge wire do you need for a dishwasher?

At Upgraded Home, we are pretty happy about covering every part of the home improvement process. When it comes to installing a new kitchen sink, the obvious thing you’re going to have to do is remove the one that is already there. Usually, this means that you would have to remove the clips. But, what do you do if the kitchen sink has been glued into place?

Ah, the luxury of having a pull-out sprayer hose. It’s a great thing, isn’t it? Well, normally it is. When you are able to pull the hose out of its spot and spray away, it’s great. However, it’s not so great when you try to pull it out only to have it snag on something. When this happens, it gets annoying. Fast. Like, really fast. So, what can you do to fix this problem?

Moen is a very popular appliance brand. In fact, if you have multiple bathrooms, the odds are pretty high you have some sort of Moen appliance in there. The company is known for its variety, especially when it comes to its faucets. And while these faucets usually function properly, you may need to tighten them from time to time. But what size Allen wrench do you need for a Moen faucet?

The garbage disposal is a helpful appliance that can make so many household chores less strenuous. However, it’s not a catch-all for all types of household trash. In fact, there are certain products that should never be thrown down the garbage disposal.

Clothing is one of those things I don’t mess around with. I am all about professional laundry services, simply because my photoshoots require it. Other folks, though? They get creative. A friend of mine actually heard about someone who washed their clothes in a dishwasher. Was it actually a real thing, or was it an urban legend…?

Installing kitchen cabinets is one of the bigger home improvement jobs homeowners face. Something that needs to be considered before installation begins is what type of flooring you’re working with. Yes, flooring is a big deal when installing kitchen cabinets.

Dishwashers are very convenient to have in your home. They save time on hand-washing, and they also do a better job of sanitizing. Although, the cost to install a dishwasher can vary significantly. The prices depend on the type you buy and whether you hire a professional or do it yourself.

A dishwasher may be one of the most useful appliances in the kitchen. However, when it isn’t working, it can put a halt to a functioning kitchen. Whether a renter or homeowner, the disdain for plumbing issues is typically the same. 

When it comes to the world of sinks, there are so many different options you can choose from. This is doubly true with farmhouse sinks, such as those made of fireclay and cast iron. Both of these materials have their loyal fans, but the truth is, they are very different. Trying to figure out which sink material is right for you can be tricky, even if you have a background in kitchen design.

Cloudy sink water is an unnerving sight, especially if you drink from the tap or use it to wash your hands. It can be difficult to pinpoint the cause if you aren’t a certified plumber, but luckily, the problem isn’t severe despite the appearance. So, why is my sink water cloudy?

Whirlpool dishwashers are famous for being reliable, but that doesn’t mean they’re without issues. A common issue among certain Whirlpool models is having a dishwasher that suddenly stops mid-cycle. This leaves dishes partially cleaned and can even leave a wet mess in your kitchen. If this happened to you, you’re right to be upset. Thankfully, a fix is just around the corner…

It never ceases to amaze me how difficult it can be to install a dishwasher in your home. Due to the many design flaws that can come with a dishwasher install, it’s become common practice to install something called an air gap for your dishwasher. An air gap can be pricey, but it can help prevent drainage problems like having water back up into your washer after it’s already been drained. But, are there any ways around this requirement?

Dishwashers remain one of the most in-demand optional appliances in the world, and who can blame people for loving them? They’re great and they reduce the workload you have. Of course, your dishwasher will only be loved if it works. That’s why so many people make an effort to buy a machine from a brand they trust. But, which brands do you trust? And more importantly, which should you avoid.

Having more counter space is every homeowner’s dream. When the opportunity to remodel your kitchen arises, you want to be aware of standard dimensions and what to include. Use this as a guide to plan a breakfast bar that best suits your kitchen and space.

A garbage disposal is beneficial to have in the kitchen. It can take leftover food and blend them down into tiny bits that are easier to dispose of.

The other day, my husband tried to boil up some pasta. He turned on the kitchen sink to fill up the pot, only to notice the water dribbling out. This was not like our faucet! We called over the super, and then he found out that a pipe that fed the faucet water had a leak. One quick patch job later, we were able to get strong water again. But, this isn’t the only cause of low water pressure in your kitchen sink…

Finding low water pressure at the faucet in your kitchen is always a cause for concern. The problem could be a simple thing, like a closed valve or a blocked faucet. Or, something more serious could be at play, like a leak.

Whether remodeling or upgrading, range hoods are a necessary addition to your kitchen. They are the best remedy for cooking grease, moisture, and heat in the kitchen. Use this as a guide to choose the hood that is the best type and size for your space.

Many people are familiar with the idea that a broken garbage disposal means a broken dishwasher. However, many might not know whether or not this statement is true. Does a broken garbage disposal affect a dishwasher? Are they connected in a way that would cause a dishwasher to break if a disposal was also broken?

Refrigerators are a pride and joy in every kitchen. They come in all shapes and sizes, and many have ice makers. Fridges can make all sorts of noises that may sound pretty scary.

Although every sink is slightly unique, you’ll certainly find different components in a kitchen than you would a bathroom. Knowing all the inner workings of a kitchen sink can make troubleshooting and repairs a breeze.

Every component of a dishwasher is important to its function, and that’s particularly true about the drain hose. A drain hose that is too long can affect your dishwasher’s performance and it may not be able to fit correctly. So, what should you do when your dishwasher drain hose is too long?

The ice maker in your refrigerator is designed for convenience. Having a refrigerator with an automatic ice maker allows you to enjoy ice cold beverages every day without needing to constantly refill ice trays in your sink. Whether you need a larger amount of ice for a family event, birthday party, or the big game, you can rely on your ice maker to give you ice on demand.

Nothing helps clean dirty dishes like a good helping of Jet or Palmolive. If you have a dishwasher, you already know this and probably are thrilled to pour that dish soap into the dispenser right before cleaning another load of dishes. However, once in a while, you will have a dishwasher soap dispenser that just won’t open. What’s the deal here?

Kitchen sinks are vital parts of any household. They are suitable for cooking, cleaning, and providing water for necessary kitchen functions. Without a kitchen sink, the concept of a kitchen would be incomplete.

Kenmore is one of the most popular refrigerator brands on the market thanks to their versatile designs and choice of top-rated features. One of the most important aspects you must consider when purchasing a refrigerator is the size.

Ice makers are a critical component of refrigerators that provide convenience and offer cost savings, depending on the amount of ice your family consumes.

Dishwashers have transformed from a luxury appliance to a standard in all kitchens. Dishwashers can have a number of features and come in a variety of sizes. Use this as a guide to choose the dishwasher best for your kitchen.

Garbage disposals offer a quick, easy method of disposing of food scraps. You don’t have to leave them in your trash bin until the next pick-up. And while composting is the best way to save the planet, it has its odorous downsides as well.

Samsung dishwashers are affordable, efficient, and reliable. That doesn’t mean they aren’t without their problems. For example, performance issues and error codes often appear and confuse homeowners. What do the Samsung dishwasher Smart Auto and Heavy blinking error codes mean?

Garbage disposals have become an essential piece of kitchen equipment, especially in more recent years. They are convenient for reducing food scraps and leftovers that get sent to our landfills. The ¾ HP garbage disposals are one of the most preferred because they’re suitable for daily use.

Corian countertops are all the rage these days, primarily due to their low maintenance requirements and elegant appearance. This upscale type of resin from DuPont has become synonymous with affordable style, but when it comes to installing a sink in the stuff, things can get sticky.

The last thing that you want to do is install the wrong size pipes for your sink drain. Incompatibility between a drain outlet and a pipe can lead to clogs, leaks, and expensive repairs. So, what size pipe do you need for a sink drain?

With the invention of the dishwasher, cleaning the kitchen has never been easier. Gone are the days of scrubbing pots and pans until your arms are sore. But what happens if your dishwasher is stuck on the wash cycle? 

Garbage disposals are kitchen devices that can help you get rid of food waste by washing it down the sink without creating clogs or other problems. Garbage disposals are known for being a convenient alternative to a trash can and a way to keep food waste out of a landfill.

Microwave ovens are a modern luxury we often take for granted. You can easily heat leftover meals without creating a pile of dishes. They are also amazing at heating and cooking meals, making a dinner that is hot and ready in five minutes. While microwave ovens are amazing, sometimes the sounds they make are anything but. If you have a particularly loud microwave oven that is prone to constant beeping, you have probably wondered if there is a way to silence it.

A homeowner can follow many different trends throughout the years. In the ‘80s and ‘90s, oak kitchen cabinets were a popular option to choose when building a home.

Your kitchen sink is one of the most used features in your home and selecting the right faucet is a decision that should not be taken lightly. If you’re remodeling your kitchen, want to give your home a much needed refresh, or are designing your home’s interior, your kitchen faucet is one of my things to consider. Faucets are often a focal point in the kitchen, and there are a wide range of attractive models and designs to choose from.

No matter how careful you are when you work in the kitchen, accidents happen. Glasses and dinner plates get broken in or around your kitchen sink. Cleaning glass shards from the sink is easy, but what should you do if glass gets into your garbage disposal?

After binge-watching real estate shows, you might think you need to fix everything in your house before you can list it. But the truth is, you can overdo it. Some things just aren’t worth repairing or upgrading before you sell. However, there are undoubtedly home fixes you must complete before selling. 

Delta kitchen faucets are some of the most popular faucets around. This brand of kitchen faucet is one of the top-selling in the whole country, but when their sprayer hoses leak, it can be pretty difficult to handle the mess. Replacing the sprayer hose is often the best course of action, but trying to replace it can be an intimidating task for newbies. So, what can you do?

The dreaded gap between the fridge and cabinets where handy items and crumbs like to hide. Many DIY homeowners wonder if the gap is really necessary and just exactly how to fix it.

Standing water in the bottom of your Samsung Dishwasher after the cleaning cycle finishes can be bad news.  Several things can cause your Samsung dishwasher not to drain.  You can remedy many of these problems before resorting to calling the repair technician.

Home Depot is a great resource to buy appliances, but they can also install and maintain them. It is difficult to install appliances like dishwashers, washing machines, and dryers, but Home Depot can take care of it for you. Home Depot has an impressive and varied selection of dishwashers, but how much do they charge you for installation?

Crown molding is one of the easiest ways to turn a regular interior into one that feels stately, upscale, and traditional. This is the kind of upgrade you’ll find in older apartments in New York City, Victorian homes, and country homes that have that extra allure of a day gone by. Do you love that retro look? Who doesn’t?

Bosch dishwashers use the latest technologies to clean, sanitize, rinse, and dry your dishes. The dishwashers come with several options for cleaning your dishes, including condensation drying. If you are used to a dishwasher that uses heat drying, you might be surprised by the results of condensation drying.

Everything old is new again. Once popular in the 1970s, lacquer kitchen cabinets are back in style to offer your space a modern vibe. Lacquer is an easy DIY solution to update your cabinets and breathe some new life into your kitchen.