How To Remove Bulkhead In Kitchen

A kitchen soffit is a closed-in area above the cabinets. Soffits were a popular design included in homes in the mid-to-late 1900s. Today, notwithstanding, homeowners don't appreciate the boxed-in feeling soffits give a kitchen, especially those extending past the cabinets' face. In addition, with the increasing popularity of open floor plans in the 2000s, the soffit is largely an unwanted feature. As a outcome, many interior designers suggest removing them and using the infinite for more storage. However, before committing to trigger-happy out the soffit, there are a few things you demand to consider.

1.   What's Behind the Kitchen Soffit?

Created to hide utilities like HVAC ductwork or plumbing lines from an upper story, the soffit blueprint became then customary that designers started including them in the kitchen solely for aesthetics. Only, you can't exist sure if you lot can remove a soffit unless you know its purpose in your kitchen. If at that place's null above the kitchen, chances are your soffit is purely ornamental. Simply, if yous have a bathroom overhead, or if there's a return air duct in the soffit, you can guess that mechanicals are behind there.

If you don't have the original edifice plans, the merely way to know for certain is to cutting holes through the drywall and await within. Simply don't first swinging a hammer withal. "Since you don't want to impairment anything," says Andy Haste, founder and president of Riverside Structure, "it's advised that you consult with a reputable contractor or blueprint-build firm that tin can help y'all explore your options, both from a design and a cost perspective."

2.   How Will Removing the Soffit Bear upon the Cabinets?

To remove the soffit in the kitchen, yous may also need to take down the cabinets. If you don't plan to purchase new ones, you tin can rehang them after the soffit is gone. Still, consider partnering with an experienced home remodeling contractor for this job to eliminate the risk of damaging the cabinets.

3.   Will Soffit Removal Affect the Ceiling and Walls?

One time you remove the soffit, the surrounding walls and ceiling will demand to be repaired and painted. You'll also need to patch the holes left in the drywall from the studs that held the soffit in identify. Also, "matching ceiling textures can be complicated, and patching it tin can require painting the unabridged ceiling to disguise the patch completely," says designer, Kelly Grish. At a minimum, the whole area will require a fresh coat of paint.

4.   What Else Should I Ask My Contractor?

Depending on what they find behind the soffit, y'all practice have options. After assessing the situation, here are a few more questions to inquire your remodeling contractor.

• Can the mechanicals behind the soffit be relocated?
• If yes, what would that entail?
• How much would it toll to motility the plumbing, electrical, or ductwork?
• How would moving the mechanicals bear upon our time frame?
• If we move any of the utilities, how long will we be without service?
• Is there a less-expensive option?

v.   Tin can Y'all Disguise the Kitchen Soffit?

If removing the soffit isn't an option because information technology's hiding mechanicals, there are other means to give your kitchen a more open up and mod experience. Here are a few ideas for disguising a soffit to consider:

• Crown molding along the soffit adds a hint of elegance to your kitchen. And the added particular brings dimension and the illusion of a college ceiling.
• If the original builder missed the opportunity to add lighting to the soffit, do that now. Attain soft ambient lighting with LED strips above the crown molding. And for task lighting, recessed can lights stay out of the visual field while illuminating the countertop while y'all work.
• Replace the upper cabinets that hide the soffit. Custom chiffonier makers can create cabinets that stretch upwardly to the ceiling with the soffit hidden inside.
• If replacing the cabinets isn't in the budget, disguise the soffit to wait like another row of cabinets.
• Add decorative molding in a pattern to requite your soffit some visual interest.
• Use the soffit equally a canvas for creative artwork. "Paint custom art, farmhouse signage, or other design elements on a soffit, turning information technology into a thing of beauty," says designer, Kelly Grish.
• Hang a collection of plates, trivets, or other collectibles on the face up of the soffit.
• Disguise the soffit to look like a axle with a structural purpose. And then, add other faux beams to the kitchen to help it blend in and create a new, rustic design.

Consult with a Professional Remodeling Contractor

Now that you know what removing your kitchen soffit could entail, consult with a home remodeling and design professional to learn your options.

Since 2008, Riverside Construction'southward award-winning squad has served homeowners in the Lafayette, Westward Lafayette, and Tippecanoe County areas. First, accept a await at their extensive portfolio of stunning kitchen remodels, and then schedule a consultation with one of their expert design-build professionals. Also, sign up to receive their monthly "Designed for Life" newsletter for current remodeling trends and kitchen design inspiration.

Source: https://www.riversideconstruction.com/how-to-remove-kitchen-soffit-5-careful-considerations-blog/

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