Kitchen Remodeling in Norcross, GA

Appliances take up a large share of any kitchen wall, and the sizes you choose decide how the cabinets around them are built. Kitchen remodeling in Norcross often starts with two practical questions: how far should the refrigerator stick out, and where should the microwave go? The answers set opening dimensions, cabinet depths and even where the lights land.

Standard-depth or counter-depth refrigerator

A standard-depth refrigerator holds more food but projects several inches past the front of the counters, which can crowd a narrow aisle or doorway. A counter-depth model sits roughly flush with the cabinet faces for a built-in look, giving up some interior space for the cleaner line. Either type can be framed with tall side panels and a deep cabinet above for a finished appearance.

Whichever you choose, the opening has to allow for the hinge side, the door handles and the air gap the manufacturer asks for at the top and back.

Where the microwave can go

An over-the-range microwave saves counter space and doubles as a light vent, but it puts hot liquids above head height for shorter cooks and usually ventilates less effectively than a dedicated hood. A drawer microwave in a base cabinet or island is easy to reach and keeps the counter clear. A built-in unit in a tall cabinet, often stacked with a wall oven, keeps everything at a comfortable height.

A countertop model on a shelf or in an appliance nook is the simplest, though it needs an outlet and breathing room. Each option changes the cabinet order, so decide before drawings are final.

Measuring appliance openings

We measure each existing opening’s width, height and depth, plus the wall behind it, the floor under it and anything that might interfere, such as a baseboard, a gas valve or an outlet. A new dishwasher may not fit under the counter if the floor has been built up, and a slide-in range needs a different cutout from a freestanding one.

Those measurements are compared with the specification sheets before cabinets are ordered, so the openings are built to suit the appliances rather than the other way around.

Task and ambient lighting around appliances

Appliances block light. A tall refrigerator cabinet shades the counter beside it, and an over-the-range microwave covers the cooktop. Plan under-cabinet task lighting along the counters, a light in the hood or above the range, and ceiling fixtures spaced to brighten the aisles without bouncing glare off stainless doors.

Lighting locations are fixed during rough-in so the ceiling and walls can be closed and painted once.

Floor transitions and the backsplash

New flooring should continue into the refrigerator space rather than stopping at its edge, so the unit can roll out later for cleaning without catching on a lip. Where the kitchen meets a dining room or hallway, the transition is planned around both floor heights before materials are ordered.

The backsplash meets appliances at the range and beside the refrigerator. Decide whether tile runs behind the refrigerator or stops at the cabinet edge, and how it finishes beside a slide-in range. Options for that tile are laid out on our Norcross tile page.

Plan review and inspections in Norcross

The city’s Building Official reviews plans, issues building permits and inspects plumbing, fuel gas, heating and air conditioning work. A gas line run to a new range location and a relocated sink supply are examples of fuel gas and plumbing work.

Inspection requests go through an automated phone line, and the city’s FAQ says an inspection usually happens the next day when the call comes in before 4 p.m.

Norcross kitchen remodeling questions

Is a counter-depth refrigerator worth it?

It depends on your aisle and your storage needs. A counter-depth refrigerator lines up with the cabinets and keeps walkways clear, which helps in a narrow kitchen or beside a doorway. It holds less than a standard-depth model of the same width, so households that shop in bulk sometimes add a second refrigerator or a freezer in the garage or pantry.

Where can a microwave go besides over the range?

Common options include a drawer microwave in a base cabinet or island, a built-in unit in a tall cabinet with or without a wall oven, and a countertop model on a shelf or in a nook. Each choice affects the cabinet order and the electrical layout, so decide early. Moving the microwave off the range also frees that spot for a proper vent hood.

Who inspects gas piping for a new range in Norcross?

The city’s Building Official inspects fuel gas work, along with plumbing, heating and air conditioning, and also reviews plans and issues building permits. Inspections are requested through an automated phone line, and according to the city’s FAQ, a request placed before 4 p.m. usually leads to an inspection the following day.

Talk through your appliance choices

If you are torn between refrigerator depths or microwave locations, call 404-409-4448. We can measure the openings in your kitchen and price the cabinet work each option needs in a written estimate.