The kitchen is one of the most important and most used parts of your home. It’s no wonder that there are so many codes surrounding its design and construction. In addition to these building codes, there are also design best practices that make a kitchen easier to use and more appealing. A kitchen can meet building codes but still might be cumbersome to use.
In this post, DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Central Texas, one of the leading interior remodeling contractors in our area, explains the difference between kitchen building codes and design best practices.
Building Codes vs. Best Practices
Kitchens are complicated and potentially dangerous places, which is why so much code is dedicated to this one part of the house. After all, gas lines, water supply lines, sewer lines and electrical wiring are all crammed into one relatively small space. Codes are developed by an independent body, the International Code Council, and these codes are then adopted into local laws. Building codes are designed to keep you safe and must be followed.
Kitchen design best practices are different from code. Best practices are developed by kitchen professionals over time. They are widely accepted ideas that are considered common sense, but best practices may also be derived from code. Kitchen best practices are sensible ways to plan an efficient and easy-to-use kitchen.
An Example of a Best Practice
The kitchen work triangle is a good example of a kitchen best practice. The three major work areas of your kitchen are the sink, refrigerator and cooking space. Since cooks constantly move between these three points, the paths between them should be unimpeded and a reasonable distance apart. If properly applied, a kitchen work triangle makes cooking much easier.
Let’s Start a Conversation!
Check out the rest of our blog for more home remodeling tips from DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Central Texas. We are the top home remodeling company in our local area because of our first-class services and superior craftsmanship. You can rely on us for all of your remodeling needs! Call us at (254) 262-0087 to learn more about our services and products, or to start a conversation about your kitchen remodel.
