Remodeling a Kitchen?

olsoncement • May 3, 2019

10 Helpful Measurement Suggestions

Paying close attention to measurements, as well as aesthetic appeal, can make your finalized kitchen all the more convenient and harmonized:

  • To improve efficiency and balance, it’s a good rule of thumb to ensure the area between the sink, refrigerator, and stove, or the work triangle, measures out to 26′ or less. No single side should be longer than 9′ or shorter than 4′.
  • It’s always a good idea to choose at least 13′ of base cabinets, 12′ of wall cabinets, and 11’ of countertop in kitchens that are smaller than 150 sq. feet. Larger areas, however, should be outfitted with at least 16′ of base cabinets, 15 1/2′ of wall cabinets, and 16 1/2′ of countertop.
  • Work aisles should be at least 42″ wide in one-cook kitchens, and about 48″ wide in multi-cook kitchens. This provides added convenience and accessibility.
  • For substantial counter-space to complete prep work, cooking and, aim for no less than 24″ in on one side of your sink and about 18″ on the other side.
  • To ensure you have enough space to easily unload groceries, measure at least 15″ of counter-space on the handle side of the refrigerator. For side-by-side models, leave 15″ of room open on both sides. Additionally, you can add a grocery landing (at the most 48″ away) across from the refrigerator.
  • Installing a dishwasher within 36″ of the sink’s edge, and leaving at least 21″ of space open next to it provides greater accessibility and faster, easier cleanup.
  • Specifying about 15″ of counter-space that’s at least 16″ deep within proximity of a microwave or oven is a good way to promote efficiency and ease-of-use.
  • Installing entry, appliance, cabinet doors carefully and strategically prevents obstructions, making it easier to move about the area freely.
  • Setting up work counters that are of varying heights can prevent repetitive-motion injury. For instance, counters used for chopping and seated-work should be somewhere between 28″ and 36″ off of the floor. For general kitchen tasks, they should be between 36″ to 48″. For taller cooks, counters may be higher.
  • Correctly installing a cabinet above a cooktop is vital. For fireproof materials, allow for at least 24″ of clearance. On the other hand, a clearance of 30″ is needed for more vulnerable materials.
August 6, 2025
8 Warning Signs of Foundation Problems Every Homeowner Should Know! Your home’s foundation is quite literally what everything else is built on. When foundation issues arise, they can compromise the safety, value, and stability of your entire property. Knowing the signs of foundation problems early can help you avoid costly repairs down the road. At Olson Cement Work and Construction, we specialize in foundation repair and concrete services for residential and commercial properties across Southeast Michigan. In this post, we’re breaking down the top warning signs to look for and what to do if you spot them. 1. Cracks in Walls, Floors, or Ceilings Hairline cracks are often normal in older homes, but wide, jagged, or expanding cracks, especially around doors and windows, can be a red flag. Pay attention to: Stair-step cracks in brick or block walls Vertical cracks in basement walls Cracks wider than 1/4 inch 2. Doors and Windows That Stick or Won’t Close Properly If your interior doors or windows suddenly start sticking, misaligning, or leaving gaps, it could mean your foundation is shifting and causing structural warping. 3. Uneven or Sloping Floors A noticeable slope in your floors, especially if it wasn’t always there—can indicate a sinking or settling foundation. Use a marble or level to check areas of concern. 4. Gaps Around Window Frames or Exterior Doors Gaps forming between your walls and window or door frames can let in moisture, pests, and drafts—plus, it could point to movement in your foundation. 5. Bowing Basement Walls If your basement walls are starting to bow, bulge, or lean inward, that’s a clear sign of hydrostatic pressure, usually from water buildup, pushing against a weakened foundation. 6. Water in the Basement or Crawl Space Excess moisture, standing water, or musty smells in your basement may indicate cracks in the foundation or poor drainage around the property. 7. Separation Between Walls and the Ceiling or Floor When the foundation moves, the rest of the home follows. Gaps where walls meet ceilings or floors can indicate shifting or settling. 8. A Leaning or Tilting Chimney Chimneys are often built on their own foundation, and if you notice it's leaning away from your home, it may be a sign that one or both foundations are failing. What Causes Foundation Problems? Foundation damage can result from several common issues: Poor drainage or soil erosion Expansive clay soil Improper construction Tree roots growing too close to the home Extreme seasonal weather changes (freeze-thaw cycles) Why Early Detection Matters Ignoring the signs of foundation trouble won’t make them go away, in fact, it can make them worse and far more expensive to repair. Catching issues early can help preserve your home’s value and ensure your family's safety. ✅ Call Olson Cement Work and Construction Today If you’ve noticed any of these signs around your home or business, it’s time to schedule a FREE professional foundation inspection. 📞 Call us at 313-563-3777 📧 Or request your free estimate at www.olsoncement.com We’re proud to offer honest recommendations, quality workmanship, and local service you can trust.
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