Case study: a functional kitchen renovation in Dover, NH
Project overview
Atiya's kitchen was more than just a place to cook meals—it was where she loved to spend time preparing delicious food for her family, especially her grandchildren. But for years, her outdated, dysfunctional kitchen was a constant source of frustration. From a dishwasher that wouldn’t properly dry dishes to a range that lacked the space for preparing large meals, Atiya was ready for a change. She needed a kitchen that matched her passion for cooking and entertaining, and that’s when she decided to reach out to our team for a kitchen renovation in Dover, NH.
Atiya still loved cooking, but her kitchen wasn’t making it easy anymore. Even though the cabinets were in good shape, the rest of the space just didn’t work for her needs. She started looking for help and found Rothrock Kitchen & Bath Remodeling. We helped her turn her kitchen into a modern, practical space that solved the problems she faced, like bad ventilation, a small cooking range, and old countertops. Now, Atiya could enjoy cooking again in a kitchen that worked for her!
Our client
Atiya, a passionate cook and grandmother, reached out to us because her kitchen wasn’t meeting her needs. She loves to prepare meals for her family, but the outdated appliances and lack of proper ventilation made cooking a challenge. She needed a kitchen that allowed her to create meals without the hassle of smoke, odors, and cramped space.
What was the problem with Atiya's kitchen?
Atiya's kitchen was more than just a place to cook meals—it was where she loved to spend time preparing delicious food for her family, especially her grandchildren. But for years, Atiya's love for cooking was hindered by a kitchen that wasn’t functional for her needs. Here were her main concerns:
Limited range space: Her current range didn’t have enough burners to allow her to cook multiple dishes at once. With a growing family and grandchildren to entertain, this made meal preparation difficult and frustrating.
Poor ventilation: The lack of proper ventilation in the kitchen led to smoke and odors spreading throughout the house, making her embarrassed to cook for friends and family.
Outdated countertops: The laminate countertops had seen better days. They were not only outdated but lacked the durability she needed for daily meal prep and cooking. She wanted something more beautiful and resilient that could stand up to years of use.
Each time Atiya prepared meals, she found herself frustrated. Cooking, which used to be an enjoyable hobby, had become a challenge. Whether she was preparing meals for her grandchildren or hosting family gatherings, these issues made the process less enjoyable. This led her to seek professional help for a kitchen renovation.
Why the homeowner trusted our team
Atiya’s search for a solution began with a simple Google search for kitchen remodeling experts in Dover, NH. She was determined to find someone who could listen to her concerns, understand her needs, and provide thoughtful, well-rounded solutions.
What stood out to Atiya about our team was the detailed, personalized approach we took. We didn’t rush her through decisions or push generic solutions. Instead, we took the time to work with her, offering product options and helping her explore different possibilities until she felt confident about her choices. This attention to detail and willingness to have in-depth conversations about every aspect of her project made her feel supported and confident in moving forward with us.
What was the solution for this kitchen?
Atiya’s dream kitchen was one that functioned well, allowed her to cook complex meals without limitations, and, most importantly, was a space she could be proud of when entertaining her family. Here’s how we made it happen:
Granite countertops: We replaced her old laminate countertops with granite, giving her not only a beautiful new work surface but one that’s incredibly durable and easy to maintain. The additional counter space also allows her grandchildren to sit and watch her cook.
Updated appliances: The range was upgraded to a model with more burners, which made it easier for Atiya to prepare her family’s favorite meals without struggling for space. The dishwasher was also replaced with a new, energy-efficient model that dries dishes properly—saving her time and effort.
Improved ventilation: To address the issue of smoke and odors contaminating the rest of her home, we installed a powerful 650 CFM stainless steel vent hood, along with a makeup air system. This combination allows her to cook without worrying about the lingering smell of food or smoke throughout her house.
New sink and faucet: We added a new workstation sink that makes prepping meals easier, and a faucet with spray features for added convenience. These features help Atiya streamline her cooking process, making it easier to clean up while cooking.
Water filtration system: We also installed a drinking water filtration system with a dedicated beverage faucet, providing Atiya with fresh, clean drinking water right at her sink.
With these changes, Atiya's kitchen became the functional, beautiful space she had always dreamed of!
The renovation process: Step-by-step
Every remodeling project begins with careful planning and collaboration. Here’s how we approached Atiya’s kitchen renovation in Dover, NH.
1. Initial consultation and design phase
The first step was sitting down with Atiya and walking her through all the key design decisions, from choosing the perfect granite countertops to picking out the new range and sink. This process helped ensure that every choice aligned with her vision and needs.
2. Demolition and preparation
Once Atiya had made her selections, we began the process of removing her old countertops, appliances, microwave, and the cabinet that held the microwave. This created a blank canvas for the new kitchen to come to life.
3. Electrical and gas line rework
To accommodate the new appliances and the vent hood, we had to rework the electrical and gas lines. This step was crucial for ensuring her kitchen had the proper energy sources to power the modern, updated appliances.
4. Vent hood and air system installation
With the electrical and gas lines ready, we installed the stainless steel vent hood and makeup air system, giving Atiya the powerful ventilation she needed to keep her kitchen smoke-free.
However, this part of the renovation came with a unique challenge: There was limited space in Atiya’s mechanical room, where we needed to install the makeup air system. Our team had to re-route some of the existing mechanical vents to make space for this critical component. By carefully reconfiguring these systems, we were able to install the makeup air system without compromising the functionality of the other systems in the home. This solution provided Atiya with the proper ventilation while ensuring all other mechanical systems continued to work seamlessly.
5. Countertop installation
Next came the installation of her beautiful new granite countertops, transforming the look of her kitchen and providing a durable workspace for years to come.
6. Appliance and fixture installation
We wrapped up the project by installing the new range, sink, faucet, and water filtration system. Every detail was considered to ensure the kitchen would meet Atiya’s expectations.
7. Closeout
After the installation was complete, we performed a final walkthrough with Atiya to make sure every element was functioning perfectly. She was thrilled with the result, and we were happy to leave her with a kitchen that finally matched her passion for cooking!
How Atiya’s kitchen renovation changed her daily life
Atiya’s kitchen renovation had a profound impact on her day-to-day life and her ability to enjoy the things she loves most—cooking and spending time with her family.
Stress-free cooking: With her new range, Atiya can now cook complex meals without worrying about running out of burner space. This has made preparing meals for her grandchildren a joy rather than a source of frustration.
A cleaner, fresher home: The new vent hood and makeup air system mean that smoke and cooking odors no longer spread through the house. This improvement has boosted her confidence in hosting gatherings, knowing that her home stays fresh and clean no matter what she’s cooking.
Easier food prep and cleanup: The new workstation sink, faucet with spray features, and updated dishwasher have made meal prep and cleanup much simpler for Atiya. She no longer dreads washing dishes or dealing with the extra work of drying them by hand.
A beautiful space to gather: The new countertops provide plenty of space for her grandchildren to pull up stools and watch her cook. It’s become a space where the family can gather, chat, and spend time together while meals are being prepared.
What if Atiya hadn’t renovated her kitchen?
Had Atiya chosen not to move forward with her kitchen renovation, her frustrations would have continued. She would still be struggling to cook the meals she loves, limited by an inadequate range and a malfunctioning dishwasher. Her embarrassment over the lingering odors from cooking would have persisted, making her less inclined to invite friends and family over for gatherings.
By investing in her kitchen, Atiya not only improved the functionality of her home but also her quality of life.
How much does a kitchen renovation cost in Dover, NH?
Atiya invested close to $22,000 for her kitchen renovation. By focusing on the necessary updates—appliances, countertops, and ventilation—while maintaining elements like the cabinets, flooring, and lighting, her project came in well below the cost of a full kitchen remodel. Had she opted for a complete remodel, down to the studs, she could have expected to invest at least $70,000 for a quality-grade kitchen remodel.
Future considerations
Atiya was so pleased with her kitchen renovation that she’s already discussing plans to have us remodel her bathroom next. We can’t wait to help her transform another important part of her home!
Why choose us for your kitchen renovation in Dover, NH?
At Rothrock Kitchen & Bath Remodeling, we understand that every homeowner’s needs are unique. That’s why we take the time to listen, plan carefully, and execute a renovation that’s tailored to your lifestyle. Just like we did for Atiya, we’ll work with you every step of the way, making sure you’re comfortable and confident with every decision.
From updated appliances and improved ventilation to stunning countertops and thoughtful design details, we’ll ensure that your kitchen is everything you dreamed it could be.
Are you ready to transform your space? Contact us today to schedule a consultation for your own kitchen renovation in Dover, NH, and let’s bring your dream kitchen to life!
