As the heart of the home, the kitchen needs to be a safe space. Whether you’re preparing a meal after a busy day or are hosting a family dinner overlooking Lake Washington, your kitchen should handle the hustle of Kirkland living without any hassle.
Kirkland is more than a home to American big tech. It is where mid-century housing meets modern residential construction. A kitchen remodel is the perfect opportunity to bridge the gap, and there’s no better investment than modern safety upgrades. From simple anti-slip flooring to advanced fire suppression features, here is a curated list of kitchen safety upgrades Kirkland homeowners need to consider for their remodel.
Electrical Safety Upgrades
Electrical safety is paramount when considering new features for any kitchen remodel. If you don’t know where to begin, the 2023 Washington Cities Electrical Code and the 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC) should guide you. You can start with the following upgrades:
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) Outlets
GFCI outlets are necessary in areas near wet areas, such as the sink. These outlets monitor the flow of current to detect a ground fault. This happens when the current takes an unintended alternative path, like wet surfaces. There is an imbalance in the current flow in such cases, triggering a shut-off in the GFCI outlet. By doing so, it protects the user from potentially lethal electrical shocks.
Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI)
An AFCI actually works as a fire safety feature. It uses processors to identify signals of a dangerous arc. When it detects an arc, it trips to prevent a catastrophic, electrical kitchen fire. The NEC makes this mandatory for new kitchens, but older homes in Kirkland may need this important update.
Dedicated Circuits
Heavy-duty appliances such as refrigerators and dishwashers have different power requirements than standard 120-volt appliances. Installing dedicated circuits allows you to accommodate their specific electrical needs. This also keeps them off older circuits, which may overheat and trip the breaker by accident.
Recessed Lighting
There is more to recessed lighting than its modern aesthetic appeal. A recessed lamp can provide consistent, shadow-free illumination. It helps you see what you’re doing clearly, preventing eye strain and accidental injury.
USB-Integrated Outlets
These outlets let you charge devices in your kitchen without the need for bulky charging adapters. These adapters pose a tripping hazard, and low-quality ones are potential fire hazards. Furthermore, USB-integrated outlets have built-in protective features. These make them safe for anything that uses standard USB connectors.
Fire Safety Upgrades
The 2021 Washington State Fire Code (2021 WAFC) makes a good reference for any kitchen fire safety upgrade. It details standard fire prevention features, outlining device locations and necessary clearances. To start, here are some 2021 WAFC-approved fire safety upgrades to include in your kitchen remodel.
Smart Smoke and Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarms
In a tech-forward city like Kirkland, you will want smoke and CO detectors over your kitchen. These devices send SMS or app alerts to your phone when they detect smoke or carbon monoxide. This feature is especially useful when you’re away or are in a different part of your home. Overall, these alarms let you keep up with the rest neighborhood and add a massive boost to your culinary fire safety.
Induction Cooktops
Induction cooktops use electromagnets to heat induction cookware, which have magnetic materials. The cooktop’s glass remains cool throughout the cooking process. Only the heat conducted from the pan warms it, and it does not use open flame or red-hot coils. As such, it reduces the risk of burns and has near-zero fire hazard potential.
Sprinklers
Mid-century homes in Kirkland might not have any sprinklers installed. If that is the case with your home, it’s prudent to add sprinklers to your kitchen for your next remodel. However, note that adding sprinklers requires significant changes to plumbing and drywall.
Other Kitchen Safety Upgrades Kirkland Residents Should Consider
Electrical and fire safety features are essential to any kitchen remodel. However, you should also consider common-sense safety upgrades and accessibility features. These upgrades make your kitchen a more inclusive, safe space for all, and below are our top picks.
Antislip Flooring
High-friction tiles can turn your kitchen floor into a slip-proof surface. Use tiles classified as Interior Wet Plus (IW+), meaning they have a dynamic coefficient of friction (DCOF) of no less than 0.60. For imported tiles, look for those with a ramp-test rating of R10 or R11.
Antiscald Mixing Valves
An antiscald mixing valve adds a layer of safety to your faucet by preventing the sudden flow of hot water. It blends streams of cold and hot water before they reach the faucet. This ensures that the flow never exceeds safe temperatures early on.
Touchless Faucets
Sensor-operated touchless faucets protect residents from cross-contamination and accidental scalding. Eliminating the need for a handle practically turns your kitchen sink into a sanitary oasis. It keeps you from handling the faucet during food preparation. This prevents harmful bacteria from raw ingredients from reaching your faucet and, in turn, other food items.
Under-Cabinet Task Lighting
Lighting under your overhead kitchen cabinets provides a bright, shadow-free work area on the countertop and sink. This turns your kitchen into a safe area for precision work, such as chopping and measuring.
Pull-Down Shelves
This cabinet conversion allows users to pull down to chest height. This eliminates the need to step on ladders or stools, making it especially helpful for seniors and residents in wheelchairs. Pull-down shelves also add an ergonomic element to your remodel. It reduces shoulder strain by bringing high-reaching storage into a more accessible zone.
D-Shaped Pulls
Users with hand injuries and arthritis can benefit from a switch from knobs to D-shaped pulls. This allows them to open storage spaces with only one finger or a closed fist. It is also a cost-effective upgrade that improves grip for everyone. Young children and busy users carrying heavy items like groceries can use them with ease.
Smart App-Connected Appliances
Smart ovens and refrigerators, among others, can send alerts to your phone when a timer is up, or a door remains open for an extended period. They usually come with an app that lets you remotely manage these kitchen gizmos. They may include an option to shut down connected appliances to prevent accidents and runaway electric bills.
Final Thoughts
There are no limits to kitchen safety upgrades Kirkland homeowners can think of. From accessible storage to smart safety designs, investing in these features make your kitchen more functional, welcoming, and inclusive to all members of your household, regardless of age and capability. Thoughtfully integrating these safety upgrades into your kitchen remodel also gives your kitchen a modern look, future-proofs your home, and increases your property’s overall value.
