I'm looking to remodel my kitchen by removing the soffit above my cabinets, extending the cabinets to the ceiling, and installing a range hood. However, I've been told there's an existing external vent that runs up into the soffit and out the back of the house. Since I'm in an end unit townhouse, I'm worried about the implications of that vent. I've heard that the joists run straight, making it difficult to reroute anything to the left or higher up in the ceiling without cutting through joists. Is there any way to achieve my remodel goals without either keeping the soffit or opting for a ventless solution? Additionally, I'm considering running the vent straight back parallel to the joists and venting through the roof of my bump out. Is this possible? Would my HOA approve such a change?
3 Answers
It sounds like you're in a bit of a tricky situation. If the vent has to run straight and you're limited by joist positions, you might want to consider boxing in the space where the vent is and just making it part of the design. You could use nice wood to create a feature that blends into the cabinets, which might not look bad at all! It’s definitely worth thinking about not losing all that space to a vent if you can make it look good.
Honestly, your HOA might be a potential roadblock if any external alterations are involved. If the vent runs out through the soffit, it may need to stay that way unless you get specific permission. I’d recommend talking to them first before you get too invested in a plan. As for the ductless option, I wouldn't go that route unless absolutely necessary; they’re just not as effective.
You're right to consider the implications of your plumbing and vents. It might cost a bit to relocate anything significant, but some contractors can help minimize the bulk of those soffits. I had mine shrunk down quite a bit while doing another renovation. Just keep in mind that it'll likely require a significant budget to make those changes.
Thanks for the tips! It sounds like a big job, but it might be worth it to get the look I want.
Definitely! If you box it in nicely, it can look intentional rather than like an awkward compromise. Plus, you still get to keep your ceiling-high cabinets.