There
are so many things to know about this whole process. How do we
go about getting started?
Remodeling
projects take time, money, patience and forethought. By following
these general guidelines, you can make the process more manageable
and stress-free.
Prepare
yourself. Remodeling is not an easy process. There will be
personal intrusions, noise, distractions and inconveniences, but
they can be avoided if you plan in advance.
Determine
your needs. Sit down with pen and paper and try to define
what it is you really want. Start an ideas folder, making lists
of what you like and don’t like in your current room and
look for possible ways to improve on them, using this website,
product brochures, wood samples and ideas you’ve seen in
magazines. Determine how the room is to be used and tie that into
features you’d like to add.
Know
your limits. Have a solid budget in mind before getting started.
This will help keep you on track as you begin visiting showrooms,
exploring options and talking with contractors. You don’t
want any surprises.
Don’t
be afraid to ask questions. Make sure you completely understand
what you’re getting before you buy anything or begin work.
Keep the lines of communication open with your dealer/designer/contractor
and let them know when you have any hesitations or misgivings.
Once a contract has been signed, it’s much more difficult
to slam on the brakes.
Be
open to new ideas. Your contractor and/or designer are the
experts and may have solutions and options that you’ve never
even thought of.
Plan
to visit the dealer showroom more than once. There will be
several major decisions involved in the execution of your project.
To make the most of everyone’s time, consider bringing a
blueprint or drawing of the room to help dealers/designers grasp
your particular situation and offer you the most viable options.
Make use of our convenient planning guides so that you can have
this information in hand.
Check
your contractor’s references. It’s also a good idea
to contact the Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints
have been filed against them. Since everyone operates differently,
it’s wise to let your contractor know up front what your
expectations are so that they may live up to their end of the
agreement.
Do
I have to spend an arm and a leg today to get beautiful, quality
cabinetry I will love for years to come?
No!
Buyers today have more options than ever and can choose from basically
two major types of cabinetry.
Stock
cabinets are factory-made and come in a wide variety of sizes;
they are generally the best choice for value-conscious cabinet
shoppers. More choices than ever are available in styles, finishes,
accessories and upgrades, so you can create a custom look, feel
and function – but at a fraction of the custom price.
Custom
cabinets give buyers the chance to choose from almost any wood
species, style, accessory and finish. They are often built on-site
to the homebuilder’s exact specifications.
What
are some tell-tale signs of high-quality construction I can look
for as I shop?
To
ensure you are getting a durable, long-lasting product, look for
the following before making a purchase:
-
Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association (KCMA) seal of approval.
The KCMA certification program measures cabinets for structural,
construction and finish requirements that simulate years of
household use. Cabinets that pass (such as ours) are awarded
a KCMA seal on the inside of the doors.
-
Face frames are constructed of solid kiln-dried hardwoods.
-
High-quality construction details like dovetailed drawers, adjustable
hinges or easy-glide
drawers.
-
Sealer and topcoat to provide a durable finish, resistant to
water and household chemicals.
-
Manufacturer’s warranty. Any reputable manufacturer will
offer one.
