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Remodeling 101 Part 3 Construction

January 9, 2017/in Consumer Information /by Stacey Walker

Part 3: Living in a Construction Zone

It’s here, it’s finally here!!! The day you’ve been dreaming of has arrived……construction begins! Then it hits you…..construction chaos has arrived! I now realize, I need more time!

It can be stressful to have your home torn apart and even more daunting to think of living in your home the entire time during the renovation. But you can do it. If you’ve read and followed our previous blog posts in our remodeling series, Part 1 and Part 2, then you should be well prepared for the demolition and construction phase. The pre-planning done during those stages of your project should make this most arduous phase as brief as possible, getting you smoothly to Part 4 – Finishing Touches – and ultimately to the reward of tasting the first delicious meal in your new kitchen.

Before the construction crew arrives

Clean out the cabinets and haul off old appliances. This is a good time to purge. You probably have more than you need in terms of kitchen gadgets, and cookbooks that have been replaced by e-versions. Use this time to clear out the clutter. Bonus: if you give them to charity you can keep the receipt for a tax write-off.
Set up a makeshift “kitchenette” somewhere that is easily accessible. During my own personal experience, my husband and I used a mini fridge, toaster oven, and microwave to survive our construction phase. Coffee is essential for me as well, so I also set up a coffee station in our bathroom. Keep your take out menus in a convenient spot; they will come in handy to help you survive life without a kitchen.
Find a place to store excess food until the job is completed. We turned a spare closet into a temporary pantry while our home was being disassembled.
Setup dust barriers if possible, or have this quoted from your contractor. This will depend on your layout and the scope of the project, but if possible you can hang sheets at the construction entrances to minimize dust and debris extending beyond the work zone.
Breathe – you’re prepared, enjoy the process as much as you can 🙂

Demolition Day

The contracting crew will disassemble walls, cabinets, floors, etc. Whatever is required to create a “clean slate” for your new design to become reality. It will be exciting to see the old cabinets leave the space. Seeing the new open area can help you envision how the new plan will come together. Once our space was emptied I used my plans to draw out the footprint of the kitchen. I really became excited, to see the reality of my vision finally appearing before my eyes.

The work continues

Depending on the scope of your project the work may take a few weeks to complete. However, things will generally happen in this order:

Plumbing and electrical rough in changes will be made. New pathways will be made for outlets to be accessed and for a new sink placement if needed.
Framing and drywall will be completed. This is where the dust barriers will come in handy. The process is messy. I’d recommend painting the new walls once they are ready; that way the walls will be completed prior to new floors going in.
Floors are installed. Whether wood or tile, the flooring installation can last a few days. They will be beautiful in the new open space.
Cabinets will be installed next. I believe this is the most exciting part of the construction process, because these custom components are the backbone of the new work-space. The day they arrive will be better than Christmas. The beautiful finishes, hardware, spacious drawers, and custom pullouts are finally arriving in your home! Yay! The installation will last a few days, then a counter-top template can be finalized.
Counter-tops are next to go in. The gorgeous tops you’ve selected will be the icing on the cake. If you need any of these to be cut on site, the dust barriers will need to be in place for this as well. You are almost to the finish line!
Last electrical and plumbing can now be completed. Appliances can be installed, and you can now have a working sink, as well as a better place for your coffee machine (no longer in the bathroom).

Cabinets Arrive! Work Continues.

Prepare for hiccups: I know what you’re thinking. “That doesn’t sound too bad,” and you’re right. The idea of living in a construction zone doesn’t sound too bad here. If only a project could be finished in the time it takes to read this article, but alas, it cannot. Any home project takes time, and a major remodel is definitely a lengthy process. Be flexible and expect at least one delay to come up; they are inevitable. Be courteous to the people working in your home, if you are respectful to them, they will be more inclined to treat you and your home with respect. Be sure to report anyone that comes into your home that is not courteous. Small business owners appreciate knowing of any problems as soon as they arise.

Working Toward a Completed Project

Take some before, during, and after pictures to share with friends and family. It is exciting to see the progression.

Last tip: Don’t bother trying to clean up until the job is truly complete, because you’ll be dissatisfied and will be doing it more than once. If a General Contractor is looking after your project, he may have clean-up included as part of your estimate.

Once construction is done it will be time to put your kitchen back together and get ready for Part 4 – The Finishing Touches (coming soon to complete our renovation series).

Article by guest blogger: Jeneane Beaver, Former Designer at Walker Woodworking

“Having worked with Walker Woodworking for 7 years, I have the opportunity to share my experiences as a designer as well as a client, I remodeled my own kitchen in 2012.” ~ Jeneane Beaver

If you are only in the dreaming stage of beginning your project, we’d love to talk to you and work with you to fine tune your very own remodel plan. If you’re ready to be further from dreaming and closer to construction, call Walker Woodworking today 704.434.0823.

Please feel free to add a comment about your own personal experience with remodeling.

Did you miss the intro to this remodeling series? Click this link to see it now.

Did you miss Part 1 Budgeting and Planning Remodel Budget Analysis? Click here to see it now.

In case you missed it – Part 2 Making your selections. Click link to view post.

Remodeling 101 Part 2 making your selections

January 8, 2017/in Consumer Information /by Stacey Walker

Remodeling 101 Part 2 – Making Your Selections.

We continue our remodeling 101 series with part 2 – making selections for a kitchen remodel project. A remodel is like a journey, so to speak. To make a journey successful and memorable, much planning must take place. The purpose for the journey must be established up front, of course. Financially, plans must be made and adhered to. Small details must be addressed while at the same time, the big picture of the journey must not be lost in the details. Otherwise, the journey may result in a miserable experience for everyone involved. Avoid these types of problems when planning for a kitchen remodel.

Let’s get started

Now that you have determined your budget goals (Remodeling 101 Part 1: Budgeting and Planning Remodel), it’s time to talk “ design.” A kitchen remodel must begin with focus on planning and designing for the space you have. Cabinetry will most likely consume the majority of your budget in the kitchen and will dictate the space and layout.

A major kitchen remodel must be completed in the right order for maximum efficiency. Working with an experienced kitchen designer is a key factor to obtaining the best layout for function, organization, aesthetics and overall flow of your kitchen remodel.

A kitchen designer can help you with all the elements involved and will suggest that you make your selections in this order. Consider the Selection Guide shown here:

Cabinetry design & space planning

Appliances

Flooring

Cabinet finishes

Countertop material & finishes

Backsplash

Sinks & fixtures

Lighting

Cabinet hardware

While the Selection Guide may seem daunting and overwhelming, the biggest factor is to understand all the possibilities up-front instead of as an afterthought. Please note that cabinets are mentioned 3 times in this process. After 15 plus years of remodeling kitchens, we know the process that works best for most of our clients. The only time the process doesn’t follow this order – is when the planning & design function is completely left up to the designer. (Omitting the client)

Keep in mind that this Selection Guide will provide the order in which your decisions should be made. It’s okay to be thinking about all of these components at the same time. But, ideally this is the order that works best for most clients, even those that are well organized and know exactly what they want. Based on our past experiences with our clients, the more our designers use the Selection Guide with clients, the better satisfied the clients are with the final product. Now, let’s break down each step.

cabinet design ideas, kitchen design ideas, remodeling

Cabinetry design & space planning in your kitchen layout.

Cabinetry design & space planning

During this stage of the process, you really should postpone thoughts of everything else and focus on designing your space. When remodeling a kitchen, think function, efficiency, style and longevity. Choose cabinets you love and a layout that works for your family’s lifestyle. If you like to cook, organizing your kitchen for your cooking style may be your priority. Let’s say that you love to entertain in your kitchen. If so, you need a layout that allows for people in your kitchen while maintaining your work zone. Maybe you want your kitchen to be the main command center in your home. A desk area where you would sort mail and work on your computer may be needed. Of course some people like the “WOW factor,” and insist on the newest styles and trends. Kitchens are used in different ways by couples and families. Allow your cabinet design & space planning to meet your specific goals. Needless to say, the majority of our client time is used for design & space planning.

Appliances need to be selected early in the process. Location and sizes are important in design.

Appliances

If you thought about appliances during your budgeting phase, you probably have an idea of the features you would like. In order to finalize your cabinet design, you need to make your final appliance selections. Size matters and depending on your selections, you may gain or lose space for your cabinets. So plan carefully and discuss your decision with your design team.

Flooring

I am sure by now you have been thinking about what type of flooring to use. Many people already have hardwood floors in their kitchen and opt to have those refinished for a fresh new look. Changing out and replacing your floors can be an expensive part of the project compared to keeping and refinishing an existing floor. Before you make other finish selections, we recommend you give much consideration to the flooring selection.

Choose cabinet finishes

Over the years we have found that often people approach cabinet design with a picture. And while we can certainly replicate most finishes, we can’t make a picture of a kitchen fit into your space. Once you have decided on the cabinet design and your appliances, (the most expensive parts of the remodel), you can think about your finishes. We provide sample finishes in our showroom from which our customers may make the selections. If a custom sample is needed we usually start with a selection of crown molding in order to establish a color. Once that decision is made, we provide a sample cabinet door. Sample cabinet doors will prove to be invaluable when you are ready to select the countertops and backsplash that you prefer.

white cabinets, quartz counter-tops, marble backsplash

Cabinet finishes, counter-tops and tile backsplash bring together all the elements for the final touches.

Countertop material & finishes

Now that you have your cabinet finishes selected, it’s time to shop around for the perfect countertop. The options are only limited by your budget as price is usually based upon the type of material used and the quantity available. Of course the most common material used today is granite, but marble and man-made stones are in very close second place.

Backsplash

Often you can select your backsplash at the same time you select your countertops. It’s highly recommended to make an appointment when you decide to shop around for tile and granite, the most popular choices for a backsplash. When you enter a showroom with an appointment, you are more likely to be served quickly. Be sure to bring an elevation view of your design drawings so the vendor will be able to provide a quick estimate of materials that you will need for the backsplash. For the visit to your first vendor, we recommend that you allow yourself at least 1 hour for your tile presentation /discussion and 1 hour for your granite presentation/discussion. By the time you visit your next vendor, you will be much more informed about what you are looking for and can narrow your selections down much faster. We would advise that you to visit only two vendors per day. Too much information and too many choices can be overwhelming.

For a bathroom remodel

If you are working on a bathroom project and plan to have floor and wall tile with several patterns and pieces, you will need to schedule two hours at each showroom.

white cabinets, antique brass fixtures & hardware

This homeowner chose to use antique brass for her lighting, fixtures and hardware finishes.

Sinks & fixtures

Selecting your sink and fixtures will likely be the easiest decisions to make. However, keep in mind that specs for farm sinks, apron front sinks, and oversized sinks need to be provided to your cabinet designer early in the planning stage. Nothing can be more disappointing than having a sink too big for your countertop due to lack of communication. Clients tend to worry about fixture finishes. There is no right or wrong selections when it comes to mixing metals. For example, a stainless steel sink and faucet will complement just about any type of hardware or light fixtures.

Lighting

Lighting can be a great selection to add a touch of your own personality. Many people consider lights to be a complement to the kitchen design. Selecting the perfect pendants or chandelier can be time consuming with so many options available online. We recommend selecting lighting components that will provide you with plenty of light, that are easy to clean, and will add charm to your kitchen.

Cabinet hardware

Cabinet hardware has improved greatly in the last 15 years. With so many options, narrowing down your favorites can prove difficult. As much as we would love for hardware to be selected when the cabinet finishes are selected, it is rarely the reality. Clients tend to let hardware be one of the final decisions they make. Selecting the perfect hardware for your kitchen is, of course, another big decision. We understand that you want the hardware to coordinate with all of your other selections. It can be difficult to visualize which hardware will look best. For example, some pieces are minimal while others are bulky. Don’t hesitate to seek the advice of your kitchen and bath designer. Having seen many styles and finishes over the years, we have a good idea about which pieces look really great and those that only look OK.

ONE STEP AT A TIME

Taking things one-step-at-a-time and having the guidance of a kitchen and bath designer will make your kitchen remodel a more enjoyable experience. Following our recommended order in the Selection Guide will allow you to soar through the process with all decisions made at the appropriate times. Kitchen and bath designers can help with as little or as much of the process as you need. Some of our clients prefer to take an active role in making the decisions while others leave all the options to us.

The scope of your project will determine how long this process takes. The process of simply removing old cabinets and installing new ones is definitely less complicated than removing walls and/or changing plumbing and electrical locations. Whatever the scope of your project may be, please maintain patience and focus so that you will be pleased with the end result.

The next part in our Remodeling 101 Series is “Tearing it out and Replacing it with beautiful Walker Woodworking Cabinetry.” Click this link to view post.

Thanks for reading, tell us what you think, was this article helpful? We would love to have your comments.

Did you miss the intro to this remodeling series? Click this link to see it now.

Did you miss Part 1 Budgeting and Planning Remodel Budget Analysis? Click here to see it now.

Remodeling 101 Part 1 Budgeting and Planning Remodel Budget Analysis

December 1, 2016/in Consumer Information /by Stacey Walker

Remodeling 101 Part 1 Budgeting & Planning

Setting a realistic budget

Does remodeling your kitchen and bath seem so intimidating that you are not sure where you should begin?

Do you want to remodel but can’t get started because you know you must stay within a certain budget?

Whether you are planning a kitchen or bath remodeling project, or some portion of that, the questions stated above are the common obstacles that keep many people from taking on what may seem like the daunting task of getting the process started.

It has been our experience over the years that most people want to know what the overall project will cost before they start. If the project is out of your total budget then you may have to re-evaluate what you can realistically afford or make decisions on how you want to spend the funds you have.

Not so fast…

Cabinets are probably the first thing most people think about when remodeling a kitchen. Cabinets can be a major portion of the expense of a kitchen remodel but not necessarily the most expensive. Most people don’t realize what cabinets, countertops and appliances really cost. Discussing these topics with a professional will help you make the most of your budget by explaining the different options and the cost of each.

How we integrate this into our process.

Getting a ‘budget analysis’ is the first step we like to start with to help our clients narrow down expenses for each part of the remodel task. We determine the products that are needed and the amount willing to be spent on them.

What is a “Budget Analysis”?

A budget analysis will give you an idea of what the scope of your project will cost. We have found that this method is very beneficial for all of our clients. We simply take some preset formulas, add them with measurements in your home and then discuss each element of the project with your preferences to determine an estimated cost.

So how exactly does the Budget Analysis work?

For starters we will need to know some simple things, we ask A LOT of questions. Are you keeping your same cabinet layout or starting with a fresh plan? Do you want to remove walls to open up your space? Are any of the walls that you want to move load bearing? Are you wanting to add a new addition to your home?

Determine how to spend your budget.

Another area of important topics that we will ask; What is the purpose of remodeling? Are you remodeling to sell? Is this your forever home? Are you updating to get newer appliances? What is the value of your home? This will help determine what your budget levels should be.

As an example, Walker Woodworking offers 3 types of cabinetry; basic-standard cabinets, semi-custom cabinets and custom cabinets. The price difference can vary from 30% to 50%. If you are updating your kitchen in order to sell in a couple of years, you may not want to spend your budget on custom cabinets.

Other options; you can mix and match cabinets. Let’s say you have a fairly large kitchen or you want to splurge on appliances. You can spend less money by purchasing semi-custom cabinets and have a custom hood built. There are solutions for most situations. We help our clients get the most out of what they want to spend while making their space functional and unique to their lifestyle.

Are you overwhelmed yet?

Don’t be overwhelmed by all of the questions. People remodel for many different reasons. By determining what your goals are will ultimately help you determine where you should invest your budget. As professionals of our industry, we are here to help guide you along the way.

At our very first meeting with our clients we discuss budget. By asking questions and taking some simple measurements, we will leave you with a budget we feel is a close estimate of your project. Is it exact science? Of course not, but we are usually within 8% of the actual cost. This process can take up to 2 hours or more depending on the scope of the project.

Don’t be discouraged by the numbers, there are always ways to save. Once you make your final selections you still have plenty of ways to decide what you want to spend your money on.

Once you have settled on a budget that you feel comfortable with, it’s time to make selections.

NEXT ~ Making selections is our next phase of the remodeling process. Let’s see what that entails.

Tell us what you think, was this article helpful? We would love to have your comments.

Ask The Designer

November 12, 2016/in Consumer Information /by Stacey Walker

Ask The Designer!

Here at Walker Woodworking – we want to make the process of remodeling your kitchen less stressful. However, that’s not an easy task! As part of our continuing effort to educate our clients, we decided to put Jeneane Beaver, our designer at Walker Woodworking, in the hot seat. Let’s see what she has to say!

Where should a homeowner start with a kitchen project?

As with any major purchase or project, BUDGET is the smartest starting place. See more information about our Budget Analysis.

What are some of the first questions you ask a new client?

How do you want the space to feel?

What is most important to you and your lifestyle?

It is very important for us to understand the family vibe and the vision before we start to draw and make our suggestions. We want to become involved early in the process so that we can have input on any changes to the footprint of the room. Knowing the lifestyle of our clients in the beginning really helps to move the process forward.

What are some kitchen trends that are also worthwhile investments?

Trendy things come and go, but quality products withstand the test of time. Product replacements are the number one reason most people decide to do a remodel in the first place.

Have any innovative appliances caught your eye recently?

The Galley is a new innovative product that I am excited to incorporate into new kitchen designs. This functional yet sleek and modern sink gives the homeowner a unique working station with endless possibilities. A variety of sizes allows The Galley to work in kitchens no matter how large or small. Made for Chef-style cooking, it is a great investment. For more information about The Galley.

How do you ensure a good “flow” in a kitchen?

Getting away from triangle design…

Busy lifestyles have changed both the purpose and the configuration of the kitchen space. “It’s no longer just Mom in the kitchen,” Brandon explains. “Cooking has returned to more of a communal process. Dad cooks too, and the kids pitch in. So instead of the classic work triangle, where multiple people would crash into each other, you might have two or more small triangles with multiple prep areas. Or, you might break all the rules, blow the triangle out completely and go with a fluid workspace.”

Good kitchen design will encompass and address the many tasks that the room must perform, and when you think it through, there are regular, everyday logical steps that create that flow. We walk through the imaginary space and perform those tasks to see if it works.

What are some rules of thumb in kitchen design?

As far as a “rule of thumb” is concerned, I have a few that are drilled into my designers’ minds: Don’t over-design, leave plenty of room between counters, and never make the island too big. Lastly, don’t kid yourself that you will change the habits of a lifetime when remodeling a kitchen; embrace what makes sense and accommodate the ideas into the new space.

Where should you splurge in your kitchen?

Cabinets and appliances: These will last the longest and are the better investments to your home.

Lighting and hardware: Many clients speak of the lighting and hardware as the accessory piece. As with any accessory, it needs to be complementary.

If you go cheap on either, the end result is the same, CHEAP! There are ways to stay within a budget and still get what you like, and make sure that the product will complement the cabinetry, that is why hiring a designer can help you!

Where can you save?

“Value engineering” is something I hear a lot these days. You always tend to get what you pay for, and it shows. If there are sensible areas to “save” money, it might be on flooring and back-splash tile and ancillary items such as special wall finishes and fabric. I am amazed at how people tend to spend too little on cabinetry and hardware and then pay way too much for a wall finish or decorative item that won’t last. Tastes change, and so the room decoration becomes replaceable long before the fixed items such as cabinetry and countertops need to go.

Renovating is big right now. What are key ingredients of a successful remodel?

The right team of professionals is the most important element. With the amount of information available to the homeowner, suddenly everybody’s an expert. Beware, because bad advice will lead to a bad job that typically costs more than it should. While the time is right to invest in your home, don’t under-spend on the products you put into the project. Do lots of research because there are fantastic new products available for each element of a kitchen remodel. The new technology being applied to appliances, countertop materials, and “green” materials has made this a very exciting time to design.

Good references are important.

Any tricks of the trade for keeping a new kitchen looking beautiful? Do you use special cleaning products in your showrooms?

Mild detergents and soft cloths are really all one needs. Often times the chemicals used are not necessary for cleaning and will do more harm than good.

What distinguishes Walker Woodworking from other kitchen design firms?

I’m glad you asked, because I rarely get to speak publicly about why I feel so strongly in the product produced by Walker Woodworking.

Honestly, we are the best at what we do. We have unparalleled experience in our area of expertise, and we have all the skills in house to pull a project together. We construct extremely well-made cabinetry. You get what you pay for. To survive and prosper as our company has done since 1999, you have to deliver on the promised time and time again. Many people think we are more expensive than we actually are and that is a shame because we offer very good products at a very fair price. Our perfection does not necessarily equal cost.

What’s NEW for 2017?

Regarding our new ventures of Greenbrook Design Kitchen & Bath Home Center, our clients look to us for advice in other areas of their homes and appreciate our sense of style and proportion. They understand quality and value and we hope that is what they will receive from the new design center opening in the Spring of 2017. It makes sense for us to offer more products such as lighting, plumbing, home accessories, and more to meet the demands of our valued clients.

Cerused Oak Remodel

June 16, 2016/in Consumer Information, Custom Projects /by Stacey Walker

Cerused Oak Remodel Project.

We were so excited when our client, Mrs. Young, wanted to use a new finish technique that we were in the process of making to showcase at the 2016 Southern Spring Home & Garden Show. After making a few samples, we decided that we would use the color combination of Revere Pewter for the perimeter cabinets with cerused oak on the island. We were just in love with this color combination but before we could get the cabinets made for the show, it caught Mrs. Young’s attention. Dr. & Mrs. Young had just purchased a home and wanted to remodel the kitchen before they moved in.

Photo by Walker Woodworking Staff – All Rights Reserved.

Kitchen – Before Photo

What are your needs?

First, we had to determine what the homeowner needed and what their style preference was. Travis Walker, company owner met with Mrs. Young in her home and started the process of gathering measurements and information. Travis will usually take pictures like the one above to share with Brandon as part of the planning for the first design meeting. We also ask our clients what they like and don’t like about the design of the kitchen they currently have. Getting as much information as possible prior to the design meeting helps Brandon, our designer plan the layout of the kitchen before meeting with the clients.

“My husband and I both love to cook and spend time together in the kitchen, so a good flow with plenty of prep space was critical. We also really believe in function over form, so we were leaning toward more of a commercial style kitchen… Of course we think we got both function and form with this remodel!” ~ Mrs. Young

After Photo. When looking at the before picture notice that the refrigerator and ovens are still in the same location.

What are your style and color preferences?

We also asked Mrs. Young to share her thoughts about this as well as her idea books from Houzz so that Brandon could see which style and color preferences she was leaning toward. Idea-books from Houzz are one of our favorite tools to use when planning a new customer design meeting.

“As to color choices and cabinet style… I have to credit Brandon with quickly figuring out our design style preferences (I.e., clean, simple, elegant) and showing us the new cerused oak cabinet he’d been working on. I loved it from the moment I laid eyes on it. While gorgeous, it isn’t formal or stuffy. It perfectly fit the environment of our kitchen, the floors, the stone fireplace, the flagstone patio, and generally, the natural views through the picture window. Once I had the sample doors, I was able to select a complementing paint color and flooring… The granite was the final touch that pulled all the colors together.” ~ Mrs. Young

The cerused oak for the island and bar area are custom painted with a color we named ‘hunting lodge gray’ with a white glaze. Revere Pewter from the Benjamin Moore Historical collection is the perimeter color of the kitchen.

“People are highly complementary when they see the kitchen… Thanks to you all!” ~ Mrs. Young

See all of the photos from this project. Click this link to see our photo gallery of this project.

Find our more about our Kitchen & Bath Services

Making a quiet comeback

For about 2 years now we have been seeing cerused oak in furniture pieces, and now it is being incorporated into kitchens. Cerused oak can have many different colors due to a technique that is used to bring out the grain.

What is Cerusing?

Cerusing is a time-honored French finish technique in which the open grain of oak is filled with a contrasting white pigment. The stain and colors of the white pigments can be mixed and matched to create unique color combinations. What I love the most is the texture that you can see and touch. This technique is mostly used on quarter sawn white oak.

Notice the white glaze in the wood grain.

Why Oak?

Specifically we use Quarter Sawn White Oak. This wood has an amazing straight grain pattern that lends itself to design. Quarter sawn lumber is defined as wood where the annular growth rings intersect the face of the board at a 60 to 90 degree angle. When cutting this lumber at the sawmill, each log is sawed at a radial angle into four quarters, hence the name. Dramatic flecking is also present in red oak and white oak. When quarter sawn oak is cerused, we are able to add a white glaze and use a special brush to make sure the glaze seeps into the grain without affecting the color of the stain, thus giving texture to the surface of the wood.

Quarter Sawn White-Oak stain only

Find our more about our Kitchen & Bath Services

Want to see how we can incorporate cerused oak into your home? Give us a call today to schedule a design consultation 704-434-0823.

Designer Jeneane Beaver

November 25, 2014/in Company /by Stacey Walker

As many of you know, our designer Jeneane Beaver recently added to her family with the birth her son in July. As a mother of two small children Jeneane has had to face some difficult challenges juggling motherhood and her career.

She has decided to become a “stay at home MOM”. Making this decision has been difficult for her. Jeneane will be leaving Walker Woodworking with mixed emotions, since she has made so many good friends & clients over these past 6 years. Many of you have greatly enriched her life with the kindness and encouragement that you have shown during her career at Walker Woodworking.

Making a transition such as this is not easy for all parties involved, however Jeaneane would like to make the transition as easy as possible for her successor. At the request of Jeneane and a decision made by Travis Walker and Administration Staff, it has been decided that Brandon Fitzmorris will be gaining the the title of “Designer” as of December 19, 2014.

Brandon (whom originally trained Jeneane and Travis on the current CAD drawing system used by Walker Woodworking) will be able to work closely with our clients understanding your needs and generating both 3D drawings and elevations. He will also recommend elements of design so that your space is functional as well as beautiful.

As our primary Cabinet Engineer, and with having well over 14 years experience in cabinet construction and installation, Brandon has plenty of knowledge & experience. He has always worked closely with Jeneane and other designers to convert our clients design into cabinet construction drawings assuring accuracy for shop production. The detailed knowledge Brandon has, in all phases of custom cabinetry, will definitely be a bonus for our clients. Brandon has always put the satisfaction of the customer first and will remain to do so with his new title.

Areas of his expertise include but are not limited to:

space planning

custom storage solutions

architectural elements

eye for detail and design

client communication

cabinet fabrication

schedule planning

For more information about Brandon Fitzmorris

As a family owned business, we completely understand the loyalty Jeneane has to her family, and we respectfully accept her decision to move forward wishing her much happiness in her new endeavor.

We are eager and excited to see what the future holds at Walker Woodworking with Brandon becoming a certified designer, assisting our future clients. His enthusiasm will be evident, since he too is equally excited to embark on this new journey. As Travis always says, “ Customer satisfaction is what drives me and my team of professionals.”

To our existing clients, we want you to be assured your custom cabinetry project will follow through as planned. In order to make this transition as smooth as possible, Brandon will be contacting you soon set to set up a meeting depending on the phase of your project. If you would like to go ahead and schedule your appointment with Brandon, you may email him at Brandon@walker-woodworking.com.

Should you have any concerns about the change, please contact Travis Walker, travis@walker-woodworking.com.

On behalf of Walker Woodworking, and our staff we would like to thank you for your understanding.

Sincerely,

Travis & Stacey Walker