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Remodeling 101 – Introduction To The Remodeling Process

Remodeling 101 Introduction

A four-part educational series of expectations when remodeling your kitchen or bathroom.

Over the years HGTV has made remodeling look so simple and easy that most people don’t realize how much planning really goes into making that 60 minute show happen from start to finish. Even the experts usually have a budget to work with and a timeline to stick to. So let’s be realistic. What is it really going to take to get your project started?

Working through each step of the remodeling process can help you determine if you are ready to have your home ‘under construction’.  Is the project within your budget? And is the timing right?

Here at Walker Woodworking we take a different approach to remodeling, making the kitchen or bath remodel process easier for everyone. During this four-part series we will look at the 4 phases of remodeling. We will also give you some great planning and budgeting tips to consider. 

  • Phase 1: Planning & Budget.  Starting your remodeling project with a realistic budget will save you time, money, and disappointment.
  • Phase 2: Making your selections. Finalize your decisions.
  • Phase 3: Tearing it all out and replacing it with new – what you can expect during this part of the process.
  • Phase 4: Finishing touches, getting those final details completed.

 

Photo by Walker Woodworking Staff – All Rights Reserved.

How to update your kitchen from this. ~ Before photo

 

Photo by Walker Woodworking Staff – All Rights Reserved.

To this. ~ After Photo

Want to see more of this before and after project? Click here to see more.

We also have a great blog about another remodel project. Read about it here. 

Before you get started on a remodeling project, consider the following tips to keep in mind.

Be prepared to take a little time off of work.

Keep in mind that kitchen & bath centers are usually open Monday – Friday, typically 9 to 5:30 – with limited Saturday hours. While a showroom may be open on a Saturday, you may not be able to meet with a professional designer during this time. You should be prepared to take some time off work to meet with various professionals in order to make necessary decisions to complete your project.

Think realistically about your lifestyle.

We like to know as much as possible about a client’s habits, likes, and dislikes. Many people have an unrealistic vision of how they will live once they have a new kitchen. As professionals, we have to design for real life, not fantasy. Having your kitchen organized and functional can make your daily tasks easier.

Don’t get stuck on a fantasy wish list.

When selecting items to add to your kitchen, ask yourself –  Is this essential and worth the cost? For example you may want a pot filler, a faucet on the wall behind the stove. It can cost about $1,000. Is it worth the extra expense?  Maybe you would rather use those funds on a nicer tile for your back-splash.

You will need a lot of patience. Major renovations are not completed quickly.

Most likely, it will take much longer than you thought. Including the planning process, most renovations take a minimum of three to six months and more likely nine months. If this is a major renovation and you can vacate your house during the construction, this would be most ideal. Your life will be less chaotic, your nerves less frazzled, and the job will go faster.

Don’t focus on perfection until everything is finished.

Delivery and installation can be tense. There’s been a lot of anticipation and when the big day comes, the truck arrives, and clients begin to ask questions. Walk away and give the installers a chance to install your cabinets. When you come back you will be surprised and amazed.

Appliances are expensive.

Appliances can be as much as 40% of your total remodel budget — especially if you’re hung up on brand names. For most people, the only major difference between ordinary and professional appliances is price!  But people who take their cooking seriously, are often willing to spend the extra money. Pro appliances are more robust, more powerful, less disposable, faster, and will handle more heat. They look and in fact, they are better designed.

Do you really need all of that counter space?

People think too big, too grand. They often want too much. For example, If you think an island can’t be too big, you’re wrong!  Bigger is not always better. We design our islands to meet the client needs and proportion with the kitchen space. We have actually built islands that can’t be reached in the center simply because the customer didn’t listen to their designer’s advice.

Keep your kitchen modest if you care about resale value.

You want the look and design to be timeless, not trendy. Resist your impulse to be creative and experimental with your materials. Keep your door style simple and your colors neutral. For example, think white, with a gray or brown stained island. You want to use well-respected brands for cabinetry and appliances, even if you have to spend more than you’d like. You want the association of quality attached to your kitchen.

Spend what your kitchen deserves.

If you want your kitchen to look amazing, don’t spend too little. Doing it on the cheap end often looks like…well…what it is. Remember the old saying, “You get what you pay for.”

Research your designer before signing a contract.

How long has the company been in business? Who owns the company and are they accessible?  Don’t just ask for references. Anybody can come up with a good reference. Do your own research. Most importantly, if you’re told a price that seems too good to be true…it is.

Now that you have had a few tips to consider, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty details.

Questions about Cabinet Lingo? Here is a few helpful definitions. 

Remodeling 101 Part 1 Planning & Budgeting ~ Read More…

Was this article helpful? We would love to have your comments.

Custom, Semi-Custom, Stock Cabinets

What is the difference between Custom,  Semi-custom  and Stock cabinets?

If you’ve already renovated a kitchen or are just beginning the process, you know how overwhelming the details can be.  One of the many things to consider is whether or not you want to purchase custom or semi-custom cabinets and what the differences are. This blog will primarily focus on the differences between stock, semi-custom, and custom kitchen cabinets.

The first thing to know when noting differences between stock, semi-custom, and custom cabinets is that the terms refer to the type of production methods used to make the cabinets, and not to the quality of the cabinets. If you want more information about the quality of  materials and construction methods, then you can find that in this blog. (stacey will link)

Stock Cabinets

Stock Cabinets by Wellborn

Stock cabinets are readymade, pre-manufactured cabinets, meaning they’re mass-produced in a factory and ready to ship when ordered. They’re sold in modular units, and no customization is available. What you see is what you get! The advantages of stock cabinets are affordability and a quick delivery time. However, you usually have a limited selection of styles, shapes, colors, wood types, etc. Delivery time is typically 1 to 3 weeks from the time of your order.

We recommend using stock cabinets if:

  1. You are looking for a low cost solution to your cabinetry needs.
  2. You can save money by installing them yourself.
  3. Stock cabinetry is the quickest solution if time is a factor.

The disadvantages of Stock Cabinetry:

  1. Finish & color selections are limited.
  2. There are standard height dimensions for base, wall, vanity and tall cabinets. Stock cabinets cannot be modified.
  3. Generally stock cabinets will last 5 – 10 years.

Standard Width: Start at 9″ with 3″ increments to 48″

Standard Depth: 12″ for wall cabinets, 24″ for oven, base, and utility cabinets.

More information about Wellborn Cabinets

Semi-Custom Cabinets

Kitchen15-small_1

Semi-Custom Cabinets by Dura Supreme

Semi-custom cabinets are basically stock cabinets with extra detailing options. The basic cabinet sizes still apply, but consumers have the option to change certain dimensions, like resizing the cabinet drawers and door fronts, or increasing/decreasing the cabinet depth. The advantages of semi-custom cabinets is that you get the feeling you have some individual input into the design (however limited) without the cost of full-on custom cabinets. Sometimes that’s all you need to get great cabinets without the expense of a custom job. Semi-custom truly is the best of both worlds. Delivery time is typically 3 to 8 weeks from the time of your order.

We recommend using Semi-Custom cabinets if:

  1. Semi-custom cabinets offer a great balance between stock & custom cabinetry.  A budget friendly choice for a simple upgrade to your home.  
  2. Incorporate stock options with modifications and customization to feel as if you are involved in the design phase.
  3. Quick lead times can make the process move along faster.

The disadvantages of Semi- Cabinets:

  1. Hardware: better quality hinges and slides are available as an upgrade only.
  2. Construction:  Although made to the client’s size requirements, semi-custom cabinets are predetermined sizes and often fillers are used to fill areas which can limit your storage options.
  3. Semi cabinetry typically will last in the home / office 10 – 20 years.

Standard Width: Start at 9″ with 1″ increments to 48″

Standard Depth: Can be reduced or increased according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.

More information about Dura Supreme Cabinets

Custom Cabinets

Custom Cabinets by Walker Woodworking

Custom cabinets are built to your specifications, so they can be pretty much anything you want! When designing custom cabinets, we start with your floorplan and window and door locations. We then determine what your appliance preferences are and then we custom design your cabinets around that incorporating all your accessory and storage ideas.   Because of this, custom cabinets are expensive, labor-intensive, and usually take a few weeks or months to complete. Custom cabinets are built by skilled carpenters, and manufactured on a build-to-order basis.

We recommend using Custom cabinets if:

  1. You are building a new home or if your floor plan is more complex and requires customization by not using standard sizes.  Custom cabinets are built to fit.
  2. Custom cabinets allow the consumer complete freedom in the design, style  and construction of the cabinetry. You don’t have to settle for average, you can add all the bells and whistles!
  3. Custom cabinetry is built to last a lifetime.

The disadvantages of Custom Cabinets:

  1. Timing: generally custom cabinets take the longest.  The design and construction phase are more detailed.  All work is done by skilled craftsman, therefore the production takes longer.
  2. Huge cost difference: No doubt custom is the most expensive of the three, but the value received will be well worth it!
  3. I wish I could come with another negative but I can’t. If you plan on living in your home for a long time and quality is very important, then custom is for you!

Standard Width: Customizable

Standard Depth: Customizable

The Biggest Difference is PRICE

As you may have guessed, the more options you have with customization, the higher the overall price will be. Another advantage to having more custom options is that you are usually able to get a lot more storage gadgets such as spice pullouts and drawer organizers. Rev-A-Shelf has an endless supply of items that can be added into custom cabinets and semi-custom cabinets. The ability to build custom hoods can also add a unique complement to your overall design. Some Kitchen and bath dealers (like us)  have the ability to provide semi-custom cabinets while being able to offer custom built pieces such as a hood or hutch as enhancements to your order of kitchen cabinets.

The possibilities are endless, you just need a creative designer to make it happen. Afterall, your kitchen is the heart of the home, where you and your family spend lots of time, and you’ll want it to be functional, durable, and beautiful!

Call us today and see how we can design a great kitchen at the price-point that is right for you. 

What kind of cabinets do you have in your kitchen? Share your experiences and recommendations! Was this information helpful? Share your comments.

 

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