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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 You probably have more than you need in terms of kitchen gadgets, and cookbooks that have been replaced by e-versions.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.

Custom, Semi-Custom, Stock Cabinets

October 16, 2016/in Consumer Information /by Stacey Walker

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:

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

The disadvantages of Stock Cabinetry:

Finish & color selections are limited.
There are standard height dimensions for base, wall, vanity and tall cabinets. Stock cabinets cannot be modified.
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

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:

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

The disadvantages of Semi- Cabinets:

Hardware: better quality hinges and slides are available as an upgrade only.
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.
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:

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.
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!
Custom cabinetry is built to last a lifetime.

The disadvantages of Custom Cabinets:

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.
Huge cost difference: No doubt custom is the most expensive of the three, but the value received will be well worth it!
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.