Starting

Ok, so now I have gone over some of the basic kitchen
design layouts. You might think that remodeling a
kitchen is no big thing! Well, you are wrong. It
takes a lot of preparation and research to really narrow
down what you like, who you want to design it, what style
of cabinetry you think you will like for 30 years and
which contractor to work with.

I will go over some of the basic questions you will need
to ask yourself and others:

Yourself:

What appliances do I want? Appliances really make the
design of a kitchen.There are so many choices and sizes.
The kitchen designer will need to know
which appliances you want to be able to know how much
space there is to design with.

What is wrong with the current layout?

What do I absolutely have to have in the new design?

Are there any special needs or considerations to keep in mind?

What is my budget? Am I willing to go over it to get the
look I want? Do I have an extra 10-15% for problems or delays.
Remember that a kitchen remodel doesn't always go smoothly.
Eating out or ordering materials that are
more expensive than first estimated will add to the bottom line.

Designer:

How are you paid?

Do I get to keep the plans even if I do not order from you?

Is there a deposit?

What is the payment structure?

What is the manufacturers warranty on the cabinets?

What is the construction of the cabinets? Can you tell
me the difference between full overlay, partial overlay,
frameless, framed and inset cabinets?

I have a wish list, would you like a copy?

Do you need my appliance choices? Of course any good designer
will start by asking this question, because it directly impacts the design.

Contractor:

What is your payment structure? Is it time and materials or a
flat rate and I buy the materials. Construction materials like
dry wall, electrical parts, plumbing items, paint, etc...

Do you pull the permits for the job?

Are you licensed? If so, get a copy and the number.
If not, do not work with them.

Do you have insurance? If so, get a copy sent to you from the
insurance company. If not, do not work with them.

Do you have references? Check them by calling and going to see the work.

How long do you think the job will take? It is never an exact time.
However, it should be correct within a week or two, if the cabinets
arrive in good condition.

Once you decide on the layout, cabinetry style and manufacturer,
kitchen designer, and contractor, you are ready to start your job.
You should get a permit from your township. It protects you by having
inspections done of the various stages of the job. You will also not be
fined in the future when the town reassesses properties. Usually homes
are re-evaluated for tax purposes every 4 years or so.

In future blog posts I will go over some of the many material choices
you will need to make for your kitchen remodel.

Take good care and enjoy the day!