The Process of Remodeling
Forward- Remodeling one’s own home is often times a mystery to many, since they rarely embark on such an adventure during their lifetime. Others get addicted to remodeling, updating and transitioning their home into what best works for their family and their current lifestyle. This is a brief overview of the process of a kitchen remodel, and this process may very well apply to other remodeling projects you may decide to explore during the time you own your home. Perhaps the reason for remodeling is out of necessity, or perhaps for pure pleasure, in any case we want to make sure it is a wise investment for you and your property.
Where to begin- Please begin by gathering ideas from magazines, NARI Remodeled Homes Tour, MABA Parade of Homes, view friends and neighbors homes that have recently remodeled their homes. You might also visit websites, such as www.houzz.com is one of my favorites.
The next step is to create a list. One list of the features of your current space that you no longer want to be a part of your kitchen, and a Second list of wants and/or needs that you would like to include in your new kitchen space. This would include counter space needs, specific and general storage needs, specific types of appliances that you prefer to use. (Cooktops, wall ovens, drop-in range, slide-in range, free-standing range, double oven range,and types of refrigeration, etc.)
Select a Designer, that you are comfortable and confident in working with. Make sure you feel that the designer listens to your wants and needs, and understands what it is, that you would like to accomplish with your project. Verify that they have the experience and expertise to accomplish your goals.
First Meeting, I would suggest take place at your home. The reason for this is to allow the designer to best understand what your current situation is, and what you would like the transformation to become. They can then discover what obstacles that may be involved in achieving your goals. The designer will also be more able to discover the style of the home, as well as the decorating styles that you may have already incorporated into your home. You would also want to be prepared to discuss what your anticipated budget for the project is. This is not what you can afford, this is what you wish to spend. You and the designer would also want to discuss what you have researched, what you would like to accomplish, items that you would like included in the new kitchen, and what type of involvement you and your family would like to have, and what expectations you have of the designer. You would also want to discuss, the role of, or need for, a General Contractor.
In my process, from the measurements taken at the first meeting, I can generally determine an approximate cost of the cabinetry, and an idea of the cost of countertop materials which in turn will provide a “ballpark” number of what the project might have as a cost to you. If everything seems to be in line, we then can move on to the second meeting. A“Design Retainer” may be required to move into the design phase, depending on the complexity of the intended design. The “Design Retainer” would in turn be applied toward the purchase of cabinetry and countertops from Curran Cabinetry & Design.
Second Meeting, would take place in my office. I would have a preliminary drawing derived from what we had discussed at our first meeting. The drawings would include a plan view, front elevations as well as a three dimensional perspective view. When going through the drawings we would be taking the kitchen for a “test drive”. Investigate what we have accomplished, what short falls we may still have and determine any revisions that we may wish to make. The pricing of the cabinetry and countertop materials would most likely be more clearly defined. We would also look at samples of the cabinetry, door styles, wood species, finish colors and moldings, as well as countertop materials, profiles and designs. Other materials will be brought into the discussion as we fine tune the design, such as wall tile, sinks, faucets, cabinet hardware and others.
Third Meeting and beyond would simply be the fine tuning of your plan and material selections being made. What we are attempting to do is to have a plan, relatively close to our desired end result so that we can involve a qualified General Contractor to price the labor and periphery materials to accomplish the end result we are trying to achieve. To release the plans to the General Contractor, we would require a signature on the drawings and quotation, showing your intent to work with Curran Cabinetry & Design for your kitchen remodeling project, should it come to fruition. Since we have not yet derived all the final costs, we are not asking for any further payment from you at this time.
Plans are finalized, contracts are finalized both with the General Contractor, as well as with Curran Cabinetry & Design. For materials to be ordered and production to be scheduled, a down payment will be required from you.
Construction Begins, which includes removal of existing cabinetry, countertops, appliances and other materials being replaced. Rough-in for plumbing, electrical, fixtures takes place. Walls are prepared, flooring is installed (unless being re-used),cabinetry goes in and countertops are templated. There will be delays from the time of templating to time of counter top installation from 1 ½ to 3 weeks depending on the countertop materials selected. After the countertops are installed final adjustments are made, wall tile is installed, electrical and plumbing are connected and finished.
The Mess is cleared, and you may now move back into your kitchen and take full advantage of all the decisions and choices that you have made. Knowing that all the details, have been considered and built in to your new and improved kitchen space. Time to enjoy with family, friends and neighbors!
Referral Request. I have found that my most effective advertising is from the words spoken by happy past clients. After your project has been completed I will be asking you if you happen to know of any friends or family that you feel would benefit from my services. I will truly appreciate your assistance with this if, and only if you feel that I have exceeded your expectations on your project.