Renovation planning is an important part of any remodeling project.
On our first visit we will sit down with you and in about an hour’s time will come up with a plan that is creative and economical. We will go over the kitchen and/or bath in question and see where improvements in design and functionality can be implemented for a reasonable cost. At the end of our first meeting, you will have a good sense of the project design; products to bring your ideas to fruition, such as cabinets, counters, flooring, appliances, lighting, windows, doors, and walls.
Next, we will prepare a budget that takes into consideration your economic needs and desires. We always want to make sure that you get the best value for the money you spend. Once we agree on a price, with allowances for the cabinets, counters, flooring, appliances, and lighting, we will prepare a formal proposal for your review. After any revisions, we will establish a starting date, completion date, and a payment schedule.
For any kitchen and bath remodel it is essential that all of the cabinets, fixtures and flooring, as well as other material, such as floor and wall tile, specialty millwork and appliances, be ordered and on-site before any work is started. Having as many or all of the products on hand prior to starting work eliminates delays in completing your project.
Once these products are on hand we start with any necessary demolition. Each project is different so the amount of time to prepare the kitchen and/or bath for the renovation will vary, and that time frame will be specified in the formal proposal. If any walls need to be removed, or built, we will do that next. After the frame is complete we will deal with the rough plumbing and rough electrical work. Once the rough plumbing; dishwasher, sink, icemaker, and disposal, and rough electrical; outlets, recessed and under cabinet lighting, phone, computer, and internet are complete we can move on to your insulating needs is applicable.
Now we are ready to close up the walls and/or the ceiling. We will use green board for any kitchen or bath drywall application or blue board with a skim coat of plaster; whichever you prefer.
Next come the cabinets. We install each cabinet separately starting with the upper units first, using four to six screws to fasten it to the wall. Each cabinet is also connected to the one beside it with four screws through the face frame. Once the upper wall cabinets are installed we install the base units using the same careful method. Both the upper and base cabinets are installed plumb and level. After this, we install any decorative crown moldings.
After the base cabinets are installed we will measure for countertops. If you use granite, marble, or some other solid surface material the lead time is usually three to four weeks, laminate takes a little less time but both can only be ordered after the base units are in place. It is important that the measurements be taken after the installation so that the counters fit perfectly. What we do next is to provide you with temporary plywood counters, urethane sealed, so you can have the use of your new kitchen until the counters are fabricated and installed. After the temporary counters are in we will install the appliances. If you are using solid surface counters we will furnish you with a temporary sink and faucet until the counters arrive.
While we are waiting for the counters we will install the recessed lighting in the ceiling and the under-cabinet lighting. Next comes the flooring. If you choose hardwood then the material needs to be in the house for three to four days prior to installation so the wood gets a chance to acclimate to the temperature and humidity. If you choose ceramic tile, porcelain tile, or stone, it is not necessary for those products to acclimate themselves. Some prefinished hardwood only needs a day to get used to your home before installation. Next comes the painting and that will take the remainder of time while we wait for the countertops.
Once the counters are in we will install the permanent sink, faucet, and garbage disposal. If a tile backsplash is in the budget we will install it at this time.
As we get close to finishing your project we will ask you to compose a list of items we may have missed or, items you want to add to further personalize your remodeling experience.