The Cart Before the Horse

Have you ever gotten the cart before the horse? Your cabinets were in fine shape, maybe not what you dreamed of but would work for several more years. Your countertops were a different story. So you decided to keep your cabinets and just put in new countertops with a new tile backsplash. That looked great for a while, but then you started to wish you had replaced your cabinets before you put those expensive granite tops on. Do you have to live with that decision forever?

 

Thankfully, the answer is no. Perhaps the long term result was not thought through entirely, but if the layout of your kitchen suits you, you can have new cabinets without wasting the brand new countertops. The countertops can be removed, new cabinets installed under them and the existing tops reinstalled. There is always the possibility that the tops could crack or break or some tile backsplash may chip or break. Before you jump into this project, do your homework.

 

Do you have extra backsplash tile that could be used to replace any chipped or broken pieces? Or can you still purchase it? What about grout? Is your countertop material still available in the same color in case you need another piece cut? Keep in mind that this is not an easy project and some people may balk at doing it, but it can be done. Don’t let one backwards decision keep you from enjoying your kitchen.

The “Good” Ice

How many times have you gone through the drive thru of a particular restaurant just to order a drink so you can get the “good” ice? Can you name all of the restaurants in town that serve the “good” ice? The formal name for the “good” ice is nugget or pellet ice and it is now available for your household consumption.

 

Scotsman is the first manufacturer of a residential under the counter ice machine that produces nugget ice. The Brilliance model will fit in a 15” opening and is outdoor approved. It can produce over eighty pounds of nugget ice in 24 hours. That is enough “good” ice for all your consumption needs! Before you run out to buy one, check the price tag. This gem comes in at about $3,000. Small price to pay for the “good” ice, right?

 

If this model is not a viable option, keep your list of restaurants that serve the “good” ice up to date. It’s nice to dream about on a hot summer day, though. If this is an appliance you would consider, you can learn more information at www.scotsman-ice.com Stay cool and enjoy the small things in life, like the “good” ice!

A Project in the Life of a Kitchen Designer-Week 4

We have progressed through three weeks in the life of a kitchen designer. Let’s wrap it up with week 4.

 

Day 16: All of the numbers and selections have been finalized and today I am meeting with the homeowners to go over everything with them. We talked about their budget at our first meeting so they are prepared for the bottom line number. Thankfully there were some rebates on the appliances that were a welcome surprise. We also discuss timing and they are ready to begin.

 

Day 17: Call all of the trades and give them the go ahead. Order tile, faucet, cabinets and other supplies. We know it will be about 4 weeks before all supplies are in hand and cabinets are ready. We do not want to demo their existing kitchen until everything else is ready. This will help shorten the time they are without a kitchen.

 

Day 18: The faucet was an in stock item so I pick it up and will store it at my office where we are stockpiling things.

 

Day 19: The tile arrives and I pick it up and make sure I have a copy of the design with it to simplify and clarify communication with the tile setter. This is also stored at my office.

 

Day 20: Free Day! I am headed to the mountains with some girl friends for a little R&R. See y’all after the 4^th!

 

The design process is winding down but some would say the real work is just beginning. While the work is actually being completed, I will spend considerable time at the jobsite making sure each item is delivered, laid out and installed correctly. Being onsite also allows me to answer any questions that arise and keep the process moving along. As always flexibility is key! This should be a fun experience. Roll with it and enjoy the ride!

A Project in the Life of a Kitchen Designer-Week 3

Last time we took a look at the behind the scenes events that occur in the second week of a kitchen remodel. We are getting close to the end with week 3.

 

Day 11: A new week starts off with a bang. It is off to the tile showroom to make selections for the backsplash. I have brought the cabinet and granite samples with me so we can coordinate these finishes and colors. The homeowners have brought a few pictures of things they like. This is helpful in narrowing down our options. One could very easily get overwhelmed walking into this showroom. Everywhere you look there is another color, style or design option. After experimenting with several design layouts and different tiles, a decision has been made and the homeowners are thrilled with their selection.

 

Day 12: Paperwork day! Send layout of countertops to granite fabricator for estimate. Figure square footage of tile backsplash and send to the tile showroom. Contact other trades to get estimates. Begin compiling numbers for the cost estimate.

 

Day 13: Most of the new lighting in the kitchen will be recessed can lights, but we do have two pendant lights over the island. Normally we would begin our search at Lowes and then go to Progressive Lighting in Atlanta, but the homeowner has fallen in love with a fixture from Pottery Barn. Layout the placement of the can lights. Make copies for the homeowner and electrician. Order lights from Pottery Barn.

 

Day 14: Answer questions from the granite fabricator on details for the countertops. Follow up with trades that still owe you an estimate.

 

Day 15: Finish compiling and collecting estimates. Schedule a time to meet with the homeowner to go over final numbers.

 

The selection process is winding down and now we are into the detail collection and estimate gathering stage. If there is one thing I have learned by being in this business, it is that flexibility is key! Things may not go the way you planned or happen as fast as you would like. Be flexible and willing to roll with the punches and it will make the process so much more fun.

A Project in the Life of a Kitchen Designer-Week 2

Last time we took a look at the behind the scenes events that occur in the first week of a kitchen remodel. Let’s dive in to week 2.

 

Day 6: Meet trade contractors at project site. Allow a 2-3 hour block of time for this and stagger the times of when each person is coming. Everyone there at one time equals chaos and the potential for missed details.

 

Day 7: Meet homeowners at local granite yard. Get samples of potential selections. Look at stainless steel undermount sinks. Chose an edge profile for the granite tops. The homeowners are not completely satisfied with the granite selection at the local yard. Schedule a time to meet them in Atlanta to walk through a granite slab warehouse.

 

Day 8: Meet homeowners at the granite warehouse in Atlanta. I have made sure to wear comfortable shoes. This is going to be a long day walking on concrete. Wow! There are hundreds of colors of granite, marble, onyx and travertine. Up and down the aisles we roam, pausing to look at many slabs that catch our eye. After an initial once-over, we walk back through to narrow down the most promising slabs. We have narrowed it down to two colors. Thankfully they have small pieces leftover from another slab we can take with us. They will not break a chunk off of a whole slab for you. This will be helpful in choosing tile and finalizing the cabinets.

 

Day 9: Meet homeowners at plumbing supply house to choose a faucet. The technology in faucets these days is amazing!

 

Day 10: Day off!! Well, not really. I am working on remodeling the bathrooms in my office. Today I will nail down selections and design for these spaces. And of course, I am still answering the phone and responding to emails.

 

Making these decisions and selections is fun, but could be overwhelming if you didn’t have a plan. I hope that this insight is helpful to you if you are considering a kitchen remodel and is a look in to the time that is required and the value a professional can be in walking through this process with you.

A Project in the Life of a Kitchen Designer-Week 1

Ever wondered what exactly goes into a kitchen design? I mean, how much work can it really be? Today you will get a behind the scenes look into the first week of a kitchen remodel and what it really takes to pull it off successfully.

 

Day 1: Meet with homeowners and discuss their needs and wants. This meeting is a fact-finding trip and a great time to gauge their color likes and dislikes. Take careful measurements and pictures. Return to office and begin drawing plans for the space.

 

Day 2: Finish drawing plans and gather samples of cabinet finishes and door styles, tile and granite samples, paint colors and inspiration photos.

 

Day 3: Present plans and ideas to homeowners. Schedule a time to return with subcontractors to begin preparing a price. Return to office and revise plans. Schedule meeting times with plumber, electrician, trim carpenter, cabinet builder, painter and tile setter. Make appointments to meet homeowner at different trade showrooms.

 

Day 4: Meet homeowners at the cabinet shop and discuss and select cabinet colors, styles, wood, hardware, trim and interior details.

 

Day 5: Meet homeowners at appliance store. Look at different appliance models, compare brands and pricing and make selections.

 

Whew! Are you tired yet? This is what could be accomplished in one week. Typically the drawing stage takes a little longer and it is rare if not impossible to be able to meet with the client that many times in one week. Most people’s schedule simply won’t allow it. I hope that this insight is helpful to you if you are considering a kitchen remodel and is a look in to the time that is required.

Box vs. Custom

            A question I am frequently asked is “Are “box” or premanufactured cabinets less expensive than custom cabinets?” After doing some research and cost comparison, I was surprised to find that many times custom cabinets were about the same or even less. My perception that because something was made in mass, in a factory, with sometimes lesser quality materials would cost less, was challenged.

 

Don’t get me wrong. Box cabinets have their place. They work great if you have a very straight forward layout, are not trying to maximize space or need something very utilitarian, like for a laundry room or garage. In my experience, it is when you start customizing and adding unique features to a box cabinet that the price begins to climb.

 

With custom cabinets, all of the space can be utilized since you are not limited to 3” increments in cabinet widths and having to fill in space with fillers. Also, variations in height, depth or size of drawers really does not affect the price, but allows for greater customization and utilization. Custom finishes, paint colors, materials and trim profiles are always an option with custom cabinets. This may not be the case with box cabinets. Another benefit of using custom cabinets is that you can often times actually see your cabinets being built, moving through the cabinet shop.

 

Word to the wise-the next time you consider purchasing cabinets, do your homework and compare both box cabinets and custom cabinets. You may be in for a pleasant surprise!