Your Remodeling Project

Step 3: Implementation and Construction

So you've determined your design style, wants and needs, had several meetings with your design consultant, and even made a payment or two. You've made it all the way through Step 1 and Step 2 of the design process and are ready for construction to begin. This is the part you've been waiting for! But what really goes on during construction?

1. Prepare for life without a kitchen. Before any demolition or removal of materials starts, you have to plan for how you will live during the construction period. Depending on you timetable, some contractors will set up a temporary kitchen (refrigerator, microwave, and a cabinet or two) somewhere nearby, such as the garage or mudroom area. Other people are content with having a microwave and access to a sink. Whatever the case, you should also take care to remove and carefully pack-away what's in your cabinets, which is why we provide Bella Boxes.
2. Deconstruction. The contractor will begin the construction process by removing any old materials that will not be used in the new design. Cabinets, countertops, tile and even walls will be torn out or knocked down. Dust will fly as the room is being prepared for a new look.
3. Construction and installation. Once old materials are removed, new construction can begin. Based on the project, this may include electrical, plumbing, drywall, and other work. The room will be prepped and painted before installing new materials.
4. Countertop measure and installation. Once the cabinets are installed, the countertop fabricator will come out to take precise measurements for the new tops. From the day of measure, it will take about 2-3 weeks for the countertop to be fabricated and installed. You can begin to use your kitchen again by storing some items in any upper or tall pantry cabinets. Depending on the job, some appliances (refrigerator, range, etc.) may even be hooked up and ready for use. Once the countertop is installed, the bulk of the project is usually complete.
5. Walk-through with designer and/or contractor. It's helpful to walk-through the remodeled space once it is complete to make a "punch list"- a list of items that may be waiting for completion. This could include items that are on back-order (i.e. some cabinet hardware) or an item that was damaged during the installation process (i.e. a cracked tile). 
6. Enjoy! Move back in to the space and make it your own!

While this is our final step, it's not really the end of the process. We love to stay in contact with previous clients. One way we keep connected is by delivering a warranty binder, which contains all warranty, cleaning, and care information for your specific products. This is delivered once the space is complete, and is also a chance for your design consultant to see the finished space. We also love referrals- recommend us to your family and friends who may be interested in their own remodeling project!

Ready to make some changes to your own kitchen? Call us at (608) 271-8241 or stop by our showroom to set up your consultation today!

Your Remodeling Project

Step 2: The Design Process

After putting thought into Step 1 of your remodeling project that was discussed in our last blog posts, you should be more prepared to proceed with the rest of the design process.  Step 2 gets into the nitty-gritty details of your project, and encompasses everything from determining specific door styles and finishes to signing off on labor contracts and beginning to make payments.  This part of the process can be one of the most meticulous, but here are the main steps to be aware of.

1. Review plans and drawings.  After listening to your project scope, ideas, wants, and needs, your designer will prepare a preliminary drawing for you to review.  Remember that nothing is set in stone at this point, although it will usually give you a general direction in terms of design and layout.  When reviewing these plans with your designer, keep in mind the way that you intend to use the space, and make changes accordingly.  Don't be shy if you have questions or changes that you would like to see.
2. Make first payment(s).  Step 2 of the process also involves collecting the first payments for the project.  This is often in the form of a design retainer in the early stages, and later will require a down payment to begin ordering materials and scheduling project labor.  Your designer will better educate you on the timing and amount of these payments.
3. Choose materials.  Begin to think about the specifics of your project.  Now is the time to make selections regarding finishes, wood species, countertop material and color, door hardware, and tile.  Keep the design style and priorities you set during Step 1 of this process in mind.  Making these choices helps to further set your vision for the space and helps your designer to give you the most accurate drawings and quotes possible.
4. Revise plans and drawings.  More often than not there will be changes to the original design.  Your designer will help you think about accessories and other options that are right for your lifestyle.  Think about how you want to store certain items: pots and pans, knives and other cutlery, even kitchen towels and linens. 
5. Sign off and release drawings.  Usually when making the down payment you will also be asked to sign off on the quote, drawings, and other paperwork.  At this point, most decisions have been made, and the order is ready to be placed.  Your designer will also release the drawings to you, which you can take home and show off to all of your friends and family! 

Keep in mind that the timeline for the above steps depends on how quickly decisions are being made and when meetings can be scheduled.  Being decisive is to your benefit if you have a specific project timeline in mind.  Also remember that the more prep work you can do during Step 1 is to your benefit, as it should continue to influence your design and decisions during this phase of the process.

Your Remodeling Project

Step 1: Getting Started

One of the things I hear most often from people who walk through the doors of our showroom is "I don't even know where to start!" True- a designer's dream can be everyone else's nightmare! Trying to begin a building or remodeling project is a daunting task, which is why breaking it down into baby steps helps make everything more manageable. Here are a few ways to prepare for your next project today, so you don't have to put it off any longer.

1. Determine project scope. Chances are that there are a few- or many- things you would like to change about your home. However, for most people an entire home remodel isn't feasible, either financially, logistically, or both. Try starting with the more public areas of your home: the kitchen, main living area, and even bathrooms. These are the areas that guests will typically see, and the ones that you will be the most excited to show off! These are also the spaces that you will be using most often yourself, so being happy and comfortable in these areas is crucial. 
2. Figure out your design style. Gather ideas and images from a variety of sources: magazines, television shows, and websites. One of my favorite resources is Houzz.com, which has a treasure-trove of photos from real-life projects done by designers, remodelers, and builders. Once you have a collection of images, you will often notice a common theme. This will help you determine what to look for in furnishings and materials. These images are also invaluable to your designer when you begin discussing your wants, needs, and overall vision.
3. Set priorities. Most people don't have the luxury of an empty, clean-slate of a room to work with. View the space with a critical eye for what can and can't be re-used. Maybe your cabinets are in great shape, and your kitchen just needs a face lift with new countertops, hardware, and fresh paint. Or maybe your kitchen needs a complete overhaul now, while your bathroom can wait a few years. 
4. Create a budget. Too often a budget isn't even considered, and ends up either draining your bank account or stalling the project altogether. Determining a reasonable budget is helpful to everyone involved- you know what kind of investment you are willing to make and so does your designer. This helps your designer further in steering you to the right kinds of products and materials for your specific project. When a budget isn't specified, it often ends up wasting time and resources for everyone involved. 

While your designer can help you with the above steps, these are great things to have considered before your first meeting. It's always helpful to have a general idea and project scope in mind from the beginning, while the details will be worked out later.

Want to take the first step with your design project? Call us at (608) 271-8241 or stop by our showroom to get started!

What I Would Change

As a designer currently living in a rented apartment, there are lots of things I would change about my living space if given the chance. Perhaps unsurprisingly, most of these things are in the kitchen. My guess is that it's the same for a lot of people out there-whether renting or not. And, being a designer, I get to see the possibilities for what could be on a daily basis. Here are five, fairly basic things that I would change about my current space if my lease (and budget!) allowed:

Drop-in on the left, undermount on the right

1. The sink. Our current sink is a drop-in, stainless steel sink. Nothing fancy. I would love to be able to make the switch to an undermount sink. We would gain precious counter space (even inches matter in a small space!), and not have to deal with cleaning the unsightly top lip of stainless steel. An undermount sink also provides a cleaner, seamless look.
2. Soft-close drawer glides and door hinges. No more rattling drawers and banging doors? Yes, please.
3. More drawers. Speaking of drawers... I could use more of them! I only have 3 measly drawers right now, which is hardly enough to hold all of my dish towels, flatware and miscellaneous cooking utensils. Plus, I would much rather pull open a drawer than be digging in the depths of a cabinet every time I need a pot, pan or mixing bowl. 
4. The layout. Okay, this is not actually a minor change. However one of my biggest frustrations is not being able to open the refrigerator door when the dishwasher is open (or vice versa). Why? The appliances are located directly across from each other, with minimal clearance between. It's impossible to have both appliance doors fully open at the same time. This would be a big change that would save myself and my husband a lot of time and irritation. 
5. The hardware. The knobs on all of the doors and drawers are a bright, shiny brass. While I don't personally care for brass, what's more annoying is that they show every fingerprint, mark, and drip they come in contact with. Switching out the existing knobs would give the kitchen space a little more personality, and be easier to take care of, too. 

Ready to make some changes to your own kitchen? Call us at (608) 271-8241 or stop in our showroom to set up your consultation today!

Cabinet finishes: Follow the trend, or follow your tastes?

In the past couple of weeks, many clients have asked, “What is the color trend in kitchen cabinetry these days?” 

Although many publications are announcing trends for 2012, I’m never sure how to answer this question. I believe that you should decorate or remodel your home based on what makes you feel good, not on what is trendy. 

So my usual response is, “How long do you see yourself living in the house?” If the answer is 10, 15, 20 or more years, I advise them to choose a color they like and feel comfortable with rather than what a magazine dictates. Unless you’re really crazy about what’s “hot” now, you might regret following a trend.

On the other hand, if someone expects to live in a house 5 years or less, it won’t hurt to consider today’s trends, as cabinet finishes generally take a few years to evolve to something new. With good care, your cabinets will still impress homebuyers shopping for the latest thing.

I recently read a great blog post about how to incorporate color trends while keeping classic cabinetry choices top of mind. Karen Wistrom from Dura Supreme cabinetry does a great job explaining how home owners achieve the best of both words. See Full Story >>

Lori's Weekly Bella Bling- 3 Carat Knife Accessory

  Here is my selection for the last knife holder accessory we will be looking at, rated at 3 carats, the pullout knife holder.  I give it the highest rating because it fits in a 3”, 4” or 6” wide space.  Instead of designing a 3” filler, make the space accessible and usable.  The unit is also available as a pull out cabinet – 6” or 9” wide, further stretching the possibilities.  Place a 3” pullout on either side of the cooktop and you have easy access to the knives where they are needed most.

  

Dura Supreme's version of this pullout also offers four front decorative options.  An overlay (plain) panel, a ¾” thick column, an overlay that is styled like the cabinet door, or a pilaster/post.  Their unit is constructed of natural maple and pulls out on a full extension ball bearing system.  There are 18 slots for knives, varying in size, including a square hole for the sharpening file.  An added bonus, there is a small “tray” at top for excess knives, long meat forks, or short spice containers.  Again, all organized in as little room as 3”.

 I’m going to give you 2 disadvantages.  The first is that the slots are predetermined, so if some of your large chef knives don’t work, you are out of luck, unless you cut larger slots.  Second, if you have small children, I do not recommend placing knives in base cabinets that are easily opened.

Next week we will continue focusing on accessories for bases – specifically rollout trays.  

What Time Is It? It’s Remodel Time!

With a sluggish real estate market, are you staying in your existing home longer than you anticipated a couple of years ago? If so, take heart, you’re not alone. Many homeowners across the country are realizing that their current home may be called home for a while and thoughts of moving to a dream house placed on indefinite hold.

Take comfort knowing that now is a great time to invest in your existing home. It’s remodel time, a time to renovate your space to make it tailor-made for you, your family and all the activities that take place in your home.

And, the kitchen is a great place to start.

I can think of no other investment that offers a good ROI (return on investment) and offers instant gratification; the joy of using a well designed and functional space immediately. Smiles are free when you are truly enjoying your new kitchen.

A common quote from homeowners who have gone through a kitchen remodel process is this:

“ Why did I wait so long? I should have done this earlier, so I could be enjoying the space sooner!”

Why wait any longer? The SEN Design Group, a national consortium of independent kitchen and bath professionals offers several real advantages to remodel now.

1.   Weak Resale Market: Houses for sale are sitting on the market longer and prices are depressed. As a result it may be a while to find a buyer for your home at a price you want or need. So, instead of sulking, survey your current space and call a kitchen design professional to partner with you on a new project.

2.   Lower Labor Costs: Labor sources are readily available from all trades involved in the remodeling process. In most instances homeowners are seeing labor cost reductions in the 10-25% range compared to several years ago.

3.   Wider Selection: The kitchen industry has become fashion oriented and today there is a bevy of products to chose from designed to suit any style or taste.

4.   Lower Product Prices: As a member of a national buying group, we have access to preferred vendors and their products at very competitive prices. In addition, many cabinet manufacturers desire to keep their skilled labor force in tact and are offering substantial discounts to accomplish that.

5.   More Responsive Service: It wasn’t that long ago people complained about not being able to schedule a project in a timely fashion. Homeowners were placed on a waiting list, at the mercy of the contractor, not fully knowing when their project would begin. Today you can schedule a project on your terms, handled by professionals delivering first class service.

6.   Lower Borrowing Costs: There are more dollars available for remodeling at attractive rates than ever before. Financing a kitchen project may never be cheaper.

7.   Updated Kitchens (or Baths) Sell Homes: It’s the kitchen that makes the rest of the house shine. When the real estate markets rebounds, your chances of selling your home quickly and at top dollar are excellent when the kitchen has been remodeled. 

Start dancing in the kitchen! Your dream home may be closer than you think, in fact with a little remodeling you may already be living in it.

Lori's Weekly Bella Bling- The Knife Drawer

We are starting a new series of accessories this week and turning the focus to knife storage. 

My choice for the 1 carat rated knife storage is the carved knife insert from Dura Supreme. You order the wood insert and then the knife set. It is a good quality knife set – J.A. Henkel’s 8 piece Twin Four Star II knife set, but the insert lacks flexibility.

 What if you already have a favorite chopping knife? – will it fit in one of these already carved out shapes?  What if one of these matching knives goes missing? You will have to buy another one that fits into its “shape”.  I am not a gourmet cook by any means and I own 15 knives (a set of steak knives is included in this count), so this accessory would not work in my household. But, for that very neat, orderly person, the knives all match and have a “place”. This set made it on my “bling” list because of its great quality and a great way to organize in one convenient drawer. 

 

Next week we will move on to the 2 carat rated knife insert.  Again, it is one that fits into a drawer.

Lori's Weekly Bella Bling

Item: Spice Pull-Out Wall Unit

Rating: 3 Carats

The picture to the left shows the pull-out spice unit closed, giving the view as it is shown attached to a hood mantel unit. This is a great focal point in the kitchen. The pull-out unit can also be placed as a standard wall cabinet that does not need to extend down to the counter top.

However, the application in the picture gives better access to the spices than if they were placed 54” off the floor. Notice how the center shelf is adjustable – great flexibility for oils or taller spice bottles. Shorter spice tins and bottles can be placed at the top and center shelves, while oils rest on the bottom shelf. The mechanism on which this unit operates is sturdy and glides with ease. If located next to the cooking surface, the unit can remain open for ease of accessibility as I cook.

I have shown all the available wall spice storage options and can not wait for next week as I move onto options for spices below the counter top.

In The Shadow

This past weekend I decided to do a little redecorating/ space redesign in our bedroom. For seven years, the bed has been against the same wall and for seven years, the dresser has been in the same spot and so on for the other items in the room. I needed a change and I finally was able to talk my husband into helping me move that double pillow top king size bed (only movable with two or more people). The transformation is amazing and I can’t believe what a difference the feel is for this room. 

After the furniture was moved and the closet doors were removed, the organizing began. We are trying to condense all of our clothes and personal belongs (my husbands and mine) into one room in order to make our “office” room into more of a spare room for company. In order to do this, we tossed any piece of clothing we had not worn in a year or longer. It is amazing how much room we have in our closet now and was able to bring everything over from the “spare” room. The next step is moving all my jewelry into our room. I have to perfect spot and I happened across the perfect solution this week on an amazing blog, http://craftylaine.com/. The shadow box jewelry box http://craftylaine.com/1151/shadow-box-turned-jewelry-box/

I am set to completing it this weekend and will let you know how it turns out. As I was studying this box I realized this could also be reconfigured for the kitchen. Measuring spoons, sauce packets, twist ties and other trinkets can be stored in this visually pleasing shadow box. Have fun making yours!

Lori's Weekly Bella Bling

Item: Door Spice Storage     Rating: 2 Carats

The door spice storage rack hangs on the inside of a wall cabinet door and once the door is open, you have full visibility of all of your spices.  The shelves inside the cabinet are reduced in depth to allow room for the spice rack. This is a great area to organize the salt, large spice containers, dry baking goods, and oils. The shelves in the cabinet are adjustable and depending on the cabinetry manufacturer, the spice rack shelves may be adjustable as well.  It received a 2 carat (and not a 3 carat rating) because the door unit shelf is less than  4” deep  and depending on what spice brand you buy, they may not fit in the space.  In addition, the wide horizontal wood bar on the unit may obscure some of the spice labels, making them hard to read.  Also, as I said before, the door unit shelves are fixed for most manufacturers.  But, none the less, this is an ideal accessory to organize all your spice bottles in one cabinet.  This may be a little over board, but I have all my spices alphabetized.  Doesn’t take long to do, and once done, they are always easy to find.

Some manufacturers even offer this door rack storage in a wire/metal version.  Ideal for the contemporary looking kitchen.

Trends In Today's Kitchen by Al Curran

In February of this year, Bella Domicile participated in the NARI Remodeling Expo by hosting a booth and conducting a seminar to expo guests.  Team member Al Curran, CKD, wrote and presented the seminar on “Trends in Today’s Kitchen”.  The presentation covers plumbing, countertops, islands, lighting, layout features, styles and flooring. Follow the link to see what trends are behind us and what is up and coming in the future.

http://www.belladomicile.com/resources.jsp?id=961