.Preliminary Design

Before You Begin Your Renovation: Decide what problems you want to solve and what features you would like to incorporate in your renovation.

- Determine the look you want: Contemporary, Old World, Urban, etc.

- Find photos or magazines articles of kitchens you like.

- Ask to see pictures of recent and past projects.

- Decide what appliances you need and visit showrooms. If you are using existing appliances, make sure you take measurements for your kitchen designer.

Kitchen Design

- To properly design your kitchen the designer requires precise details of any planned changes that will affect the cabinet layout.

- Replacement or relocation of windows.

- Replacement or relocation of appliances.

- Specifications are required for all appliances including sizes, cut-out sizes for built-ins, required clearances for gas ranges and any other pertinent information.

- Relocation or changes to plumbing, heating or electrical.

- Type of floor covering (hardwood or ceramic tile may be up to an inch thick which could be significant in the design of the kitchen.

 

Preparing for the Installer

- Old cabinets should be removed prior to arrival of new cabinets.

- If we are doing the removal of the existing cabinets then all items must be removed from the cabinets and countertops before the installer arrives.

- If you plan to reuse or sell the old cabinets keep in mind that cabinets that are built in place or in large sections may not be removable without considerable disassembly and damage.

- If we are removing the existing cabinets you must make it clear to the sales person before a price is quoted if you intend to save the cabinets.

- If floor covering is being replaced:

- Old floor covering should be removed and new sub floor installed prior to cabinet installation. Vinyl floor covering or pre-finished hardwood flooring should not be installed until after cabinet and countertop installation.

- Unfinished hardwood flooring can be installed before the cabinets but should not be sanded or finished.

- Be sure the installer is aware of what type of floor covering is being installed so he can make allowances if necessary.

- Modifications to plumbing and electrical lines must be completed before cabinets are installed. Existing plumbing should be capped 4"-5" from the wall.

- Wall repair and ceiling repair should be completed before cabinet installation but the finish coat of paint should be applied after the installation of cabinets and countertops to avoid damage.

- The installer will exercise the utmost care when doing his job but minor touch-ups by the homeowner may be required.

- All furniture and accessories should be removed from the room prior to arrival of the installer. If they cannot be removed they should be covered for protection.

- Appliances must be removed from the room

- Client needs to ensure there is adequate space for cabinets to be stored between delivery and install, convenient to installation area, however, not obstructing the work area.

- Client needs to ensure there is adequate space for installer to set up table saw in house/garage. Particularly in winter or rainy weather.