| |
 |
How
long does a kitchen remodeling project typically take from
start to finish?
At the risk of sounding elusive, we really must say that “it depends.” The
scope of the kitchen remodeling dictates how long the project will take.
For example, if you are removing a wall or two to open up the kitchen,
which is a very common trend now, the actual construction will obviously
take a little bit longer. But, it is important to remember that removing
or adding walls will generally require building department permits, which
will also add to the project time.
Here’s a sample timeline, for illustration purposes only, of a kitchen
remodeling project that does not include removing or adding walls:
| 1. |
 |
Meet with a remodeling consultant
for a Free Design Consultation and get proposal – 1 week.
|
| 2. |
Meet at our showroom, finalize the scope
of the project and the terms of a Remodeling Agreement – 2
to 3 weeks.
|
| 3. |
Select all the materials for the project – 1
to 4 weeks.
|
| 4. |
Materials are ordered and delivered – 4
to 8 weeks.
|
| 5. |
Demolition and removal of old materials
and appliances – 1 week.
|
| 6. |
Installation of new materials and appliances,
flooring, plumbing and electrical work, painting – 3 to 4 weeks.
|
| 7. |
Finishing touches and clean up – 1
to 2 weeks. |
|
|
What
do I need to do to prepare for my kitchen renovation?
You can start by getting a good idea for the type of look and style you
want. If you don’t know yet, look at some magazines, websites, or
watch some home remodeling shows to get some design ideas. Then, contact
us for a Free Design Consultation with a Remodeling Consultant. You will
be instructed by your Remodeling Consultant as to what exact steps you
need to take. But, generally speaking, before construction begins, you’ll
want to clear out the area being worked on of all your personal belongings
that can be removed. Although, we cover the areas surrounding our work
area, you’ll want to protect your furniture from dust with plastic
and/or sheets.
|
|
What
is the typical workflow for a kitchen renovation?
| 1. |
Create design |
9. |
Electric |
17. |
Sink and faucet installation |
| 2. |
Select materials |
10. |
Wall preparation |
18. |
Appliance installation |
| 3. |
Order materials |
11. |
Priming and painting |
19. |
Backsplash installation |
| 4. |
Deliver materials |
12. |
Cabinet installation |
20. |
Light fixture installation |
| 5. |
Demolition |
13. |
Locating appliances |
21. |
Accessories installation |
| 6. |
Sub floor preparation |
14. |
Countertop template |
22. |
Door hardware installation |
| 7. |
Flooring installation |
15. |
Countertop fabrication |
23. |
Final coat of paint |
| 8. |
Plumbing |
16. |
Countertop installation |
24. |
Touch up items |
Considering remodeling your kitchen? Want to learn more? Get a free
kitchen remodeling consultation.
|
|
Will
a MyHome designer help me choose all of the materials (cabinets,
appliances, faucets, sinks, countertops, etc.) for my project
to make the process less overwhelming?
Since we have all the materials you need at our showroom, yes, a MyHome
Remodeling consultant will help you choose everything you need.
|
|
Can
I buy those products from MyHome?
Yes. That is a major component of what makes us a full service firm. The
fact that we are able to design everything for you, help you choose the
materials, and sell them to you, makes it very convenient for clients.
But, it is also important to note, that we don’t require you to purchase
the materials from us. You may shop at other locations.
|
|
Do
I need to have design ideas before I start the renovation process?
Absolutely not; but it helps if you do. Your Free
Design Consultation is
meant to help generate ideas or work through the ones you already have.
|
|
What
features should I plan to invest the most in for my new kitchen?
From a functional standpoint, cabinetry is probably the most expensive
item in the kitchen, mainly because of its sheer volume. However, you can
also spend a lot of money on your countertops and flooring, depending on
the style and materials you like.
|
|
What
type of return on investment can I expect from remodeling my
kitchen if I sell my home?
Realtor® Magazine reported that for the year 2005, the national average
return on investment for kitchen remodeling is between 84.8% and 98.5%
depending upon whether it is a major or minor project and whether the budget
is upscale or moderate. However, in large metropolitan areas like New York
City, the return ranged from 119.5% to 135%. So, many people will actually
make a substantial profit on the money they invest in their kitchen.
|
|
Is re-facing
a good solution when your budget is tight?
Of course, re-facing is less expensive than replacing cabinets - but it
is usually not recommended. If you are planning to replace doors and
drawer fronts you’ll also need to replace the front face of the
cabinet frame to make sure the doors and visible parts of the cabinet
match. Re-facing the frame is where problems usually occur. If the laminate
shifts or peels away, an unattractive seam shows. This is most typical
complaint among re-facing clients.
Another reason not to re-face is cost. The most expensive part - about
70% of a cabinet’s cost - is the door. Consider this, if you are
already paying for most of the cabinet, why not add a little more and upgrade
to
completely new cabinets?
There are many options available in cabinets for every budget. If you are
already committed to spending time, money and effort on remodeling, consider
the value and enjoyment you’ll gain by opting for brand new cabinets.
At MyHome, we provide re-facing service because - on occasion - re-facing
can be a logical choice. Cabinet re-facing is extremely profitable since
very little labor is involved. It’s good business for the re-facing
company but not often the best solution for the homeowner.
|
|
What’s
the better cabinet choice - particleboard or plywood?
This is one of the most frequently asked questions when researching cabinets.
There is a general perception that plywood is better than particleboard
- maybe because plywood has the word “wood “in it. Most people
figure plywood is real wood while particleboard is a cheap imitation. Surprisingly,
in many cases particleboard is a much better option than plywood.
In order to make the best decision; let’s define these two materials.
Plywood is composed of thin sheets of wood glued together. Particleboard
is made of tiny wood particles held together with adhesive. Both are strong,
durable and make a good cabinet. Also, there are different types and grades
of plywood and particleboard. High-density particleboard is stronger and
will last longer than plywood. All wood expands and contracts because of
changes in humidity. Generally, particleboard is more resistant to expansion
and contraction. So in areas with significant changes in humidity – like
New York - particleboard is the better option.
|
|
Is it
a good idea to purchase kitchen cabinets at Ikea?
We love Ikea. The Scandinavian design is beautiful and the prices are too
good to be true. It’s a great place to research European design
ideas. Here’s how Ikea works: Ikea is a high volume retailer offering
low priced European-style kitchens. All Ikea products are manufactured
in Sweden and shipped to the U.S. To keep shipping costs low, all items
are shipped and sold disassembled and the buyer must assemble the cabinets.
This works well with tables or bookcases, but is very problematic with
kitchens.
Imagine purchasing a kitchen consisting of 10 cabinets. If you receive
10 assembled cabinets, all you have to do is install them. However, Ikea
kitchens come in hundreds – even thousands - of pieces and there
is a chance at least one piece will be missing. In addition, the assembly
process takes time – which will be more costly if you are paying
for labor. Another issue is the strength of the cabinet. A cabinet assembled
on the job site will never be as strong and precise as a cabinet manufactured
in a factory. In addition, Ikea uses very low-density particleboard. If
you need to re-drill or nail the cabinet in the future, there is a good
chance the low- density material will crumble.
|
|
Is Home
Depot a good source for purchasing kitchen cabinetry?
Home depot is a great source. The huge stores are very convenient with
everything found under one roof. Also, Home Depot’s prices are
known to be the best in the market. This is not true, however, with kitchen cabinets. Actually, Home Depot’s kitchen cabinet prices are very
similar to those of smaller kitchen cabinet dealers. Home Depot has
shown tremendous success as a high volume, low priced retailer but if
you are looking for personalized, high quality service, that’s
not where Home Depot shines.
The most common complaint of Home Depot customers is that “you are
on your own.” No one devotes time to your project - helping you understand,
plan, design, price and make the best choices. To keep costs low and prices
very competitive, Home Depot’s service must remain basic. Stores
are generally understaffed and most employees are not trained designers
or contractors.
|
|
Is it
a good idea to install wood flooring in the kitchen?
Wood flooring is not usually recommended for kitchens. That said, it’s
still a very popular choice. If it works visually, go ahead and use it
- especially if you are opening the kitchen into an adjacent space with
wood flooring. Generally, designers choose other materials over wood because
of both the “wear and tear factor” and possible exposure to
water damage. Because the kitchen is a high traffic area, the finish will
wear off a wood floor more quickly than in other low traffic parts of your
home and will need to be refinished periodically. Also, because there is
plumbing in a kitchen, wood floors are at risk for water damage. A tile
floor is more resistant to leaks and humidity.
|
|
I have
a “popcorn” ceiling. Is it possible to make it
smooth? Is it a good idea?
Popcorn ceilings are usually made of stucco or sand paint. This technique
was used on construction during the ‘70’s and ’80’s
for the purpose of hiding imperfections in concrete slab ceilings that
were never 100% level. In some cases, chunks of these ceiling are beginning
to crumble. When repairing a popcorn ceiling, it’s nearly impossible
to make the repair invisible.
There are two ways to make these ceiling smooth. One is to scrape and skim
coat. This requires more work but will not affect the ceiling height. The
second way is to frame and Sheetrock the ceiling. This technique is faster,
but will drop the ceiling height by at least a couple of inches. In some
cases, it may be an advantage because new framing will allow you to run
wiring for ceiling light fixtures or speakers. Wiring through concrete
slab ceilings can be very challenging. In addition, some buildings do not
permit running wiring in concrete slab ceilings. Changing a “popcorn” ceiling
to a smooth surface ceiling is a popular trend. Not only does it allow
for better wiring, it also makes the space look cleaner, larger and less
dated. |
|
