Frequently Asked Questions

In what order are installations, materials, etc. put in and torn out.

After you've made all of your choices and have the installation specifications for the products and materials you will use, you will need to discuss the schedule with your designer and/or contractor. They will change the installation order based on the lead times and specifications on various materials.

A typical schedule would start with a complete tear-out, any structural modifications, installation of windows and doors, plumbing modifications, electrical modifications, drywall, tape and texture, painting, floor and underlayment (particle board), cabinet installation, countertops, plumbing and electrical top-out, floor covering installation and appliance installation, followed by a grand dinner party.

How much does a new or remodeled kitchen cost?

Room size, floor plan, product choices and amount of labor required all affect the costs. If you're starting from scratch, the project obviously will cost more than if you just replace a few items. However, a remodeled kitchen can cost more than a new one if it involves major structural change or unpleasant surprises such as asbestos.

Like a car or clothing, kitchens can cost $5,000, $50,000 or $150,000. You can keep the price down by making affordable product choices—vinyl flooring instead of tile, laminate counters instead of granite—or by doing work yourself.

How should I set my budget?

Your goals for the project will set the pace for your budget. You’ll want to tip toward the lower-priced end, for example, if you’re just looking to refresh your current space for resale. But if you’re after your dream kitchen in a home where you plan to stay for a while, you’ll want to invest more.

A rule of thumb says your kitchen should represent 10 percent to 20 percent of the fair-market value of your home. So if your home would sell for about $300,000, then spend between $30,000 and $60,000 on your kitchen improvements. If you spend less than 10%, then the kitchen won’t meet potential buyers’ expectations. If you spend more than 20%, then you’re less likely to make your money back at resale.

What will I get for my money on a kitchen remodel? What return on investment can I expect from my kitchen remodel?

Less than you could a year ago, unfortunately, and that goes for both questions. Forget the quick flip—you're not likely to get a 100 percent or more return on a kitchen unless you hang on to the home for at least a year afterward.

Both costs and return on investment vary depending on where and how you spend your dollars and the strength of the local housing market. However, the annual Cost vs. Value Report—a joint study done by the National Association of Realtors—provides some national averages.

Minor Kitchen Remodel, Mid-Range
The 2006 report puts the national average price of a mid-range minor kitchen remodel at $17,928, averaging a return of 85.2 percent a year later. The 200-square-foot kitchen includes: refacing 30 linear feet of cabinetry with new wood doors, drawers and hardware; new laminate counters; new resilient flooring; an energy-efficient wall oven and cooktop; a new mid-priced sink and faucet; wall covering; and new paint on trim.

Major Kitchen Remodel, Mid-Range
A major kitchen remodel at a mid-range price will run an average of $54,421, according to the report. A year later, you can expect to recoup 80.4 percent of that. The 200-square-foot kitchen includes: a new 3-by-5-foot island; 30 linear feet of semi-custom wood cabinets and laminate countertops; a double-bowl stainless-steel sink with single-lever faucet, an energy-efficient wall oven, cooktop, ventilation system, built-in microwave, dishwasher and garbage disposal; custom lighting; new resilient flooring; and new paint job for the walls, trim and ceiling.

Major Kitchen Remodel, Upscale
Price tag: $107,973, according to the report, with an ROI of 75.9 percent. The 200-square-foot kitchen includes: 30 linear feet of custom cherry cabinets with interior accessories; natural stone counters; a tile backsplash; a built-in refrigerator, cooktop, 36-inch range and hood, warming drawer, trash compactor and microwave/convection oven; an undermount sink; designer faucets; water filtration system; custom lighting; cork flooring; and cherry trim.

What Affects My Costs?

The products and materials you choose will have the greatest impact on your new kitchen’s price tag. Cabinets typically account for half the cost. Installation and labor costs (which vary most by geography) take up the next biggest chunk—about 16 percent—followed by the costs of other major design elements.

So what then affects the cost of the products and materials?

How Can I Keep My Costs Down?

Be ready to make a compromise here and there.
Here’s a guide to a few lower-priced substitutions
that will give you a look similar to pricier materials.

Plan to do some of the work yourself.

The National Kitchen and Bath Association recommends that do-it-yourselfers tackle:

• Tearing out the old cabinets
• Taking up the old vinyl flooring
• Handling trash removal during construction
• Painting or wallpapering

But seek professionals for:

• Plumbing and electrical work
• Appliance hookups
• Installing new cabinets

Put some of the architectural details and other accents on hold until you’ve chosen—and paid for—the less optional elements, such as the appliances. You can add the special touches later.

Distinguish between your needs and your wants. Start with the following checklist. Check all those that need replacing or that you simply can’t live without.

The National Association of the Remodeling Industry offers these cost-saving tips:

• Save 10 percent to 20 percent of your budget for unforeseen costs.
• Reuse existing appliances.
• Keep the same kitchen layout.
• Choose neutral colors and standard options.
• Use the existing floor or choose a less expensive option such as vinyl or laminate.
• Forego special interior cabinet accessories.
• Choose simple trim and mouldings or none at all.
• Use stenciling on the backsplash instead of tile.
• Choose laminate countertops dressed up with a wood or tile trim.

Costs that can creep up on you include:

• The need to upgrade the electrical service panel
• Termites or carpenter ants in the walls, floor, or windows
• Leaks in the walls from bad plumbing
• Structural problems that need to be repaired
• Rotten window frames
• Damage to adjoining rooms during construction
• Load-bearing walls knocked out by mistake
• Improper insulation
• Asbestos removal

What is the difference among stock, semi-custom and custom cabinets?

These are the three basic types of cabinet construction. Stock cabinets are constructed prior to purchase, come in standard sizes and are typically the most affordable. Expect limited wood species, door styles, accessories and finishes. They are usually available within one week of being ordered.

A step up from stock, semi-custom cabinets have more sizing options and a wider range of door, finish, and wood selections. They also cost more. Expect to wait at least one month for delivery.

Custom cabinets are either made by a custom manufacturer or by a local woodworking shop. They come in any shape, size, material or finish your designer can dream up. Custom is typically the most expensive type of cabinetry and usually takes at least six to 10 weeks to deliver.

When do we require payment for your order?

At the time of signing your contract, we require: 50% deposit of the contract amount, 40% upon delivery, 10% upon completion. We do accept checks or money orders. Unfortunately at this time we don’t accept credit cards or do any financing.