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Homeowners usually stop into the design studio to not only browse our displays but also to have preliminary discussions about their specific project. We take the time to find out what styles draw their attention, which features appeal to them, and what their reasons are for remodeling their kitchen.
Within a week of our initial contact, we will schedule a consultation in your home. This gives us a chance to have homeowner and designer in the same room at the same time. During this consultation we will not only take measurements of the space, but more importantly, we take the time to sit down and delve deeply into the family's lifestyle (from cooking and entertaining style to storage needs to non-food activities that take place in the kitchen area: homework, computers, hobbies, family scheduling), their long-term plans for the home, the aesthetic style desired, and the budget for the project. We get to know as much as possible about the family and space as possible. The consultation usually will take one to two hours.
Once the consultation is completed we get to work designing the kitchen. We work hard to assemble the most efficient, ergonomic, and aesthetically pleasing space possible within the budget the homeowner desires. Sometimes research is required to fulfill unusual requests. We like that. Unusual requests mean the client has the opportunity to put their own stamp on the project. Designing a space can be as quick as a few days, but more likely it will take a couple of weeks.
Once the design is assembled, we sit down with the clients in our design studio to evaluate the design. We go over storage, convenience accessories, doorstyles, finishes, counter top materials, plumbing fixtures, appliances, and anything else that is necessary to achieve the final results you are after.
It is rare that the original design survives unchanged. Things that sound good in theory may not turn out like the clients expected. The consultation & design process often spark more discussions among clients that alter their requests and needs. Appliance selections can shift, requiring design tweaks. No matter what, we rarely hit the nail completely on the head the first time. Generally it's fine-tuning, not wholesale modifications we are dealing with. Depending on the number of items, refining the design can take another week or two.
During this time, we also confer with our remodeling partners (contractors, plumbers, electricians, etc.) so they can understand the scope of the project.
Once all of the refining is complete and you have met with our remodeling partners for their portion of the project, we sign an agreement listing the materials selected, responsibilities of each party, and the timeline for installation. When an agreement is signed, a deposit is collected by us - to order materials and secure the installation schedule.
Materials are ordered specifically for your project. Cabinetry will generally take the most time before delivery. From the time an agreement is signed, to the time an installation commences can range from 4 - 16 weeks (8-12 weeks being most typical). The type of materials selected, availability of our remodeling partners, and our installation schedule itself are the variables that will determine the length of this portion.
(make sure you read "The Kitchen Remodeling Survival Guide" in the reference section)
Once all the materials are secured, installation will begin. When cabinets are delivered to your home, we will collect a second payment on our agreement. From the time we first swing a hammer, to the time we are completely out of your hair, can be as short as a week and as long as several months - depending on the size and scope of the project. Our average kitchen remodeling project is completed in 6-8 weeks.
Generally, the counter tops are installed near the end of the project. Once counter tops are in, we collected the final payment remaining in our agreement.
You will have life-long enjoyment working, entertaining, and living in your new space.
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