Archive for March, 2008

Kitchen Remodel Steps

I know we’ve been talking about this for a while, but we are finally really knee-deep into the process of remodeling our kitchen.  I’ll post about each step individually in more detail, but for now, I wanted to post a list of all the steps we’ve been taking and still need to complete in order [...]

I know we’ve been talking about this for a while, but we are finally really knee-deep into the process of remodeling our kitchen.  I’ll post about each step individually in more detail, but for now, I wanted to post a list of all the steps we’ve been taking and still need to complete in order to finish this entire project! It definitely takes a lot of time and energy, but I know it will be worth it.

1. First of all, we had to come up with a kitchen design.

2. Pick out kitchen cabinets. The hardware can essentially come later, but needs to be done at some point too.

3. Buy new appliances. This needs to be done in order to measure correctly for the cabinetry.

4. Find contractor(s). J and I are working as the general contractors, but we needed to find people to do the actual work. I wrote about this step here.

5. We figured since we would be replacing our cabinets with taller ones that go up to the ceiling, we needed to scrape the popcorn off the ceilings and of course repaint.

6. Pick out granite for the counter tops.

7. Pick out tile back splash.

8. Choose new sink and faucet. We are going to keep our current garbage disposal and let it run it’s course.
9. Decide on whether or not we are getting new lighting fixtures and get an electrician for some other minor electrical changes.

10.  Speak with phone company to see about adding a new phone jack. We changed things when doing the design and need to make sure that what we planned will actually work.
11.  Empty all of the current kitchen cabinets to get ready for demolition. What a job!!!

12. DEMOLITION

13. Install the new cabinets, reconnect all of the appliances, sink and counter top installation.

14. Putting it all back together……..

Stay tuned for photos and updates.

Questions To Ask Contractor And His References

 We are currently in the market for a contractor to install our new kitchen cabinets. We have looked up different contractors on Angie’s List and Craigslist. I prefer Angie’s List since it is legitimate. People need to pay for their listings. They are based on a rating system and are reviewed by customers. Anyone can [...]

 We are currently in the market for a contractor to install our new kitchen cabinets. We have looked up different contractors on Angie’s List and Craigslist. I prefer Angie’s List since it is legitimate. People need to pay for their listings. They are based on a rating system and are reviewed by customers. Anyone can place an ad on Craigslist and it’s up to you to make sure they are legit.  We are speaking with people from both lists and getting estimates. One major thing I intent on doing is asking for and speaking to references.  I’ve come up with a list of questions to ask the contractors and their references.

To ask contractor:

Does your company carry workers compensation and liability insurance?

Are you licensed and registered with the state?

Do you give written warranties?

How long have you been in business?

To which professional associations do you belong?

To ask references:

Were you able to communicate well with the contractor?

Were you happy with the job?

Did the crew show up on time? Were they pleasant?

Was the project completed on schedule?

Were there unexpected expenses?

Would you use the contractor again and refer them to others?

Did workers clean up after finishing the job?

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I know many people suggest asking to see a finished project that the contractor has done, but I’m not sure how I feel about going to someone’s house and seeing their kitchen? I suppose it is the only real way to get a feel for the quality of work, since quality is relative and you really do need to see for yourself to decide if it is up to par.

What do you think? Would you mind having strangers come to your house to check out the work that a contractor did? Can you think of any questions I’m missing?