Finally the day has come for you to find who you want to award your Kitchen or Bath project too.
Where do you start? How do you compare when there is so much you do not know? Who is the best choice for you? Who can you trust? So many critical questions! This is daunting because it is probably one of the most stressful times you and your family will endure together. It is also changing your biggest portfolio item, your home. This is the house and property you count on to appreciate and secure your future. The choice you make has everything riding on it.
The hard truth that can lead to either being thrilled with your project, or feeling frustrated , possibly ripped off, is hidden to most. When you begin your research and walk into various showrooms all the kitchen cabinet displays look great. In fact, they look very similar. It is hard to understand why the same size and shape kitchen can vary in price dramatically. The confusion is on purpose. It is called PR and Marketing. Let me help you translate the hidden differences. Hopefully in the process I will educate you about the best choice of cabinet lines and construction professionals for your specific need. You may find different places meet different needs. You may have improvement projects over the years for properties you own and live in. It is possible that you may need a Design Build contractor for one of the projects, yet on another a big box retailer's level of product and project management might be fine for another. Lets explore the differences.
There is a niche for every customer and every cabinet retailer. Everyone has a different need and taste to fulfill their expectations. Thus, there is plenty of business for every level and type of Kitchen and Bath retailer.
I frequent Big Box stores myself such as Lowes and Home Depot. They are so convenient, aren't they? They play an important role in taking care of homeowners wanting to update and improve their entire home. They also offer remodeling kitchens and baths. There are some important distinctions to consider.
Let's compare the details in product, design, service, project management and the security of your home and family during any project you may be interested in. We will begin with Products in this post.
Products:
I would choose to purchase cabinets in a Big Box Retailer if I were an investor in rental properties.
Landlords need to spend money to repair, replace, and update their income properties on a regular basis. Stock cabinets available in Lowes and Home Depot are perfect for this application. They tend to stock the same cabinet in common sizes in four to six selections of wood species and finishes year after year. If a tenant damages one of the cabinets, it is not to difficult to pick up a replacement.
Another application that makes sense is investors who flip houses and want to maximize their profit. This can be tricky but it makes sense to get the best "Wow Factor" with the least investment. After all, this is not your home. You are not going to live there. Your goal is to make it as appealing as possible for the least amount of money. The cabinet lines available in Big Box retailers are equivalent to "Contractor Grade" cabinets sold to most new home builders. These cabinets are not custom cabinetry. They are limited in sizes and attributes that are readily available in truly semi custom or real custom cabinets. Here at Apple Wood, we have this lower level cabinetry available,
for our new home builder customers building "Spec " houses to sell. Rarely are our normal home owner customers wanting to limit themselves to these basic choices.
Big Box Retailers cabinetry lines, even name brands are manufactured differently than the product the same company manufactures for privately owned Design Build firms or Mom and Pop showrooms. Why? In the home improvement business it is common knowledge that every major manufacturer of products sold in big box stores has a "knock off" level of product built to lower standards than the original higher end product being copied. This is the reason you may find a faucet, a light fixture, a cabinet, flooring, and any other component to improving your property that appears like the same one you see being much more expensive in a private business showroom.
They look the same. However, the manufacturing standards are not the same. Big box stores leverage the power of volume sales to negotiate lower cost. That often translates into being made with lower standards and cheaper parts.
In cabinetry the knock offs may have lower standard cabinet box and drawer construction. The joint
construction of the doors may not be as tight and strong. They may not hold up to use, especially with young children. The matching of grains in the wood stave's that make up the doors may be much more random than a better cabinet lines doors would be. Higher end cabinet lines spend time and money to hire specialists who pay attention to such details. The finishing steps may also be less. There are many steps to the smooth strong finish that resists scratches, fading or the surface becoming dull prematurely.
Although it is possible to do some modifications on cabinets lines designed and sold in Lowes and Home Depot, they are very limited. If you want taller wall cabinets, you will still be limited to heights of 36 to 42 inches. Truly custom lines often range from 30 to 60 , even 72 inches.
There are so many considerations that translate in to your satisfaction over the years as you live, cook, and eat in you new kitchen.
See what I mean? Were you aware of these facts? Next week I will post about the human element.
Anywhere you select to help you with your projects, you will need to work with a designer/sales person and a project management team. Who you choose is crucial!
Please don't lose any sleep over all this, we are here it help you!
Friday, December 4, 2015
Monday, November 23, 2015
The Privately Owned Kitchen Bath Showroom Retailer Option
I love how beginning to write each post happens when an idea pops in my head. Hopefully it touches on a topic you are curious about or need to consider. Sometimes these posts are rapid fire and completed in one sitting. More often, they develop over a few sessions of writing. Once in a while, my original idea gets tweaked by an unexpected event or visit from one of our clients. That is what happened yesterday. I am so excited about the feedback this client shared, I must pass it on to you.
We all know how thrilling positive feedback can be. Who does not love and appreciate being admired and complimented? Both are huge coming from a customer or professional that happens to be involved in a project with us. Receiving feedback from someone happy with our approach to remodeling and building makes everything we do worth every effort!
Lenny Santosuosso, our owner and craftsman extraordinaire, is a perfectionist who does everything the right way the first time. Yes, many claim this. However, Building Inspectors see every builder's
final results. To be complemented and referred by a peer in the industry, such as an inspector, is the top compliment any building professional can receive.
Yesterday, while I was writing the following paragraphs, a couple came in. They awarded numerous outside home improvements to us this past year. Being thrilled with the results, they are beginning to remodel the interior of their home. They mentioned, Lenny is the only professional they would hire.
That peaked my interest to inquire for details.
In the conversation, I asked if they were the couple a building inspector had commented to a few weeks ago? " Maybe, what did they say?", she asked. I answered, "Oh, some inspector commented to our client that, "Yes this is Lenny's job, I can always tell because his jobs are perfect." He went on to say, " Lenny's excellent work is so well known, it is tempting to sign off without actually going out to do the on site inspection. However, we must go out to see it with our own eyes. As I expected, once again, he did everything right."
The gracious lady and her husband nodded in agreement. However, she said "No that was not us or our project. Ours was with another building inspector who commented, " Lenny's work is impeccable! When I inspect Lenny's projects, every requirement is met, not one single building requirement is missing. That is important to me personally. My daughter is looking for the best builder for her home project. Lenny is who I will recommend!"
Why am I passing this on? Well, obviously sharing such feedback may help you make a decision to choose Apple Wood. However, it is more than that. In this newest series of posts, I sincerely want to help all property owners understand the possible solutions, best options, the distinctions, and differences that exist in the wide range of choices available to you in the building/remodeling industry. Success IS in the details. Being detailed oriented and committed to excellence is important. It translates into monetary gains or losses.
Last week we shared the top level of building remodeling professionals, Design Build Construction
and Remodeling Contractors. This category represents the best choice to insure true in house craftsmanship with the lowest concern for potential problems. Please review that post. It explains the advantages of Design Build ( soup to nuts) construction. Everything in your project is handled and supplied directly through the firms design and construction team.
The next or second option just below this top level is working with a local privately owned or "Mom and Pop" kitchen/bath retailer. There are many highly experienced excellent choices in this category.
Some may imitate true Design Build firms. It depends on their approach to handling the various phases of your remodel.
At times, simple replacement of cabinets into the same footprint is all a client is interested in accomplishing. If that is so, the design process is simplified. New cabinets that are the same size and configuration are simple to order and install. I would recommend new flooring, sinks, counters, plumbing fixtures, faucets, and also windows be updated as well. The moment you replace the old cabinets with new ones, anything original is going to look outdated and worn by contrast. Most Kitchen/Bath retailers can provide a hand drawn or computer generated design showing the new cabinet details.
Mom and Pop Kitchen/Bath retailers typically offer low to mid range prefab or semi custom cabinetry lines. Some with established clients, from years of experience, also attract truly custom built cabinet lines. The differences in the various levels is pronounced and a topic for a future blog post.
So how does this one step down from Design Build compare? What is the primary difference in results you can expect? Primarily, a direct company employee build team is not part of their business. This fact is key! It is directly connected to the overall satisfaction experienced by clients in and after the project is completed.
Installations and selections of the other components needed in the overall project may not be handled by the designer you are familiar with and trust. The designer /or owner subcontract with carpenters and installers. It is possible these professionals are excellent. It is also possible they are just people who think they know how to fix things or have limited carpenter skills. It is important to note; they are not actually employed by the showroom. The showroom owner will give you a list or business cards. It is your responsibility to contact these people and hire them yourself. They are sub contractors. What does this mean? Well, in the event you have any issues during or after the project, you will need to run down numerous people rather than make one call to your Design Build Firm. Getting what you pay for is very evident when you compare these two options.
Let me remind you of the many sides of remodeling:
1. It is an enjoyable adventure to realize your dream home coming into reality.
2. Even with the best team, there will be stressful days and times
3. The peace of having one person you contact responsible for everything is worth every penny
4. You must do your due diligence to research anyone you invite into your home to improve it!
5. Do not sign a contract or give any deposits without referrals and confirming the person has
a stellar reputation
When you select to work with a retailer who requires you to line up your own subs, be aware of the following. The process of very important selections for your flooring, plumbing fixtures, faucets, sinks, lighting, and electrical are up to you. When the designer/retailer gives referrals, you make all the effort without the help of the one professional who can coordinate everything perfectly for you.
Timeliness from beginning to end is key for client satisfaction. It is important you realize remodeling requires a logical step by step process to stay on task with completion and consistency. Every part depends on how efficiently, correctly, and promptly the previous steps were handled. If one sub contractor is not thorough or is slow, the entire project is halted until they catch up. When you are living in your home waiting for access to electrical, plumbing, or cabinetry that is delayed it is very irritating. The normal level of stress expected in a remodeling project can be multiplied greatly.
To end this post on a positive note I want to say, this approach is perfect for homeowners who love the process of being their own designer and planner. Hands on can be a true joy for those with the talent and skill to oversee their own project. Choosing all the components is exciting for them, if they have the talent and ability to select everything that truly complements the cabinet design and style. In that case, it can be a perfect fit. Often, however, it is overwhelming and the end result is disappointing with too many conflicting design components. A remodeling project is filled with more choices that need to be made than most are prepared to consider. You may find dealing with all the individual details daunting.
As always we are here to help you. Truthfully, the little more you will pay for the peace of mind of having one contact to be your Project Manager is worth every penny. We can help you discover what works best for you. We have numerous satisfied clients that will attest to trusting their home and dream project to us who will never award any remodeling or building job to just any Kitchen or Bath Retailer.
We all know how thrilling positive feedback can be. Who does not love and appreciate being admired and complimented? Both are huge coming from a customer or professional that happens to be involved in a project with us. Receiving feedback from someone happy with our approach to remodeling and building makes everything we do worth every effort!
Lenny Santosuosso, our owner and craftsman extraordinaire, is a perfectionist who does everything the right way the first time. Yes, many claim this. However, Building Inspectors see every builder's
final results. To be complemented and referred by a peer in the industry, such as an inspector, is the top compliment any building professional can receive.
Yesterday, while I was writing the following paragraphs, a couple came in. They awarded numerous outside home improvements to us this past year. Being thrilled with the results, they are beginning to remodel the interior of their home. They mentioned, Lenny is the only professional they would hire.
That peaked my interest to inquire for details.
In the conversation, I asked if they were the couple a building inspector had commented to a few weeks ago? " Maybe, what did they say?", she asked. I answered, "Oh, some inspector commented to our client that, "Yes this is Lenny's job, I can always tell because his jobs are perfect." He went on to say, " Lenny's excellent work is so well known, it is tempting to sign off without actually going out to do the on site inspection. However, we must go out to see it with our own eyes. As I expected, once again, he did everything right."
The gracious lady and her husband nodded in agreement. However, she said "No that was not us or our project. Ours was with another building inspector who commented, " Lenny's work is impeccable! When I inspect Lenny's projects, every requirement is met, not one single building requirement is missing. That is important to me personally. My daughter is looking for the best builder for her home project. Lenny is who I will recommend!"
Why am I passing this on? Well, obviously sharing such feedback may help you make a decision to choose Apple Wood. However, it is more than that. In this newest series of posts, I sincerely want to help all property owners understand the possible solutions, best options, the distinctions, and differences that exist in the wide range of choices available to you in the building/remodeling industry. Success IS in the details. Being detailed oriented and committed to excellence is important. It translates into monetary gains or losses.
Last week we shared the top level of building remodeling professionals, Design Build Construction
and Remodeling Contractors. This category represents the best choice to insure true in house craftsmanship with the lowest concern for potential problems. Please review that post. It explains the advantages of Design Build ( soup to nuts) construction. Everything in your project is handled and supplied directly through the firms design and construction team.
The next or second option just below this top level is working with a local privately owned or "Mom and Pop" kitchen/bath retailer. There are many highly experienced excellent choices in this category.
Some may imitate true Design Build firms. It depends on their approach to handling the various phases of your remodel.
At times, simple replacement of cabinets into the same footprint is all a client is interested in accomplishing. If that is so, the design process is simplified. New cabinets that are the same size and configuration are simple to order and install. I would recommend new flooring, sinks, counters, plumbing fixtures, faucets, and also windows be updated as well. The moment you replace the old cabinets with new ones, anything original is going to look outdated and worn by contrast. Most Kitchen/Bath retailers can provide a hand drawn or computer generated design showing the new cabinet details.
Mom and Pop Kitchen/Bath retailers typically offer low to mid range prefab or semi custom cabinetry lines. Some with established clients, from years of experience, also attract truly custom built cabinet lines. The differences in the various levels is pronounced and a topic for a future blog post.
So how does this one step down from Design Build compare? What is the primary difference in results you can expect? Primarily, a direct company employee build team is not part of their business. This fact is key! It is directly connected to the overall satisfaction experienced by clients in and after the project is completed.
Installations and selections of the other components needed in the overall project may not be handled by the designer you are familiar with and trust. The designer /or owner subcontract with carpenters and installers. It is possible these professionals are excellent. It is also possible they are just people who think they know how to fix things or have limited carpenter skills. It is important to note; they are not actually employed by the showroom. The showroom owner will give you a list or business cards. It is your responsibility to contact these people and hire them yourself. They are sub contractors. What does this mean? Well, in the event you have any issues during or after the project, you will need to run down numerous people rather than make one call to your Design Build Firm. Getting what you pay for is very evident when you compare these two options.
Let me remind you of the many sides of remodeling:
1. It is an enjoyable adventure to realize your dream home coming into reality.
2. Even with the best team, there will be stressful days and times
3. The peace of having one person you contact responsible for everything is worth every penny
4. You must do your due diligence to research anyone you invite into your home to improve it!
5. Do not sign a contract or give any deposits without referrals and confirming the person has
a stellar reputation
When you select to work with a retailer who requires you to line up your own subs, be aware of the following. The process of very important selections for your flooring, plumbing fixtures, faucets, sinks, lighting, and electrical are up to you. When the designer/retailer gives referrals, you make all the effort without the help of the one professional who can coordinate everything perfectly for you.
Timeliness from beginning to end is key for client satisfaction. It is important you realize remodeling requires a logical step by step process to stay on task with completion and consistency. Every part depends on how efficiently, correctly, and promptly the previous steps were handled. If one sub contractor is not thorough or is slow, the entire project is halted until they catch up. When you are living in your home waiting for access to electrical, plumbing, or cabinetry that is delayed it is very irritating. The normal level of stress expected in a remodeling project can be multiplied greatly.
To end this post on a positive note I want to say, this approach is perfect for homeowners who love the process of being their own designer and planner. Hands on can be a true joy for those with the talent and skill to oversee their own project. Choosing all the components is exciting for them, if they have the talent and ability to select everything that truly complements the cabinet design and style. In that case, it can be a perfect fit. Often, however, it is overwhelming and the end result is disappointing with too many conflicting design components. A remodeling project is filled with more choices that need to be made than most are prepared to consider. You may find dealing with all the individual details daunting.
As always we are here to help you. Truthfully, the little more you will pay for the peace of mind of having one contact to be your Project Manager is worth every penny. We can help you discover what works best for you. We have numerous satisfied clients that will attest to trusting their home and dream project to us who will never award any remodeling or building job to just any Kitchen or Bath Retailer.
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
Design Build Companies
We here at Apple Wood Kitchen and Bath are affiliated with Apple Wood Construction.
As a General Contractor, our scope includes custom home construction and everything that includes. There literally is no residential construction project we cannot tackle.
Lenny Santosuosso literally became a Lead Carpenter as a young man. Apprenticed by his father, Lenny Senior, he literally learned the Kitchen and Bath business from the ground up. Excellence was a priority then and still remains his primary goal now. Lenny insists every project be done "right" and excellently the first time. His references and referral business due to customer satisfaction is well known. The best compliments any contractor can receive comes from their peers. Lenny is praised by licensed inspectors. They say, "if Lenny built it, we know it was done right." The second best referral is from satisfied client's who recommend Apple Wood to their family and friends wanting to remodel or build.
What is Design Build? What are the pros in selecting a professional that has reached this level of expertise?
1. A Design Build Contractor is one stop "soup to nuts" process from the beginning to the end of a
project.
2. The client works only with the Design Build Firm who handles every phase and detail.
3. There is no one handing the client a list of sub contractors to call to hire and install any part of
the project.
4. Design, selection of product, demolition, installation, clean up, and warranty is all handled by one
company, the Design Build firm.
5. A higher level of quality in every phase is key.
We have all read the horror stories of home owners who tried to cut corners, be their own contractor, and coordinate a build team. There is no continuity or team commitment in this scenario. Typically the money "saved" results in spending much more addressing unexpected problems no one wants to even think about, much less deal with.
Is Design Build more expensive? It can be. However, it is a bargain when you consider the peace of mind and the appreciation you will enjoy on your property by hiring a truly professional experienced company.
A firm who has reached the status of being in this select category, is typically well known locally in the industry. Their reputation is built and depends on customer satisfaction and referrals.
Here are some things to consider when it is time to award your project to a building professional.
1. Does the Designer "get" your dream and listen to what you want?
2. Do they respond to your concerns?
3. Have you thought about this fact: Your home, belongings, family, children, and pets are going to
be exposed to whoever you award your project to, for months. Do you trust them? Have you done
your due diligence to be sure they deserve your trust?
4. Do they respect you and your home's interior? Will they protect areas in your home that are
surrounding the project area to minimize dust, noise, etc.?
5. Will they clean up the work area daily and carefully store any products or tools so as to keep your
family safe in the construction process?
6. Do they partner with quality vendors for plumbing fixtures, lighting, cabinet, and counter top
professionals to assure your ability to select the best available to complete your project.
7. Do they follow through with what they promise?
This is one of the most thrilling experiences of home ownership. It has great creative fun times. It also has many challenges and seasons of inconvenience. Who you select to work with truly makes a difference. Getting referrals is extremely important.
"You get what you pay for!" That is true in the Building and Remodeling world. Sometimes, we have waited so long for our dream home, we can want it done "NOW" for the cheapest price possible. Often, cutting corners creates more stress and problems than working with a true competitive experienced professional from the beginning. When everything is considered, you will be happy you awarded your project to the best, a Design Build contractor.
Please come talk to us. You will be pleasantly surprised!
As a General Contractor, our scope includes custom home construction and everything that includes. There literally is no residential construction project we cannot tackle.
Lenny Santosuosso literally became a Lead Carpenter as a young man. Apprenticed by his father, Lenny Senior, he literally learned the Kitchen and Bath business from the ground up. Excellence was a priority then and still remains his primary goal now. Lenny insists every project be done "right" and excellently the first time. His references and referral business due to customer satisfaction is well known. The best compliments any contractor can receive comes from their peers. Lenny is praised by licensed inspectors. They say, "if Lenny built it, we know it was done right." The second best referral is from satisfied client's who recommend Apple Wood to their family and friends wanting to remodel or build.
What is Design Build? What are the pros in selecting a professional that has reached this level of expertise?
1. A Design Build Contractor is one stop "soup to nuts" process from the beginning to the end of a
project.
2. The client works only with the Design Build Firm who handles every phase and detail.
3. There is no one handing the client a list of sub contractors to call to hire and install any part of
the project.
4. Design, selection of product, demolition, installation, clean up, and warranty is all handled by one
company, the Design Build firm.
5. A higher level of quality in every phase is key.
We have all read the horror stories of home owners who tried to cut corners, be their own contractor, and coordinate a build team. There is no continuity or team commitment in this scenario. Typically the money "saved" results in spending much more addressing unexpected problems no one wants to even think about, much less deal with.
Is Design Build more expensive? It can be. However, it is a bargain when you consider the peace of mind and the appreciation you will enjoy on your property by hiring a truly professional experienced company.
A firm who has reached the status of being in this select category, is typically well known locally in the industry. Their reputation is built and depends on customer satisfaction and referrals.
Here are some things to consider when it is time to award your project to a building professional.
1. Does the Designer "get" your dream and listen to what you want?
2. Do they respond to your concerns?
3. Have you thought about this fact: Your home, belongings, family, children, and pets are going to
be exposed to whoever you award your project to, for months. Do you trust them? Have you done
your due diligence to be sure they deserve your trust?
4. Do they respect you and your home's interior? Will they protect areas in your home that are
surrounding the project area to minimize dust, noise, etc.?
5. Will they clean up the work area daily and carefully store any products or tools so as to keep your
family safe in the construction process?
6. Do they partner with quality vendors for plumbing fixtures, lighting, cabinet, and counter top
professionals to assure your ability to select the best available to complete your project.
7. Do they follow through with what they promise?
This is one of the most thrilling experiences of home ownership. It has great creative fun times. It also has many challenges and seasons of inconvenience. Who you select to work with truly makes a difference. Getting referrals is extremely important.
"You get what you pay for!" That is true in the Building and Remodeling world. Sometimes, we have waited so long for our dream home, we can want it done "NOW" for the cheapest price possible. Often, cutting corners creates more stress and problems than working with a true competitive experienced professional from the beginning. When everything is considered, you will be happy you awarded your project to the best, a Design Build contractor.
Please come talk to us. You will be pleasantly surprised!
Tuesday, November 3, 2015
Basic Critical Decisions
How is the average homeowner to decide the best remodeling contractor possible to award their project to? How can they insure true satisfaction for years to come? Generally, talking to friends and family about their projects helps answer most of their questions. However, there are many options out there. Everyone has positive and negative things to consider.
All homeowners considering a project have the following check list looking for:
1. A designer who"gets" your taste and honors what is important to you
2. A licensed, experienced, and insured professional
3. A team that can be trusted in your property, around your family, and with your pets
4. A professional who can be depended on to do it right the first time in a timely manner
5. The best contractor and product for the best price point
6. A professional who knows their product to guide in important selections
Did you realize all these important issues have to be considered before you begin? This is an excellent juncture to discuss what options are out there, so you understand why selecting the best contractor or remodeling professional to award your project to is critical. We have all heard the horror stories of folks who acted too quickly in their decision process. They may sign a contract before spending the time and due diligence to make important comparisons. That can be a big mistake.
Referrals truly are a great place to start. Finding a professional who has a high percentage of referral business is very wise. They value being considered excellent enough that their clients would only work with them or only refer them to the people they care most about. It sounds logical! Yet, surprisingly naive homeowners can be fooled and pay the price of spending lots of time and money that leads to disappointment or worse,actual harm to their property.
New England is unique. Since we are where America began, we enjoy the charm of original historical homes as well as newer construction. The good news is customer's have multiple choices between companies to consider for their project. There is lots of competition which , again , is good for customers. However, this truth boils down to the trite comment "comparing apples to apples".
Great confusion exits in comparing services and products from the myriad wealth of possibilities.
Let's realistically consider the categories of professionals you can choose from. Many remodeling needs present themselves. Each category of professionals may have a focus that can prove be the right fit for individual clients. The following suggestions take all that into consideration. Let's be realistic, positive, and truthful as I inform you of your choices.
A novice can easily become confused immediately just trying to decide which of the following contracting professionals is best for their project:
1. Design Build Company
2. Big Box Retailer
3. Hardware Store Kitchen Department
4. Local Neighborhood Handyman / Carpenter
5. Neighborhood Kitchen and Bath showroom
6. General Contractor
Let's define the pro's and cons as we compare the distinctions in these possibilities. Being in the business for twenty years, I have been a designer and sales professional in many categories in the remodeling industry. I have experienced personally the pros and cons of each of the categories. I've witnessed great results as well as needed to rescue very disappointed people who trusted the wrong company. Check in next week. I will define the distinctions in each of these categories.
All homeowners considering a project have the following check list looking for:
1. A designer who"gets" your taste and honors what is important to you
2. A licensed, experienced, and insured professional
3. A team that can be trusted in your property, around your family, and with your pets
4. A professional who can be depended on to do it right the first time in a timely manner
5. The best contractor and product for the best price point
6. A professional who knows their product to guide in important selections
Did you realize all these important issues have to be considered before you begin? This is an excellent juncture to discuss what options are out there, so you understand why selecting the best contractor or remodeling professional to award your project to is critical. We have all heard the horror stories of folks who acted too quickly in their decision process. They may sign a contract before spending the time and due diligence to make important comparisons. That can be a big mistake.
Referrals truly are a great place to start. Finding a professional who has a high percentage of referral business is very wise. They value being considered excellent enough that their clients would only work with them or only refer them to the people they care most about. It sounds logical! Yet, surprisingly naive homeowners can be fooled and pay the price of spending lots of time and money that leads to disappointment or worse,actual harm to their property.
New England is unique. Since we are where America began, we enjoy the charm of original historical homes as well as newer construction. The good news is customer's have multiple choices between companies to consider for their project. There is lots of competition which , again , is good for customers. However, this truth boils down to the trite comment "comparing apples to apples".
Great confusion exits in comparing services and products from the myriad wealth of possibilities.
Let's realistically consider the categories of professionals you can choose from. Many remodeling needs present themselves. Each category of professionals may have a focus that can prove be the right fit for individual clients. The following suggestions take all that into consideration. Let's be realistic, positive, and truthful as I inform you of your choices.
A novice can easily become confused immediately just trying to decide which of the following contracting professionals is best for their project:
1. Design Build Company
2. Big Box Retailer
3. Hardware Store Kitchen Department
4. Local Neighborhood Handyman / Carpenter
5. Neighborhood Kitchen and Bath showroom
6. General Contractor
Let's define the pro's and cons as we compare the distinctions in these possibilities. Being in the business for twenty years, I have been a designer and sales professional in many categories in the remodeling industry. I have experienced personally the pros and cons of each of the categories. I've witnessed great results as well as needed to rescue very disappointed people who trusted the wrong company. Check in next week. I will define the distinctions in each of these categories.
Friday, October 23, 2015
Choices Choices Choices
It is time to do some review and expand on some information presented these past months in this blog. Remodeling and new construction represent events that can be the most creative and exciting adventure or a disappointing experience. Here at Apple Wood, our commitment is for you and your family to fondly remember your design/ build process as one of your best times filled with memories you will share for decades. Our expertise and years of satisfied clients tells us we have succeeded.
In the excitement surrounding updating our homes, few realize the process is filled with hundreds of options. Each of these options presents a final choice that must be made. Even more important is that these choices need to be completed in a timely fashion to keep the project on target for its completion date. There is a definite deadline for every selection. Women especially get so excited about their new kitchen, bath or addition! They can become truly overwhelmed with all the possibilities. Soon the need to practice some self control to stay on target presents itself. Balancing this fact determines whether the process is going to be enjoyable or filled with stress.
Each appointment in the design and ordering process exposes clients to more than they expected.
It can make people anxious, wondering if they are making the right choice. We tend to seek others opinions because we doubt our own preferences. The people living in the home need to be the final decision makers. Often, asking a friend or relative can cause us to second guess something we felt confident about the day before.The temptation to change our minds is hard to resist. However, constantly rethinking can complicate, confuse, and slow the entire project. That becomes frustrating for everyone involved.
Having choices is fun in so many ways.What woman does not enjoy shopping and discovering possibilities? It also has the potential to bring great confusion into the remodeling process. This is true for the homeowner as well as the Designer/ Contractor they are entrusting their dream project to. An experienced remodeling design professional has helped hundreds of client navigate through the sea of possibilities. Be sure to work with someone who asks and listens to your ideas and dreams. Discovering your hearts desire for your project along with finding who you can confidently work with is the key!. It is critical to trust your designer, sales, and contractor. They will help keep you true to what you discovered is most important to you.
Let's backtrack a few months. Please review some of our blog posts these past months. There is an important suggestion about creating your own Design Folder. It is fun! It is also a critical tool to keep yourself on task. Most people begin looking at pictures of kitchens, homes, baths, additions as they begin their journey. Collecting the pictures and articles they resonate with into their folder will become extremely important! Making final decisions based on what style they discover suits them truly simplifies the process. One of the first assignments we give new clients is to create their Design Folder and keep adding ideas to it. Soon they recognize their personal style and design preferences.
It just develops organically as pictures and articles are added. They begin to notice similarities in the choices made. That discovery reveals their true taste and preferences. Generally , honoring that will result in a project they will love for years to come. It may not be "trendy". It is their personal signature and will ultimately feel like home to them.
Ponder what I have suggested please. Does it make sense to you? In the next few weeks we are going to inform you of the nuances of our industry and answer some questions. Next week, we will begin with an interesting topic. We all know the expression "comparing apple to apples or oranges to oranges."
The general population thinking about remodeling has a few choices in whom they award their project to. We will explain some of the differences between the various venues and companies offering remodeling products and services.
In the excitement surrounding updating our homes, few realize the process is filled with hundreds of options. Each of these options presents a final choice that must be made. Even more important is that these choices need to be completed in a timely fashion to keep the project on target for its completion date. There is a definite deadline for every selection. Women especially get so excited about their new kitchen, bath or addition! They can become truly overwhelmed with all the possibilities. Soon the need to practice some self control to stay on target presents itself. Balancing this fact determines whether the process is going to be enjoyable or filled with stress.
Each appointment in the design and ordering process exposes clients to more than they expected.
It can make people anxious, wondering if they are making the right choice. We tend to seek others opinions because we doubt our own preferences. The people living in the home need to be the final decision makers. Often, asking a friend or relative can cause us to second guess something we felt confident about the day before.The temptation to change our minds is hard to resist. However, constantly rethinking can complicate, confuse, and slow the entire project. That becomes frustrating for everyone involved.
Having choices is fun in so many ways.What woman does not enjoy shopping and discovering possibilities? It also has the potential to bring great confusion into the remodeling process. This is true for the homeowner as well as the Designer/ Contractor they are entrusting their dream project to. An experienced remodeling design professional has helped hundreds of client navigate through the sea of possibilities. Be sure to work with someone who asks and listens to your ideas and dreams. Discovering your hearts desire for your project along with finding who you can confidently work with is the key!. It is critical to trust your designer, sales, and contractor. They will help keep you true to what you discovered is most important to you.
Let's backtrack a few months. Please review some of our blog posts these past months. There is an important suggestion about creating your own Design Folder. It is fun! It is also a critical tool to keep yourself on task. Most people begin looking at pictures of kitchens, homes, baths, additions as they begin their journey. Collecting the pictures and articles they resonate with into their folder will become extremely important! Making final decisions based on what style they discover suits them truly simplifies the process. One of the first assignments we give new clients is to create their Design Folder and keep adding ideas to it. Soon they recognize their personal style and design preferences.
It just develops organically as pictures and articles are added. They begin to notice similarities in the choices made. That discovery reveals their true taste and preferences. Generally , honoring that will result in a project they will love for years to come. It may not be "trendy". It is their personal signature and will ultimately feel like home to them.
Ponder what I have suggested please. Does it make sense to you? In the next few weeks we are going to inform you of the nuances of our industry and answer some questions. Next week, we will begin with an interesting topic. We all know the expression "comparing apple to apples or oranges to oranges."
The general population thinking about remodeling has a few choices in whom they award their project to. We will explain some of the differences between the various venues and companies offering remodeling products and services.
Saturday, October 17, 2015
Unusual to Rare Counter Top Choices
We have covered a wide territory talking about historical products used for counter tops in the past couple of posts. One solution I have not mentioned is laminate, commonly referred to as Formica. It continues to be an option for applications that require keeping costs down. Wilson Art and Formica are the big names competing in the world of laminates. The good news is the upgrades in the past decade or two have launched durable counter tops that mimic popular granite colors and designs.
Laminates are perfect for laundry rooms, bath counter tops, kitchens as well, if the budget is tight. Landlord's and contractors who flip houses select durable laminates often. Perhaps you are planning on adding a new kitchen or just a new counter top to a property you rent to tenants. If so, you want it to be as beautiful and indestructible as possible. Laminate is perfect for this application.
Before we jump off into unknown worlds of surfaces for the work space of your kitchen, let's cover another big market share. Man made quartz products are as beautiful as granite. They are taking over more of the market share now. People love the carefree attributes of quartz products. The positive features of the natural stone, granite, soap stone , and marble are many. Yet their are a few negative features to be considered. Granite and marble can stain or scorch because they are porous. They require sealing at least once a year. Sealing is a simple process yet we often forget how many months have passed by. If you are too busy, a year can roll around pretty quickly.
Quartz to the rescue! It is perfect. Being a combination of quartz, sand, and other elements forged together creates a strong non porous surface. Whichever brand you select: CaesarStone, Cambria, or Viatera, it is available in patterns that look like granite or completely different finishes. However, it will not stain.
Some of the best features for these man made counter surfaces include finishes that are perfect in a sleek contemporary kitchen, to simple mat or "honed" finishes, or flowing granite swirls of color. Being made by man allows another feature that is very well received. In larger applications such as a truly expansive home planning to budget a large amount of square feet for the kitchen, over sized islands are valued highly. Islands become the gathering place in most homes. Family meals and projects gravitate to this beautiful feature. A huge island is the best location for refreshments at a party. Granite, a natural stone, limits the size of slabs. To select granite for a large counter top surface on an over sized island requires two or more slabs to be seamed together. Quartz product manufacturers have solved that dilemma by having larger molds made to create one slab of bigger proportions that do not need seams in an over sized island. Many clients will combine granite on the perimeter cabinets, against the walls, with a complimentary Quartz counter top used for the island, especially if it is featured as a large focal point in the space.
One of the most adventurous kitchens I designed used a contemporary Quartz counter top. It was a city industrial loft converted into a home. All the cabinets were Stainless Steel and thus, very dramatic! The huge windows looked out over Boston's lights at night. The Caesar Stone countertop was a stunning cobalt blue with diamond like flecks of reflective glass. They added a beautiful shimmering quality in the day light. At night that gorgeous finish sparkled like diamonds and was quite the conversation piece for the homeowner. He loved to entertain and his guests felt as if some of Boston's lights cast reflections into his kitchen. That was a fun project!
Green building is common these days as we become more mindful and responsible caring for our environment. Curava recycled glass counter tops are a beautiful new product showing up recently. It is stain resistant like quartz. The non porous surface make Curava very sanitary and easy to clean. Recycled glass combined with resins result in a user and environmentally friendly hard surface that remains beautiful for many years. Glass mixed with resins creates a strong and impervious surface to utilize in kitchens and baths.
Speaking of glass applications. Floating counter tops above the main work surface in island applications made of one inch glass mounted on clear or chrome supports add sophistication to an island. The natural glow of turquoise edge of the glass is stunning. In a natural setting where the home is built around the ocean or a lake, this touch of color and special details repeats the beauty of the water the home's view embraces. Another new application in glass counters has been developed for a true speciality market. Actual jewel colored stones added to a more transparent product have been designed to allow lighting below the counter top to illuminate the slab, adding dimensions and depth unheard of previously in the industry. Very clever and exciting!
That idea opens up new possibilities for true artists that want something extraordinary . Unusual applications of recycled glass or mosaics in a section add the one of a kind look some creative types want. These counter tops can be installed with adhesive, a flat end trowel, and broken pieces of glass, pottery, and tile.Using your imagination and creativity sets your space apart as you create designs and patterns that add a focal point complimentary to your kitchen or bath design and color scheme.
Other truly unusual products that make conversation pieces of your counters are copper, zinc, and stainless steel. Zinc and copper are especially interesting. They stain, they discolor and a unique patina is the result. In fact the more liquid and solid items spilled on them cause a chemical reaction.
The results can be absolutely gorgeous and artistic. Zinc especially starts out dull and very definitely metallic. As time passes, the spills and wear result in a beautiful shimmer , even some iridescence reminding one of a soft pale " abalone shell" swirl of colors. This patina deepens the older the zinc is.
Stainless steel is just that, stainless. It has been used for decades in commercial setting such as restaurants due to its practicality. This sleek sanitary product has enjoyed a spurt of popularity recently. The application of stainless has taken two roads. High rise condominiums in major cities tend to prefer contemporary design, which this product is perfect for. Another application utilized occasionally is as an island. In fact sometimes the Stainless Tables with a lower shelf found in restaurants are sometimes purchased for use in a residence.
Wow, so many choices! It can be overwhelming. Next week we will talk about that!
Laminates are perfect for laundry rooms, bath counter tops, kitchens as well, if the budget is tight. Landlord's and contractors who flip houses select durable laminates often. Perhaps you are planning on adding a new kitchen or just a new counter top to a property you rent to tenants. If so, you want it to be as beautiful and indestructible as possible. Laminate is perfect for this application.
Before we jump off into unknown worlds of surfaces for the work space of your kitchen, let's cover another big market share. Man made quartz products are as beautiful as granite. They are taking over more of the market share now. People love the carefree attributes of quartz products. The positive features of the natural stone, granite, soap stone , and marble are many. Yet their are a few negative features to be considered. Granite and marble can stain or scorch because they are porous. They require sealing at least once a year. Sealing is a simple process yet we often forget how many months have passed by. If you are too busy, a year can roll around pretty quickly.
Quartz to the rescue! It is perfect. Being a combination of quartz, sand, and other elements forged together creates a strong non porous surface. Whichever brand you select: CaesarStone, Cambria, or Viatera, it is available in patterns that look like granite or completely different finishes. However, it will not stain.
Some of the best features for these man made counter surfaces include finishes that are perfect in a sleek contemporary kitchen, to simple mat or "honed" finishes, or flowing granite swirls of color. Being made by man allows another feature that is very well received. In larger applications such as a truly expansive home planning to budget a large amount of square feet for the kitchen, over sized islands are valued highly. Islands become the gathering place in most homes. Family meals and projects gravitate to this beautiful feature. A huge island is the best location for refreshments at a party. Granite, a natural stone, limits the size of slabs. To select granite for a large counter top surface on an over sized island requires two or more slabs to be seamed together. Quartz product manufacturers have solved that dilemma by having larger molds made to create one slab of bigger proportions that do not need seams in an over sized island. Many clients will combine granite on the perimeter cabinets, against the walls, with a complimentary Quartz counter top used for the island, especially if it is featured as a large focal point in the space.
One of the most adventurous kitchens I designed used a contemporary Quartz counter top. It was a city industrial loft converted into a home. All the cabinets were Stainless Steel and thus, very dramatic! The huge windows looked out over Boston's lights at night. The Caesar Stone countertop was a stunning cobalt blue with diamond like flecks of reflective glass. They added a beautiful shimmering quality in the day light. At night that gorgeous finish sparkled like diamonds and was quite the conversation piece for the homeowner. He loved to entertain and his guests felt as if some of Boston's lights cast reflections into his kitchen. That was a fun project!
Green building is common these days as we become more mindful and responsible caring for our environment. Curava recycled glass counter tops are a beautiful new product showing up recently. It is stain resistant like quartz. The non porous surface make Curava very sanitary and easy to clean. Recycled glass combined with resins result in a user and environmentally friendly hard surface that remains beautiful for many years. Glass mixed with resins creates a strong and impervious surface to utilize in kitchens and baths.
Speaking of glass applications. Floating counter tops above the main work surface in island applications made of one inch glass mounted on clear or chrome supports add sophistication to an island. The natural glow of turquoise edge of the glass is stunning. In a natural setting where the home is built around the ocean or a lake, this touch of color and special details repeats the beauty of the water the home's view embraces. Another new application in glass counters has been developed for a true speciality market. Actual jewel colored stones added to a more transparent product have been designed to allow lighting below the counter top to illuminate the slab, adding dimensions and depth unheard of previously in the industry. Very clever and exciting!
That idea opens up new possibilities for true artists that want something extraordinary . Unusual applications of recycled glass or mosaics in a section add the one of a kind look some creative types want. These counter tops can be installed with adhesive, a flat end trowel, and broken pieces of glass, pottery, and tile.Using your imagination and creativity sets your space apart as you create designs and patterns that add a focal point complimentary to your kitchen or bath design and color scheme.
Other truly unusual products that make conversation pieces of your counters are copper, zinc, and stainless steel. Zinc and copper are especially interesting. They stain, they discolor and a unique patina is the result. In fact the more liquid and solid items spilled on them cause a chemical reaction.
The results can be absolutely gorgeous and artistic. Zinc especially starts out dull and very definitely metallic. As time passes, the spills and wear result in a beautiful shimmer , even some iridescence reminding one of a soft pale " abalone shell" swirl of colors. This patina deepens the older the zinc is.
Stainless steel is just that, stainless. It has been used for decades in commercial setting such as restaurants due to its practicality. This sleek sanitary product has enjoyed a spurt of popularity recently. The application of stainless has taken two roads. High rise condominiums in major cities tend to prefer contemporary design, which this product is perfect for. Another application utilized occasionally is as an island. In fact sometimes the Stainless Tables with a lower shelf found in restaurants are sometimes purchased for use in a residence.
Wow, so many choices! It can be overwhelming. Next week we will talk about that!
Friday, October 2, 2015
More Countertop Options ....
Last week I mentioned marble countertops being around for decades. It is true. They have enjoyed fans since America was founded, especially in homes of the wealthy. They also enjoyed commercial success, being popularly used for drug store fountain bar tops throughout America in the 20's through the 50's.
Even the little one street town my grandparents lived in had a long marble counter top where I sat enjoying a float or ice cream sundae. Marbles weakness impacted its success. It did stain and scratch easily and thus, lost its appeal. Ceramic tile counter top options began to take over in the the 1940's and 50's. Solid Surface or Corian began to corner the market following tile.
Cararra Marble is not for everybody because it is a softer stone than granite or quartz. Being softer is an inherent characteristic of the material which is why it is enjoying a renaissance. People who love the nostalgia of Art Nouveau up to Mid Century decor trends prefer marble because it does age and show wear or the distressed look that is so popular right now.
Another favorite of mine is Honed Soapstone. I love this look! It is classy and unique as well as traditional. Soapstone is a soft , non porous, natural stone. Despite it's softness, it is very resilient. It is always a dark shade, nearly black and has a honed or dull finish. It is an excellent heat insulator that cooks absolutely love!
One important point however, is to make sure the Soapstone is of the architectural grade, which is denser that artistic grade is used. A sculpture would use the artistic grade to sculpt a piece of art. It is much too soft for use in a kitchen or bath. Maintaining soapstone is easy to maintain with simple soap and water. It will last for generations. Many clients love to make their soapstone counter top area or sink a focal point of their new kitchen. It blends perfectly with any black and white themed design.
The pictures below of black and gray soapstone display the variations of the product that is typically mined in Vermont or the Appalachians Mountain area of the US. It is also being imported from Brazil now.
Even the little one street town my grandparents lived in had a long marble counter top where I sat enjoying a float or ice cream sundae. Marbles weakness impacted its success. It did stain and scratch easily and thus, lost its appeal. Ceramic tile counter top options began to take over in the the 1940's and 50's. Solid Surface or Corian began to corner the market following tile.
Cararra Marble is not for everybody because it is a softer stone than granite or quartz. Being softer is an inherent characteristic of the material which is why it is enjoying a renaissance. People who love the nostalgia of Art Nouveau up to Mid Century decor trends prefer marble because it does age and show wear or the distressed look that is so popular right now.
Another favorite of mine is Honed Soapstone. I love this look! It is classy and unique as well as traditional. Soapstone is a soft , non porous, natural stone. Despite it's softness, it is very resilient. It is always a dark shade, nearly black and has a honed or dull finish. It is an excellent heat insulator that cooks absolutely love!
One important point however, is to make sure the Soapstone is of the architectural grade, which is denser that artistic grade is used. A sculpture would use the artistic grade to sculpt a piece of art. It is much too soft for use in a kitchen or bath. Maintaining soapstone is easy to maintain with simple soap and water. It will last for generations. Many clients love to make their soapstone counter top area or sink a focal point of their new kitchen. It blends perfectly with any black and white themed design.
The pictures below of black and gray soapstone display the variations of the product that is typically mined in Vermont or the Appalachians Mountain area of the US. It is also being imported from Brazil now.
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