Surviving the Installation Process
by Kelly Drubert, AKBD
The cabinets are on order and the demolition is set to begin. Life as you once knew it is about to change. Subcontractors will be arriving at the jobsite, your home, at the same time you and your family are trying to start the day. So how do people survive and minimize the chaos that goes along with a remodel? Proper planning and communication leading up to the installation can ease many headaches.
On a typical remodel project the construction and installation phase can last from 8-12 weeks. This may seem like a long time, but keep in mind the work that goes into creating a dream kitchen or bathroom. Major milestones in this process will include the initial demo of existing cabinetry, moving plumbing or appliance rough-ins as needed, installation of new cabinetry, countertop fabrication and installation, and finally the finishing touches of decorative backsplashes and hardware.
Once an estimated week of arrival for materials is established, plans should be made to make way for the installers. This is when a designated work space is made available to set up tools and store materials to be used on the project. Often this means garage space will also be sacrificed for this purpose. Access to the jobsite will be addressed. To make the installation process less stressful on the homeowner and more convenient for the subcontractors, a lock box can be placed on the front door or a new garage code can be set for the duration of the remodel, allowing easy access to the jobsite. The clients’ obligation at this point to the design and installation team is to prepare by removing items from the cabinetry and storing them along with decorative items on walls in and adjoining the work zone to prevent accidental damage.
Likewise, installers have an obligation to the homeowner. They are going to do their best to minimize dust and debris, and contain it to the designated work zone. At the end of each work day the site should be cleaned up with tools put away and materials organized. With work started and tear out underway there are ways to minimize the inconvenience of installation. Upon request, temporary kitchens can be set up within the work zone or nearby. An out door space equipped with a grill is perfect for summer time remodels. Occasionally at the height of a remodel clients find the best way to cope is to get away altogether by going on vacation or staying a few days with relatives.
Ultimately, the key to surviving and possibly enjoying this process is to establish good communication between all parties involved. During installation things will occur or happen that are not expected – don’t panic. It is best to share concerns as they arise. The best point of contact will be the lead installer who is on site and can best describe situations to the designer. Collecting a list of questions at the end of each day for the following morning is a great way to not only keep documentation of issues, but this also avoids constant interruption of the installer and his work. However, should something major arise the lead designer or project manager should be contacted. With every list of questions you compile, be sure to communicate it to the design team so they can do a follow-up with the installer to insure problems are solved in a timely manner.
Although the installation process can be a chaotic time, there are ways to make the process as smooth as possible. Prepare early, stay in contact with the design team, and remember - your new kitchen is only a few weeks away from becoming a reality!
Freshen Up Your Home with New Accessories
Recent Project Featured in Housetrends
One of our recently completed projects is currently featured in the March 2011 Columbus edition of Housetrends Magazine.
Photo by Daniel Feldkamp
You can see the full digital edition of the article by clicking here: http://issuu.com/housetrends/docs/housetrendscolumbusmarch2011/18
Indianapolis Monthly Photo Details
The photograph of the kitchen in our March ad in the Indianapolis Monthly is from our Indianapolis showroom. It is a full functioning kitchen located at the very front of our showroom. Below you will find some additional photos and details about all of the materials used along with a look at the unique functions inside many of the cabinets.
The cabinetry in the above photo is from Downsview Kitchens. The cabinets have inset doors and are finished in a cream paint and glaze. The countertops are limestone.
1. Custom drywall hood, painted white. Viking hood insert. 2. Oversized ceramic beveled brick tile backsplash and shelf. 3. Modular appliances by Gaggenau. 15″ ceramic cooktop, 15″ steamer, 15″ teppan yakki. 4. Dishwasher drawers by KitchenAid with custom panel fronts. 5. Drawer dividers. 6. Pullout trashcan.
13. Gaggenau oven. 14. Open cubbies with storage baskets. 15. Custom end panels. 16. Custom upholstered stools. 17. Peg drawer inserts for pots and pans. 18. Cutlery drawer inserts.
FAQ – Designing Your Dream Kitchen
1. What’s the first step I should take when I am thinking about starting a kitchen or bath project?
Visit our showroom or call to speak with a designer about your project. We’ll set up an informational meeting to discuss your needs and wants, budget and time frame. At your following appointment you’ll view and discuss conceptual plans, finishes and allowances at our showroom. This is all at no cost to you, as part of our standard design services.
2. I’m comfortable with the conceptual plans and allowances. What do I do next?
When you feel comfortable to commit to the conceptual plans and budget, KBD’s services are retained with the first deposit on your future order. Formalized drawings are made reflecting changes in layout and design. Once the plans are finalized and confirmed through jobsite measurements and subcontractor meetings, materials are ordered.
3. Who handles the installation of the project?
Because at Kitchens by Design we have our General Contractors License, we can coordinate all of the subcontractors needed for the project, providing a one-stop-shop convenience for you. However, we love meeting new people and if you have a contractor that you’re comforable working with, we can coordinate with them.
4. How long will the installation of my project take?
The length of a project has many factors such as the type of project, scope of work, and brand of cabinetry and other materials. From the moment your cabinetry arrives at the jobsite an average kitchen or bath remodel installation takes approximately 6-8 weeks to be completed.
5. What additional services do you provide?
Many peopole don’t know that we are a full service interior design firm. This means that we don’t just design kitchens! We can provide cabinetry for any area of the home, along with design and decorating services. Our showroom offers a large selection of unique home accessories, cookbooks, serving pieces and Revol cookware. Be sure to check our website for information about upcoming cooking classes.
Organize Your Kitchen
The kitchen is the most common gathering place for the family so it’s bound to get disorganized from time to time. Here are some of our favorite ideas to help make your kitchen more organized and efficient.
Spice Cabinets: No more digging through your drawers or cabinets to find your favorite spices. They are all readily accessible right next to where you cook.
Rollout Drawers: An ergonomic solution to the lower cabinets. Rollouts make reaching items stored in the back of your cabinets a breeze.
Pop-up Shelf: Great for appliances, such as mixers, a pop-up shelf saves precious countertop space and relieves heavy lifting. As shown in the photo, a rollout utensil divider is a great place to store all of your utensils needed for baking.
Backplash Rail: This rail, which spans the lenght of your backsplash, comes with a variety of accessories to keep readily used items off your countertop while still at your fingertips. Some of the accessories available include a shelf, paper towel holder, and knife block.
Drawer Dividers: Dividers for drawers come in a variety of styles. Shown above are trays made specifically to fit larger kitchen utensils and gadgets, metal dividers for silverware and spices, as well as a peg system used to keep pots and pans neat and tidy.
Wine Rack: A unique way to store wine glasses while keeping them within an easy reach.
Stool: This stool stays hidden in the toe kick of the cabinetry but is easily accessible when needed to reach tall cabinetry.
All About Terrazzo
Written by: KBD Designer, Nancy Stanley
Every now and then, designers fall in love with a color, a new product, or in this case a material that has been around for nearly 1,500 years as I did when I recently rediscovered the extreme beauty of terrazzo.
Terrazzo is a composite material typically comprised of recycled glass, plastic, mirror, marble, quartz, granite, metal and a variety of other materials held together with a chemical or cement binder. The color of the binder combined with the size and color of the recycled chips make the possible combinations limitless.
Terrazzo will instantly transform any space. Some of the possible applications to consider include: Countertops, backsplashes, floors, and shower walls just to name a few. It is also a perfect material for a kitchen sink as the sink can be fully integrated into the countertop without visible seams.
When you typically think of terrazzo, you may think first of a school or library floor in a speckled, busy pattern but terrazzo can also be soft and elegant in a monochromatic color scheme. For example, if you love white countertops but want more depth and interest, you can select a white binder agent and incorporate materials like mother of pearl, clear glass, white marble, and perhaps for added sparkle, a little mirror.
Unlike most surfaces, terrazzo can be personalized. You can create a one of a kind, work of art for the same price or slightly more than typical manmade surfaces such as solid surface or quartz.
Last, I cannot overlook the fact that terrazzo is an earth friendly product. Sometimes we feel as though we must sacrifice aesthetics to do what is right when it comes to preserving our environment. As a designer, I don’t have to make that choice and my client can feel good knowing that they are getting a unique yet “green” product for their home.
Whatever application you choose, my hope is that you fall in love just as I have with this amazing classic, a true timeless beauty!
Sustainability in Kitchen Design
Watch the appearance of designers Suzanne Swain and Elaine Pitcock on WISH TV 8′s IndyStyle program this morning by clicking here. They discussed different green materials that can be incorporated into your kitchen project and some decisions that you can make to provide longevity to your design.
For more information, visit www.kitchensbydesign.net or stop in the KBD Showroom.
Watch Designer Gene Abel on ‘Indy Style’
KBD Designer Gene Abel was featured on WISH TV8 “IndyStyle” this morning. You can watch the segment here. Gene shared a little bit about how decorating and collecting with your personal passion can enrich your life and your sense of well-being in your personal living environment. Check out the photos of Gene’s animals and his boot closet!
Long ‘Live’ Thanksgiving
We are excited to welcome back Natural Born Juicers to our showroom. They are teaming up with Raw Gourmet Delights to bring you some creative and seasonal LIVE Thanksgiving recipies to make your Thanksgiving healthier this year. Come learn how to make live pate, live pumpkin pie, a fall smoothie and more!
When: Thursday, November 18th @3pm Where: Kitchens by Design Showroom Cost: FREE
Find out up to date information about Natural Born Juicers and Raw Gourmet Delights on Facebook. You can RSVP to this event on Facebook (not needed to attend).
Raw Gourmet Delights is a local producer of organic, vegan, raw ‘delights’ that they sell at local farmers markets, health food stores and specialty shops. All items are freshly prepared and ingredients are locally sourced when possible.
Natural Born Juicers is a traveling juice bar that uses as many local and organic ingredients as possible. You can currently find them at farmers markets around town and soon in their permanent location in the Indianapolis City Market.
Please join us on the 18th as we enjoy some tasty treats and learn about the benefits of LIVE foods.
