The importance of a good “design”
Kitchens, baths, bar areas, or anything involving cabinetry and countertops can be a big investment. The best way to make sure your project goes smoothly is to have a good plan.
There are many things to consider:
Doors, windows, outlets, ceiling heights, floors out of level or changing the floor, location of the plumbing and gas lines, types of appliances, etc.
It is always best to have someone come to your house to do exact measurements – preferably a professional who is certified in this type of work.
Also, is is important to give your designer as accurate of a budget as possible. Kitchens (other rooms) can be designed to fit into any budget. You could do a kitchen in the same space for $10,000 or for $70,000. All of these things go into consideration when it comes to laying out a cabinet design.
Selecting your “Products”.
When it comes to selections, there are more products available than time to research them all. Count on the professionals you work with to guide you. They have worked with and seen many of these already. They will be able to recommend where to go to see products or may have a showroom with many products already installed.
Cabinetry – is probably the most viewable, eye catching of these when going into a space. You have several options available (always keep in mind your budget).
Stock, Semi-custom and Custom:
Stock cabinets – pre-made and finished boxes and pieces in specific sizes and styles.
Semi-custom – Made to order boxes and pieces (moldings, etc.). Certain door styles and finishes available with more options than stock. Usually glazed and distressed finishes, more accessory pieces, cabinets that can be modified to a certain dimension to utilize a space better or to eliminate having to use a filler. In some cases custom cabinets can be made to order.
Custom – Fully custom cabinets are made to order in any wood species, and finish. Custom cabinets are customized and built to your room or space.
Countertops – cover a large surface so they should look great, but they also need to be durable. Again you have several options available (always keep in mind your budget).
The four main countertop surfaces being Laminate, Solid Surface, Granite and Quartz.
Laminate – Most popular and affordable of all surfaces. There are many different edge treatments available to dress it up. Many colors and patterns are available (Usually need seams and not very repairable).
Solid Surface– Most repairable of all surfaces. Many different colors and seams are inconspicuous. You are able to have undermount or integral sinks. You can do many different edge treatments. Many design capabilities. (Not stain resistant or heat resistant, but easily cleaned or repaired).
Granite –Natural stone, unique and very eye appealing. Porous surface which needs to be sealed yearly and may have seams.
Quartz – Natural stone with polymer fillers making it non-porous. May have seams. Maintenance free.
Appliances – may determine what type of cabinetry you will need. Many built-in or higher end appliances require specific construction requirements or size limitations. Especially exhaust fans with built-in hoods. These usually result in semi-custom or custom cabinetry. Your designer will need to know which appliances you are using and will require specifications for each appliance.
Comes back to “Design”
When you go to use your new kitchen, bathroom, office, bar area, or whatever it may be, you will be extremely satisfied with a well designed and professionally installed space. Your dream has now been designed into reality.
