Custom Cabinets: The Best Place to Start Your Remodel?
With home sales continuing to decline, many homeowners are choosing to remodel the kitchen they have. Whether you go with custom cabinets or a lower grade pre-assembled option, you'll find that the personality of your kitchen will be intrinsically related to your choice of cabinetry.
The Best Place to Start
Some may think that kitchen remodeling starts with the demolition, but a successful project starts many weeks or even months before the first hammer blow.
"If all of the decisions are made, it usually goes like clockwork," said Tom Meador, a licensed contractor for Meador Construction. "Homeowners are looking forward to getting started but they want us out of their house as quickly as possible."
Meador says planning ahead makes a better project that's likely less expensive too.
Kathy Royer is typical of a homeowner who has never been through a kitchen remodel.
"I can't tell you how many different cabinetry shops and kitchen designers we've spoken to. It's like learning a new language," said Royer. "You think, how complicated can it be? And then you learn about things like physical distressing, rasping, joint cracks, and worm holes. You know, what is this?"
With new computer and 3D technology, homeowners are able to visualize their remodel before it starts. Using online collaboration with its customers, Crossroads Cabinetry is part of a new generation of cabinet makers that are bringing traditional and contemporary kitchens to life at the beginning of process. Even more interesting, they are providing free kitchen design and budgeting as part of their service offering.
Designers like Laura Sullivan and Alicia Marrujo of Crossroads kitchen design staff can make a big difference in helping the customer visualize the end product. A qualified kitchen designer can also add value to your investment by applying their experience and expertise to the job.
"The ability to be able to create plan views, elevations and manipulate the drawings three-dimensionally and add the actual cabinetry selected is extremely helpful. Prior to 3D and computer generated CAD technology, you really didn't know what you were getting," said Sullivan.
If you want to remodel your kitchen:
- Create a plan showing what work you want done and what your needs are
- Work with a qualified kitchen designer at the beginning of the process
- Set up a schedule to buy appliances, tile, flooring, etc.
- Make your choices early
"Pictures are extremely helpful. If you find design elements you like in magazines, this will lead us in the right direction," Marrujo advised.
Whether your project is big or small, always hire a licensed contractor. Crossroads will even refer a Crossroads Prescreened Pro™. These select contractors can assist you with measurements, demolition and installation.
For more insights on Understanding the Remodeling Process, visit the National Kitchen and Bath Association. You can also check out Crossroads cabinetry and service offerings at www.webinetry.com.
Crossroads Custom Cabinetry redefines the U.S. cabinet industry by making premium quality, custom cabinets widely available at greatly reduced prices. Crossroads' team of professionals are dedicated to empowering the home improvement consumer community with superior products at factory direct prices. Webinetry.com is a completely new channel ushering in a new era for the way today's American consumer can research, preview, budget, and finalize their cabinet purchasing decisions online.