So, You Are Ready for a New Kitchen...
By Shannon Nelms
 Fed up with that old beat-up kitchen? Tired of cooking on the only two working burners? No storage or room to maneuver? Or do you just want a kitchen that fits your lifestyle? You know what you want, but you are asking yourself, "Where do I start?" Hopefully, these few tips will help.
Getting Started...
The minute remodeling your kitchen crosses your mind make a file and start to gather information. Look in magazines, old and new, and if you can, tear out the pages or make a note about what you find attractive - anything from cabinet styles, to flooring, floor plans, built-ins, appliances, and even décor. You can browse magazines at your local library (don't tear out these!) or beg old ones off of your friends. Visiting area showrooms and even attending your local homebuilder/remodeling shows can help you visualize the total look you want to achieve. Look for cabinets, counters, sinks, appliances, and flooring and put that information in your file for future reference.
Another great source is the Internet. Search those name brands that you like and you will discover tons of useful information. Once you have found items you like, create a list of favorites for your prospective contractor. It is much easier for the both of you if you give the contractor guidelines of your wants and needs.
Planning...
Don't know where to arrange the new space for the most efficient layout? You will need to determine the function of the kitchen in regards to your personal lifestyle. Is there a gourmet cook or possibly two, in the family? Is yours the kind of family that tends to spend lots of time socializing in the kitchen? What are your future needs? Will you soon be adding to your family or is retirement in the near future? I recommend you hire a professional and share your needs and wants with him or her. Some prefer to use architects while others like the design/build process offered by most professional remodelers. Cost for the architect is usually based upon a flat fee or a percentage of the contract, whereas professional remodelers usually will offer preliminary design services for free and detailed designs at cost. The cost is usually credited back to the client at the signing of the contract.
Budget...
Most of us wonder, "How much will it cost?" The more you know what you want, the more accurate the pricing will be. Everyone wants the most for their money, but in reality, most people need to prioritize the important features for the new kitchen. That way, if costs are to be modified to fit your budget needs, you can convey to your contractor an idea of where to cut back and what you simply can't live without. Contact your Local Oregon Remodeler's Association and request a referral. Many times you can get preliminary budgeting information from recommended contractors to help you decide if the project is affordable.
Plan on how you are going to finance the project. If you are planning to finance through a home equity loan of some sort, you need to know your home's value and the equity that you have to work with. This information will more than likely determine your budget. Most professional remodelers can recommend financing sources.
Contractor Selection...
Again, I highly recommend contacting the Oregon Remodelers Association for contractors. Another way to find a contractor is by "word of mouth." In any scenario, you should consider getting three bids from reputable contractors. Share all the same information and design needs, then ask each party for an estimate.
In comparing estimates, make sure that you are comparing "apples with apples." The lower bidder may have left something out or bid with lower quality goods. Don't forget to ask about items NOT included in the estimate. This is an often-overlooked area. More than likely you will have a comfort level with one or more of the contractors during the bidding process. The final contractor selection is yours to make - don't just throw out the high and low estimates. When making your final decision, the bottom line is this: you will be spending a lot of time working with the contractor and you would be better off paying more to work with someone with whom you have established a good rapport, rather than to scrimp and hire the low bidder with whom you don't "click."
References are important and should be readily available from any reputable remodeling contractor. Ask for references from past customers. Find out if it is possible to look at a recently completed project. Also ask for references from vendors to determine if the contractor pays his bills. Find out too how long the contractor has been in business. Will he still be around to take care of warranty/repair work should the need arise?
Payment terms should be discussed as well; it is normal to pay a percentage at the start and at set stages during the job. Set stages of payments might be: at framing completion, floor installation, etc. This process not only safeguards you against someone taking you to the cleaners, it also is an incentive for the contractor to keep to a timely schedule. Discuss dates for the work, including start dates.
The Construction Process...
Communicate, communicate, communicate... From start to finish, get
in the habit of weekly meetings at the project if possible. Ask for
a schedule for the project prior to start, with updates as needed.
Email is also becoming a popular tool for back and forth check-ins.
Remember to ask questions if you have any concerns. Most contractors
want you to be happy with the project. A contractor's best form of
advertisement is the referral from a previous client.
Once the project starts, be realistic about the inconvenience to you and your family. Depending on how extensive your remodel is there will most likely be periods of time that you will have to make other arrangements for meals, etc. Communicate to your contractor if you have concerns.
Remodeling, even in the best cases, can have some unexpected issues arise. In the event that your contractor has to deviate from the original plan/budget, a written "change order" detailing the changes and reflecting the additional charges or credits, should be received. Change orders should be signed by you and your contactor. Keep a copy. Getting and keeping everything in writing is a must!
Once the project is completed, be sure to do a formal inspection with your contractor, compiling a written list of any items that need attention with an approximate date for correction. Also, ask for all warranties and operating manuals for new products.
Enjoy...
By following these tips, you should be able to achieve your desired results, and enjoy your new kitchen for many years to come.
Shannon Nelms has worked in the construction industry for 30 years. He is the President of JS Nelms Construction, Inc., located in Gresham, Oregon and specializes in remodeling in Oregon and Washington, 503-663-3344. |
