FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do I need to have design ideas before I start the renovation process?
Absolutely not; but it helps if you do. Your Free Design Consultation is meant to help generate ideas or work through the ones you already have.
What features should I plan to invest the most in for my new kitchen?
From a functional standpoint, cabinetry is probably the most expensive item in the kitchen, mainly because of its sheer volume. However, you can also spend a lot of money on your countertops and flooring, depending on the style and materials you like.
What’s the better cabinet choice – particleboard or plywood?
This is one of the most frequently asked questions when researching cabinets. There is a general perception that plywood is better than particleboard – maybe because plywood has the word “wood “in it. Most people figure plywood is real wood while particleboard is a cheap imitation. Surprisingly, in many cases particleboard is a much better option than plywood.
In order to make the best decision; let’s define these two materials. Plywood is composed of thin sheets of wood glued together. Particleboard is made of tiny wood particles held together with adhesive. Both are strong, durable and make a good cabinet. Also, there are different types and grades of plywood and particleboard. High-density particleboard is stronger and will last longer than plywood. All wood expands and contracts because of changes in humidity. Generally, particleboard is more resistant to expansion and contraction. So in areas with significant changes in humidity – like New York – particleboard is the better option.
Is it a good idea to install wood flooring in the kitchen?
Wood flooring is not usually recommended for kitchens. That said, it’s still a very popular choice. If it works visually, go ahead and use it – especially if you are opening the kitchen into an adjacent space with wood flooring. Generally, designers choose other materials over wood because of both the “wear and tear factor” and possible exposure to water damage. Because the kitchen is a high traffic area, the finish will wear off a wood floor more quickly than in other low traffic parts of your home and will need to be refinished periodically. Also, because there is plumbing in a kitchen, wood floors are at risk for water damage. A tile floor is more resistant to leaks and humidity.
What makes a kitchen more or less expensive?
Cabinets account for about one-third to one-half the total cost of the project and will have the greatest impact on your budget. They range in price considerably based on quality, the type of material they are made of, and whether they are stock (ready made in specific sizes) or custom (produced specifically for your kitchen in whatever sizes and finishes are needed).
The material you choose for surfaces including counters, backsplashes and floors can also account for variations in price. Other key elements that factor in to the equation are talent and workmanship. In the remodeling business, you tend to get what you pay for. An accomplished designer, skilled sub-tradesmen and expert installation crew may cost more. But you’ll appreciate their ability every time you use your kitchen.
Can I save money by cutting a few corners?
Yes, but chances are you’ll be disappointed when it’s done. Postponing some things is a better way to save than cutting quality. Put your money into the best quality products your budget can afford, even if you have to limit the number of products that you buy.
Should I select my appliances first before calling in a kitchen planner?
This is not recommended. A kitchen design is much like a jigsaw puzzle, where each piece must fit into the whole design. By all means, research your appliance choices and formulate your “wish list,” but it is usually better not to purchase your appliances until the design has been finalized.
Where’s the best place to put a microwave?
Like most things about your new kitchen, it will depend on how you and your family use the appliance. From a safety and accessibility standpoint, the microwave should be positioned so that the bottom of the appliance is 24″ to 48″ above the floor. Consult with your designer for the best place to locate it.
Do all my kitchen cabinets need to be the same style and color?
The short answer is no. Depending on your taste, your new kitchen can be designed with contrasting cabinets. Unique looks can be achieved by contrasting the kitchen island cabinets from the wall mounted upper and lower cabinets. On occasion, contrasting upper cabinets from the lower cabinets will create a custom look. Contrasting countertops is another design tool used to customize kitchens and create unique looks. We are in partnership with Forever Cabinetry, Next-Day Cabinet, Best Cabinets Co. and many more.
What features should I plan to invest the most in for my new bathroom?
Depending on your style and taste, the floor and wall tiles can be the most expensive. Other possibly considerable expenses are the fixtures and shower system.
Is re-glazing a bathtub a good solution to replacing the tub?
Re-glazing is a great way to save money. It requires less labor and eliminates the cost of installing a new tub. Many older tubs are cast iron – a very sturdy and expensive material. In addition, some older tub models may be deeper than new tubs. Yes, there are several good reasons to re-glaze but there is one big disadvantage — it doesn’t last. The glaze usually begins to wear off within a few years. Depending on usage, the tub may need to be re-glaze in three years. Nothing really replaces the visual appeal of a brand new tub. If you want to do it right and are not limited by budget, replacing the tub is the best way to go.
What materials are your cabinets made from?
We offer a large variety of cabinets from top brand manufactures. Materials used include wood, engineered wood, wood veneers, rigid thermofoil.
I’m going to remodel my kitchen….Can I do some of the work myself to save money?
Yes. Although we have exhaustively shopped and priced all services necessary for a typical renovation project, the fact remains that you will save money by doing some of the work yourself. In fact we will help coach you through which ever parts of the project you choose to tackle yourself. Often homeowners will ask to perform the demolition portion of the renovation phase. We will offer advice as to the best methods to produce the results you seek.
I want to replace my cabinetry but I just installed wood floors a year ago. Can I re-do my kitchen but keep the same floor?
Absolutely. We can duplicate the same “foot print” without having to touch the floor. At the same time we can make design and storage changes by re-configuring the components.
Why should we do business with your company vs. another company like yours?
We have been in business for over 25 years. Our experienced designers have a working knowledge of construction and building codes to ensure an accurate installation as well as the best possible design.
GRANITE COUNTERTOPS FAQ
Why choose granite counter tops over synthetic materials?
Granite has become today’s counter top of choice for architects, cabinetmakers, kitchen designers and contractors. A granite counter top is virtually impervious to abrasions, stains and extreme heat. Additionally, the inherent qualities of granite, its color, and patterns are unique. There is nothing better for green building than using the natural resources from our earth.
Does granite stain?
In general, no it does not. All stone is porous to some extent; however granite has very little porosity relative to other stones. Most granite colors will never show moisture but some colors will show a dark spot if a puddle of liquid is left on the counter for a period of 30 minutes of more. The spot will eventually dry up and evidence will show. It is our policy to seal every stone surface we install and we recommend the application of a sealer every six months to one year to assure protection against any oils or water that may have sat on the surface of the stone for any length of time
How do I clean and maintain granite?
Granite needs to be cleaned with any non-abrasive material. These products will loose their finish if cleaned with an abrasive cleaner. Low PH cleaners such as mild dish detergent and warm water are the best cleaners. It is a best practice to wipe up spills immediately. Around cook top areas dish washing detergents that cut grease are good to use to cut grease accumulation. You can use granite cleaners as well.
How do I know if I need to seal my granite?
One method you can use to check if your granite needs to be resealed is to sprinkle some water on your counter tops. If the water soaks into the stone and does not bead up, then we would recommend resealing your granite.
Why does the color and same named granite look different lot to lot?
Granite is an organic substance and just as no two people are exactly alike, no two samples of granite will be either. The composition of minerals and the deposit it was quarried from all play a part in the appearance of granite. After selecting a sample, our customers can select the exact block of stone from which we fabricate their surface. Note: Each block of stone is numbered and ordered into lots. This assures you that your slabs come from the same block and quarry.
Does granite have a completely smooth surface?
No. Many types of granite contain pits and fissures that are natural characteristics of granite. Some granites exhibit these characteristics more than others, and the lighting of the room can make these marks more or less visible. These characteristics should be pointed out to the client prior to deciding on a particular material and per-approval of the actual slab is recommended.
Is granite really scratch resistant, won’t chip, crack or ding?
Granite is a very dense material and under normal conditions it is chip and scratch resistant. However, pots, pans and other heavy objects may chip the square edge around a sink area. Several other edge profiles are available that will look beautiful and reduce the chances of chipping.
Can granite be repaired?
While it is difficult to permanently repair granite, it is also very difficult to damage it. However, if some damage does occur, granite usually can be repaired by a mix of epoxy and ground up chips of granite. At
Can I set hot pans on granite countertops?
Yes, Granite is ideal for kitchens because under normal conditions it will not burn. Granite will not be harmed by hot pots, pans or open flames.
Is it hard to care for a granite countertop?
Not at all. In fact, you’ll wish everything were this easy. See our stone care section for more details.
Are all granite kitchen counters a high gloss finish?
No, there are several different finishes you can order; the highly polished finish is just the most popular. There is a process called “honing” that gives the stone a more matte finish yet retains its smooth feel.
I’ve heard of “high movement” stone. What is it?
Sometimes called “grain in the stone,” “movement” is veins that swirl and change irregularly in granite due to the massive forces at work on it beneath the surface of the earth during the eons it took to form. “Movement” is also affected by trace amounts of other minerals such as hornblende, magnetite, hematite, pyrite, zircon, garnet and corundum. Many people find this flow of blending colors to be the most attractive and compelling quality about granite.
Does the origination of my granite affect the price?
Very little. Prices are more affected by the supply and demand placed upon the quarry. You’ll find that red and blue tones are a bit higher priced than other colors due to their lack of abundance.
How heavy is granite?
3 cm granite weighs approximately 21 lbs – 24 lbs per square foot and 2 cm granite weighs approximately 15 lbs. per square foot. Granite is easily supported by standard floor and cabinet systems. For safety requirements, pieces weighing more than 550 lbs. may require a seam.