Remodeling Nightmares and How to Avoid (Most) of Them

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We LOVE the internet! With the internet we can research anything and everything. We can gather opinions and look at photos. We can read about successes and, especially, lots of failures. We believe that if we read about failures we protect ourselves from making mistakes. Failures described online are really scary!

 

When remodeling your home, there is a limit to how much internet research and social-media photo-screening is actually useful. Most likely you will become overwhelmed by the choices and stories.

 

As a caution, remember, you can’t always believe what you read. Much of the information on the internet is opinion. Other information is incomplete or may be wrong. There are folks who blow-off steam online and never modify their comments – even if problems are non-existent or get resolved!

 

I’ve been reading online, and found this advice about remodeling your kitchen. It looks like a novel approach …on paper and online.

  1. Empty all the kitchen cabinets and drawers. Put the contents back in the most convenient locations – discover what’s not working.
  2. Measure and draw your existing kitchen – draw it to scale – use it to comparison shop.
  3. Collect pictures of kitchens – to make a project “wish-list.”
  4. Get prices from several providers and make certain that they are all quoting “apples to apples.”
  5. ‘For your job, select the quote from the busiest person or company because they must be the best for kitchen remodels.’

 

You could do all of that, but you don’t have to! I’m not sure you even benefit from attempting it. Most of it seems like a waste of time! I believe that you already know your existing kitchen; you know what doesn’t work and what you like about your kitchen.

 

The last piece of advice (5) is really troublesome. It is not automatically correct that being busy is a sign of quality! Being confident in the people that you work with and having clear communication with them is extremely important!

 

You could begin with a Kitchen & Bath Industry specialist. Let the experienced specialist do the measuring and the scaled drawing. Kitchen and bath professionals will ask about your needs and preferences. You’ll also get help and advice about the selection of materials. Ask to see photos of completed projects. Ask for references from clients.

 

Step #1 is a planned functional layout and a professionally scaled drawing with specifics about the NEW kitchen and seeing materials and examples. The Designers at an established K&B retail showroom have measured and remodeled lots of kitchen, bathrooms, laundry and hobby rooms. Usually, established K&B retail showrooms will provide installation services and help coordinate the project.

 

How you can avoid a bad result: “do your homework” about the company you work with, communicate clearly, always ask questions, and never pay the full cost in advance. Specify materials in advance. Make changes on paper – before your project starts. Once the project starts, treat workers respectfully, allow for a few ups and downs, allow the folks you hire to do the job … and always ask questions!

 

2740 Capital Cir NE, Tallahassee, FL 32308
(850) 386-6555
www.kitch-encounters.com