How to Make a Bad Kitchen Cabinet Purchase
How to Make a Bad Kitchen Cabinet Purchase
Our kitchen was last updated a few years ago. It would make me pleased to know that your kitchen brings you as much joy as ours does. Here are some things to keep in mind when shopping for kitchen cabinets to help you make the right choice:
Be familiar with your financial limits. Without knowing your budget, further investigation is impossible. Budgeting between 40 and 50 percent of your kitchen's overall cost for cabinets is reasonable.
Take some measurements of the area. Without knowing what you seek, an accurate quote is impossible to provide. Make the measurements as precise as possible without stressing out too much; they will only be used in the name of science.
Stock cabinets, semi-custom cabinets, and custom cabinets are the three main options for cabinetry. You can literally buy stock cabinets "off the shelf" because they have already been constructed at the factory. They are the least expensive storage options out there. Unfortunately, there is a lack of customization available for stock cabinets, both in terms of size and aesthetics. The next level up is semi-custom. There are more options for storage, layout, and appearance, but they are still manufactured in a factory. The options and costs for custom cabinets, whether constructed in a workshop or on-site, are practically limitless. But don't let that put you off. Even in difficult-to-layout kitchens, the extra cost of going fully custom can sometimes be well worth it.
Regardless of the type of cabinet you're looking for, it's important to research the company behind it. Investigate their past work to see if it's satisfactory. Check the terms of their guarantees. How long is the duration of coverage, and how much coverage do they provide?
For instance, KraftMaid cabinets come with a limited lifetime warranty that ensures the first buyer that, under regular household use, the cabinets will never develop any flaws in the material or the craftsmanship. Their warranty does not apply to unfinished cabinets.
Yorktowne, on the other hand, only guarantees some of its cabinet collections for five years, while others have a lifetime guarantee.
- These guarantees do not provide coverage for:
- Remediation of faulty assembly or fixing of damage brought on by faulty assembly
- Cabinet component replacement and refurbishment for non-domestic settings
- When loaded or used beyond what is recommended by the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association.
- Losses due to natural disasters like floods, fires, etc.
Write down all the features that would make your dream kitchen a reality. You can use this information to decide on a price range and supplier. If you aren't sure what to do, wander around and get some inspiration. The results of an afternoon spent perusing back issues of Woman's Day at the library may surprise you. Popular periodicals frequently provide themed annual editions. In addition, there are a number of periodicals that focus solely on bathroom and kitchen decoration.
Inspiring kitchen layouts may be found at www.Kitchens.com and http://www.wellborn.com/design/kitchens.asp on the web. Check out www.modularkitchencabinets.com for a free, comprehensive layout guide. Visit www.StacksandStacks.com/html/category13_0.htm for an overview of the many freestanding cabinets and organizers available.
Take a break from your day and go window shopping for an afternoon. Showrooms now typically include fully functional kitchens where customers may test out various products.
If you're still unsure of what you want after perusing catalogs and stores, don't fret. Let your study material seep in for a day or two. Visualizations of your kitchen will start to form.
You can also ask close relatives and friends if they have recently renovated their kitchen. Have them fill you in on the details. Let me know if you think of anything I should have included in the description, and I'll add it to the list.
The eighth step is to hire an interior decorator. You can design your own kitchen, but unless you're an expert, you probably shouldn't. There is a lot riding on the success of your kitchen's layout and design, and any missteps will have lasting consequences. Why not take advantage of the expertise of a professional whose career it is to help you create the kitchen of your dreams? The National Kitchen and Bath Association can help you locate qualified designers in your area.
Designers who have earned their credentials have demonstrated their mastery in a variety of design-related skills, such as space planning, organization, cabinetry, plumbing, and lighting. You should anticipate paying a retainer (starting at $300) when you engage a designer. The average hourly rate is between $50 and $75. A designer can devote up to 10 hours to finding relevant information and developing prototypes for your review. You should hire an interior designer with whom you feel at ease. Is it clear that they know what they're talking about? Is there genuine curiosity and excitement about your cooking space?
Communicate your preferences and habits to the designer. He or she will be interested in learning about your family's routines and way of life. How often, if at all, do you host parties? Will you be eating in the kitchen with me? Being right- or left-handed also plays a role.
Find a creative person who can also keep costs down. You don't need me to tell you that you need to spend more money. Your designer should pay you a house call to learn more about your specific requirements.
Knowing your materials is essential, even with the help of an interior designer. Cabinets can be made from unfinished or finished natural wood. Laminate and baked-on varnish are the two longest-lasting finishes available. Keep in mind that houses with children may not be the best environments for polyester or stainless steel finishes due to their susceptibility to scratches and fingerprints.
The hardware options are plentiful as well. There are swivel trays, hooks, and a variety of other storage options. You could look at the various drawer and trolley options available that are made for convenience. Your designer should be able to provide you with numerous suggestions for maximizing your kitchen's limited square footage. Keep in mind that the expense of each additional gadget quickly adds up.
The fundamentals of kitchen cabinets are as follows: Now that I've finished writing this, I'm going to go make myself a cup of coffee in my kitchen, where I can take comfort in the knowledge that your kitchen, when constructed, will be on par with mine.
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