Kitchen Remodeler Redding

As a Kitchen Remodeler we often get questions about kitchen remodeling, here's a summary of those questions:

Q. How much will it cost to remodel my kitchen or bathroom?

A: The price for a new kitchen will be affected by (1) where you buy it (2) what features it includes and (3) the brands/models you select. (full install)

For kitchens, pricing can range from $5,000 or so (if you do some work yourself) to as much as $150,000 and higher. On average, a kitchen will cost from $15,000 - $26,000, including design, products and installation.

Q. What makes a kitchen more or less expensive?

A: Cabinets account for about half the 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.

The material you choose for surfaces including counters, backsplashes and floors can also account for in price.

Q: How can I possibly pay for a new kitchen?

A: Like any big investment, you should only spend what you can afford to spend. That means setting a budget and sticking to it. If you work with a professional kitchen designer, he'll help you make the most of it - and he'll respect the budget you've set.

As for payment, there are a number of options. Some homeowners tap into personal savings to get the kitchen of their dreams. Others take out home equity loans. And many times, professional kitchen firms will work with lending institutions to offer financing options much like car dealers do. If you're buying a house and know you'll need to remodel the kitchen, you may be able to incorporate the costs in your mortgage.

Q: Who's the best person for the job?

A: Of course us, Swansons Contracting!, seriously there are a lot of professionals out there - interior designers, architects, remodeling contractors - but your best bet is to pick a designer or firm that specializes in the kitchen area. There are thousands of companies that offer kitchen/bath design and installation services - many of them belong to the National Kitchen & Bath Association. There are also thousands of individuals certified by NKBA as Certified Kitchen Designers and/or Certified Bathroom Designers.

You'll probably meet first at their office or showroom to share your ideas and basic needs. Then they'll come to your home to take careful measurements of the space, make note of plumbing and structural elements, and get a feel for your home's style. He'll also ask a lot of questions about your kitchen or bathroom, lifestyle and family. He'll be listening carefully so that the finished room you work to create reflects your personal taste and how you use the space. You'll choose products, colors and materials together, working within your budget. The relationship can go only as far as creating your design, or you may have the design professional act as a consultant, or he may manage the entire project for you - including hiring sub-contractors and scheduling the work and supervising the installation.

Q: What can I do myself to help cut costs?

A: How much you can or should attempt to do depends on your ability and knowledge of remodeling. You'll definitely be able to tear out old cabinets (be careful not to damage walls and beams), take up old vinyl flooring and handle trash removal. You may also want to paint or wallpaper on your own. You're better off letting the pros handle plumbing and appliance hook-ups - if you try it on your own, you may violate building codes or invalidate manufacturer warranties. And let a professional installer put your new cabinets in so that they look their best.

Q: What about contracts and orders?

A: Before any work begins on your kitchen, get detailed, written estimates, project specifications and signed contracts from the professionals you hire. Make sure they're bonded and insured. (If you work with an NKBA member, he/she will likely coordinate all of your sub-contractors for you.) Check references carefully. Your designer should prepare project drawings including floor plans and renderings that clearly represent your project. If anything changes mid-project, you should be asked to sign a change order.

Q: What about payment?

A: Most firms will require a percentage (usually 50 percent or so) when you sign the contract, additional payment (usually 40 percent or so) when cabinets are delivered or installation begins, and the balance (10 percent or so) when the job is complete. You may also be required to pay a design retainer at the start of the job.

Q: What is GFCI and do I need it?

A: GFCI stands for Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters. GFCI monitors the balance of electrical current moving through the circuit. If an imbalance occurs, GFCI cuts off the electricity. Its purpose is to prevent fatal electrical shocks. As you know, water and electricity are a deadly combination. Since both are necessary in kitchens and bathrooms, all switches, sockets, breakers and circuits for those rooms should be GFCI protected for your family's safety.

There you go I hope that helps with some common questions about using our kitchen remodeler Redding services.