 | Art Bryan
is president and owner of Southwestern Remodeling Contractors, Inc. Art started Southwestern Remodeling Contractors in 1970. Southwestern is a fully-licensed residential and commercial licensed general contractor in Wichita and the surrounding counties. Art has been a member of the Wichita Area Home Builders Association and the National Remodel Council since 1974. In mid-2000 Southwestern received the distinction of being named one of the "Top 25 Most Diversified Remodeling Companies in the United States.” Southwestern is listed as the 84th Top Remodeler in the country by Qualified Remodeling Magazine. Art can be contacted at his office at (316) 263-1239, fax at (316) 263-6230, or you can e-mail him at ARTSWR@aol. Com |
Home Improvement
2003-03-01 12:24:00
Remodel kitchen list
: We are looking to remodel our kitchen this Spring. Sometime back over a year or so ago, you offered a list of things that can greatly help the process. Could you print it again?
ANSWER: Yes... and thank you. You can do as much or as little of the planning as you want. There are a host of questions your remodeler/designer is going to have. Here are some thoughts and items that will help the process: First - get these items. You will need them: • file folder - multi pocket type (for organizing ideas, magazine cut-outs, photos, etc. that you might like to incorporate into your new kitchen)• graph paper - for sketching your kitchen layout ideas (you don't need to be an experienced draftsperson)• measuring tape (25' recommended but most any kind will do)• notebook (the kind with several subject sections is the best)Then, think about answers to the questions below. Write down the questions and your answers. Keep them in your file for later reference. You and your kitchen designer will need to address some or all of these while designing your new kitchen. What is my primary objective? Such as - do I want a new look, more storage, more counter space, upgrade for resale, etc. ? What do I like about my present kitchen? This is very important. You may want to keep certain features from your old kitchen in your new kitchen. Don't give up what works. What features of my present kitchen do I most want to change? Such as - I don't like my current cabinet style, countertops, appliances, floor, lighting, etc. What is my budget for this project? You need to "qualify" yourself and what you can reasonably expect to complete. Kitchen remodeling is one of the best investments you can make in your home. It is possible to get nearly 100 % return on your kitchen remodeling investment.What are the most important functions of my kitchen? It may simply be such things as cooking, family dining, etc. But it may also include homework, budget planning, entertaining, watching TV, etc.When do I want to have my remodeling project completed? You need to allow a minimum of 4 months. More realistic, 6 to 8 months. Most custom cabinets take two months to arrive after ordering. This does NOT mean your home will be "torn up" all this time. But it allows plenty of time for planning, order processing, shipping, demolition, installation, moving back into your kitchen and re-organization. What kinds of things will I need to make room for in my new design? You might include a toaster, food processor, blender, coffee maker, everyday dishes, china, bulk groceries, cookbooks, trays, etc.What other special accommodations might I want in the new kitchen? Things such as a desk/computer/printer space, eating bar, washer/dryer, baking center, hobby or craft area, etc. Will I need to upgrade existing electrical or plumbing? The answer here may depend on whether you change the layout of your sink, cooktop or oven. But it also may depend on the requirements of the local building codes for remodeling. Who will be the primary user? Is this person left or right handed, very tall or short, does this person have any special needs? Who else will be using the kitchen? For example, will this become a "two cook" kitchen? Do I want double or single ovens? Two Dishwashers? Two Sinks ? Will children be using the kitchen and what are their ages? Answering these questions are an important first step in remodeling your kitchen. Don't overlook them! The more detailed you can be with your answers, the easier it will be to develop a design that will make you happy and will serve your family for many years to come.
