"Where do I start?"

 

Question: Should consumers put together/hire a team...architect, contractor, kitchen designer, interior designer?

Answer: For a Kitchen Remodel, I suggest a Kitchen Designer, Contractor and an Architect or Engineer (if needed) working as a "team" with the homeowner. If there is a strong team working together from the beginning there is a lesser chance of problems that can occur during the "hand-off" process of details and which party is responsible for what.

Question: What do you want consumers to know about remodeling kitchens?

Answer: I love the whole remodeling process, and helping people get through it. I like to help people understand that remodeling a Kitchen is the most difficult, complex and costly project there is.

From the initial conversation with my clients to discuss their wants and needs, design and layout of the very best space plan for their personal and family needs, product selection, project management and being there for the times when the inevitable "stuff comes up."  Hiring a Kitchen Designer can put a client at ease and take away the overwhelming process of making a lot of major decisions.

I also love food and to cook! I understand how a cook needs to be able to function in their Kitchen. What and where they need to store items and tools that help keep their Kitchen running smoothly and effectively during busy times and the more carefree times of being in a space where you can slow down and enjoy.

I care about where my clients will cook, clean and live while their remodel takes place, as that can last for several weeks and sometimes months. I want them to be able to set up a temporary kitchen where there can eat nutritious foods, especially during the stress of their Kitchen remodel. You cannot survive on granola bars for three months!

Question: How can conflicts be avoided?

Answer: Communication is key! Every meeting, e-mail and phone conversation should be documented by all. If you have several cooks in the kitchen - you want everyone to be on the same page in the cookbook!

I like to have a job-site binder that has information for everyone involved on the project. This includes contact information, plans and elevations, specification sheets, appliance specifications and manuals.

On my end, I always want to be clear with my clients and what their needs and desires are for their dream Kitchen. It is important to be clear on budget and design ideas. I also ask clients to go through magazines and pull concepts that clearly represent ideas that they like.

I am here to (realistically) guide them through the design process and hopefully get them what they "want and need."  Sometimes the budget means the client may need to compromise on the "wish list." Research upfront is important in knowing all that is available and doesn't leave that door open of wishing they had done this or that.

Question: How involved does a client need to be before and after the remodeling process has begun?  Can and should they leave it all up to the experts?

Answer: A Kitchen remodel typically requires hundreds of little and big decisions; and some homeowners are not usually able to make all of them up front.

Our goal is to to try and get as many of those selections finalized and written into our specifications packet at the start of the bid process.  This way the client and contractor know the exact cost of their job.

I always try (along with the contractors I work with) to have a well thought out list of deadlines for those decisions to be made. Whether it's appliances, cabinetry or color selection, if everyone  (including the homeowner) sticks to the schedule the job goes smoother!

Question: What are your thoughts on Green Design and Building?

Answer: I love this topic, as I feel it is crucial for us all to figure more ways to live sustainably. 

I actually just received my certification as a "Certified Green Building Professional" from Build it Green.  I thought it was important that I attain this certification not only to keep up with our world changes but to be able to well inform my clients of the importance and product selection out there that reflect these choices.

In Kitchens there are so many wonderful ways to design using Eco Friendly products. For instance, a number of the cabinet companies Spacial Design represents have "green" construction options. I love all of the recycled materials that we can use on counter tops, back splashes and flooring as well.

Lighting and flooring options have all stepped up as well!

Question: What other projects are you involved in? Where else can we get a bit of your wisdom?

Answer: You can visit the Spacial Design website: spacialdesign.com or our Facebook Fan page "spacial design" to see some of our Kitchen and Bath Designs.

Also, continue to read our newsletter, where you can always be up on the latest and greatest in Kitchen Remodeling!
 

 

The second decision is what "style" of case construction.  Cabinets can be constructed with a "face frame" or may be of "frameless" construction (also known as European or Euro).

Contemporary or Modern cabinetry is often frameless and is typically constructed from man-made sheet materials, such as plywood, particleboard or MDF. The visible surfaces of these materials are usually clad in a maple veneer, wood grain melamine, or other material.  More traditionally styled cabinetry will have a face frame made of solid wood.  The doors will then overlay the frame partially or flush, leaving a minimal reveal between the case and door/drawer edge.  Typically this reveal will range from 1/8" to 3/8."

 

A third and more costly category of framed cabinets is an inset door, in which the cabinet doors are mounted to fit into the "face frame".  Inset doors require more precise alignment of the doors to the frames. Further, this alignment must be maintained with use.  

 

Solid wood vs. particle board...Solid wood and plywood are durable and strong, but are more costly and offer less dimensional stability at manufacture than particle board. For cabinets and surface finishes that may sustain damage during long use, serviceability should be a huge consideration. Solid wood can be repaired by furniture refinishing to achieve excellent matches to surrounding wood finishes.

 

In comparison, veneered MDF and particle board are excellent choices when cabinets will be well-cared-for, or where service life is projected as intermediate, e.g., where the kitchen will be remodeled approximately every 15 years

 

The third decision is door style and wood species.  There are endless options available (compared to ten years ago) to the homeowner. The doors style can be Slab, Recessed panel (flat center panel) or Raised panel.  Both a Recessed and Raised panel are available with "Mortise and Tenon" or Miter" joinery.

 

Mortise and tenon joints are among the strongest available. The basic Mortise and tenon comprises of a tongue (tenon) cut into one rail and a mortise cut all the way through the other rail.  

 

A Miter-jointed frame typically employs embedded metal fasteners to secure the stiles and rails (cut at a 45° angle.) The center panel within either frame, is typically made of solid or veneered engineered wood (either particle board or medium density fiberboard)

 

Wood species' options are endless; they included Maple, Quarter Sawn Oak, Hickory, Alder, Birch, Cherry, Mahogany, A few "Eco-Friendly" options are Lyptus, Bamboo and engineered veneers.  For a more Modern look engineered exotics like Zebrawood, Wenge, and Birdseye Maple and Polyester finishes are readily available from most manufacturers.

 

Spacial Design has been in business for over 20 years and has quality suppliers that have also been in business for several decades.  What this means to you; is that we will be here from the start of your job and continue to be there for any unforeseen issues that could arise 5-10 years from now.  We consider ourselves to be a "Value Triangle," which means our company; products and design services give you the best value possible for your project. 

 

Two major reasons that we are able to be so competitive, is due to the fact that we have low overhead and are members of a buying group that gets us excellent pricing on products and materials.

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