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Ten Steps to a New Kitchen: The Ultimate Homeowner’s Guide

January 2, 2017 by Kimberly Kerl

Chances are you’ve day dreamed about a new kitchen for quite a while, but you just don’t know how to turn those dreams into a reality.  Homeowners everywhere face this dilemma year after year.  Many homeowners will give up on their dreams or buy a new house just because they don’t know where to begin or how to proceed.  

There are 10 steps that will help you get from dreaming to doing.  Each step is just as important as the next, so don’t rush through them.  Take your time and plan ahead.  This is one of the biggest investments you will make in your home and you want it to be perfect!

Step One:  Defining the Dream

A good place to start is always by taking a closer look at where you already are.  In other words, take the time to evaluate your existing kitchen.  Make a list of the things you like and dislike about your existing kitchen.  Maybe you like having two wall ovens instead of a range or you love your gas cooktop, but you can’t stand not having an island and your refrigerator gets in the way of everything.  Here’s a useful tool I created to help get you started, My Kitchen Evaluation & Priority Checklist.

Create Pinterest Boards or Houzz Ideabooks or go old school and clip images from magazines that illustrate kitchen designs you like.  Make notes for each image about why you like it or what appeals to you.  Maybe you only like the cabinet color or hood design and nothing else.  If you don’t note that on the image, you will forget why you picked that picture.  This process is also very helpful in step three.

Step Two:  Seek Professional Assistance 

I know you binge watch Fixer Upper and you’ve seen every episode of Kitchen Crashers, but trust me on this one, you will want professional help.  A professional designer or architect has the training, experience and expertise you need to get your kitchen designed and constructed in the most amazing way possible for your budget.  You probably think you can’t afford an architect or designer, but the truth is you can’t afford not to have one.  Find a qualified designer by searching the NKBA (Nation Kitchen & Bath Association) professional directory or search Houzz.com for local architects and designers.  Ask your friends and neighbors for referrals too.  

A qualified designer will make sure your design functions flawlessly, is an efficient use of space, has a design aesthetic perfectly suited to you, will hold its value and appeal for years to come and will meet or exceed local and national building codes.  They are up to date on the latest design styles, technology and building methods.  They also have a network of trusted contractors, subcontractors and suppliers at their disposal to assist with every aspect of your kitchen design and construction.  They will act as your advocate and provide you with the documents necessary for pricing, permitting and constructing your new kitchen.

Step Three:  Bringing a Design to Life 

In this step you are going to combine steps one and two by sharing the information you gleaned from your kitchen priority checklist and evaluation (step one) with your new architect or designer (step two).  Share with your designer how you use your kitchen, how often you entertain, how many people work in the kitchen at once and any special storage needs you may have.  

The designer will take all of this information, along with precise measurements of your existing space, and create multiple schematic designs for your review.  This is where the excitement begins.  You will get to see your new kitchen coming life!

Step Four:  The Design Grows 

In professional terms this stage is often referred to as “design development”.  During this step, your designer will take the schematic designs from step three and will further refine them based on your comments and suggestions.  This is not like your typical TV design show where the designer comes up with a design and you walk in to find a brand new fully styled kitchen.  This is a process which requires your honest input and criticism.  If you don’t like something, speak up.  If you don’t understand something, ask questions.  If you think you have a better idea, let the designer know.  If you love everything about the design, you are ready to move on to step five.

Step Five:  Selecting the Finishing Touches  

Once you have a design you love, it’s time to dress it up.  This step could happen later in the process, but there are advantages to doing it now.  If you select your appliances, countertops, cabinet hardware, light fixtures, plumbing fixtures, flooring and colors (to name a few) at this stage then you won’t be pressured to make rash decisions during construction.  You also won’t have a delay in construction when you are surprised to find out the tile you want is on back order for two months.

By selecting your finishes and materials during step five, you also guarantee that you will receive more accurate pricing from contractors.  If you plan to seek multiple prices, this step will result in bids which are more comparable and makes selecting your contractor much easier. 

Step Six:  Design Documents 

At this stage, your designer will produce a series of drawings and specifications for your use in bidding and building your project.  The documents typically include a site plan (if you are adding on), demolition plan (if you are tearing out), floor plan, cabinet elevations, lighting plan and finish schedules.  These documents will be used by your contractor to estimate the cost of the project, secure permits and construct your new kitchen.

Step Seven:  Select a Contractor 

Selecting a contractor is a very important step.  Ask your designer, friends and neighbors for referrals.  Interview each contractor and ask for a list of client referrals.  Call the referrals.  Ask about the quality of the work and the timeliness of the crew.  You want to know if the contractor stayed on budget and on schedule.  Request to see some finished projects.  Most of all, trust your gut and don’t base your decision solely on price.  The success or failure of your project hinges on your ability to effectively communicate with your contractor.  You have to be able to trust him or her with not only your home, but with your family.  Choose someone you trust and someone who is bonded and insured.

If you plan to competitively bid the project, do not select more than three bidders.  Asking a contractor to bid against two other contractors is reasonable, asking them to bid against five is unreasonable.  If you have a quality, trusted contractor you love, it’s OK to negotiate a price and skip the bidding process all together.

Step Eight:  Build the Dream

Once a contractor is selected, contracts signed and initial payments made, it is time to start building the dream.  Decide whether you plan to live in the home during the renovation or move out.  Don’t underestimate the inconvenience of living through a major renovation.  You are likely to be without utilities at times and you will not have a functioning kitchen for several weeks.  The construction area will need to be sealed off from the rest of the house to prevent the spread of dust and debris, so if you’re required to walk through your kitchen to get to another part of the house you may want to consider moving out temporarily.

Construction is loud and it is messy.  Don’t plan to take naps or conference calls at your home during this time.  Be patient, be flexible and be informed.  If you have a question, don’t hesitate to ask your contractor.  Rely on your designer for construction therapy if need be.  Just remember that every bang, cut and scrape is getting you closer the kitchen of your dreams.

 Step Nine:  The Punch List

As construction winds down and the contractor is nearing completion, you will be asked to make a list of any errors, defects or deficiencies you see in the work.  This is called a Punch List.  You may find cabinet doors that need adjusting or floors with a deep scratch.  Maybe the hood isn’t working or the faucet drips.  This is your opportunity to list the items you would like to see corrected before the contractor moves on to the next project and before you make final payment.

Be reasonable.  If you aren’t sure if something is reasonable, ask your designer.  Designers are aware of what’s considered acceptable tolerances.  Establish a date of completion for Punch List items so everyone knows what to expect.

Step Ten:  Enjoy Your New Kitchen 

Once all the excitement of construction is over, it’s time to enjoy your new kitchen!  Organize your dishes, pots and pans.  Add special touches with artwork and decor.  Fire up your new appliances and cook your first meal.  The kitchen is the heart of our home and you’ve just received a new heart full of energy and life.  Enjoy it, share it, entertain your friends and neighbors in it.  You’re going to love your new kitchen!

 

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Filed Under: Articles & Events, Blog, custom home design, custom kitchen, design process, kitchen, kitchen appliances, kitchen design, kitchen designer, NKBA, planning, popular kitchen, popular kitchen style, professional design, style, trends

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From Dark to Dreamy: a Modest Kitchen Makeover with Bold Results

October 29, 2014 by Kimberly Kerl

Stained wood can add charm, warmth and richness to our homes, but it requires a certain level of balance to prevent it from becoming overwhelming, dark or oppressive.  The balance in this project had yet to be achieved, but there were elements worth saving that would help transform the space from dark to dreamy…

Stained floors, ceilings and cabinets coupled with dark red walls made the space feel tight and outdated.
While a small island formed an obstacle that interrupted the flow and function of the kitchen and didn’t provide a large enough prep surface.
The dual loaded galley style kitchen with center island created a bisected space with narrow working aisles leaving the eating area underutilized and inefficient.
The existing kitchen plan had tight circulation clearances and limited work surface.  Foot traffic from the Foyer flowed directly through the working area and in front of the often used refrigerator.  It was not conducive to entertaining or accommodating for multiple cooks.  The breakfast table was not needed, but better access to the dining room was.
The new design keeps the flow of traffic outside of the kitchen working area allowing us to eliminate the cabinetry on one side of the kitchen to increase aisle clearances, provide an open area in front of the refrigerator and improve the overall function of the kitchen.  Enlarging the opening to the Dining room creates connection to this previously separated space and makes entertaining an ease.  The long island provides ample work surface and a casual dining area.

The renovated kitchen is bright and beautiful.  We preserved the stained wood floors, kept the wood ceiling and lightened it with paint, replaced the cabinetry with a balanced combination of stained and painted cabinets and upgraded the counters and appliances.  The sink and range were left in their original positions to reduce cost, but they are integrated into the new design with such skill that they appear as if they are meant to be.
The elongated island provides separation between the working and entertaining areas of the space and provides a wonderful wide work surface with under counter storage accessible from each side.

The new pantry cabinets and dry bar provide ample and efficient storage space and beautifully anchor the end of the kitchen.

The gas range frees up space previously occupied by a wall oven and has an under counter microwave conveniently located next to it.  The counter-depth refrigerator looks sleek and stylish, but it is also very functional because it doesn’t protrude into the working aisle.

A prep sink located in the island with a flanking trash drawer creates the ultimate chopping and prep area.
New lighting and thoughtful details bring the space to life adding visual appeal and decorative highlights.
 New granite countertops with a radiused edge add to the beauty of the space and provide a durable work surface ideal for an active family.  
This new design provides the homeowner with a kitchen they love and an entertaining space that works for large and small groups every day of the week.  We were able to transform this dark space into a dreamy kitchen full of light and loveliness.

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Filed Under: appliances, architecture, Articles & Events, Blog, cabinetry, design inspiration, granite countertop, hardwood floors, houzz, kitchen, kitchen design, kitchen renovation, kitchen trends, NKBA, planning, residential design

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Finding Online Design Inspiration

January 28, 2013 by Kimberly Kerl

There are things about our homes that drive us crazy.  No matter what makes us long for a change eventually we decide to do something about it.  And so we fire up our computers and we become ensnared in the endless array of images, ads and blogs.  We become overwhelmed at the possibilities.

Don’t be discouraged.  There is an online resource designed for homeowners who want to find inspiration, images or a trusted local professional to lead them on their way.  This place is called Houzz.com.  Houzz features the largest residential design database in the world, articles written by design experts, product recommendations, a vibrant community powered by social tools, and information on more than 1.5 million remodeling and design professionals worldwide who can help turn ideas into reality.

I use houzz.com for inspiration.  I use it to share images with my clients, to provide visual examples of proposed design elements and to showcase my own professional designs.  In fact, I recently received the “Best Of Houzz” 2013 Customer Satisfaction award which is based on homeowner members who rated their experience working with remodeling professionals in 12 categories ranging from architects, and interior designers to contractors and other residential remodeling professionals.
I am honored to receive this award because I firmly believe that the true measure of a successful design can only be found in the satisfaction of an appreciative client and this award affirms my dedication to providing my clients with creative design solutions and superior service.  There is nothing more rewarding than hearing the praise of a client who says they love their new home more than they ever imagined.  

The five star reviews I received from my clients were sent directly from the client to Houzz.com where they undergo a confirmation process.  I was unaware of the reviews until Houzz notified me by email.  The reviews are authentic and can be trusted.


So when you decide to dive into cyberspace for some design inspiration, make sure you choose the path of least resistance and begin with trusted resources like Houzz.com and KustomHomeDesign.com.


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Filed Under: addition, architecture, Articles & Events, best designer, Blog, customer service, design, design inspiration, design website, designer search, home, house plans, houzz, inspiration, kitchen, planning, remodel, residential design, trusted

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NEW YEAR’S RENOVATIONS…TOP 10 RENOVATION PROJECT TYPES

January 3, 2013 by Kimberly Kerl


Each year when families across the country retire their old scribbled and marked upon calendars with fresh new ones full of promise and empty spaces to be filled, they begin to dream of ways to improve the way they live and increase the pleasure they receive.  One of the most obvious places they turn to is their own home, the place where they spend the majority of their time.
So it is that we look back at 2012 and ahead to 2013.  Looking back, it is easy to see that remodeling trends continue to evolve and that homeowners are gaining renewed confidence and channeling that energy back into their homes.  According to the National Association of Home Builders (NHAB) there were many projects homeowners chose to undertake, but there were a few common project types that were repeated time and again.  Below is a ranking of the Top Ten Remodeling Projects in descending order:
#10      SIDING 

Improvements to or replacement of exterior siding was the 10th most common renovation project.

#9        ROOFING 

Replacement of a home’s roofing was the 9th most common renovation project.

#8        FINISHED BASEMENT

Finishing an existing basement to gain useable heated and conditioned space within a home without adding on was the 8th most common renovation project.

#7        MINOR REPAIRS

Minor repairs to homes typically resulting from normal wear and tear was the 7th most common renovation project.

            #6        ROOM ADDITIONS

The addition of a new room to an existing home was the 6th most common renovation project.

            #5        WHOLE HOUSE REMODELING

Renovating an entire house at one time was the 5th most common renovation project.

            #4        REPAIRING PROPERTY DAMAGE

Repairing a home due to property damage caused by either man-made or natural disasters such as Hurricane Sandy was the 4th most common renovation project.

             #3       WINDOW AND/OR DOOR REPLACEMENT

Replacement of windows and doors, typically to increase energy efficiency, remains one of the most common renovation project types.  Unfortunately, this trend will continue to top the list since many builders install sub par windows in new homes to save money.

#2        KITCHEN REMODELING

Renovating a kitchen remains one of the most popular project types.  It was the #1 project type until 2009.

#1        BATHROOM REMODELING

Renovating an existing bathroom has fast become the #1 renovation project type with master bathroom renovations leading the list on homeowner’s wish lists.
If you are interested in starting a home renovation project during 2013, but you don’t know where to start, gives me a call.  Kustom Home Design has been helping homeowners realize the true potential of their home for 20 years.  Happy New Year everyone!
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Filed Under: addition, architecture, Articles & Events, bathroom, Blog, building, construction, design, home repair, house plans, kitchen, planning, remodel, renovate, renovation, repair, residential design, residential designer, top 10, trends

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Located in Greenville, SC
Phone: 864.561.4103
E-mail address: inquiry@kustomhomedesign.com

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