Step 1: Think about what you need
This step is all about how you use your kitchen, and finding the layout and features that fit your household's lifestyle. Get ideas from every resource possible, including Houzz guides and photos, showrooms, books, magazines and blogs.
Think about your priorities: how many people will be cooking and gathering here, and how they'll need to move around in it. Do you need an addition? Or can you work with your existing kitchen footprint?
If you haven't already, start saving photos of kitchens with features that suit your style. Your collection can be organized and beautiful like a scrapbook or it can be filled with random, unorganized images. I actually prefer the latter, because I like to randomly stuff images into my folders and ideabooks and go back to them later on for edits.
How to Organize Your Ideas
by Mary Evelyn Interiors
This step is all about how you use your kitchen, and finding the layout and features that fit your household's lifestyle. Get ideas from every resource possible, including Houzz guides and photos, showrooms, books, magazines and blogs.
Think about your priorities: how many people will be cooking and gathering here, and how they'll need to move around in it. Do you need an addition? Or can you work with your existing kitchen footprint?
If you haven't already, start saving photos of kitchens with features that suit your style. Your collection can be organized and beautiful like a scrapbook or it can be filled with random, unorganized images. I actually prefer the latter, because I like to randomly stuff images into my folders and ideabooks and go back to them later on for edits.
How to Organize Your Ideas
Step 2: Research and plan
Ready to green-light that project and take the plunge? The best place to start is by formulating what's commonly referred to as a scope of work and figuring out your preliminary budget.
Both of these may be subject to change, so don't feel like you have only once chance at this. Budget and scope are intertwined and often change many times during the design process as you become more educated and able to reconcile what you want and what you can afford. As a homeowner, you're not expected to walk into this knowing what everything should cost. Remember, this is an educational process.
How to Map Our Your Scope of Work | 3 Common Kitchen Budgets
Step 3: Find the professionals you will need
Even if you're going the DIY route, unless you're building your own kitchen cabinets and doing your own electrical and plumbing, you're going to have to work with a professional at some point. It may be as brief as leaning on your salesperson to help you in selecting and ordering your appliances or cabinets, but it's something to plan on either way.
Some people start by visiting big-box stores or cabinet showrooms where they can see everything. Many homeowners get referrals from friends or colleagues and start by hiring an architect or designer. Still others might work on their own with a builder or contractor. Pros are available to help you with everything from contracts and permits to space planning, budgets, choosing finishes and fixtures, shopping, ordering products, helping you set up a temporary kitchen, and managing your project from start to finish.
How to Work With a Kitchen Designer | When Do You Need a Pro?
by Dijeau Poage Construction Ready to green-light that project and take the plunge? The best place to start is by formulating what's commonly referred to as a scope of work and figuring out your preliminary budget.
Both of these may be subject to change, so don't feel like you have only once chance at this. Budget and scope are intertwined and often change many times during the design process as you become more educated and able to reconcile what you want and what you can afford. As a homeowner, you're not expected to walk into this knowing what everything should cost. Remember, this is an educational process.
How to Map Our Your Scope of Work | 3 Common Kitchen Budgets
Step 3: Find the professionals you will need
Even if you're going the DIY route, unless you're building your own kitchen cabinets and doing your own electrical and plumbing, you're going to have to work with a professional at some point. It may be as brief as leaning on your salesperson to help you in selecting and ordering your appliances or cabinets, but it's something to plan on either way.
Some people start by visiting big-box stores or cabinet showrooms where they can see everything. Many homeowners get referrals from friends or colleagues and start by hiring an architect or designer. Still others might work on their own with a builder or contractor. Pros are available to help you with everything from contracts and permits to space planning, budgets, choosing finishes and fixtures, shopping, ordering products, helping you set up a temporary kitchen, and managing your project from start to finish.
How to Work With a Kitchen Designer | When Do You Need a Pro?
Step 4: Schematic design
This phase includes sketches, space planning, preliminary floor plans and elevations showing the layout and cabinet sizes. I try to keep my clients focused more on layout and space planning, even though the temptation is to talk about what the kitchen will look like. But I find that getting caught up in the look too early can distract from the space planning phase.
Plus, you need a plan in order to figure out what materials will go where, and how many square feet you will need, and ultimately how much this will cost. I like to begin the contractor interview process early and give them a preliminary drawing packet and scope of work so we can get some ballpark construction numbers. At the same time you can be sending out drawings for estimates on some top choices of finishes and fixtures.
More on Planning Your Space | How to Read a Floor Plan
Step 5: Fixture and finish specification
Throughout this process, and probably long before, you have been saving photos of kitchens you love into your ideabooks and folders. You've found your style, whether it's modern, classic, traditional, cottage or a personal style in between. You probably know if you want a white kitchen, a natural wood kitchen, or some color.
Now you need to make your final selection of finishes and fixtures. This usually includes:
More on planning your layout and appliances
by Urban Homes - Innovative Design for Kitchen & Bath
This phase includes sketches, space planning, preliminary floor plans and elevations showing the layout and cabinet sizes. I try to keep my clients focused more on layout and space planning, even though the temptation is to talk about what the kitchen will look like. But I find that getting caught up in the look too early can distract from the space planning phase.
Plus, you need a plan in order to figure out what materials will go where, and how many square feet you will need, and ultimately how much this will cost. I like to begin the contractor interview process early and give them a preliminary drawing packet and scope of work so we can get some ballpark construction numbers. At the same time you can be sending out drawings for estimates on some top choices of finishes and fixtures.
More on Planning Your Space | How to Read a Floor Plan
Step 5: Fixture and finish specification
Throughout this process, and probably long before, you have been saving photos of kitchens you love into your ideabooks and folders. You've found your style, whether it's modern, classic, traditional, cottage or a personal style in between. You probably know if you want a white kitchen, a natural wood kitchen, or some color.
Now you need to make your final selection of finishes and fixtures. This usually includes:
- Cabinetry construction type, doorstyle, finish and color
- Countertop material
- Refrigerators and other appliances
- Kitchen sink and faucet
- Light fixtures
- Flooring
- Backsplash
- Decorative hardware
More on planning your layout and appliances
Step 6: Work on design development and construction documents
This is the stage when you finalize the design and prepare final floor plans, elevations, details and, if applicable, mechanical and electrical drawings, lighting switch plans, and exterior elevations.
This is where your final permit set or Construction Drawings (CDs) come into play. It's important to have finishes and fixtures selected at this time, since this is what will be considered in the final pricing from the contractor.
You'll submit drawings for permits. These have a lead time, so check the timing with your local village. You'll need an architect, designer or licensed contractor signed up to finalize the paperwork and pick up your permits, so get ready to hire someone in the next step. I often find that we're submitting for permits around the same time or a little bit after we've placed the cabinet order, due to similar lead times.
Step 7: Get contractor estimates
If you don't already have a licensed contractor on your project, your next step is to find one to carry the project through. I always recommend to my clients to get at least 3 different contractor estimates. I like to do preliminary walk-throughs with the contractors once the schematic designs are done so we can get some ballpark estimates and find out if we're on the right track or need to pull back some to fit the budget.
What to Look for in a Contractor's Contract
Step 8: Get ready for demo
The big day is upon us, most likely something like 4-8 weeks from when you submitted for permits. Time to get that schedule firmed up and plan on cleaning out the cabinets, putting what you don't need in storage and — if you're living in the house during construction — setting up a temporary kitchen so you don't lose your mind!
You may be moving out of your house temporarily, but most homeowners white-knuckle it and try to live in the house through construction. Preparation and organization can save your sanity.
Discuss the logistics ahead of time with your contractor. Will you meet once a week for updates? Will you have to be out of the house for certain tasks like demo or flooring? What about debris removal and dust? Are there any family allergy issues? What is a typical work day for the crew? Getting all this on the table beforehand can set expectations and make for a smoother ride.
4 Ways to Get Ready for Kitchen Construction
Step 9: Surviving the dreaded punch list
Once construction is over, well ... almost over ... there's always this annoying little list of items that are missing, wrong, or simply forgotten about. A missing light switch plate, a caulk line that shrank and pulled away from the wall, paint touch ups — small things like this, and sometimes bigger things like the hood doesn't work, or there's a big scratch in the newly refinished floor.
Sometimes the homeowner does the punch list. It can be as informal as an emailed list of items that need to be fixed or finished. I like to use a little form I put together that identifies the item to be fixed or finished, the responsible party and the date of completion. I send it to the client for review, changes and additions, and then off to the contractor.
It's inevitable that the contractor may have to make multiple visits back to the house to finish these items; prepare yourself for more than one visit and you'll be fine.The best way to approach this is with a Zen attitude. Things happen, little things get missed. It's sort of like making a list for the grocery store and still forgetting some key ingredient. We all do it.
Next: How to Plan Your Scope of Work
More: Browse kitchen photos | Find an architect, designer or contractor
by Kenny Grono This is the stage when you finalize the design and prepare final floor plans, elevations, details and, if applicable, mechanical and electrical drawings, lighting switch plans, and exterior elevations.
This is where your final permit set or Construction Drawings (CDs) come into play. It's important to have finishes and fixtures selected at this time, since this is what will be considered in the final pricing from the contractor.
You'll submit drawings for permits. These have a lead time, so check the timing with your local village. You'll need an architect, designer or licensed contractor signed up to finalize the paperwork and pick up your permits, so get ready to hire someone in the next step. I often find that we're submitting for permits around the same time or a little bit after we've placed the cabinet order, due to similar lead times.
Step 7: Get contractor estimates
If you don't already have a licensed contractor on your project, your next step is to find one to carry the project through. I always recommend to my clients to get at least 3 different contractor estimates. I like to do preliminary walk-throughs with the contractors once the schematic designs are done so we can get some ballpark estimates and find out if we're on the right track or need to pull back some to fit the budget.
What to Look for in a Contractor's Contract
Step 8: Get ready for demo
The big day is upon us, most likely something like 4-8 weeks from when you submitted for permits. Time to get that schedule firmed up and plan on cleaning out the cabinets, putting what you don't need in storage and — if you're living in the house during construction — setting up a temporary kitchen so you don't lose your mind!
You may be moving out of your house temporarily, but most homeowners white-knuckle it and try to live in the house through construction. Preparation and organization can save your sanity.
Discuss the logistics ahead of time with your contractor. Will you meet once a week for updates? Will you have to be out of the house for certain tasks like demo or flooring? What about debris removal and dust? Are there any family allergy issues? What is a typical work day for the crew? Getting all this on the table beforehand can set expectations and make for a smoother ride.
4 Ways to Get Ready for Kitchen Construction
Step 9: Surviving the dreaded punch list
Once construction is over, well ... almost over ... there's always this annoying little list of items that are missing, wrong, or simply forgotten about. A missing light switch plate, a caulk line that shrank and pulled away from the wall, paint touch ups — small things like this, and sometimes bigger things like the hood doesn't work, or there's a big scratch in the newly refinished floor.
Sometimes the homeowner does the punch list. It can be as informal as an emailed list of items that need to be fixed or finished. I like to use a little form I put together that identifies the item to be fixed or finished, the responsible party and the date of completion. I send it to the client for review, changes and additions, and then off to the contractor.
It's inevitable that the contractor may have to make multiple visits back to the house to finish these items; prepare yourself for more than one visit and you'll be fine.The best way to approach this is with a Zen attitude. Things happen, little things get missed. It's sort of like making a list for the grocery store and still forgetting some key ingredient. We all do it.
Next: How to Plan Your Scope of Work
More: Browse kitchen photos | Find an architect, designer or contractor
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Great tips.
Also, a kitchen remodel is a process and exercise in planning and scheduling (which is why I always recommend using a contractor). After all the details are determined and the design is finalized the following may occur, and is best done by the correct professional in the correct order for the project...disconnect gas, plumbing and electrical, demolition, carpentry (if structural changes), electrician moves or installs proper outlets, plumber moves or installs service to appliances and/or sinks, drywall, painting, cabinets, template counters, flooring, wait for counter fabrication, install counters, set tile backsplash, wait to dry, grout tile, plumbers install fixtures, fridge and dishwasher, hook up gas appliances, electrician installs fixtures, carpenters finish trim and hardware.
Want to get rid of those soffits? More demo, drywall and repair of whatever you find in the soffits.
The above doesn't include moving walls, windows, etc.
I know I'm missing even more, but in general...haste makes waste. A good contractor will have a tight, but flexible schedule. Remodels are almost never flawless...demolition can uncover bigger problems that you want addressed before proceeding.
We want to remodel our own kitchen, but we know the process, intrusion and expect unknown issues that may blow the budget and schedule.
Planning, planning, planning is the key!
Which is precisely why a designer is needed. It might be a small room, but truly good design is in the details, and it's not all about looks, folks.
The way I design is, I listen to how you USE the kitchen first. Then I take that info & design a solution that works for YOU:
1. It's code compliant,
2. it works how you need it to,
3. it looks good, and
4. it's durable.
You've inspired me to write my own post!
There is MUCH more to choosing a General Contractor (or any contractor) than the recommended 'get 3 estimates'. After all - most people follow this 'sage' advice and yet, most people report dismal experience when asked about their remodeling project or their contractor of choice. So it follows that there must be more to choosing a contractor than 'get 3 estimates'.
I wrote a few articles about this subject. You can look at one (and than the rest, if interested in further reading) here: http://www.megabuilders.com/blog/remodeling-university-choosing-a-general-contractor/
The more you know...
Some of features I insist on for a truly efficient residential kitchen for people that love to cook and entertain are without exception:
Two kitchen sinks, both with in-sinkerators/garbage disposal units. The sinks are separated by sufficient space for to people doing independent tasks. One sink is close to the cooking area. The second sink I place in an area that I refer to the coffee, flower arrangement center. If you're lucky to have enough space for a third sink for your bar and beverage service you won't be sorry.
Buy the biggest stove (6 burners are a minimum IMHO) you can afford and two ovens. It will make all your holiday and festive celebrations a pleasure.
An exhaust fan that actually works! NOT a pretty shining thing above the stove that a lot of people install. 1500CFM is my standard. And if you are into air quality in your home you will insist on a 1500CFM Air-Make-Up unit that filters the incoming air through your HVAC unit.
No less than two dish-washing machines. My next kitchen will have four. These machines are not that expensive so I look at them as cabinets that wash my dishes.
Side by side 15 to 18CUFT refrigerators. Or one fridge one freezer. If you have space a third for your bar-beverage area.
Kitchen cabinets/drawers should be in places and stocked where the contents are needed and used. Organization of each cabinet and drawer will also make cooking a pleasure, but that will not be found on the task list the kitchen designer. :)
Thanks for the itemized list. I'm not doing a complete remodel, but I get the jist of everything you stated. I'm simply and cost effectively re-doing mine by having the cupboards painted, base ones a light/medium grey color, upper ones in an cream/white.
Countertop will be replaced with Formica's new 180fx countertops in #3458-77 Travertine Silver honed finish". It is a beautiful look of stone, and with the same feel as well. Also replacing the old small double sink with new, but not sure with what as yet...SS sinks, seem cheap looking to me, but they are affordable...If I go with one It will be the high polished one. Not sure @ others, but I do like the white resin look, I forget what they are actually made of.
I'm debating what to do for the cooktop range. Right now there is a very old electric cooktop, then a separate wall oven on the other side. I do not know if i should buy a slide in white range/stove, a drop in unit, or replace the existing units w new ones. What do you think? I have a brand new white refrigerator, the kind w fridge on top freezer below, and a brand new matching dishwasher, so no changes there. Also trying to determine what type of backspash. Currently there is none just the painted walls. I love the look of the glass tile ones, but I find it difficult to commit to color choices. At this point, plan on keeping the white vinyl flooring, but that could change. I want to see the cabinets done before I decide on changing the floor.
I want the kitchen to have a clean bright open look in the end, and there is tons of natural light in my kitchen so, that helps a lot.
Any advice you can offer will be appreciated.
Thanks, Ron
Another point I think is important, is for a home owner to consider what kind of remodeling experience they want to have. Try to imagine it ahead of time. This will help you decide what you feel comfortable with so you can convey that to your designer/remodeler.
Let's compare remodeling to dining. Do they want to feel like they are at;
The fast food drive through?
The buffet style joint ?
The ala carte bistro?
The sit down with linen table cloths and classic French Service?
Our company is a full service remodeling company. This means we handle design, project management, construction, installation. We keep our customer's homes very clean, RRP/EPA safe, we manage every detail. We create very detailed project drawings and schedules. Let's call this "linen table with French Service". This is our standard but we can flex it if a home owner wants to do something different.
Now not every home owner wants or needs this type of soup to nuts service. Some of this level of service is required by code or law, but other service aspects are up to the buyer to select.
At our company we can reduce some of this overhead cost to the customers if they tell us this is what they want us to do. But if the home owner hasn't thought about what kind of remodeling experience they want and need, they won't be able to tell their service provider about that and might miss out on getting what they want how they want it.
Hope this helps.
Diane Menke
Myers Constructs Inc.
myersconstructs.com
http://www.durasupreme.com/blog/what-do-remodel-begins
My first complete kitchen remodel went very successfully and in budget. The design works perfectly for our needs and suits the house. I spent 6 months planning and sketching before settling on the design. I collected prices, brochures, samples etc. I then got the estimates from everyone. I brought in my trusted contractor who specializes in remodeling to do demo, drywall, plumbing, electrical and other miscellaneous issues. I hired everyone else and my contractor worked seamlessly with them. It was a lot of work for me. I am not a designer, just a weekend artist if you will. I personally created all the plans, elevations and drawings. I drew all the cabinetry out with precise measurements. I provided pages of detailed instructions for the new wiring for the electrician and I even marked where all the lights, outlets and switches were to go with masking tape. I left nothing to chance and addressed every detail!! Aside of the mess that comes with remodeling, it was a great experience. It's been 12 years and I still love my kitchen. I cook everyday and it serves me well. I've spiced it up here and there because I like change, but I can't say I would have done anything differently. I'm planning on downsizing to a new home and intend on designing my next kitchen! Can't wait! So exciting!
My experiences with remodeling have taught me to make sure even the SMALLEST details are in writing! I've learned that what may have seemed to be a logical assumption on my part wasn't necessarily so on the part of a contractor.
The bright side is its given you more time to think and more money to save. Did you give them a budget or ideas? I'd just like to know so I can be prepared when the time comes.
So I sent her to my kitchen cabinet showroom to touch and feel actural product, finish, hardware door styles etc.
Bottom line she chose two door styles and just in that there was a 10k differance in cost. Low end door to highest end door.
The cabinet hardware just glides can be a differance of a thousand dollars.
Had my electrician do a site visit to see if any or how many new circuits would need to be run. Put in a number budgit for granite.
Then it was like well we might want to get another bid. I said your not ready for a bid as you still don't know exactly to the last knob what you want. ANYBODY can tell anything all you have to do is put in a lessor number for any given catagory that isn't speced and guess what here's your bid.. not worth the naptkin it's written on.
So bottom bottom line spend the money up front pay a professional to work out all the details, floor layout, demo walls if any, electrical plan, cabinet specs exactly the product, hardware, counter top material ( just tile or granite) is not a spec. etc. etc. A set of plans that you can pull a permit by the way you will need anyway.. Too many homeowners want to do minimal work and spend little to no monies to properly plan their project and have enough information for a few contractors to give a proper bid.. If you scrimp on the front end trust me you will pay once you get into the project as some contractors realize all the grey areas or lack of information you have and you'll get extraded to death. Then usually expouse what a bunch of crooks contractors are. In those case I try to get a development agreement for a small sum of monies and get everything speced, guide the client to a draftsman what ever is needed to get a permit ready set of plans ready to bid whether I do the job or not.
Sorry not trying to offend anyone but a a ethical and licensed contractor in So. Ca. I run up against this all the time.
If you did your due dilagence and had a proper set of plans and specs than it's hard to believe you are having trouble.
Good luck.
Makes me wonder how much homework do some homeowners even do?
Not to mention the shock some have when unknown problems like wood rot, non code wiring, plumbing done before show up.
My experience is that a kitchen design for a box store is free and the potential client isn't really serious (hence no plans or monies paid yet) about even doing the project.
If a client is serious they understand they will need a permit and to obtain a permit you have to have a set of plans that will satisfy your local building dept.
Otherwise it usally "ok honey call some contractors up and get a price ".
Like I tell any potential client that doesn't have a proper set of drawings ready for bid, " anybody can tell you anything you want to hear". These people are usually looking for the lowest number not the best value.
I don't know spanish but I just love when the lady judge on Peoples Court rattles off in spanish to the litigents .... means the cheap becomes expensive.
Peace !
Regarding computer pricing from WM / BH... a lot of that has to do with the designer. Our company is three designer partners. One uses computer pricing almost exclusively, another not at all, and I use it about half the time. In your ideabook are a few items that would have to be sent in for custom quoting at WM, but WM's quote turnaround is normally 1-3 days (sometimes it takes 2-3 requests to get WM engineers to understand the item, which is where your pictures help a lot!)
I do not have install contractors in your area, but I do know an independent designer in the Alexandria,Va. area, and she may also have good contractors to work with.
Bob K. KitchenDesignGroup of Ohio
The other details can be worked out after keeping in view all thesepoints
At least 2 or 3 times a week, there was an add-on. And the constant explanation we got was 'well, you have to expect this with a 40 year old house.' I'm not a builder nor is my husband. We didn't know what to expect of a 40 year old house. I had never owned a home before and my husband before we met lived in a house less than 5 years old. Had the contractors have bothered to tell us at the beginning that due to the age of the house, there was a possibility that they might run in to X Y or Z problem, I'd have been OK with that.
In my line of work, there are skeletons that I expect to run into. I WARN my clients about these things. It's a bit like the warning notices you get with medications. I explain that these things hopefully won't happen - but that they can. There are no surprises for anyone.
We work with a different contractor now who has done a couple of projects for us. Before we start, we outline what he's going to do and he explains the areas where things could potentially get tricky. Most of the issues have never happened but when something did, we weren't shocked.
We plan on being in our home for a good twenty years, and we have family/friends who use a wheel chair. We cook a lot of Asian and middle eastern foods which means we want a lower wheel chair accessible counter so our friends could help us cook because they love cooking themselves. And we wanted a burner for a wok.
Having refrigerator drawers makes getting food out easier for our friends and family in wheel chairs. And as we get older I know these features will be nice to have for ourselves. We designed our kitchen so we have no upper cabinets, only a bank of lower pull out drawers for pot/pans, dishes, etc.
There are windows the whole length of the wall above the counter which being off grid means more light comes indoor which helps provide passive solar heat in winter when the sun is lower, and light but less sun in summer when the sun is higher. On one end wall there are industrial grade drawers for all our pantry items, with tile up the wall.
Being short the last thing I wanted was upper cabinets, since the ones in our old kitchen stood empty. Why pay for real estate you wont use? It's YOUR kitchen, so do what works for YOU!
For example, storing your dishware in a large drawer beneath the countertop can make dishes easier on your back now and accessible by wheel chair if you or a relative need wheelchair access in the future.
Mountain Resort
Lofty Kitchen Concept - Sublime Storage
Pull-outs of all kinds can help maximize space and make the cabinet easier to if you have a bad back.
Urban Loft - Storage Solutions 1
Urban Loft – Storage Solutions
Urban Loft - Storage Solutions 2
You've prepared a list to give the designer (scope of work)--good work, I welcome clients like this. You also want to move the range--but I think drawing time is involved in re-planning the kitchen to work properly. It may seem relatively simple to walk in with a list and get a price, but it in reality, it takes the designer time to plan properly for your changes--and draw it. If a new layout wouldn't function properly, why bother?
Without drawings a ballpark price is fine--if that's what you've requested, that should not pose a problem I'd think. If you want a detailed estimate with design changes, that is a little different, and that should cost you something and justly so, since you are utilizing the skills a designer provides. It may be included in design services, but somewhere they've spent time working on your project and it is fair to compensate them. From what is mentioned, I don't know which is the case, but I hope it works out, and that you'll be happy with the results!
I agree with the comments by Steven Foster Construction, onthefence, and Beth--get a designer to spell out what they will provide for you and how much it will cost--believe me, it is of great value to plan well for your investment of time and money...and it will be worth it when you enjoy a well-planned space.
Action Builders
It's come to help to home owners that want to replace their kitchen but don't know where to start.
Www.leichtwestchester.com
The reason we tend to say hire a designer, is we often are called to fix the situations where a designer was not hired. When a homeowner is unhappy with their own result. Many design topics/situations are far too complex to adequately help a homeowner on this site, or the homeowner can not show or provide enough information for us to be truly helpful. Locally, you can most times get as much or as little design help as you want or need, but in any scenario it is very likely that a good designer will have ideas you have not thought of, solutions to problems you did not consider, and many ways to MAXIMIZE whatever budget you have. This site is loaded with suggestions/contributions from designers "helping"...... despite we may suggest searching out some local and specific design help with a problem unique to that homeowner. Much the same way a doctor you chatted up at a cocktail party about the bump on your head, would likely say "see your doctor". Same thing huh?
Go to at least 2-3 showrooms.
Dont forget to have fun.....
One of the downsides of flooring first is you have to protect it and if the detail has no base and your flooring sub doesn't level the floor (most don't) then you'll have a gap after the toe kick is set level..
There is no reason to install the flooring first . No one runs flooring under the lower cabinets. Or most don't.
Flooring is generally the last item to go in far after all the mess and traffic of all subs have been in and out a zillion times.
You would also have to scribe the baseboard to a finished floor which is somewhat common in custom homes not production homes..
Every project is differant and the idea is to stay on schedule and budget , things done in the wrong order can create more difficulty for a number of subs. It has a domino effect.
That said if the flooring can be set without making it difficult on a number of subs and the above isn't a factor I like it. Example in a bathroom cabinets are minimal and I prefer to run the flooring first, actually I prefer to run it first anywhere I can without making life difficult for all others or creating a scheduling or delay issue for the project.
So we're both right. lol
Steven Foster Cosnt. est. 1981 so. ca. www.sfconstruct.net
Ideally, dishes, dishwasher, and silverware should be on the table/dining room side of the sink and pots, spices, etc. near the stove. The refrigerator should be near the table IF you regularly go back to it for milk, orange juice, or whatever. Then, measure your stuff. Your dishware cabinet should be as wide as you regularly need (holiday dishes can be put anywhere, including a closet in the next room, if space is tight). The things you use most should be at the middle heights, and the things you use least high in upper cabinets or low in bottom cabinets.
This isn't just an issue when you stock cabinets or start using your kitchen. It's an issue that needs to be designed in. Also, it's better not to just design in lots of extra space everywhere, because that makes for a sprawling kitchen, and then nothing is convenient.
Where is the light coming from? Does it make sense, or is it possible, to move the windows to bring in light? Where is the doorway? Does it make sense, or is it possible, to move the doorway or, ideally, have a way in and a way out that are separate? (to accommodate more than one person in the kitchen).
A good designer can help with these issues, but if you're able, you should be prepared for them before you get a designer. Then, when you have your floor plans, imagine yourself cooking and cleaning up--do the flows work? If not, how can you redesign? Once you've got a kitchen plan that suits your needs, then it's time to pull out all those cool pics of cabinetry and flooring and all that is the fun part.
We both are pretty much on the same page with the style we want; open plan, shaker cabinets, off white color scheme with dark blue black granite counters. Our problem is trying to find pictures of what we want. All the pictures of designer kitchens are deceiving because they all have ceilings of over 9 to 10 ft. We want to visualize our style in a house that has 8 ft ceilings.
In fact in response to comments I made Dura Supreme Cabinetry was nice enough to post comments and then photos for all of us to see, where space saving choices were shown. I appreciated that.